Federal Policy Makers Take Up NAA/NMHC's Call For A
More Balanced Housing Policy
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 27, 2000
Contact: Kimberly Duty
(202) 974-2333
Kduty@nmhc.org
www.nmhc.org
WASHINGTON, DC -- Key policy makers say that America's federal housing policy must recognize the importance of apartments and rental housing instead of focusing exclusively on initiatives to expand the homeownership rate.
As a sign that the National Multi Housing Council's (NMHC) and National Apartment Association's (NAA) advocacy campaign in support of a more "balanced housing policy" is impacting the dialogue in Washington, both U.S. Senate Minority Leader Tom Daschle (D-SD) and U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Assistant Secretary/FHA Administrator for Housing William Apgar acknowledged the important role apartments play in creating more livable communities in remarks made at NMHC's Quarterly Board of Directors and Advisory Committee meeting held this week in Arlington, VA.
Appearing before the NMHC leadership on September 26, Senator Daschle pointed out that "apartments have always been part of the fabric of American life," and he noted that the stereotypical view of who lives in apartments is, in many cases, no longer accurate saying: ...for a number of reasons, a growing number of Americans are deciding that apartment living is the best housing option for them. . . this obviously has major implications for people here in Washington who are involved in setting our national housing policy. We put a lot of emphasis in America on homeownership . and rightly so. But we need to be careful not to make the mistake of ignoring the rest of the housing market. What we need is a balanced national housing policy . a policy that is based on the principle that all Americans . whether they rent or own . ought to have access to decent, affordable housing. . . I think that if we want strong, vibrant, livable communities in America, we need a strong, healthy, balanced housing market. That includes a strong apartment industry.
The day before, HUD Assistant Secretary Apgar told NMHC members that HUD is "aware of the importance of having a balance in our housing policy." These comments mirror testimony Apgar gave in the Senate on September 12, where he said that only a balanced national housing policy that includes rental housing and reflects the realities of how different Americans choose to live can adequately meet the nation's housing needs.
The call for a more balanced housing policy enjoys bipartisan support. Thanks to NMHC/NAA outreach, the Republican party platform specifically recognizes the importance of apartments, by declaring that while homeownership is desirable, "at the same time, a balanced national housing policy must recognize that decent housing includes apartments, and addresses the needs of all citizens, including renters."
The "Toward a More Balanced Housing Policy" effort was initiated in July 2000 by NMHC and NAA. Through outreach to state, local and federal policymakers, the groups have been urging policymakers to craft a national housing policy that meets the following five principles:
* Ensures that everyone has access to decent and affordable housing, regardless of whether they rent or own;
* Respects the rights of individuals to choose the housing that best meets their financial and lifestyle needs;
* Promotes healthy and livable communities by encouraging responsible land use and promoting the production of all types of housing;
* Recognizes that all decent housing, including apartments, and all citizens, including renters, make positive economic, political and social contributions to their communities; and
* Balances the expected benefits of regulations with their costs to minimize the impact on housing affordability.
NMHC/NAA point out that as America's population has become more diverse, the goal of homeownership has become less universal than it once was. For many, renting better fits their modern lifestyles. A housing policy emphasizing only homeownership disadvantages the nation's growing segment of renters, overlooks the potential disadvantages of homeownership, and represents a missed opportunity.
According to NMHC/NAA Senior Vice President for Government Affairs, Clarine Nardi Riddle, "The time has come to move beyond the false presumption that owners are better citizens and better for our communities than renters and to begin to tackle some of our most pressing housing and land planning issues. Apartments can be part of the solution to several modern-day problems, including suburban sprawl, urban decay, the affordable housing crisis, and even housing our aging parents."
A copy of the NMHC/NAA brochure outlining the principles of a balanced housing policy is posted at www.nmhc.org/media/rentvsown/balance/default.aspxl and is available by calling 202/974-2354.
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NMHC and NAA represent the nation's leading firms participating in the multifamily rental housing industry. NMHC/NAA's combined memberships are engaged in all aspects of the development and operation of apartment communities, including ownership, construction, finance and management. Together, the organizations jointly operate a federal legislative program and provide a unified voice for the private apartment and seniors housing industries. For more information, contact NMHC at 202/974-2300, e-mail the Council at info@nmhc.org, or visit NMHC's Web site at www.nmhc.org.