This document provides an overview of public housing programs in three cities - Boston, Charlotte, and Washington DC. It discusses the history and evolution of public housing policy in the US from the 1950s to present. It then provides snapshots of each city's public housing programs, demographics, and recent trends. The document outlines the research methods used and challenges faced in the study. It concludes that while public housing is costly, it is still less expensive than homelessness, and that quality affordable housing requires long-term social and political support.

1. PUBLIC HOUSING STUDY
Boston, Charlotte, Washington DC
PADM 6224

2. Introduction
• Statement of Purpose
• Paper Summary
– Overview of Policy Area
– City Snapshots
– Research Methods
– Challenges
– Key Findings/Analysis
• Conclusion

3. Overview of Policy Area
• Public Housing Genesis
• 1950’s
• 1960’s
• 1970’s
• 1980’s
• 1990’s to Present

4. City Snapshots
Boston, Massachusetts
Size: 620,000 (City), 4.6 Million (Metro)
Demographics: 55% White, 25% black,14% Hispanic or Latino
Government Structure: Strong mayor-council
Involvement in Public Housing: Boston Housing Authority
Recent Trends:
“Green,” energy efficient renovations
Leading the Way III
Programs:
Wheelchair accessible housing
Family public housing
Elderly/disabled public housing
Grandparents housing program
Section 8 Tenant Based Rental Assistance

5. City Snapshots
Charlotte, North Carolina
Size: 700,000 (City) 2.4 Million (Metro)
Demographics: 59% White, 32% Black
Government Structure: Manager – Council
Involvement in Public Housing: Charlotte Housing Authority
Recent Trends:
Neighborhood Stabilization
Coalition for Homeownership
Programs:
Mixed Income
Assisted
Section 8 Voucher
Family Self Sufficient

6. City Snapshots
Washington DC
Size: 600,000 (City) 1.4M (Metro)
Demographics: 54% Black, 36% White, 10% Multiple Other
Government: Strong Mayor/Council
Involvement in Public Housing: DC Housing and Community Development, DC Housing
Authority
Recent Trends:
Financial Recovery
Management Restructuring
Renovations, New Construction
Programs:
Partnering w/ Private Developers
HOPE VI

7. Research Methods
• Journal Articles
• City Government Websites
• Internet Resources
• Telephone Interviews

8. Challenges
• “Distributed Development”
– Online collaboration
• Data Depth
– Distinguishing advocacy from relevancy
• Differentiation
– Measurements of success are imprecise

9. Key Findings (Analysis)
• Public Housing Policy Dependent on Federal Dollars
• Mixed Income Housing Strategies
• Crime, Financial Illiteracy, Declining Infrastructures
• Modern Strategy Pairs Social Services with Housing
Assistance

10. Conclusions
• American cities choose similar strategies to
deal with affordable housing shortages
• Public Housing: Inefficient Compromise
– Costlier per square foot than private housing
– Less expensive than homeless shelters
• Quality Public Housing requires social and
political commitment

11. END