For years the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), and the NAHB National Research Center (formerly the NAHB Research Foundation, Inc.) have been searching for solutions to the rising cost of housing.
The Joint Venture for Affordable Housing (JVAH) program has been. a significant step toward lowering _ housing costs. This manual contains a compilation of proven cost-reduction methods of land planning and development, as well as actions local governments can take to _ encourage more affordable housing.
All the techniques may not be applicable in every situation, but most builders will find many ways to lower housing costs. Volume II, the companion manual, contains proven cost-saving construction techniques.
This manual is the result of material obtained from the Joint Venture for Affordable Housing Demonstration
builders and from other sources. It was prepared for the Department of Housing and Urban Development by the NAHB National Research Center. The demonstration program was directed by the Office of Policy Development and Research.
The principal author was Carol Baker Schaake, with assistance from E. Lee Fisher, Mark S. Nowak, Ralph Lee Smith and others who provided years of residential research effort and documentation. Most importantly, we wish to thank the builders of the JVAH demonstrations and the communities who took the risks and put their resources on the line to prove that affordable housing for all Americans can be a reality.
The work that provided the basis of this publication was supported by funding under a contract with the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The substance and findings of that work are dedicated to the public. The authors are solely responsible for the accuracy of the statements and interpretations contained in this publication. Such interpretations do not necessarily reflect the views of the Government.
