Housing Policy in the United States: A Contemporary Analysis

Abstract

Housing policy in the United States is reviewed in this paper. Limited to the 21st century, federal legislation has encouraged, funded, subsidized, provided access to, and restricted U.S. housing. During the past 50 years, a number of laws have been passed and policies implemented purely as experimental actions. Some policies were discontinued when they became too costly or failed to produce intended outcomes. In response, new policies enacted to illuminate deficiencies often introduced other flaws. This paper discusses legislation and its intended outcomes and comes to the conclusion that contemporary housing legislation has evolved largely from trial and error rather than research or a theoretical model.

The American Association of Housing Educators (AAHE) has an opportunity to contribute to improved housing policy. During its 25-year history, AAHE has made only cursory and peripheral contributions to such policy. AAHE’s one important contribution made to the housing literature describes housing policy. AAHE supported the development of the book, The Story of Housing by Fish (1979) and sponsored by the Federal National Mortgage Association.

Federal housing legislation during the twentieth century has affected the availability and affordability of housing. For example, the reduction of housing program support at the federal level during the 1980s increased the responsibility for housing support at the state and local levels, with the results in most states being fewer units at increased costs. Alternatives, such as public/private partnerships have been introduced to try to ameliorate the gap created by the reduction in federal housing support.

In order to understand the current housing policies and/or propose other alternatives, it is important to understand the history of housing legislation and how it has impacted housing. This paper will review and provide analysis of housing legislation in the United States during the twentieth century, identify other references useful for persons studying housing policy, and identify policy issues that merit investigation.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Joan R. McFadden

Joan R. McFadden is Professor of Housing, College of Family Life, Utah State University

Jeanette A. Brandt

Jeanette A. Brandt is Associate Professor in Apparel, Interiors, Housing, and Merchandising, College of Home Economics, Oregon State University, Corvallis.