TENANT-BASED SECTION 8 BLOCK GRANT PROPOSAL
WHEREAS, the tenant-based Section 8 program, administered successfully by local public
housing authorities (PHAs) and other entities, provides housing vouchers to 1.8 million low-income families to assist them in securing rental housing in the private market; and
WHEREAS, local administration of the program is critical to its success, as the program depends
on the ability to adjust quickly to changes in the local housing market and build relationships with
private landlords; and
WHEREAS, HUD's budget proposal for fiscal year 2004 calls for block-granting the Section 8
program to the states and does not provide sufficient monies to renew all existing housing
vouchers; and
WHEREAS, Congress is considering S. 947 and H.R. 1841 that would implement the
Administration's proposal to block grant Section 8 funds to the states beginning in fiscal year
2005; and
WHEREAS, if enacted, these proposals would impede the effectiveness of the Section 8 program,
reduce necessary funding over time, add additional administrative barriers and costs, and likely
result in a reduction of families served by Section 8,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the U.S. Conference of Mayors urges Congress
to defeat S. 947 and H.R. 1841 and provide sufficient funds for the Section 8 program in fiscal
year 2004 to ensure the renewal of all existing vouchers.
©2003 U.S. Conference of Mayors 
