RESEARCH AND COMMENTARY
Bruce Katz and Margery Austin Turner, 2007, Opportunity 08
In recent years, housing has all but disappeared from national debate. But while federal policymakers focus their attention elsewhere, our country?s housing challenges are changing in ways that not only affect an expanding segment of the population, Read More
RESEARCH AND COMMENTARY
Mark Muro, March 02, 2010, The Avenue, The New Republic
The stimulus bill, which was passed just over one year ago, has preserved or created up to 1.8 million jobs to date, solidifying its effectiveness. However, is the package excelling in creating long-term policy development and reform? Mark Muro explores the shortcomings and successes of the stimulus bill from the perspective of reshaping policy in various areas such as housing and infrastructure. Read More
RESEARCH AND COMMENTARY
Larry Cordell, Karen Dynan, Andreas Lehnert, Nellie Liang and Eileen Mauskopf, October 2009, Federal Reserve Board: Finance and Economics Discussion Series
In order to shore up the housing market and prevent foreclsoures, the government has instituted the Home Affordable Modification Program (HAMP). Larry Cordell, Karen Dynan, Andreas Lehnert, Nellie Liang and Eileen Mauskopf find that HAMP's key features should alleviate some of the previous obstacles to successful loan modifications. But, they say, the program is not well-suited to address payment problems associated with job loss, and they believe focusing on reducing payments rather than principal is ineffective when the homeowner has negative equity, with short sales being a better option. Read More
RESEARCH AND COMMENTARY
Margery A. Turner and Alan Berube, July 28, 2009, The Urban Institute
Margery Turner and Alan Berube explore how federal policy-makers—particularly at the Departments of Education and Housing and Urban Development—can promote local innovations that address the myriad connections between schools and housing, and provide better residential and educational environments for lower-income parents and students. Read More
PAST EVENT
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
1:00 PM to 2:30 PM
Washington, DC
On July 14, the Metropolitan Policy Program hosted Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Shaun Donovan and former HUD Secretary Henry Cisneros for a discussion on the next steps for urban revitalization and opportunity. Secretary Donovan announced new funding for the current HOPE VI program and outlined the future of Choice Neighborhoods. Read More
RESEARCH AND COMMENTARY
Bruce Katz, June 29, 2009, Center for Housing Policy’s Learning Conference
Before the Center for Housing Policy’s Learning Conference on State and Local Housing Policy in Chicago, IL, Bruce Katz outlined a new architecture for national housing policy for the US Department of Housing and Urban Development. Read More
RESEARCH AND COMMENTARY
Jennifer Bradley, May 14, 2009, The Brookings Institution
Jennifer Bradley argues that sustainable growth strengthens existing cities and communities, conserves fiscal and natural resources, and advances U.S. efforts to address climate change and achieve energy independence—a central theme of the Brookings Metropolitan Policy Program’s Blueprint for American Prosperity Read More
RESEARCH AND COMMENTARY
Bruce Katz, February 12, 2009, NYU School of Law
Before a housing conference at the NYU School of law, and prior to the president’s executive order creating the office, Bruce Katz outlined his vision of the function and role of a White House Office of Urban Affairs. “The new office has a powerful bully pulpit to set a vision for how federal policy can unleash the potential of America’s urban and metropolitan areas given their changing role and function,” Katz told conferees. Read More
PAST EVENT
Monday, January 12, 2009
10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Washington, DC
President-elect Obama is preparing plans for an immediate economic stimulus package. At the same time, his new administration must consider how to make investments that will stabilize and strengthen our economy over the long term. After opening remarks by Pennsylvania Gov. Edward G. Rendell, Bruce Katz and Robert Puentes presented their recommendations on bolstering infrastructure and investing in other economic drivers that can enhance long-term prosperity. Read More
RESEARCH AND COMMENTARY
Bruce Katz and Robert Puentes, January 12, 2009, The Brookings Institution
President Obama is preparing plans for an immediate economic stimulus package. At the same time, his new administration must consider how to make investments that will stabilize and strengthen our economy over the long term. Bruce Katz and Robert Puentes present their recommendations on bolstering infrastructure and investing in other economic drivers that can enhance long-term prosperity. Read More
RESEARCH AND COMMENTARY
Alan Berube, December 28, 2008, Cleveland Plain Dealer
Alan Berube urges policy-makers to evaluate short-term opportunities and set long-term strategies in order to help Cleveland’s next generation of residents overcome the challenges of concentrated poverty. Read More
RESEARCH AND COMMENTARY
Ron Haskins, September 2008, First Focus
Ron Haskins offers ways policymakers could create an entitlement to housing assistance that would more fairly distribute housing benefits and convert housing into a more effective element in the nation’s work support system. The goal of reform would be to get the most out of the resources now devoted to housing by providing at least some benefit to all eligible families that want a housing subsidy. Read More
VIDEO
Alice M. Rivlin, September 08, 2008
The Treasury Department’s decision to place Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac in a conservatorship could signal a turning point in the credit crisis that has troubled investment banks for nearly a year. Brookings fellow and former OMB Deputy Director Alice Rivlin examines the impact and the importance of the action.
RESEARCH AND COMMENTARY
Douglas W. Elmendorf, September 08, 2008, The Brookings Institution
Douglas Elmendorf offers his views on the federal government's plan, announced on September 7, to take control of troubled mortgage lenders Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. He says "it ensures that the government has full control over the enterprises so that long-run decisions about our system of housing finance can be made in the best interest of society as a whole."
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RESEARCH AND COMMENTARY
Ron Haskins, August 2008, Charles Stewart Mott Foundation Project
A host of demographic and economic trends in the United States are making it difficult for the nation to make progress against poverty and income inequality. However, Ron Haskins argues, government policies that raise work levels and provide public benefits to supplement earnings have proven to be effective in fighting poverty among female-headed families. But further progress against poverty and economic inequality seems unlikely unless more poor adults work, reduce the number of births outside marriage, and marry at higher rates. Read More