NATIONAL HOUSING TRUST FUND
WHEREAS, affordable, healthy housing is at the core of strong communities; and
WHEREAS, despite experiencing the greatest economic expansion in history, housing needs have
reached an all-time high; and
WHEREAS, working men and women and families in our cities are having a difficult time finding
affordable housing and 7.2 million of the lowest income working families pay more than half of
their income for housing; and
WHEREAS, since 1976, new federal spending on housing has decreased substantially; and
WHEREAS, housing represents 20 percent of our national economy, is an economic stimulus and
creates jobs; and
WHEREAS, affordable housing must be a national priority; and
WHEREAS, nearly 200 housing trust funds have been created nationally, which serve as models
for what can and should be done at the national level; and
WHEREAS, a national housing trust fund should be established to construct, rehabilitate and
preserve housing; and
WHEREAS, legislation has been introduced in the House of Representatives (HR 1102) to create
a national housing trust fund; and
WHEREAS, local governments have played a significant role in the development of affordable
housing and that role is recognized and supported by the proposed national housing trust fund,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the U.S. Conference of Mayors strongly
supports the creation of a national housing trust fund and urges the passage of the National
Affordable Housing Trust Fund Act (HR 1102).
©2003 U.S. Conference of Mayors 
