...Community oversight and involvement in new development
Detroit voters passed a law in 2016 requiring developers to sign a community benefits agreement (CBA) before construction begins on any project of $75 million or more that receives tax abatements or any other concessions from the city.
The law lays the groundwork for bigger and bolder initiatives. Such initiatives could address projects of $10 million and above, ensure neighborhoods have advisory roles, and provide guarantees that cover job creation, environmental protection, and affordable housing.
...Double HUD's budget -- as a down payment on future investment
The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) was established in 1965 to ensure that all Americans had access to decent housing. But its housing benefits only target the very poor, excluding many other poor and middle-income benefits.
Only one out of four low-income households receive the housing assistance benefits they're entitled to, even under today's restrictive rules. 15.6 million low-income households pay more than 50 percent of their income on rent. They include the elderly, disabled, and families with children.
Even so, Republicans are cutting HUD's budget and the Department is backtracking on its commitment to end housing discrimination and build inclusive communities.
HUD's budget should be doubled, not cut -- and that's just a start. Programs for housing assistance should be expanded to cover all Americans who need them.
...Lawyers for tenants
A June 5 ballot initiative in San Francisco would provide an attorney to any renter who is facing eviction. It's being called "universal right to counsel," and it's an excellent idea. Americans have the right to an attorney if they're facing criminal charges. We should have the same right if we're facing eviction.
The idea can, and should, be expanded. Renters have very little recourse when landlords refuse to make needed repairs, or fail to comply with rental laws in other ways. It can be very difficult to file a complaint, justice can be greatly delayed, and renters often face harassment when they complain.
The right to attorney should also apply to any renter who has evidence that their landlord may not be complying with the law.
...A national Tenants' Bill of Rights
Everyone who lives in this country deserves affordable housing, protection from unfair evictions, freedom from discrimination, and the right to safe and well-maintained homes.
...Get big money out of municipal elections
It's very hard to pass and enforce reasonable housing policies when developers, and other large corporate interests, buy influence with their campaign contributions. Fortunately, there's a solution: "clean government" initiatives that get big money out of politics. Limits to campaign contributions would help. Publicly-funded elections would be even better.
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