Jeffrey S. Burum was appointed to the Millennial Housing Commission in 2000. The MHC’s objective as a federal program involved improving conditions for thousands of homes. In this role, Burum proposed five initiatives to enhance the quality of affordable housing. As the Chair of the commission, Burum did his best to ensure that the federal guidelines work at the state level.
The first recommendation distinguished the definition of preservation from production, separating them as separate functions. The distinction eliminates delays that could have displaced residents who lived in at-risk affordable housing. In addition, a requisition for additional funds allowed these factions to adjust to the ebb and flow of the market without getting caught up in the fluctuating real estate market.
The second proposal dealt with increasing the standards of operating expenses that provide funding for projects to be sustainable for the next four to five decades. This was designed to comply with structural stability norms and future codes.
The third initiative delved into innovation and experimentation. By implementing innovative ideas that are capable of changing along with the pulse of societal demands, efficiency can be attained through the trial and error process. If any given system is flawed by design, working out the kinks comes through alternate ways of thinking, which is why Burum suggested funding these venture capital endeavors.
The fourth proposition was for communities to be proactive in revitalization and maintenance, instilling a sense of leadership that would also lead neighboring towns to do the same. Realizing that the government can only work with engagement from the public, Burum wanted to encourage the local community to became a part of the overall efforts.
The last initiative was to reduce regulatory practices and place programs under one umbrella. States with flexible capital were urged to appropriate funds where needed, reducing and possibly eradicating section 8 funding altogether. Burum saw this as an opportunity for self sufficiency among the states in need of restructuring their urban modus operandi.
Mr. Burum felt that the housing department lost sight of its goals by not staying in touch with the people’s concerns, and he attempted to bridge the gap between residents and officials. His idea for a grassroots affordable housing campaign wasn’t the first of its kind, but has proven effective for fostering needed changes.