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December 1, 1965
SUMMARY REPORT TO THE PRESIDENT
BY THE TASK FORCE ON THe CITIES
TNTRODUCTION
The Task Force was convened on October 28 to give con-
sideration to issues and proposals in four areas: (1) neighborhood
centers, (2) homeownership by the poor, (3) Urban Development
Corporation, and (4) landlord-tenant relations.
GENERAL CONCLUSIONS
Neighborhood Centers: A federal inter-agency program
should be initisted on a demonstration basis. But the goal should
be to shape the total service system of a city, so that it effectively
meets needs from the individual's viewpoint and not just to test out
different kinds of "models" as though neighborhood centers are ends in
themselves rather than the delivery arm of the city's service system.
Homeownership by the Poor: Is a good idea and well worth
trying on a pilot program basis. But it is no panacea. It should
be made part of a larger neighborhood improvement program. It should
make ownership possible outside the slum as well as in is. Dwellings
should be rehabilitated prior to assumption of ownership. Low
interest loans and rent supplements or other subsidies from owners
will be necessary.
Urban Development Corporation: As & means of stimulating
ce
echnological and other cost-saving innovations, it is an attractive
ea. But it must be done on a large enough scale if it is to have
‘a
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any impact. A number of risks are involved. Firm commitments on the
availability of low-interest loans and rent supplements must be made.
Landlord-tensent relations: The federal government hes present
euthority, and can issue additional administrative regulations, to
help tenants by requiring vigorous code enforcement as a condition
a
ederal assistance. In addition, consideration should be given to
Fy
or
using welfare payments as leverage to correct serious code violations
by landlords. HUD's aid program for code enforcement should be used in
slum areas. A National Institute of Urban Housing Law should be es-
teblished.
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