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Controversy and contributions: a public housing critique

Article Abstract:

Most of the U.S. public believes that the government cannot build or maintain decent housing. Public housing has never been popular. U.S. citizens tend to remember only the notorious projects in large cities. However, an unbiased analysis of the performance of public housing in the U.S. shows it is far from failure. Nationwide, the vacancy rate within public housing projects averages less than 3 percent, and public housing provides residences to approximately 3.5 million Americans. About 39 percent of public housing residents are white, and most of these are elderly; more than 75 percent of public housing households are headed by single adults. Surveys have shown that residents of public housing units are satisfied with their living conditions. How housing management affects the public's perception of the quality of housing project residences is analyzed.

United States, Analysis, Services, Housing policy, Public opinion, Housing authorities

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Professional profile

Article Abstract:

Richard Y. Nelson, Jr, the new Executive Director of the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials, discusses his plans for the association. Nelson's top priorities are to improve the image of public housing agencies and to secure increased public and governmental support for housing programs. The major issue facing housing authorities is the maintenance of existing housing facilities. Nelson sees the inability of the Federal government to manage the budget deficit as the greatest threat to the future of housing and community development programs.

Officials and employees, National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials, interview, Nelson, Richard Y., Jr.

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