Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Delaware, 2009. / Principal faculty advisor: Steven Peuquet, Center for Community Research & Service. Includes bibliographical references.

The study analyzed variation among low income housing tax credit (LIHTC) allocation policies as outlined in state qualified action plans (QAP) and their impacts on the siting patterns of LIHTC properties in proximity to high performing schools. The study was performed nationwide across 37 states and controlled for factors relevant to the development location decision using census-based population characteristics and LIHTC property attributes. The purpose was to determine the effectiveness of LIHTC QAP allocation policies in motivating developers to site their developments near high-performing schools. QAPs typically use points when awarding tax credits competitively, and this study focused on points awarded for (1) access to high quality schools, (2) access to any schools, and (3) location in areas with attributes expected to correlate strongly with high quality schools. Multi-level linear modeling estimated that points for access to any schools had a significant and positive effect on location in a high performing school's catchment area, but other allocation policy variables had no significant effects. The findings inform readers about the ability of current allocation policy to influence developer actions, and discussion centers on policy recommendations and the need for further research. / Master of Urban and Regional Planning / Attendance at a high-performing school is critically important in determining short-term academic performance and long-term life outcomes in children. School choice remains limited, especially for lower-income households, and this suggests that housing policy can help children access neighborhoods and quality schools that promote their long-term success. Therefore, supporting the development of affordable housing near quality schools is an imperative social policy goal. This analysis focuses on housing policy to address the issue of a mismatch between low income students and high quality schools. The low income housing tax credit (LIHTC) program is the largest federal program for the production and preservation of affordable housing and its centrality to the geography of affordable multi-family housing in the country cannot be overstated. As shown in this and other research, LIHTC units are consistently placed in areas with access to under performing schools and a need exists for changes in state LIHTC policy. The study analyzed variation among LIHTC allocation policies as outlined in state qualified action plans (QAP) and their impacts on the siting patterns of LIHTC properties in proximity to high performing schools. This study has highlighted deficiencies in state QAPs, and changes in their allocation systems are warranted to improve LIHTC residents local school quality. The findings inform readers about the ability of current allocation policy to influence developer actions, and discussion centers on policy recommendations and the need for further research.

Since the mid-century proliferation of public housing, policy makers and environmental justice advocates have exposed the fact that geographically and economically isolated public housing sites are ultimately detrimental to residents and communities. In recent years, more progressive housing policies have emphasized the importance of site location in the success of housing programs. This study explores the intersection of affordable housing policy and “food desert” research, by assessing the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program in California, with specific attention to the grocery store category within the Site Amenities section. Since the inception of the LIHTC program in 1986, the California Tax Credit Allocation Committee (CTCAC) has made multiple revisions to its application process. The study evaluates the current accessibility of grocery stores from LIHTC sites in Alameda and Santa Clara Counties in Northern California. It also critiques the changes in application scoring, criteria, and the indicators of food facility proximity and quality, identifying weaknesses, recommendations, and areas for further research. It finds that despite CTCAC’s efforts to improve the effectiveness of the application, there does not seem to improvement in grocery store access over time. Further research is needed to determine whether this condition is a result of a failure on the part of the application process, or of high land costs and limited availability of developable land.