On Earth Day 2008, I propose a housing policy for the 21st century based on the triple principles of Fair, Green, and Smart. Fair refers to fair housing, and a pro-active enforcement of the principle of non-discrimination in housing markets, home mortgage lending markets, and home insurance markets. Green refers to deliberate efforts to protect the environment, to conserve resources, and use renewable resources. Smart refers to adopting principles of smart growth such as using space efficiently, creating affordable rental and ownership housing, and building livable communities that are conducive to healthy community interactions.
Fair
Several towns (large and small) and rural areas in the U.S. were deliberately made into all-white or predominantly white settlements from around 1890 to 1940 through the expulsion of non-whites. While American Jews, Mexican Americans, Chinese Americans, and Native Americans were also in the expelled and excluded categories in many places, by far, it was African Americans that were expelled in the largest numbers and in the most number of places. Sociologist James Loewen documents this in his book Sundown Towns. He has compiled a list of U.S. municipal jurisdictions that were or are possibly maintained as exclusive white settlements.
As we move to an era of greater tolerance and a general abhorrence of racial/ethnic discrimination in America, it is not enough for these towns to quietly decide to not discriminate and to abide by federal fair housing legislation. It is necessary for former Sundown Towns, and indeed all municipalities, to pro-actively eschew the artificial racial homogeneity of their communities and to invite households of all ethnicities to reside in these communities.
Even today, in the 21st century, there are places in the U.S. that some even well-educated and middle class American Jews do not wish to settle in because they expect they will face hate and hostility there. Similarly, certain ethnic minorities too have learned to stay away from places where they expect to face a severe degree of hate and hostility. The relatively recent history of the expulsions and exclusions makes such fears understandable. Therefore, it will take more than merely stating that a town now has a policy of non-discrimination.
There will have to be a more concrete expression of inclusivity and respect. Discrimination in housing markets (both sales and rentals) and in home mortgage lending persists till today, as is well-documented in several studies. It is important for cities, towns, and rural areas to be committed to fair housing and create diverse, integrated communities that look like America. Overcoming segregation will help fulfill our ideal of one nation under God, indivisible.
Green
Global warming and climate change are facts of life that even avid non-interventionists in the world have now reluctantly accepted. All new housing developments, and remodeling of existing housing should implement green principles and technologies. These include the, by now, well-known energy-efficient home appliances, lighting, insulation materials, building materials, and improved building shells. The ENERGY STAR label today helps identify many of these green products.
A host of green building technologies are now available that homebuyers can demand and planning authorities should require. The U.S. Green Building Council has issued green technology guidelines and provides information to the public on which homes and buildings meet these guidelines. The LEED for Homes Pilot Program is being used to encourage the adoption of green technologies in housing. A LEED-rated home has 25% to 50% lower energy and water bills, reduced greenhouse gas emissions and fewer indoor toxins. What's not to like! Green housing uses water resources wisely, emphasizing conservation, reuse and recycling. Alternative fuels such as renewable energy sources are also emphasized in green housing.
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