Volume 19, Issue 2
2008

 

Rachel G. Bratt

This article presents background information on the growth, productivity, and unique focus of nonprofit housing producers and discusses the various government and private initiatives that support this sector. The article also explores the strengths and weaknesses of for-profit and nonprofit organizations in developing and owning subsidized rental housing and questions the cost-effectiveness of pursuing one strategy or the other and the long-term viability of projects developed by each type of sponsor. Answers, however, are far from conclusive.

Effective housing production and long-term ownership of subsidized housing require the developer to address at least 12 broad areas of concern. In some, nonprofits appear to have the advantage, while in others, for-profit developers generally have the edge. Nonprofits and for-profits can join together in partnership arrangements, and some of the key requirements for such efforts are discussed. Recommendations for policy changes to enhance the role of nonprofit organizations are offered.