Vienna is a Public Housing Inspiration
While cities such as Portland struggle with an affordable housing crisis, Vienna has been keeping it at bay. Perhaps we could use the Austrian capitol's strategy as a model here in Portland and in cities worldwide. Taking advantage of market forces by subsidizing private developers and then using competition to incentivize great design, is an elegant and inspiring merging of socialism with capitalism.
The concept of affordable housing isn't radical. Vienna has had widespread affordable housing since the 1920s. It is about valuing all humans equally, regardless of status. Everyone is worthy of quality, affordable shelter. 62% of their population lives in affordable housing in contrast to 1% in the USA which is limited to low-income families, the elderly, and people with disabilities. Kathrin Gaál, Vienna's councillor for housing, says social housing is aimed at both people with low incomes and "a broad middle class" in the city. Not being able to tell someone's income by simply looking at their address, removes stigma, keeps prices down (competitive market) and allows for a diverse community.
I believe the first steps are to remove money from politics. The biggest threat to affordable housing is the most influential of the anti-public housing lobbies, the National Association of Real Estate Boards. They argue that public housing would be too appealing and would decrease home ownership. They fear competition will drive prices down, and they are right. However, the majority of people are in favor of affordable housing. Our politicians should represent all their constituents instead of looking out for the best interest of lobbyists. Let's be more like Vienna!!
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