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ABSTRACT Federal leadership and funding for affordable housing policy declined in the 1980s. In the 1990s, the commitment to low-income housing continues to wane and is accompanied by funding uncertainties as the federal government redefines its role as policy-maker. The federal withdrawal leaves a void in housing policy-making as yet unfilled by lower levels of government. Given the direct impact of housing availability and conditions on local communities, cities may be the most likely candidates to assume the primary role in affordable housing policy. Some policy analysts, however, argue that cities will not assume the lead role or spend local dollars on redistributive policy such as affordable housing programmes. This paper examines affordable housing policy in the inter-governmental context, the influence of intergovernmental factors on local housing commitment, and the potential for cities to fill the gap left by the federal government. The analysis uses US Census data combined with data from a mail survey of city housing professionals in a representative sample of US cities with populations of 25 000 or greater. The findings from the analysis show that many cities do spend local dollars on housing programmes, but that the decision to do so is influenced by inter-governmental factors. Moreover, the results suggest that states, not cities, are likely to assume the leadership role for affordable housing policy in the future.
Introduction
Inter-governmental reorganisation will result in dramatic policy changes into the next millennium. The ongoing shift of responsibilities from the federal government to lower levels of government affects a wide range of policy domains including affordable housing. Housing programmes have already experienced the effects of federal cutbacks and devolution of responsibilities to cities, and all indicators point to further withdrawal of federal leadership in this policy area. As Ian Terner & Thomas Cook (1990) comment, the federal government "has systematically dismantled its role as housing policy-maker and provider of major housing programs" (p. 111). The federal policy established in the Housing Act of 1949, "a decent home and a suitable living environment for every American family" seems almost forgotten as the national government redefines its role. With a diminished federal role in housing policies and programmes, some policy experts perceive a threat to public health and welfare as well as a...