THE 1990s

Crises characterized the 1990s, much of which related to the cost of expiring Section 8 contracts and deteriorating properties. Several new programs were designed to ensure survival of affordable units and the viability of subsidized housing programs. The Low-Income Housing Preservation and Resident Homeownership Act of 1990 attempted to maintain the supply of affordable housing by offering project incentives to preserve low-income rental properties. HUD faced the high cost of renewing expiring Section 8 contracts. At the crux of the problem, the high cost of FHA-insured mortgages necessitated higher than market-rate rents, making HUD Section 8 subsidies extremely expensive. The Multifamily Assisted Housing Reform and Affordability Act of 1997 restructured these mortgages in order to maintain affordable Section 8 subsidies. HUD was also beset by budgetary pressures and streamlined itself through significant staff cuts, reorganizing operations, and program consolidation.

PD&R continued to facilitate housing research and evaluation activity that would lead to informed decisions on HUD policies, programs, and budget and legislative proposals.

PD&R-sponsored research during this decade was prolific.

Research in the 1990s

Review of Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Programs Administered by HUD

Studies on Privatizing Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac

Successful Mortgage Lending Strategies for the Underserved

Impacts of Urban Redevelopment in Central City Neighborhoods

A Study of the Success Rates of State CDBG Economic Development Loans

Implementing Block Grants for Housing: An Evaluation of the First Year of HOME

Evaluation of the Home Equity Conversion Mortgage Insurance Demonstration (HECM)

National Evaluation of the Supportive Housing Demonstration Program

Rental Housing Assistance -- The Crisis Continues: The 1997 Report to Congress on Worst Case Housing Needs

National Evaluation of the Shelter Plus Care Program