Search Results
Journal Article
Casinos and cities: can they live together?
In 2011, Governor Patrick signed a bill authorizing casinos in Massachusetts. As other New England states consider their options, it is important to explore how casinos might affect the municipalities where they end up being built.
Discussion Paper
Home ownership education and counseling: issues in research and definition
Many public- and private-sector initiatives support the expansion of home-ownership opportunities for low- and moderate-income households. This discussion paper assesses existing research on the effectiveness of home-ownership education and counseling and opportunities for future research. A limited number of printed copies are available.
Journal Article
Is the Urban Middle Neighborhood an Endangered Species? Multiple Challenges and Difficult Answers
This chapter looks directly at the challenges facing middle neighborhoods in legacy cities. As the title suggests?and as the entire thrust of this book suggests?those challenges are serious and complex. The author describes multidimensional challenges with demographic, physical, and economic factors interacting with and reinforcing one another.
Discussion Paper
Economic and social impact of introducing casino gambling: a review and assessment of the literature
Reviews and assesses the existing literature on the potential economic impact of introducing casino gambling into a community or region, first by discussing the casinos? effect on economic activity and growth within a community or region, and then by exploring their effect on government revenues. Also discusses the literature related to the economic impact of social costs widely associated with gambling, such as increases in crime, bankruptcy, and problem gambling.
Journal Article
Homeownership and the Stability of Middle Neighborhoods
Homeownership is interwoven with many other factors affecting neighborhoods, and it impacts neighborhood vitality in complex and multifaceted ways. In this chapter, the author argues that homeownership, while not the sole factor impacting neighborhood stability, should be at the forefront of policies and strategies to stabilize or revive urban middle neighborhoods.
Journal Article
Challenges of the small rental property sector
Most rental housing in America is found in small multifamily buildings and this sector provides most of the options for low- and moderate-income (LMI) renters. With a growing wave of investors buying distressed properties in LMI neighborhoods, there are concerns about the ability of investors to properly maintain their investments. The author explores the small multifamily sector and suggests ways that policymakers can move beyond code enforcement and provide a combination of carrots and sticks to incentivize and increase the presence of ?good actors."
Discussion Paper
How to spend $3.92 billion: stabilizing neighborhoods by addressing foreclosed and abandoned properties
The Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 created the Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP), under which states, cities, and counties will receive a total of $3.92 billion to acquire, rehabilitate, demolish, and redevelop foreclosed and abandoned residential properties. These funds can stabilize hard-hit neighborhoods, putting them on the path to market recovery. This will only happen, however, if they are used in ways that are strategically targeted and sensitive to market conditions. This paper outlines 11 key principles that states, counties, and cities should follow as they plan ...