Topic
Policy
The rules of the game—and the attitudes of the players—have an enormous effect on community development work at all levels. Here we look at some of the conversations about how to shift that policy for the better.
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D.C. Had the Country’s First TOPA Law. Could Real Estate Developers Gut It?
Developers are pushing for two exemptions to the landmark tenant rights legislation—affordable housing properties and buildings that are 25 years old or newer.
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On Clinton, Obama, Trump, and the Failures of Liberal Urban Policy
In the closing days of the seemingly endless 2016 U.S. presidential campaign, it became increasingly clear to political observers that Hillary Clinton was explicitly adopting a platform of continuity with […]
Some HUD Secretary Possibilities Are Serious–Others Laughable
[Edited to add: As of 11/28, We learned that Ben Carson accepted this position. We'll have more on what this means in weeks to come.] Attention has been rightly focused […]
As Affordability Worsens, State and Local Governments Act on their Own
While local and state resources are increasingly stepping up as federal funding continues to be strained, it remains a question as to whether these actions and resources will be enough to meet affordable housing needs.
In Which a Skeptic Is Won Over to Child Savings Accounts
While I am a firm believer in equal access to higher education for all, it’s over-emphasized in our individualistic culture as a solution to society’s woes.
College Bound: A Look at Children’s Savings Accounts
Children’s savings accounts for higher education, even those that have accumulated only small amounts of money, can change expectations for low-income students and they might also provide a vehicle for larger wealth transfers.
Why Are Biased Banks Getting High CRA Marks from Regulators?
The Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) statute has a statement of purpose affirming that banks “are required by law to demonstrate that their deposit facilities serve the convenience and needs of […]
Fairness and The Financial System
Trying to bring fairness to financial transactions for everyday people has long been both an avocation and passion for me, anchored largely in my belief in the “Golden Rule,” that […]
The Real Reasons Affordable Housing Isn’t Being Built in California
The meager supply of affordable housing is a major contributor to housing’s high cost, yet the policy tools to address the shortfall often seem to worsen the problem. But this is because they ignore the underlying infrastructure and financing to support growth.
The Costs of “Moving On”
In his recent New York Times op-ed, American Enterprise Institute president Arthur C. Brooks says declining mobility is a primary cause of the nation’s economic malaise. Among his suggestions, he […]
Two Presidential Affordable Housing Platforms!
Though they haven’t made them central to their campaign, Clinton and Sanders have each released affordable housing platforms.
How to Make Housing Affordable for All the Working Poor
The headlines tell the story: “Half of all renters can’t afford the rent.” “Renters, get ready to take it on the chin.” “The rent crisis is about to get a […]
The Danger in Restricting Our Definition of “Preservation”
The real focus of preservation—and the definition—should be on the bigger picture of preserving the assisted/affordable housing stock in a community or region