Housing Policy Tops Group's Legislative Priorities

WASHINGTON, DC-Tax reform, a balanced housing policy, telecommunications access and the nation’s growing energy crisis top the list of priorities outlined by the National Multi Housing Council’s joint legislative program and the National Apartment Association. The list was released Monday during the group’s annual meeting, which brings hundreds of apartment executives here to meet with elected officials.

“For several years now we have documented the growing ‘renter by choice’ trend–households opting to rent even though they could afford to buy,” says Clarine Nardi Riddle, NMHC/NAA senior vice president for government affairs, who says by-choice renters include empty nesters and young professionals.

“Despite the fact that nearly 40% of renters surveyed by Fannie Mae in 2000 said that buying a home was not an important priority,” she continues, “our Federal housing policy continues to focus almost exclusively on home ownership. This outdated approach to housing policy represents a missed opportunity. It overlooks the need for apartments to help solve several modern-day problems, including suburban sprawl, urban decay, the affordable housing crisis, and even the housing of our aging parents.”