Ten Steps to Affordable Housing. The New Circuit of Credit

Book Overview: Ten Pathways to Affordable Housing Subtitle: Breaking the Circle of Blame in Housing Policy Author: Roger Lewis Core Thesis The book argues that the affordable housing crisis stems from systemic design flaws, not market failure. Through 10 evidence-based pathways, it demonstrates how communities can reclaim housing from financialization and transform it into equitable infrastructure. Key Themes & Pathways Regulatory Reform Revolution Problem: Zoning laws, NIMBYism ("Not In My Backyard"), and bureaucratic barriers block affordable development (HUD, 1991). Solution: State-led overrides of exclusionary local policies (e.g., California's RHNA quotas). Decommodification Models Community Land Trusts (CLTs): Remove land from speculation. Public Credit Systems: Replicate North Dakota's state bank to fund housing without predatory debt. Climate-Policy Integration Problem: "Green" regulations inflate costs without addressing housing shortages (Chapman University, 2024). Solution: Pair density bonuses with sustainability mandates (e.g., transit-oriented development). University-Community Partnerships Case Study: Universities as anchors for equitable development, countering displacement (American Bar Association, 2024). Financial Reengineering Replace interest-based financing with community-controlled credit, slashing the 77% interest burden (Creutz, 2010). Pattern Language Design Apply Christopher Alexander's architectural principles for human-centered, livable communities. Blockchain Governance Transparent, resident-led decision-making for democratic development. Carbon-Neutral Affordable Housing Integrate renewable energy (solar, biogas) to cut costs via carbon credits. Inclusionary Zoning 2.0 Mandate affordable units in market-rate projects while avoiding supply reduction (CQ Researcher, 2018). Disaster-Resilient Communities Post-crisis rebuilding models that prioritize equity (e.g. , rejecting New Orleans-style "disaster capitalism").