Solving Texas housing problems : an intergovernmental approach / Texas Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations.

Abstract

The development and maintenance of adequate shelter for Texas families and individuals has depended historically upon public policies and programs at the federal and local levels. Texas state government has played a passive role while other states in recent years have taken a more active part in trying to assure decent housing for their residents. The state's own 1971 survey of housing conditions in Texas indicated the inadequacy of federal and local government programs at that time to meet housing needs. The Texas Research League study that prompted this survey, furthermore, foresaw the likelihood that housing conditions would worsen unless federal policies were changed and local programs were supplemented by a state effort to save as much marginal housing as possible. This study relies upon the state's findings in 1971 and at the same time brings up to date the earlier analysis of the prospective impact of federal policies by examining the new federal Housing and Community Development Act adopted in 1974. It also surveys the housing role assumed by several states in the last few years and examines program options for Texas state government. The report concentrates special attention on state-sponsored housing rehabilitation but considers possible solutions to other housing problems as well. Based upon the findings of this study, the Texas Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations reaches 10 basic conclusions and offers three major recommendations for state and federal action.