Policymakers seeking to decrease concentrations poverty often define high-poverty neighborhoods as those with poverty rates of 40 percent or more; however, local jurisdictions may wish to consider lower thresholds of poverty concentration as well as a variety of other indicators when deciding where to focus their efforts, such as the percentage of the population on public assistance, the percentage of single parent families, and crime rates.

Addressing the concentration of poverty using the housing policy toolkit

Local jurisdictions can use several approaches to address the concentration of poverty. The approach (or combination of approaches) that will be most effective depends on available resources and neighborhood characteristics.

• Attract a diversityA description of variety, not equivalent to racial justice or inclusion. of residents to high-poverty areas. To stabilize population losses and diversify income levels in high-poverty neighborhoods, communities can take steps to attract new households, including moderate- and middle-income households. For example, local jurisdictions can support the development of homeownership units in high-poverty neighborhoods, including by providing incentives such as tax abatementReduction or elimination of taxes granted to property owners by the government in order to stimulate publicly beneficial activities, such as investment in capital equipment.s or donations of  if needed to stimulate market-rate development. The creation of Low Income Housing Tax CreditA dollar-for-dollar tax reduction against federal tax liability, provided to developers based on the criteria set out in the states' qualified allocations plan. It is the primary source of funding for increasing and preserving supply of affordable rental homes. units and other dedicated affordable housing aimed at the higher end of the eligible spectrum can also contribute to a greater income mix.
• Improve the quality of life in high-poverty areas. Cities, towns, and counties can also support current residents and owners in efforts to beautify the neighborhood and improve the condition of existing housing. These initiatives help to improve the quality of life for existing residents, and can potentially attract new households. For example, local jurisdictions can initiate targeted code enforcement efforts to address safety concerns as well as violations that undermine a home’s curb appeal. Rather than taking a punitive approach to enforcement, cities, towns, and counties can use a cooperative approach that involves working with property owners and providing assistance to address deficiencies if needed.Cities, towns, and counties can also create tax-increment financing districts to fund infrastructure improvements and streetscape projects that improve neighborhood appearance and livability. Modest investments in new housing units or neighborhood infrastructure may be sufficient to attract new households to high-poverty areas that offer other advantages, such as proximity to employment centers or high-speed transit. In areas that lack these advantages, however, investment in a comprehensive redevelopment project may be needed to change the trajectory of a neighborhood. Comprehensive initiatives may require significant investment in housing and non-housing activities alike, such as improvements in public schools or initiatives to promote economic development.In areas with large public housingA federal program dedicated to providing decent and safe rental housing for low-income families, older adults, and persons with disabilities. There are around 1.2 million houesholds residing in public housing units, managed by over 3,000 housing authorities. Programs differ in types and sizes. or project-based Section 8A federal program that assists low-income households afford rental housing. The tenant-based program allows the voucher holders to choose any unit that meets the program requirements; project-based program ensures selected units to remain affordable regardless of the tenant. In both cases, the voucher holder is responsible for paying about 30% of the unit including utilities, and the government covers the balance. developments, participation in the Choice Neighborhoods or Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) program can be an important part of such a comprehensive effort. These programs support the redevelopment of public housing and privately-owned multifamily developments, including as lower-density mixed-income developments that reduce concentrations of poverty. Local jurisdictions that are considering any of these approaches should be aware of potential effects on existing neighborhood residents, such as increased rents and property taxes, and take steps to protect against displacement as higher-income residents move into the area or affordable housing developments are redeveloped. See the Housing Policy Library section on Protect against displacement and poor housing conditions for policy tools that promote stability for renters and homeowners.
• Improve opportunities in high-poverty neighborhoods. A range of non-housing measures like school improvement and school access, transportation access, targeted public health initiatives, job creation, and workforce development can directly or indirectly help to support low-income families’ employment and earnings prospects. Targeted application of programs like Jobs Plus for residents of public housing, and implementation of workforce development programs available to all interested community members, can address barriers to employment and, over time, enable families to increase their incomes and/or move from areas of concentrated poverty to resource-richA term to define neighborhoods that offer abundant amenities, such as access to quality schools and public libraries, streets and parks that are free from violence and provide a safe place to play, and fresh and healthy food. neighborhoods.
• Facilitate moves to resource-rich areas. Local jurisdictions can take steps to make it easier for low-income households in areas of concentrated poverty to find housing they can afford in resource-rich areas. For example, cities, towns, and counties can partner with public housing agencies (PHAs) to increase the likelihood that housing choice voucherOfficially known as "Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher". It is the largest and most sought after housing program in America. Section 8 HCVs are managed by various public housing agencies (most commonly referred to as housing authorities), which falls under the supervision of HUD. Program participants typically pay 30% of the rent, and the rest is covered by the HCV. holders will be able to use their vouchers in resource-rich neighborhoods. Mobility counseling can increase families’ knowledge of available housing options, and outreach to landlords in these areas can broaden the pool of providers who will accept vouchers. Implementation of Small Area Fair Market Rents (SAFMRs) or exception payment standards based on SAFMRs in high-cost areas may also help voucher-holders access housing in a broader range of neighborhoods. Local jurisdictions can also create new dedicated affordable housing in resource-rich neighborhoods. Housing department staff can give priority to these areas when allocating resources for new development, and PHAs can seek out opportunities for project-basing vouchers in resource-rich areas. By increasing the availability of affordable housing and housing choice for low-income families in resource-rich areas, cities, towns, and counties can help to prevent the creation of new areas of concentrated poverty and potentially reduce the number of residents in such areas.

This exhibit describes how policy tools in the Housing Policy Library can be used to decrease concentrations of poverty. The policies listed here are illustrative options within each category.

Combining policies to reduce poverty concentrations

Analysis in support of a city’s housing strategy identifies three neighborhoods as having high rates of poverty. The housing stock in those neighborhoods has a high percentage of dedicated affordable housing, with some privately owned multifamily rental buildings in poor condition and single family housing that is partially vacant. The multifamily and single-family rentals have a high portion of voucher users. One neighborhood is close to an employment center and a rapid transit station and has rents and house prices that have risen somewhat since the Great Recession. The other two are more isolated, and property values continue to decline.

Part of the city’s housing strategy is to develop an action plan for each neighborhood. For the neighborhood with location advantages, the city provides gap financing for a new LIHTC development. For the two more isolated neighborhoods, the city increases bus service, implements community policing, and supports the development of new health clinics. For all three neighborhoods, the city targets housing code enforcement and opportunities for workforce development to help existing residents increase their earnings. The City also encourages the PHA to administer the voucher program in a way that expands opportunities for voucher holders to afford the rents in resource-rich areas and provides funding for mobility counseling to help existing and new voucher holders identify and access these opportunities.