Hearing on Academic Perspectives on the Future of Public Housing
"Good morning ladies and gentlemen.
I would like to thank the Ranking Member and the other Members of the Subcommittee on Housing and Community Opportunity for joining me today for this hearing on "Academic Perspectives on the Future of Public Housing."
Public housing plays an important role in providing affordable rental housing for 1.2 million households containing about 3 million individuals. In fact, research suggests that residents of public housing fare better across a number of measures than households at similar income levels that live in private-market apartments without housing assistance.
Despite the many successes of public housing, some critics continue to associate the program only with problems. These perceptions of public housing had led for some pubic housing authorities to push for the continued demolition of public housing units. The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities estimates that since 1995, 200,000 public housing units, including the great majority of large high-rises, have already been torn down. Just yesterday, the Associated Press reported that the City of Atlanta is in the process of demolishing the last of its public housing, making it both the first city to have public housing and the first major city to eliminate it.
These negative perceptions of public housing also helped fuel a disinvestment in the program over the last eight years. For too long, our Federal housing policy said that homeownership was a one-size-fits-all approach for all households and neglected the important need that public housing fills for some individuals and families.
Year after year, our Federal budgets reflected these priorities. Beginning in 2003, the Federal government underfunded the public housing operating fund for six consecutive years. The public housing capital fund has also fallen well short of need in recent years. Though estimates vary, the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities estimates the cost of needed repairs and modest upgrades at $22 billion.
As the current Administration begins to reverse the trend of underfunding the program, I believe that now is the time to look at how the current program can be improved, so that it best serves the needs of low-income families.
First, we must address the loss of units. The HOPE VI program has accelerated the demolition of public housing, leading to a net loss of at least 50,000 units. That is why, last year, I introduced and the House passed a HOPE VI reauthorization bill that required one-for-one replacement. In addition, Chairman Frank and I recently wrote to Secretary Donovan to request a one year moratorium on all public housing demolitions. I am also troubled by resident displacement and the low rates of return among original public housing tenants.
Additionally, I believe we need to build off the record of HOPE VI and reconsider how well public housing programs meet the needs of different types of residents. In particular, I am concerned about whether we are adequately serving the most vulnerable public housing residents, including elderly and disabled residents, families with children and ex-offenders.
More needs to be done to ensure that housing is connected to job opportunities, affordable health care and transportation. We also need to improve upon how public housing agencies and non-profits work together to provide case management services to residents of all ages, backgrounds and levels of need. This case management needs to continue through the life of the development and needs to effectively target residents who relocate with vouchers.
It is also time to rethink the way that residents are involved in the process of governing their communities, particularly when redevelopment takes place. This includes helping residents access job opportunities in their backyards, and ensuring that they can advocate for how their communities are designed.
I am pleased that our witnesses are here today to comment on these issues. There are many questions we have yet to answer on these important topics, and I look forward to our witnesses' testimony."