Your access to premium content.
USER NAME: 
PASSWORD: 
   • Register   • Info   • Help

Celebrate And Rededicate

NAHB Public Affairs
June 1, 2002
Professional Builder

NAHB President Gary Garczynski

Americans have much to celebrate in June during National Homeownership Month. We enjoy the finest homes and highest standard of living in the world. Our national homeownership rate, now at a record 68%, is one of the highest in the world.

But we need to focus on more than our achievements. This celebration of housing provides the ideal opportunity to determine how we can achieve the goal of “a decent home and a suitable living environment for every American family,” which was set by Congress in the Housing Act of 1949.

Much remains to be done. Congress, state and local authorities need to focus on several key issues:

  • Maintaining a sound economy with low long-term mortgage interest rates while allowing the secondary mortgage market to function without intervention.

  • Planning for and promoting smart growth. In particular, states and localities should support development and redevelopment of infill sites in cities and inner suburbs.

  • Reforming the regulatory system. Excessive and unnecessary regulations add dramatically to the cost of new housing.

  • Ensuring that environmental protection and preservation measures are balanced and reasonable.

  • Creating programs to preserve the existing stock of affordable housing and produce more affordable units.

    © 2008, Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All Rights Reserved.

    Talk Back

    There are no comments posted for this article.

    POST A COMMENT ON THIS ARTICLE

    •  

    Advertisement







    Sponsored Links
    Security System
    Affordable wireless security systems from SafeMart.
    Hardwood Floors
    Stylish and durable hardwood floors from Armstrong
    Room Dividers
    Room Dividers at Home Decorators Collection.
    Garages
    Single & double door garages. Tons of sizes, styles and options.