Nontheless, homeownership rates are 70 percent in suburbs. Central city residents of all income levels are less likely to own a home than suburban residents with similar incomes. Because homeownership is a vital component of stable and more livable communities, initiatives to promote homeownership must remain a vital component of any national strategy to facilitate growth in already-developed areas and make cities attractive to new residents, businesses, and investment. While our homeownership record is improving, shortages of affordable rental housing are worsening. The U.S. Conference of Mayors reports that in 1998, requests for housing assistance by low-income families rose in 25 of the 30 major cities surveyed.
Housing assistance can help working families live near jobs and transportation.
It can relieve distress rents so that families have more disposable income to purchase goods and services, save for college, start a business, or accumulate a downpayment on a home. Finally, we must continue affordable housing programs that address the needs of the most vulnerable Americans. The agenda would build on the Continuum of Care programs that are showing results in helping people move to permanent housing. The agenda would also expand housing assistance programs for our rapidly expanding population of senior citizens. Boosting Opportunities for Homeownership In Metro Seattle, A Regional Coalition for Housing Communities in the Seattle metro area have joined forces to launch a unique regional approach to affordable housing.