Publication

This paper provides a general overview of US housing policy, with emphasis on state and local programs. Despite the focus on local programs the authors also discuss the broader national policy environment. This broader context is necessary because national policies play a crucial role in shaping the country’s housing markets. They briefly trace out some of the key features of the housing market, highlighting tenure distributions, housing conditions and costs. Particular emphasis is given to the role of increasing housing costs and the housing opportunities of the poor.