The well-being of urban populations depends on affordable quality housing, jobs and wages that support access to quality housing and services, and a community sense of place. Lack of reasonably priced housing options, loss of population and jobs, urban decay, residential segregation by race, gentrification, and costly public services threaten the prosperity of cities, regions, and communities.

The concentration in housing and community development examines:

• social inequities in the built environment
• federal, state and local housing and community development policies and programs
• community organizing and placemaking
• innovative public/private/neighborhood partnerships

SPPA courses

• Housing Policy
• Land Development Process
• Community Development Through Creative Placemaking
• Nonprofit Organizational Effectiveness I
• Economic Development Policy
• Sustainable Development: The Kerala Experience
• Poverty Policy

Finance courses

• Real Estate Process
• Real Estate Finance and Investments

Social Work courses

• Social Welfare Policy and Practice
• Theories and Skills for Working with Organizations and Communities