The federal Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program, authorized in 1986, has gained recognition over the last decade as America's largest place-based subsidized housing production program. The Qualified Census Tract (QCT) provision of the LIHTC program awards developers for projects built in high-poverty neighborhoods. This research examines whether the QCT provision is deconcentrating poverty or instead perpetuating it by comparing QCTs with LIHTC projects against QCTs with no LIHTC projects. In this study, a socioeconomic index is created to examine changes in socioeconomic variables (poverty, income, unemployment, and education) using 1990 Decennial Census data and 2005-2009 American Community Survey data for the twenty most populated MSAs in the United States to determine how LIHTC projects have changed the landscape of poverty in urban QCTs. Control and target groups were established to analyze the impact of LIHTC projects in QCTs. The control group consists of QCTs with no LIHTC projects and the target group contains QCTs with LIHTC projects. In order to determine how the socioeconomic variables have changed over the last fifteen years, the percent change from 1990 to 2005-2009 was calculated for each tract. Independent Sample T-tests were conducted at the national level, MSA level, and county level (when the sample size was large enough) using SPSS to determine if the difference in the target group's derived socioeconomic index and variables were significantly different from the control group. The findings indicate the target groups overwhelmingly outperformed the control groups for the socioeconomic index and every variable except unemployment. The results of this study may be valuable for policymakers to develop thresholds and guidelines for future LIHTC development in areas concentrated by poverty. / by Rebecca J. Walter. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2012. / Includes bibliography. / Electronic reproduction. Boca Raton, Fla., 2012. Mode of access: World Wide Web.

published_or_final_version / Housing Management / Master / Master of Housing Management

published_or_final_version / Housing Management / Master / Master of Housing Management

This research project explores the relevance of the available urban political geographic literature to understanding mobilization that occurred in opposition to rent increases,and the proposed alteration of a national political boundary in the urban black township of Lamontville. A theoretical extension to the available literature was proposed. The choice of methods of investigation, was informed by the need for geography to be more relevant to the present political climate evident on the urban terrain, as well as the theoretical necessity to interact with individual intellectuals of the organization. As such direct and indirect methods of investigation and data gathering were utilized. These included Participant Observation, In-depth Focus Interviews and a Content Analysis of the media. In the course of investigation it proved enlightening to move beyond the conventional subject/object dichotomy to engage in the moment of reflexive activity (Willis, 1976). The research clarified that the theoretical and methodological innovations suggested were necessary; if the process embodied by the organization was to be understood; if geography was to be capable of contributing to such an understanding; and if this understanding was to be relevant and informative to the investigated organization. / Thesis (M.A.)-University of Natal, Durban, 1986.

Employee Engagement Model for the Multi-family Rental Housing Industry Deborah R. Phillips 238 Pages Directed by Dr. Roozbeh Kangari The multi-family rental housing industry has faced numerous challenges in the past decade. Increased competition, declining occupancy rates and higher operating expenses have forced management companies to re-examine their organizational strategies, particularly as it applies to its human capital. Employee engagement has become an emerging topic and shows that engaged employees perform better, put in extra effort to help get the job done, show a strong level of commitment to the organization, and are more motivated and optimistic about their work goals. Companies now recognize the value in fostering a climate in which engaged employees drive sales by creating loyal customers. However, despite documented support identifying the link between engaged employees and more impressive business outcomes, little research has concentrated on the special needs and challenges of the multi-family rental housing industry. Further, there are limited tools available to assist owners and managers with the task of identifying the drivers affecting employee engagement. An Employee Engagement Model (EEM) was developed to allow multi-family apartment rental property owners and managers to determine the percentage of satisfied residents for a given average level of engagement score. This research utilized statistical analysis, neural network techniques, and probabilistic modeling to develop the Employee Engagement Model. The Employee Engagement Model (EEM) offers new knowledge in the relationship between employee engagement and resident satisfaction in the multi-family rental housing industry. New knowledge may also be derived in correlations of certain aspects of employee engagement and the likelihood of residents extending their leases or referring others to his/her community, thus improving business performance. It is expected that the Employee Engagement Model (EEM) will provide useful feedback to multi-family professionals in their process of talent management. It is also expected that further discussions toward improvements in measuring employee engagement and its impact on satisfaction will be prompted by this research.

Thèse (M.A.)--Université du Québec, 1986. / Comprend des réf. bibliogr.: p. [195]-209.

O discurso dominante no Brasil vincula a ideia de acesso à moradia digna ao ideal de acesso à propriedade individual. A partir dessa constatação, a dissertação reflete sobre a ideologia da casa própria e seus desdobramentos relativos à política habitacional brasileira, buscando: (i) compreender como essa ideologia se expressa, hoje, em face do Programa Minha Casa Minha Vida; (ii) identificar se essa ideologia de fato representa um obstáculo à viabilização programas habitacionais alternativos, como o aluguel social. Para a realização da pesquisa foram identificados os principais atores envolvidos com a produção e aquisição de habitação de interesse social pelo Programa Minha Casa Minha Vida. No trabalho de campo, realizado na cidade de Curitiba, adotou-se a técnica da entrevista qualitativa semiestruturada. Os resultados do estudo revelam que o acesso à casa própria tem sido compreendido, sobretudo: (i) como a garantia da segurança de um teto em caso de eventual crise ou instabilidade política e econômica, e; (ii) como um investimento seguro em uma mercadoria com elevado potencial de troca. Constatou-se ainda que, embora a ideologia da casa própria de fato represente um obstáculo à viabilização de programas de aluguel social, políticas dessa natureza beneficiariam uma parcela importante da população. Nas conclusões, ressalta-se a importância do estímulo à reflexão sobre a habitação como um serviço básico, pautado em política habitacional ampla, que leve em conta a diversidade e as particularidades da população brasileira. / The widespread discourse in Brazil associates the idea of access to dignified housing to the ideal of access to individual homeownership. The present dissertation proposes some reflections on homeownership ideology and its implications regarding the Brazilian housing policy. The main objectives of the research are: (i) to comprehend how the homeownership ideology is expressed, whereas the current housing policy is ruled by the program Minha Casa Minha Vida and; (ii) identify whether this ideology is an obstacle to alternative housing programs, such as social rental housing. To carry out the research the main actors involved in the production and acquisition of social housing through Minha Casa Minha Vida were identified. During the fieldwork, conducted in the city of Curitiba, the technique of semi-structured qualitative interview was adopted. The results of the interviews revealed that homeownership is particularly understood as: (i) the home safety in case of any political or economic instability, and; (ii) a safe investment in a commodity with higher potential returns. Likewise, it was possible to observe that although the homeownership ideology have proven to be an obstacle to the viability of social rental programs, such housing modalities would benefit an important portion of the population. In conclusion, it is emphasized the importance of encouraging reflection on housing as a basic social service, based on extensive housing policy that embraces the particularities and the diversity of the Brazilian population.

O discurso dominante no Brasil vincula a ideia de acesso à moradia digna ao ideal de acesso à propriedade individual. A partir dessa constatação, a dissertação reflete sobre a ideologia da casa própria e seus desdobramentos relativos à política habitacional brasileira, buscando: (i) compreender como essa ideologia se expressa, hoje, em face do Programa Minha Casa Minha Vida; (ii) identificar se essa ideologia de fato representa um obstáculo à viabilização programas habitacionais alternativos, como o aluguel social. Para a realização da pesquisa foram identificados os principais atores envolvidos com a produção e aquisição de habitação de interesse social pelo Programa Minha Casa Minha Vida. No trabalho de campo, realizado na cidade de Curitiba, adotou-se a técnica da entrevista qualitativa semiestruturada. Os resultados do estudo revelam que o acesso à casa própria tem sido compreendido, sobretudo: (i) como a garantia da segurança de um teto em caso de eventual crise ou instabilidade política e econômica, e; (ii) como um investimento seguro em uma mercadoria com elevado potencial de troca. Constatou-se ainda que, embora a ideologia da casa própria de fato represente um obstáculo à viabilização de programas de aluguel social, políticas dessa natureza beneficiariam uma parcela importante da população. Nas conclusões, ressalta-se a importância do estímulo à reflexão sobre a habitação como um serviço básico, pautado em política habitacional ampla, que leve em conta a diversidade e as particularidades da população brasileira. / The widespread discourse in Brazil associates the idea of access to dignified housing to the ideal of access to individual homeownership. The present dissertation proposes some reflections on homeownership ideology and its implications regarding the Brazilian housing policy. The main objectives of the research are: (i) to comprehend how the homeownership ideology is expressed, whereas the current housing policy is ruled by the program Minha Casa Minha Vida and; (ii) identify whether this ideology is an obstacle to alternative housing programs, such as social rental housing. To carry out the research the main actors involved in the production and acquisition of social housing through Minha Casa Minha Vida were identified. During the fieldwork, conducted in the city of Curitiba, the technique of semi-structured qualitative interview was adopted. The results of the interviews revealed that homeownership is particularly understood as: (i) the home safety in case of any political or economic instability, and; (ii) a safe investment in a commodity with higher potential returns. Likewise, it was possible to observe that although the homeownership ideology have proven to be an obstacle to the viability of social rental programs, such housing modalities would benefit an important portion of the population. In conclusion, it is emphasized the importance of encouraging reflection on housing as a basic social service, based on extensive housing policy that embraces the particularities and the diversity of the Brazilian population.

O discurso dominante no Brasil vincula a ideia de acesso à moradia digna ao ideal de acesso à propriedade individual. A partir dessa constatação, a dissertação reflete sobre a ideologia da casa própria e seus desdobramentos relativos à política habitacional brasileira, buscando: (i) compreender como essa ideologia se expressa, hoje, em face do Programa Minha Casa Minha Vida; (ii) identificar se essa ideologia de fato representa um obstáculo à viabilização programas habitacionais alternativos, como o aluguel social. Para a realização da pesquisa foram identificados os principais atores envolvidos com a produção e aquisição de habitação de interesse social pelo Programa Minha Casa Minha Vida. No trabalho de campo, realizado na cidade de Curitiba, adotou-se a técnica da entrevista qualitativa semiestruturada. Os resultados do estudo revelam que o acesso à casa própria tem sido compreendido, sobretudo: (i) como a garantia da segurança de um teto em caso de eventual crise ou instabilidade política e econômica, e; (ii) como um investimento seguro em uma mercadoria com elevado potencial de troca. Constatou-se ainda que, embora a ideologia da casa própria de fato represente um obstáculo à viabilização de programas de aluguel social, políticas dessa natureza beneficiariam uma parcela importante da população. Nas conclusões, ressalta-se a importância do estímulo à reflexão sobre a habitação como um serviço básico, pautado em política habitacional ampla, que leve em conta a diversidade e as particularidades da população brasileira. / The widespread discourse in Brazil associates the idea of access to dignified housing to the ideal of access to individual homeownership. The present dissertation proposes some reflections on homeownership ideology and its implications regarding the Brazilian housing policy. The main objectives of the research are: (i) to comprehend how the homeownership ideology is expressed, whereas the current housing policy is ruled by the program Minha Casa Minha Vida and; (ii) identify whether this ideology is an obstacle to alternative housing programs, such as social rental housing. To carry out the research the main actors involved in the production and acquisition of social housing through Minha Casa Minha Vida were identified. During the fieldwork, conducted in the city of Curitiba, the technique of semi-structured qualitative interview was adopted. The results of the interviews revealed that homeownership is particularly understood as: (i) the home safety in case of any political or economic instability, and; (ii) a safe investment in a commodity with higher potential returns. Likewise, it was possible to observe that although the homeownership ideology have proven to be an obstacle to the viability of social rental programs, such housing modalities would benefit an important portion of the population. In conclusion, it is emphasized the importance of encouraging reflection on housing as a basic social service, based on extensive housing policy that embraces the particularities and the diversity of the Brazilian population.

This research will focus on the influence of legislation (as indicated in this research) on the investment decision in residential income-producing property. Assumptions, as recorded in the hypothesis of this study, indicate that the legislation had a changing influence on the investment decision in residential income-producing property in comparison to the time period prior to the promulgation of the legislation. The research methodology will be based on a comparative analysis of the current legislation and the proposed Draft Amendment Bill. This analysis will be tested by means of a case study analysis incorporating a phenomenological study based on written data. The problems, sub-problems and hypothesis will be addressed and tested in this research in conjunction with the prescribed research methodology. This research is concluded by means of a synopsis and recommendations.