In social work, it is called client-centered management. Resident participation is more than a practice with intrinsic value. Well organized residents who have a collaborative relationship with their PHA will be more committed to the viability of their community, and to the political and financial survival of public housing. It is in the interest of PHA leadership to commit time and resources to a strong system of resident participation, and to foster activism among residents. When it comes time to argue for sufficient funding for public housing, residents will make the case.
Resident participation is a good investment.
Back to top . The full Senate Appropriations Committee is scheduled to take up the bill on July 23. The domestic discretionary spending caps are still in place. Appropriators have stated that all Section 8 contracts will be renewed for FY2000. It remains quite unclear how appropriators will complete these bills given the dramatic limitations imposed by the budget caps.