View Research by Author - Carol Rabenhorst

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Citation URL: http://www.urban.org/CarolRabenhorst

International experience suggests that there is a strong causal link between housing demand, housing finance, financial sector development and economic growth. Yet, a housing market cannot flourish without mortgage finance, which allows all but the poorer segments of the population to purchase, expand or improve their homes, or to use the equity in their homes for other purposes, such as major purchases, college education, travel or investment. There is now growing recognition of these connections among policy-makers in developing and transition countries, and among international development donors who wish both to strengthen financial markets and to improve the economic well-being of citizens in their client countries. This paper provides an overview of the constraints and opportunities for condominium housing and mortgage lending in emerging markets.

The devastation and displacement of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita poses a unique set of affordable housing challenges. Although everyone who was displaced by the disaster face significant housing challenges, the needs of low- and moderate-income renters warrant far more attention than they have thus far received. Without affordable rental options, many residents will not be able to return to their communities and the region’s economic recovery may be undermined by the lack of critical workers. This report is intended to help inform and invigorate public debate about affordable rental housing policies that would improve the ongoing recovery from the storms.

This paper presents the findings from a 2003 assessment of the conditions that impede or support minority returns and reintegration in post-conflict Kosovo. The assessment analyzes the status, perceptions, knowledge, and attitudes of groups of internal displaced persons (IDPs) that hinder or promote their successful return and reintegration, and determines the economic, political, and social preconditions that are necessary to create sustainable multi-ethnic communities. The report describes the findings of the assessment team, presents an analysis of relevant issues, and provides specific guidance and recommendations to USAID/Kosovo on how existing and future programs can best support the conditions requisite to successful returns and reintegration.

Recent reports suggest that between now and the end of fiscal year 2004 state governments' budgetary shortfalls will exceed $100 billion. To balance their budgets, states are planning large cuts in state spending. This paper explores the likely fiscal impacts of these budget cuts on local governments and school districts. Limited evidence suggests that states will enact substantial cuts in state aid and will shift responsibilities to local governments without transferring adequate resources. The paper also explores how local governments and school districts are likely to respond to sharp reduction in state resources.

Though Uzbekistan began privatizing apartments in 1993, by 2002, owners continued to have virtually no control over the operation and management of their property; the local government selected leaders, set maintenance fees, and appointed building managers. In an effort to introduce democratic reforms to housing governance in Uzbekistan, USAID asked UI to conduct a preliminary assessment of the legal and operational status of housing partnerships. This report provides an overview of the institutional climate for introducing housing reforms--examining the legal framework, role of government entities, attitudes towards housing partnerships, and housing-related activities of local NGOs and international donors.

This document presents the text of an Armenian law adopted on May 7, 2002 regarding apartment building management. Written by Urban Institute staff, there are 33 articles covering the scope of the law, definitions, rights of ownership, common shared property, rights and responsibilities of owners, the governing body and budget procedures.

Conducted at the outset of the Urban Institute's Local Government Program in Armenia, this study seeks to determine the status of local government reform and to support design of a 3-year technical assistance program. Findings cover fiscal and administrative decentralization, service delivery and citizen participation, and confirm that local government remains weak and largely ineffective. Causes include an ambiguous legal framework, inadequate authority and revenue to deliver basic services and lack of citizen interest in local governance. The study includes preliminary recommendations to address these problems.

This report examines the status of real property laws, institutions, and transactions in Bosnia-Herzegovina's property market, and offers recommendations for reforms necessary to achieve a real estate sector that functions on market principles. Motivated in part by a concern for the property rights of war refugees and displaced persons, the report's recommendations call for a property rights framework that accommodates both the existing post-conflict conditions and market factors in the future.

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