Affordable Housing Dilemma: The Preservation vs. Mobility Debate

Abstract

A report from the National Low Income Housing Coalition takes a new look at one of the thorniest housing policy issues: Should policy favor the preservation of housing in low income neighborhoods or should policy favor helping low income people move to higher income neighborhoods? The report traces the history of the debate and shows how the pendulum swings in policy preferences. Interviews with ten stakeholders with varying perspectives, including five low income people, offer a deeper understanding of the dimensions of the debate.

Keywords: Housing Policy, Moving to Opportunity, Section 8, Community Development

JEL Classification: I38, H53, J68, R10