Affordable Housing Dilemma: The Preservation vs. Mobility Debate
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.
Sheila Crowley, Ph.D., MSW, President
Danilo Pelletiere, Ph.D., Research Director and Chief Economist*
May 2012
National Low Income Housing Coalition
*Danilo Pelletiere served as Research Director at the National Low Income Housing Coalition from April 2003 to September 2011, during which time he worked on the research and preparation of this report. He is now an Economist with the Economic Development and Public Finance Division, Office of Policy Development and Research, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The opinions and recommendations expressed are those of the National Low Income Housing Coalition and do not reflect the views or policies of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development or the U.S. Government.