Building affordable housing seems like a win, but between its top-down nature and the public subsidies it requires, affordable housing can actually make things worse.
Hi Chuck, proud Strong Towns member here. I agree that top-down Affordable Housing projects don't scale but I also think there's a useful niche for this type of project. It certainly won't solve housing affordability broadly. I think of it as another tool in the tool kit, albeit an expensive one, that makes a small difference in people's lives. I believe this combined with a bottom-up Strong Towns approach can help create desirable neighborhoods where communities can thrive. Thank you for your thoughtful, inspiring message. --Paul J.
Thanks Paul. Nice to hear from you. I am open to the useful niche argument if it was 5% of the energy, focus, and effort on housing at city hall. The fact that it is 95% makes it practically the entire game, not a niche. I'm probably more sensitive to that than most people, but we waste staff time and precious resources on these things and it really hurts us.
Hi Chuck, proud Strong Towns member here. I agree that top-down Affordable Housing projects don't scale but I also think there's a useful niche for this type of project. It certainly won't solve housing affordability broadly. I think of it as another tool in the tool kit, albeit an expensive one, that makes a small difference in people's lives. I believe this combined with a bottom-up Strong Towns approach can help create desirable neighborhoods where communities can thrive. Thank you for your thoughtful, inspiring message. --Paul J.
Thanks Paul. Nice to hear from you. I am open to the useful niche argument if it was 5% of the energy, focus, and effort on housing at city hall. The fact that it is 95% makes it practically the entire game, not a niche. I'm probably more sensitive to that than most people, but we waste staff time and precious resources on these things and it really hurts us.