1)

Create) standard supply and demand curves to introduce the idea of rent controls. Explain unintended consequences.

2)

Research how rent control works in practice in an area near you (if you can't find information you can use San Francisco, New York, or Berkeley).

3)

Use standard supply and demand curves to introduce the theory behind Housing Subsidies to consumers as an alternative instrument to assist low-income households. How does this compare to rent control in terms of winners, losers, and unintended consequences?

4)

Show how the price elasticity of supply impacts the effectiveness of these programs (compare relatively inelastic supply to elastic supply - in which scenario do the programs work better and why?)

5)

The primary housing subsidy program in the US is the Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCVP) administered by the Dept of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Research this program: How big is it? Who benefits, etc.? What are the drawbacks of this program?

6)

Research zoning regulations in your area. Find and show a local housing zoning map. Are there building height requirements? Minimum lot sizes? Zones that can only have single family detached homes? Share what you have learned.

7)

Make a concrete affordable housing policy recommendation that you believe would improve on the current situation (this can be something other than what you have talked about above ... anything goes). Why? What are potential problems with your policy? What kind of opposition would you expect? (You do not have to pick a policy you think I will agree with - I am looking for evidence of critical thinking and appropriate use of the knowledge of this course.)