Affordable Housing and Urban Redevelopment in the United States : Learning from Failure and Success

Exploring the lessons that can be drawn from the United States' experience in providing affordable, low-cost housing, this book reviews developments in US regarding such provision. It covers topics such as: the changing role of the federal government; greater responsibility of state and local government; and innovative financial mechanisms.

Bringing together the thoughts of leading academics and practitioners, Affordable Housing and Urban Redevelopment in the United States explores the lessons that can be drawn from the U.S. experience in providing affordable housing. This unique volume reviews recent developments in the United States regarding the provision of low-cost housing--in particular, the changing role of the federal government, greater responsibility of state and local government, increasing joint venture projects, innovative finance mechanisms, and the operation of the nonprofit sector. Contributors explore success stories and then identify common themes while highlighting salient questions. The volume′s conclusion weaves together the strands developed in the individual case studies, examines criteria that define success, and considers opportunities for developing more effective policies and programs. Contributors follow a common format that makes this important volume easy to read and unique for practitioners and academics in urban studies, political science, and urban planning. "America′s housing crisis is getting worse, but most politicians, journalists, and business leaders pay little attention to housing policy or take cheap shots at existing housing programs. This book not only helps explain why housing policy is not high on the national agenda but also offers some hope for new directions. These original, thoughtful articles help explain the fix we′re in and how to fix it. This book should be on the shelf of every housing activist, urban planner, and policy specialist."