One of the highlights of day one of “Solutions for Working Families” is the day-long Foreclosure Prevention and Neighborhood Stabilization Institute.
In just one hour, Alan Mallach of the Brookings Institution will encourage us to think about how neighborhoods are destabilized in order to craft solid stabilization plans. His remarks will assert that neighborhood stabilization is more than just reusing vacant foreclosed homes. According to Mallach, a successful stabilization plan must include other activities as well, such as crime prevention measures, code enforcement, and other tools to strengthen the quality of life in the area and make the neighborhood a desirable place to live – a place that residents have confidence in.
Mallach’s appearance on the HousingPolicy.org “Out Loud” Podcast in March similarly suggested that communities take a deeper look at their neighborhood stabilization strategies.
Taking that advice and putting it into practice at the state and local levels is the goal of “Solutions for Working Families.” Following these remarks, lunchtime roundtables will dig deeper into communities’ specific needs while afternoon breakout sessions will include additional expert perspectives and opportunities for considering how to take the leap from advice to on-the-ground reality.
Whether or not you are able to join us in Chicago to be a part of this discussion, you can continue the conversation with conference attendees on the HousingPolicy.org Forum.
Maya Brennan is a research associate for the Center for Housing Policy.