Research

Managing Neighborhood Change by Alan Mallach

A Framework for Sustainable and Equitable Revitalization

Tracking neighborhood change is hindered not only by lack of information and resources, but also by complicated data and measurements problems. Making connections between a neighborhood’s market dynamics and tools that can most effectively build market strength is often a hit or miss process. This report presents a strategic framework that can help practitioners and policy-makers foster sustainable and equitable neighborhood revitalization, building on solid market demand while ensuring that the neighborhood’s lower income households will benefit from the changes that have taken place.

Valuation and Taxation of Resale-Restricted, Owner-Occupied Housing by Carla J. Robinson

Resale-restricted, owner-occupied housing (also known as “shared-equity homeownership”) offers an option for bringing homeownership within reach for lower-income households. Few standardized policies and procedures exist for valuing and taxing resale-restricted homes, even in states where public policy favors this category of housing. Because little research has been done in the United States to document the various ways this housing is taxed or to evaluate methods of taxation, this paper by former NHI Research Director Carla J. Robinson aims to fill the information gap.

Shared Equity Homeownership by John Emmeus Davis

The Changing Landscape of Resale-Restricted, Owner-Occupied Housing

As the housing crisis worsens, putting the American Dream out of reach for millions, communities around the country are turning to shared equity homeownership—limited equity coops, community land trusts and inclusionary units—to redefine the housing ladder. This breakthrough study examines the benefits of these models within a sectoral framework; a third sector housing strategy. Support for this study was provided by the Ford and Surdna foundations.

Building A Better Urban Future by Alan Mallach

New Directions for Housing Policies in Weak Market Cities

A policy paper for practitioners and policymakers investing housing resources in weak market cities. The project focuses on market-driven approaches, the integration of affordable and market-rate housing and the use of housing as a core element in both economic development and neighborhood revitalization strategies. The project is in collaboration with the Community Development Partnerships’ Network, LISC and the Enterprise Foundation.

Comprehensive Community Initiatives by Winton Pitcoff

Redefining Community Development

Takes a close look at comprehensive community initiatives, including those supported by the Annie E. Casey, Clark, Ford, and Surdna Foundations, and their role in empowering poor communities. The report examines how community groups work together toward the common purpose of changing the way their local systems (housing, schools, welfare) work and the way community groups work within those systems.