International Observatory on Social Housing
Examine the world of social housing from an international perspective.
We are hard wired as humans to solve problems. Sometimes we are methodical and devise strategies and other times we just do it because it is simple and needs to be done. As I have worked in government for several years sometimes I find the need for a more methodical way of attacking an issue... Continue Reading →
There are often complaints that the public sector is not innovative enough or is far behind the private sector. While there is truth in that statement, there are still hundreds of housing authorities around the world trying out and experimenting with new ideas to help the citizens and residents of their communities. Here are a... Continue Reading →
The NetwiIT Network of professionals at housing corporations organized a very interesting session today at the International Social Housing Conference. Henk Korevaar the director of the network facilitated and led the sesstion As a participant and critique I learned quite a bit. The average I.T. costs for a public housing association in the Netherlands... Continue Reading →
Although I live in the USA, I am keenly aware of what is taking place in other countries. When I lived in Germany I spent several weeks in the UK looking at the social housing systems, programs and challenges. Of special interest to me were the welfare reforms affecting social housing associations. That included the bedroom tax,... Continue Reading →
Guest Post by Job Pan Pangilinan- Lean Adviser Seattle Housing Authority Lean transformation is a cultural transformation where everyone in the organization is committed to make continuous improvement as part of each one's daily work. It should not be confused with a lean project that exists only to target a particular operational 'headache'. A lean... Continue Reading →
By Josh Crites and Job Pangilinan Since the last time we wrote an article, a lot of information regarding the HUD budget has come out. The President's budget is calling for a six billion dollar cut. We knew tough times were coming but this sheds a little more light on what the deal is. Although... Continue Reading →
Today I welcome my friend and co-worker Job Pangilinan to my blog to help co-author. You can visit his LinkedIn page here- https://www.linkedin.com/in/attyjobpangilinan In an environment where everyone is expected to do more with less, implementing process improvement programs and initiatives is not easy within the affordable housing arena. Sometimes it is the perception that... Continue Reading →
I speak with a lot of housing authority staff from around the country and one of the first thing people ask me about lean is, "How do I get started?" I often respond by giving resources like books, Youtube links, websites and even local resources if I have time. Starting a process improvement initiative or... Continue Reading →
Over the last couple weeks, my lean work has ranged in several areas ranging from visual management boards to problem solving. The key concept that keeps coming up revolve around bigger picture strategy and where the agency is headed. My lean coach often refers to, "True North". What is True North at your agency and how... Continue Reading →
It's been a while since I posted here but my lean activity at work has been off the charts. We are going through a lean transformation and one of the first things we started working with is visual management. What is visual management? In reality it is something that helps guide you through your day... Continue Reading →
International Observatory on Social Housing 