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.

Tags:affordable, housing, toronto

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). "

Tags:affordable, african, american, black, church, housing

Abstract
This paper is a two-part exercise that highlights the recent history of affordable housing in Los Angeles - it is not a pleasant one - and then proceeds to lay out policy alternatives (as well as programs and initiatives) that need to be kept in place if the situation is to be ameliorated. The paper concludes that the alternatives listed are appropriate ones that deserve high priority in the future.

From the Paper
"Part I: Housing issues in Los Angeles and the background of affordable housing in Los Angeles. LA's problems vis-a-vis achieving affordable housing for minorities and low-income earners can be traced back, at least in part, to the significant reduction in federal housing assistance programs in the 1980s. To wit, at least one well-regarded study conducted well over a decade ago mentions the 1982 draft report authored by the Presidential Commission on Housing Task Force; amongst other things, this report insisted the..."

Tags:los, angeles, housing

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."

Tags:initiatives, location, adequacy, suitability, affordability

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."

Tags:discrimination, racism, equality, federal, policies, homelessness

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."

Tags:law, ordinances, crowding, mortgage, municipality

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."

Tags:income, low, development, sector, economy, communities, environment, survey, patterns, costs, commuting, negative, traditional, transport, systems, adu, cary, residents, units, neighborhood

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."

Tags:policy, costs, residents

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."

Tags:funding, hud, mshda, policy, social, work

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."

Tags:population, growth, economy, planning, costs