International Observatory on Social Housing
Examine the world of social housing from an international perspective.
Public and affordable housing in the USA is always at risk of budget cuts and over-regulation. Our cries as an industry for more funding and attention are often ignored. Below is a mixture of theoretical high level ideas and concepts to shake up the industry. I do realize these ideas might come off as flippant... Continue Reading →
Q: What is Housing Futures? A: Housing Futures is a platform about the provision of social, public and affordable housing and how they help integrate and improve neighborhoods, cities, regions and countries. This website will be launching very soon. Q: What type of topics are you interested in? A: We are interested in topics ranging... Continue Reading →
I think it is extremely important to take time and recognize those who dedicate their careers to public service. The five people I am writing about today have all taken different approaches to their respective careers but have touched the agencies and people they have come into contact with in very positive and meaningful... Continue Reading →
Yes- this is absolute click bate. The reason for writing this blog is less about how to compare your housing authority to others but more about a trend I have noticed developing in the sector. Bench marking is completely normal and healthy because it allows housing authorities and associations to know if they are meeting... Continue Reading →
Leading a large housing authority is no simple job. There are often thousands of employees and major issues to deal with. Outside of being the CEO of the largest property management firm in the city, an Executive Director must also handle redevelopments, new developments, tenant issues, union issues, crime and violence and employee moral. For... Continue Reading →
HUD and the EPA are clearly putting a large focus back on lead based paint. Recently, staff from both agencies in D.C. swung through the Pacific Northwest and conducted lead based paint reviews with several housing authorities. There is a good chance that more housing authorities will be reviewed in the upcoming weeks and months.... Continue Reading →
Are there too many PHAs? I am not postulating but simply asking a question. There are around 3500 public housing authorities throughout the United States administering around 3.2 million affordable housing units mainly through public housing and housing choice voucher programs. The majority of these housing authorities are extremely small. In some states there... Continue Reading →
Private contractors are becoming a reality in the world of public housing. Growing costs, increased complexities and the training of staff has made managing voucher programs extremely difficult. Enter the contractor. I am making zero recommendations here but just giving an overview of some of the major players in the game. I have friends who... Continue Reading →
Dr. Carson's appointment to be the leader of HUD was universally derided by many within the public housing sector. His lack of experience in the housing sector was often cited as the reason. While Dr. Carson might not have experience in the housing arena, he has the opportunity to make a major mark on... Continue Reading →
I must give credit for this article to Yi-Ling Chen who is an associate professor of Geography and Planning at the University of Wyoming. I met her at the International Social Housing Conference where she gave a nice presentation. I am going quickly give an overview. In 2015, social or affordable housing only made up less... Continue Reading →
International Observatory on Social Housing 