Definition
The National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO) is an advocacy organization dedicated to the development and implementation of housing and community development policies. This association aims to ensure that all Americans, particularly those from low and moderate-income backgrounds, have access to adequate and affordable housing and that communities remain vibrant and strong.
Examples
-
Affordable Housing Programs: NAHRO supports various programs that provide affordable housing solutions, such as the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program and Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC).
-
Community Development Initiatives: NAHRO champions initiatives that revitalize urban spaces, such as neighborhood redevelopment projects and public housing modernizations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is NAHRO’s primary mission?
NAHRO’s primary mission is to advocate for policies and initiatives that provide adequate and affordable housing, fostering strong and viable communities for all Americans, particularly those with low and moderate incomes.
2. Who can become a member of NAHRO?
Membership is typically open to individuals and organizations involved in housing and community development, including public housing authorities, community development agencies, and private sector stakeholders.
3. How does NAHRO influence housing policy?
NAHRO influences housing policy through advocacy, education, and collaboration with policymakers at the local, state, and federal levels to shape laws and regulations that support affordable housing and community development.
- Affordable Housing: Housing that is deemed affordable to those with a median household income as rated by the national government or a local government.
- Public Housing Authority (PHA): A local agency created by the government to administer public housing programs designed by HUD.
- Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC): A federal incentive used to fund the construction and rehabilitation of low-income housing.
Online Resources
- NAHRO Official Website
- U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
- National Low Income Housing Coalition (NLIHC)
References
- National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials. “About Us.” NAHRO, www.nahro.org/about.
- U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. “Affordable Housing Programs.” HUD.gov.
- National Low Income Housing Coalition. “Housing Policy.” NLIHC.org.
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- “The Color of Law: A Forgotten History of How Our Government Segregated America” by Richard Rothstein
- “Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City” by Matthew Desmond
- “Affordable Housing in New York: The People, Places, and Policies That Transformed a City” by Nicholas Dagen Bloom
Real Estate Basics: NAHRO Fundamentals Quiz
### What is the primary mission of NAHRO?
- [ ] To invest in high-end luxury housing.
- [ ] To develop commercial real estate.
- [x] To advocate for policies that provide adequate and affordable housing, particularly for low and moderate-income Americans.
- [ ] To provide loans for first-time homeowners.
> **Explanation:** NAHRO's primary mission focuses on advocating for policies and initiatives that promote adequate and affordable housing and thriving communities, targeting those with low and moderate incomes.
### Which of the following programs does NAHRO support for affordable housing?
- [ ] Green building certifications.
- [x] Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program.
- [ ] Suburban development projects.
- [ ] Commercial zoning.
> **Explanation:** NAHRO supports the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program among other initiatives aimed at providing affordable housing options for low-income families.
### What type of organization typically becomes a member of NAHRO?
- [ ] Sports clubs.
- [x] Public housing authorities.
- [ ] Technology firms.
- [ ] Insurance companies.
> **Explanation:** Public housing authorities and similar organizations are typical members of NAHRO due to their involvement in housing and community development.
### Which federal incentive is supported by NAHRO to fund low-income housing projects?
- [ ] Renewable energy credits.
- [x] Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC).
- [ ] Historic preservation grants.
- [ ] Agricultural subsidies.
> **Explanation:** NAHRO supports the use of Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) to fund the construction and rehabilitation of low-income housing projects.
### What is a key focus area of NAHRO's community development initiatives?
- [ ] Expanding industrial parks.
- [x] Revitalizing urban spaces.
- [ ] Building new transportation networks.
- [ ] Increasing commercial real estate.
> **Explanation:** NAHRO's community development initiatives often focus on revitalizing urban spaces to enhance the quality of life for residents and promote economic development.
### How does NAHRO influence housing policy?
- [ ] By offering housing loans.
- [x] Through advocacy, education, and collaboration with policymakers.
- [ ] By constructing residential buildings.
- [ ] By certifying real estate agents.
> **Explanation:** NAHRO influences housing policy through advocacy, education, and collaboration with local, state, and federal policymakers to shape supportive laws and regulations.
### What does LIHTC stand for?
- [ ] Local Industrial Housing Tax Credit.
- [ ] Low-cost Infrastructure and Housing Tax Credit.
- [x] Low-Income Housing Tax Credit.
- [ ] Limited Income Housing Temporary Credit.
> **Explanation:** The acronym LIHTC stands for Low-Income Housing Tax Credit, a critical federal incentive for funding low-income housing projects.
### Who can benefit from NAHRO's housing advocacy?
- [ ] High-income luxury homeowners.
- [x] Low and moderate-income Americans.
- [ ] Commercial real estate investors.
- [ ] International real estate developers.
> **Explanation:** NAHRO's housing advocacy primarily benefits low and moderate-income Americans by promoting access to affordable housing and community development.
### NAHRO primarily serves individuals and communities in which income brackets?
- [ ] High and ultra-high income.
- [ ] Upper-middle and high income.
- [x] Low and moderate income.
- [ ] All income levels equally.
> **Explanation:** NAHRO primarily serves those in the low and moderate-income brackets, advocating for policies that provide affordable housing and community revitalization for these groups.
### Which major urban development initiative is supported by NAHRO?
- [ ] Creation of better highways.
- [ ] Expansion of airports.
- [x] Neighborhood redevelopment projects.
- [ ] Investment in tech hubs.
> **Explanation:** NAHRO supports neighborhood redevelopment projects as part of their urban development initiatives to revitalize economically distressed areas and promote vibrant communities.
