 |
Resolutions Adopted at the
67th Annual Conference of Mayors
New Orleans, Louisiana
June 11-15, 1999 |
|
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND HOUSING
CELEBRATING HOMEOWNERSHIP WEEK
WHEREAS, the second week in June is designated as National Homeownership Week;
and
WHEREAS, the homeownership rate is the highest in the nation’s history,
with over 69.8 million families own their own homes, a 7.8 million increase since 1993;
and
WHEREAS, in 1999 for the first time in history more than 50% of urban residents
own their own homes; and
WHEREAS, despite a record homeownership rate of 66.3% in 1998, much lower rates
prevail for minorities, especially for African American households (46.1%) and Hispanics
(44.7%), and these gaps are only partly accounted for by differences in income, age, and
other socioeconomic factors; and
WHEREAS, the Administration has proposed a series of actions to increase the
homeownership rate for minorities and city residents,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that in celebration of Homeownership Week, the
U.S. Conference of Mayors strongly supports Administration efforts to increase
homeownership, including:
Lowering Federal Housing Administration (FHA) premiums for FHA mortgages in cities,
Participation in the "Million Homes" project jointly sponsored with the U.S.
Conference of Mayors and the National Association of Homebuilders,
Increasing the affordable housing lending goals for Government Sponsored Enterprises
(GSE’s)to effectively expand lending to low-, moderate- and middle-income borrowers
and underserved neighborhoods.
Expanding efforts such as the Officers Next Door program, and the Teachers Next Door
which provide discounts on HUD homes in city neighborhoods for police officers and
teachers.
TOP