Abstract The paper examines the current state of affordable housing in Saskatoon, Canada and looks at the challenge of devising a strategy to help alleviate the shortage. The paper first explores the nature of the housing need that can be defined in three terms; adequacy, suitability and affordability. The paper then looks at the types of initiatives that are currently underway and explains where affordable housing should ideally be located. Finally, the paper discusses ways for Saskatoon to provide incentives for the public and private sector to participate in the creation of affordable housing.
Outline:
Introduction
The Current State of Housing in Saskatoon
Typology
What Types of Initiatives are Currently Underway?
Where Should Affordable Housing be Located?
What Other Tools are Available?
Conclusion
From the Paper "A critical component to both economic prosperity and quality of life in Canada is the need for an adequate supply of affordable housing. In Saskatoon there is evidence of increasing demand and a lingering supply of affordable places to live. This issue is not new; in fact there are several programs and initiatives that have been undertaken within Saskatoon to address the needs of low income wage earners, the elderly, people with disabilities, students, immigrants needing cultural supports, and the homeless. These circumstances should prompt policymakers towards a restructuring of the current affordable housing strategies employed by the city."
Abstract This paper discusses affordable housing and what the involvement of the community and the black church should be on this issue. The writer looks at programs including Habitat for Humanity to define the ways that the community can become involved in providing affordable housing to its residents who are in need.
From the paper:
"There is an ongoing effort to attract African Americans to the affordable housing development industry. In Sacramento California an internship program was piloted that matched minority students to non-profit housing organizations. African American churches and communities could easily use this idea for their own memberships to encourage social understanding and involvement in the ongoing need for affordable housing (Ware, 1998). "
Abstract This paper explains that affordable housing poses a serious challenge to urban planners in Toronto. The author points out that, while a number of measures have been put in place to deal with the problem, the fact remains that thousands of people including families with young children are inadequately housed. The paper relates that, on any night in Toronto even the coldest, it is possible to find Toronto residents, from the youngest to the oldest, taking refuge from the elements in shelters.
A discussion of the problem and significance of state debt affordability, an analysis of the leading methods to measuring and controlling debt affordability at the state level, and recommendations to state debt managers.
Abstract A state government's ability to balance the competing objectives of affordability, flexibility and capital demands can be challenging. One of the important objectives of a debt policy is to define the measures of debt affordability. This paper analyzes the prevailing literature on state debt affordability. It investigates the methods of debt affordability assessment that state governments currently practice and finds that states typically have an informal approach to addressing key policy elements regarding state debt and state debt managers often have no clear standard for measuring affordability. The writer presents two methods for addressing the problem of affordability: A generational model that attempts to determine how much debt is being shouldered by each generation and a relative affordability model that compares states' ratios of debt to resources available. In response to the literature, recommendations are made arguing for the importance of including affordability assessments in debt policy, the implementation of more formalized policies dealing with state debt affordability, the refinement of the generational model for use at the state level, and the use of the relative affordability model as a tool for debt managers.
From the Paper "Debt has become one of the most important tools of contemporary state governments. It is used to finance a plethora of each state's ventures every year. Since 1975, the outstanding state debt has doubled nearly eight times, resulting in a $548 billion dollar tab as of the year 2000. Generally, this debt is non-guaranteed and issued by different entities created by the state which are not bound by traditional centralized oversight and control. This long-term debt is typically issued to finance capital expenses (Brecher, Richwerger, & Van Wagner, 2003). These capital expenses can take many forms, ranging from homeless shelters to sports stadiums and everything in between (Robbins & Dungan, 2001)."
Tags: finance, government, management, policy, public
Abstract The paper examines the reasons for the current crisis in the US of affordable housing and discusses available federal and local assistance programs. The paper explores how these programs relate to the Chicano, Mexican-American population. The paper examines racial discrimination in the housing market and looks at differences in characteristics of renters and home owners. The paper highlights how the discrimination and bias within the housing market and the lack of affordable housing is a severe problem for the Chicano population and maintains that the United States must provide equal opportunities for affordable housing.
Outline:
Introduction
Crisis of Affordable Housing in U.S. Cities
Major Federal Housing Programs and Policies
Local Government Affordable Housing Programs
Impact of Racism on Housing Accessibility
Incentives for Owners to Provide Low Income Assistance
Conclusion
From the Paper "In the United States, there is a current crisis of housing for many different ethnic groups. Racial discrimination, homelessness, mental illness, substance abuse, poverty, and a lack of affordable housing makes obtaining a place of residence difficult for millions of Americans. Additionally, discrimination in banking procedures, real estate agencies, and housing prices makes home ownership a near impossibility. While both federal and local assistance is available, such programs often are difficult to obtain, and can be difficult to qualify for."
This paper examines the origin and various definitions for the word 'affordance' which was coined by perceptual psychologist J. J. Gibson in the 1970s.
Abstract This paper details the root meaning of the word 'affordance' as well as its plural 'affordances' which was invented by J.J. Gibson to refer to the actionable properties between the world and that of a living being. To Gibson, affordances were perceived as a relationship as well as a part of nature and as such did not have to be visible, desirable or known. The writer of this paper describes how these words have since been integrated into various fields such as: Academia, design, computers and business. The writer proves that the original conception of these words and their eventual usage soon became dissimilar when used in these different fields. The writer also discusses how both these words are defined and utilized into the fields of interest previously mentioned.
Table of Contents:
Thesis Statement
Affordance Defined
Important Current Research Findings
The Impacts and Conclusions
Bibliography
From the Paper "Although the following research findings seem more of an historical nature than a current issue among researchers, quite the opposite is true. Affordance while not labeled as such has been in existence since the time of Aristotle and his models along with others have wound their way to the present time. However, research groups throughout the world today are finding a commonality or thread winding itself right into the heart of the affordance debate. These are the cultural constraints and the cultural conventions many of which are decades, if not centuries, old and still weigh heavily of affordance. For example, in graphical design, one is really talking about conventions that are normal to thinking of as logical and cultural restraints. Physical constraints have a close relationship to real affordances. Thus, it is not possible to move the cursor outside the screen."
This paper looks at the Smart Growth initiative, an initiative started to increase the quality, distribution and supply of affordable housing for low-income earners.
Abstract This paper is an analysis of the Smart Growth Initiative and its affect on the population that is searching for affordable housing. The author details the initiative including its goals, target audience, environmental concerns and successes and failures. The paper also includes the discussion of economic, social and environmental costs of current development patterns and how smart growth provides alternatives to current development patterns, in addition to investigating what it means for affordable housing quality and supply. Land use and planning strategies are also discussed in detail. The author also presents and analyzes a case study of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU?s) in Cary, North Carolina as a means for the reader to see an actual example of how smart growth can affect affordable housing.
From the Paper "Current development patterns were driven mainly by public policy. The development patterns are characterized by a separation of uses, dependency on automobiles and the consumption of space in suburban and ex-urban areas. This pattern is supported by strict zoning regulations, transportation systems and a lack of coordination in planning. This is important, because these factors are also obstacles to making changes.
The booming economy of the 1990's has seen housing and rental costs increase at more than twice the rate of inflation. This has meant that many low-income owners are now unable to find affordable housing. Low-income earners are forced into substandard housing, forced to live in areas where affordable housing is available but at the expense of good security or good schooling, or forced to be homeless."
Abstract This paper examines the issue of housing affordability in Canada in a historical context. It examines definitions of and issues of affordability. It also analyzes government attempts to influence the market and enhance affordability.
Abstract The paper discusses how the lack of affordable housing in the United States is a severe and growing crisis with no solution in sight. The paper determines the legal bounds of the zoning power given to governments and municipalities and provides an explanation of the law behind exclusionary and inclusionary practices. The paper examines the legal issues raised by these zoning ordinances. The paper also discusses the state of the current law as it applies to affordable housing and concludes with a discussion regarding the social and economic impacts raised by exclusionary and inclusionary zoning.
Outline:
Introduction
History of "Affordable Housing"
Background of Zoning Laws and Zoning Power
Exclusionary Housing
Inclusionary Housing
Legal Issues Raised by Zoning
Economic and Social Implications of Exclusionary and Inclusionary Housing
Conclusion
From the Paper "In the past few decades, the lack of affordable housing in the United States has emerged as a crisis effecting low-income residents, government agencies and municipalities, and real estate developers alike. The lack of available affordable housing has increased in the past few years, as a result of zoning ordinances and governmental zoning powers that are supported and upheld by the courts. While there are no immediate solutions to this problem, a number of legal scholars have examined the relevant cases and have written extensively on the subject."
Abstract This paper examines the issue of the dramatic increase in housing prices in Orange County and throughout the state and local residents' growing concerns about their ability to continue to afford to live and work in Orange County. The paper first looks at the pros and cons to affordable housing development. It then presents potential solutions to the problem, corresponding costs and benefits along with recommendations.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Problem Under Study: Affordable Housing
Overview of the Present Situation
Resources and Constraints
Alternative Courses of Action
Recommendations
From the Paper "While all of these policies are tools that jurisdictions can utilize in order to improve their ability to motivate much-needed affordable housing development within their communities, when considered individually, each is only a partial solution to a complex problem. Prior to adopting any of these policy solutions, it is important for communities to consider their unique characteristics (i.e. political, economic, social conditions), for these should be taken into account when developing its policy/ordinance. Essentially, local jurisdictions require local solutions. Although this paper's emphasis has been on motivating the development of affordable housing, it is necessary to recognize that both market rate and affordable housing provide the community with benefits. Market rate housing benefits the community by supporting revitalization and lifting neighborhood property values, while affordable housing benefits the community by allowing for a diverse community (e.g. workforce, seniors). While the benefits of each clearly differ, each can be perceived as complementing the other. We would like to note, that in considering alternative solutions, we opted to de-emphasize the federally funded Section 8 program after reviewing budget analysis, which revealed that funding for this particular program has been consistently cut over the course of the past several years."
Abstract This paper uses both federal and state (Michigan) publications to show the holes in the affordable housing industry. It focuses on the lack of units available, who resides in the current units, and funding cuts for housing programs. The author offers realistic solutions to the problems outlined in the paper.
From the Paper "Although there are many causes for the crisis in affordable housing, some are more prevalent sources than others. These causes have multiple solutions - some easier to fix than others, but seem to be ignored or disregarded completely by the government and general public. The three top contributing causes of homeless endangerment are housing cost burden, rent increase compared to funding cuts of affordable housing organizations, and higher-income populations utilizing affordable units."
Abstract This paper concerns a Canadian urban issue and looks at affordable housing in Toronto. The writer firstly describes the problem and looks at the positions of political and corporate interests. The writer then suggests a solution. The writer concludes that the solution proposed is odd but practical.
From the Paper "Housing is one of humanities basic needs. However, in Canada suitable housing is not always available. In The Canadian Housing System, James McKellar et al state, 'Although, overall, Canadians are well housed, a minority of households are unable to obtain market housing that is suitable, adequate, and affordable without paying more than 30 percent of their income'. The fact that not everyone has access to suitable housing at affordable prices is very problematic. This is why governments, policy makers and social activists have made housing into a major issue."
A discussion about affordable housing and whether the community and the black church should be involved in the issue of affordable housing in the United States.
Abstract The following paper looks at the issue of affordable housing focusing on programs such as "Habitat for Humanity" to define the ways that the community can become involved in providing affordable housing to its residents who are in need.
From the Paper ?Around the country, housing costs are at a premium. Single mothers, as well as in tact families, are faced with the daunting task of locating housing in safe areas that are affordable to their budget. Whether they are renting or buying, the same problem exists. The only housing that can be afforded in the lower income areas, are not the type of areas one wants their children to play in.?
Tags: urban, development, house, legislative, poverty, government, social
Abstract The paper explains how Miami has experienced an explosive population growth, resulting in soaring numbers of new construction projects and developments in every area of the city. This report presents the current social, political and economic situation and trends faced by the city. The paper studies the housing market and indicates the magnitude of the lack of affordable housing vis-a-vis the transformation of the Miami/Dade metropolitan area. The paper also identifies the driving factors of the growth that influences the rise of housing costs. The paper concludes that we must prevent politicians from destroying the good intentions of affordable housing legislation and funding.
Contents:
Introduction
Purpose and Approach
Factors Militating Against Affordable Housing in Miami
Literature Review
Discussion and Conclusions
From the Paper "For wealthy immigrants, foreign or domestic, the rapid growth of the city couldn't be a better investment. However, for those immigrants who are fleeing from their countries because the economy does not support enough employment for them to make a living, the skyrocketing housing prices in Miami-Dade are as daunting as were conditions in their native lands. Lack of urban planning sufficient to sustain a viable housing market at all levels has become obvious, and government officials and citizens are calling for a smarter growth plan, and are looking for some way to create affordable housing."
Abstract In this article, the writer discusses that as one begins to examine the issues facing Chicano communities, the importance of housing issues and a sense of community cannot be ignored. The writer points out that the problem of inadequate housing for low-income families is a wide-spread problem. Communities in Southern California are particularly susceptible due to the high Chicano population. The writer notes that the crisis is different depending on the community. However, the writer maintains that one thing is certain, a greater effort needs to be undertaken if this issues is to be solved for now and for the future. After reviewing different articles relating to the housing crisis, this paper addresses several facets of the housing issue in the U.S. Summaries of the articles discussed are included at the beginning of the paper.
Outline:
Part I: Article Summary
Article 1: Supporting the Latino Community
Article 2: Street Dreams Are made of These
Article 3: SHA Battles to Save County Affordable Housing Program
Article 4: Withering Heights
Article 5: Time to Remove the Rose Colored Glasses
Part II: Analysis of the Housing Issue
The Crisis of Affordable Housing
Federal Housing Programs and Policies
Local Government Affordable Housing Programs
From the Paper "As one found in the articles, there are several key issues facing Chicano communities. The high number of homeless school children, only tells part of the story. The number of homeless in Chicano communities is on the rise. The costs of housing have risen disproportionate to the rises in income. This means that even those that could afford housing before now face eviction and potential homelessness. This creates a rise in the number of working poor. As we found in the articles, there is an insufficient number of housing units available to medium and low income families. This number is decreasing instead of increasing, despite new government programs to provide more."
