New Book: Housing Policy Revolution: Networks and Neighborhoods

Posted by on September 28, 2009

The Housing Policy Revolution: Networks and Neighborhoods from the Urban Institute Press traces the shift in U.S. housing policy from the Washington-led bureaucracies of the 1960s to today’s highly collaborative, tax-supported networks of advocates, local governments, bankers, and property developers. Through historical analysis and detailed case studies, economic historian David J. Erickson reveals a system that adjusted to a changing political climate, innovated in social program delivery, and triggered adaptation in other policy fields, including education.

Reviewers had this to say about The Housing Policy Revolution:

“Today’s housing crisis requires and enables policymakers to redefine the role of government in housing policy. This redefinition, David Erickson argues, is ongoing and reflects decades of trial and error. Erickson makes a compelling case that community-based networks are the foundation for a new generation of housing policy that calls for and benefits from a holistic approach to community development. Turning the clock back is not a plausible option.”
—Nicolas P. Retsinas, Director, Joint Center for Housing Studies, Harvard University

“The deep economic crisis gripping our nation has only intensified the need to find a more rational, productive relationship between Washington, states and localities, and the nonprofit and private sectors. David Erickson engagingly portrays all of these actors uniting over the past four decades to address America’s affordable housing needs and becoming poised to respond to our evolving challenges. In demonstrating how this decentralized network combines political and policy savvy, flexible collaboration, and understanding of private markets to meet community needs and achieve societal goals, Erickson serves up a valuable playbook for advancing a smarter, 21st century federalism.”
—Alan Berube, Research Director, The Brookings Institution Metropolitan Policy Program

For more information about the book and ordering options please visit the Urban Institute Press website: http://www.urban.org/books/housingrevolution/.

Dr. Erickson was also recently interviewed on the Tavis Smiley Show for the segment No Place Like Home: Keeping the American Dream Alive. Along with Adobe Communities policy director Holly Benson and Habitat for Humanity’s urban programs director Stephen Seidel, Dr. Erickson discussed the current state of community development in America and what can be done to support low-income communities in the future.  You can listen to the interview at: http://www.tavissmileyradio.com/guests09/092509/NoPlaceLikeHome_Roundtable.html.