Common Ground Statement
 
(adopted in 2002 and readopted in 2003)
 
Our common vision for the future.
 
After extensive discussion and debate the Texas Housing Forum participants reached consensus on the following “Common Ground Statements” about housing and community development in Texas.
 
1. All participants in the affordable housing industry, community and movement will hold themselves to the highest level of integrity and ethical standards.
 
2. We will increase production of affordable housing to achieve parity of supply and demand.
 
3. We will work to eliminate predatory lending though consumer education, competitive financial products and appropriate regulatory reform.
 
4. We recognize NIMBY is often based on misconceptions of the people who need the housing but also sometimes on fears of poor quality and lack of management; therefore we will demonstrate:
-  proof of long term accountability
-  publicize individual successes and replicate as models
-  initiate a broad public awareness campaign
 
5. We will work to increase the supply of dedicated public funds to leverage private funds for affordable housing, utilizing state and local housing trust funds creatively through broad based approaches.
 
6. We will provide appropriate housing to meet the needs of Texas’ diversifying population, with particular commitment to those with the most need.
 
7. We will undertake programs of education which will:
a)  increase consumers’ awareness of issues related to predatory lending and other financial literacy issues.
b)  provide improved assistance to low- and moderate- income persons on negotiating the affordable housing maze.
c)  educate the public on the need for affordable housing
d)  improve public perception of affordable housing by celebrating our successes
e)  put a positive face on affordable housing consumers
d)  improve the public education system
 
8. We will engage in collaboration, coordination and cooperation In order to achieve the goal of access to and availability of affordable housing. The success of this goal requires the involvement and resources of, by and for all stakeholders.
 
9. We acknowledge the urgent need to develop adequate financial resources to serve the housing needs of people in poverty.
 
10. We will engage and educate leaders, especially political leaders, so that they can be more knowledgeable and focused on affordable housing as a priority.
 
11. We will promote public/private partnerships including federal, state and local government, educational institutions, public housing authorities, private nonprofit organizations and private corporations and financial institutions to develop, manage and preserve affordable housing for ALL Texans.
 
12. We will promote a comprehensive approach to community planning at the local level that creates and preserves livable, well designed, durable, regionally appropriate, income integrated neighborhoods.
(* visitable, accessible, energy efficient, pedestrian friendly.)
 
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