Wrapping Up

The research into the low-income housing tax credit buildings in New York City is now complete. I now have a week to do some analysis. While a large chunk of my time this summer has been spent deep inside the bowels of the interwebs constructing this database, in talking to my boss I was pleased to learn that he spent his first full year as a full-time policy analyst with the agency developing a similar database that they now use for virtually all of their housing analysis and share with lobbyists and government officials. It may not be as glamorous as the (action-packed intern-based adventure) movies, but it’s important work. My data and analysis will be the centerpiece of the next housing report they put out annually, which typically comes with a press conference with at least the mayor, if not other important officials.

The good news is that my findings (tentatively, as of now, based on my gut reaction, which may change after further analysis) are that the LIHTC generally works in so far as enabling affordable housing. And that’s a good thing.

About these ads