Methods of Urban Impact Analysis. No. 2: Neighborhood Self-Help Development

摘要

The probable urban impacts of a neighborhood self - help program based on President Carter's National Urban Policy calling for a $15 million commitment to self - help programs are analyzed. The President's announcement recognized the role of neighborhood associations in housing and neighborhood revitalization, and it recommended funds for housing and revitalization projects in low - income areas. There are four possible ways to carry out the self - help programs -- neighborhood associations or organizations (NORG) which plan, coordinate, and lobby; NORG's which operate services and facilities in the neighborhood; NORG's that plan, provide services, and also own and operate residential and commercial property; and self - help efforts directed by individuals. Impacts on housing and neighborhood conditions, income and employment, population and residential assignment, and local fiscal conditions are calculated for targeted and nontargeted neighborhoods. It is concluded that the urban impacts of a self - help initiative almost surely would be positive and could be substantial if assistance were made available through some kind of neighborhood organization. The major effects felt in target areas themselves would be improvements in housing units and general neighborhood condition. Housing and neighborhoods in nontargeted areas would remain unchanged or improved, depending on the overall balance of supply and demand for housing units in the area. Impacts on income and employment would come almost entirely through job creation and would be positive although fairly modest. The designated amount of funds at $200,000 per NORG could not support more than about 75 NORG's nationally, with the result being that only about 8 to 15 cities could participate, assuming that more needy areas will require from 5 to 20 NORG's. Appendices provide supporting data, a bibliography, and a discussion of urban impact statements.