Comment on Jean L. Cummings and Denise DiPasquale's “The Low Income Housing Tax Credit: An Analysis of the First Ten Years”: Lifting the Veil of Ignorance

Abstract

Although the Low‐Income Housing Tax Credit is the largest low‐income housing production program in the country, we know very little about it. Even basic questions remain, such as who owns tax credit developments or how much do they cost? We do not even know if tax credits foster income mixing, or reinforce existing patterns of economic segregation. We need more information, not less, which is why the research performed by Cummings and DiPasquale is so important.

The competition for the tax credit has increased and states are using it as a general social service tool. Some states, such as Florida, Maine, and Rhode Island, now favor the use of tax credits to help finance service‐enriched housing for seniors. States also are trying to anticipate the likely outcome when the tax credits expire. The Washington State Housing Commission received funding last year to study early tax credit projects with expiring affordability requirements, while California will start a study in 1999.

Keywords:

• Low‐income housing
• Multifamily
• Tax policy