The Opportunity Agenda released a report - Realizing the Promise: How to Affirmatively Further Fair Housing - that covers the background and creation of the Fair Housing Act of 1968 which includes a mandate to affirmatively further fair housing (AFFH). In light of the lack of enforcement of this mandate, the U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) proposed regulations in 2013 that would result in better application of the Fair Housing Act.

The report includes case studies on various housing mobility programs in various parts of the country such as, Baltimore’s Housing Mobility Program, inclusionary zoning in Montgomery County, Maryland, fair share in Mount Laurel, New Jersey and others.

A review of the case studies revealed:

• Successful voucher programs expand opportunity
• Communities must be ready for change
• Inclusive development is possible
• Fair housing coverage must be expanded
• Affirmatively furthering fair housing should be targeted

Additionally, the report offers recommendations, including the need to take a cohesive look at local needs because equitable access to housing cannot be addressed in isolation.

Click here to read the full report.