The Policy Context of This Report
The passage of QHWRA resolved many policy issues about program targeting that had been under debate for several years. Nevertheless, many basic challenges remain to ensure that affordable housing is available for those with the greatest need. The findings of this report analyze many of these challenges in detail and provide useful information for policymakers at all levels-Federal, State, and local-to consider in establishing affordable housing strategies and funding levels that effectively and efficiently meet the housing needs of low-income Americans. The State and local levels of government now have primary responsibility for ensuring appropriate admissions preferences for public housing and Section 8 assisted housing, as well as effective targeting of resources such as HOME and Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) dollars and LIHTC allocations. At the Federal level, decisions about adequate appropriations for these key programs will be critical in determining how quickly unmet needs can be met. In addition, there is need for continued assessment of the effectiveness of targeting of those programs covered by QHWRA and other core HUD programs, such as the CDBG and HOME block grants, and of the effectiveness of these programs in meeting worst case housing needs. Successful implementation of the Government Performance and Results Act of 1993 (GPRA) is an essential component of this continuing process of program assessment and improvement.
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