We believe a one-sized fits all regulatory approach often inhibits PHAs from effectively tailoring federal programs to local community needs. PHAs have been successful when they are able to tailor their policies according their agency’s individual local goals, housing market conditions, and community priorities. This flexibility provides housing authorities the necessary tools to best serve their low-income residents. We believe HUD should allow housing authorities to focus on innovation, championing local decision-making and local flexibility.
As one of the nation’s largest sources of affordable housing, public housing plays a central role in the nation’s infrastructure. Like roads and bridges, affordable housing is a long-term asset that helps communities and families thrive. Public housing represents a significant investment on the part of the federal government: over $162 billion including land costs. The program provides 1.2 million units of affordable housing to over 2.2 million people, including 750,000 children.
