LWV-PA Position on Housing/Economic Opportunities:
Adopted 1979, 1980/ revised 2000, 2001, 2007, 2019
Support the application for and use of, under the prescribed guidelines, all available programs and funds to meet the housing needs, and to increase the economic opportunities for, low and moderate-income persons.
In expenditures of public funds for housing, priority should be given to rehabilitation of existing housing in transitional and low-income neighborhoods, and to subsidized rentals for low-income families, seniors and the handicapped. Subsidized loans should be available to assist rehabilitation and for home purchase or construction. If funds are spent for new construction, the needs of moderate as well as low-income facilities should be considered. There should be spending transparency and accountability to ensure racial and economic diversity.
In expenditures of public funds for increasing economic opportunities for low-income persons, priorities should be given to job creation, job progression, job training, and childcare services. Equal priorities should be given.
If funds are spent for neighborhood upgrading and housing related services, priorities should be given to crime reduction, capital improvements, and home improvement training. Equal priorities should be given.
Support a broad housing element in the city’s general plan based on study of housing problems and including an action plan for solving them which will achieve a balanced socio-economic community.
Support the implementation by our area communities of the State law requiring every city to provide a fair share of low and moderate-income housing.
Support using existing and developing new tools to quell the instability among renters in our area, such as
i. the stabilization of rents,
ii. the adoption of just cause eviction protections that set forth the rights and responsibilities of both tenants and landlords,
iii. the provision of legal and other counsel in landlord-tenant court,
iv. the adoption of measures to ensure safe and healthy living environments in each jurisdiction’s housing inventory and
v. other tools that prove effective in addressing this concern
Support a mortgage revenue bond referendum to provide funds for low and moderate-income housing. Support the use of eminent domain powers to increase the supply of low and moderate-income housing, but only when necessary and appropriate.
Support inclusionary zoning, which requires setting aside a certain percentage of housing units at below market rates for low and moderate-income persons in new rental and owner developments and condominium conversions. Incentives for developers should be built into the program. Support a Housing Mediation Board with mandatory decision-making powers to deal with the landlord/tenant problems.
Support legislation to restrict and regulate condominium conversion when justified by low vacancy rates.
