This PD&R staff paper is an overview and history of U.S. federal programs for affordable rental housing supply production and preservation. It provides historical background on programs and subsidy models used over time, from the enactment of the National Housing Act of 1934 and United States Housing Act of 1937 through the present day. The paper is not intended as an in-depth program evaluation or comparison of cost effectiveness, but rather presents basic information on the subsidy types and methods used over time and in current program operations. There is also a useful bibliography of sources and references including those covering past subsidy models and production results.

Supplemental Attachment:

Table of FHA Mortgage Insurance Programs, 1934-1972

Adapted from Housing in the Seventies

Note: This table is an accessible version of an historical table that was originally included in 1973 HUD publication, “Housing in the Seventies.” It has been updated to a digital and accessible version that can be viewed much more easily. It is provided for its historical value. Any errors are from the original version, which has been edited primarily for readability.