Law 287 - Housing and Urban Development: Law and Policy

In this class we will explore a broad range of issues concerning American housing policy. Topics will include the historical development of interventions in the housing market as well the economic justifications for these interventions. Regulatory and spending programs will be compared and contrasted. Particular emphasis will be placed upon the comparative advantages and disadvantages of government programs designed to stimulate supply and those geared to increasing demand. In addition, classes will be devoted to nonprofit, community-based housing, discrimination in the housing market, housing finance and homelessness. Where appropriate, we will comparisons and contrasts between housing laws and policies in Los Angeles and those of the nation as a whole.

All students will be required to submit a couple paragraphs that critiques some aspect of the readings for seven of the fourteen class sessions. These short critiques will not be graded. The grade for this class will be based upon: (1) completing and submitting the reading critiques (10%); class participation (15%) and the final examination (75%). Class attendance is mandatory.