A Decent Home

The book A Decent Home is both a practical guide and an introduction to housing policy for urban planners. We ask author Alan Mallach key questions about what constitutes a decent home, going beyond just shelter to include affordability and connection to a community.

Listen Now

The book provides a historical overview of housing policy in the United States and examines how the private market, political, and social factors have influenced the availability of affordable housing. It offers a step-by-step guide for planners on how to develop affordable housing, covering topics such as site selection, design, financing, and project approval.

Mallach discusses persistent issues like homelessness, exclusionary zoning, and the risks and rewards of affordable homeownership programs. The book also highlights the importance of preserving existing affordable housing. The work emphasizes the link between affordable housing and broader community issues, including economic competitiveness, quality of life, and neighborhood revitalization.