View Research by Author - Steven B. Butler

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

In 1997, USAID organized the Novgorod Regional Investment Initiative to accelerate economic transition at the local level, foster U.S.-Russian linkages, and spur increased trade and investment. This report describes UI's efforts to achieve these aims through reforming the region's land and real estate markets. The report outlines the objectives, activities, issues, and results for key reforms including: improving the tax structure for investment, establishing the legal and regulatory framework, stimulating markets through titling and land marketing, and regulating land use through zoning. In describing the experience of land reform activities in one Russian locality, this report offers a guide for other Russian cities looking to implement similar reforms.

This report is part of the work under the U.S. Agency for International Development's Partnership for Freedom (PFF) program. It is a survey and analysis of the laws governing land and real estate markets in the Novgorod, Russia, region. The report identifies impediments to private real estate markets and those areas of legal and regulatory reform upon which the work of PFF may focus. The report identifies the legal and regulatory framework for real estate markets in Russia and discusses the national legal context, initiatives already taken by Novgorod oblast (region) and city, and opportunities for further work under PFF.

This report is an outline of the basic laws—existing and in development—of the Russian Federation and the city of Moscow that relate to housing and urban development issues addressed in the U.S. Agency for International Development's technical assistance mission to Russia and the city of Moscow. Included is a listing of general commercial law, mortgage and finance law, housing law, land law, town planning law, condominium law, property registration law, and law pertaining to federalism and intergovernmental relations.

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