On Thursday, May 23rd, CHPC hosted the Public Housing Revolution in the UK, where both the affordable housing industry and public housing residents were given elevated roles to help housing authorities improve the public housing conditions – with remarkable results. At CHPC’s event, attendees heard from an affordable housing owner/operator about the different ways they have played a part in these improvements. They also heard from a tenant organizer and a public housing resident who gave us his insight on how residents ensure that the changes are responsive to resident needs.
In the UK:
- There was even more public housing than in NYC. By 1979, 30% of all households in London were living in public housing.
- Public Housing conditions were drastically improved after regeneration
- A menu of options was possible, not one-size-fits-all
- Tenants were at the core of the decision making process
- Housing Authorities are now positioned to be strategic and asset management entities
Despite London’s larger scale and arguably worse conditions, a sustained effort has increased the quality of public housing in the UK. Public housing developments were regenerated via a menu of options. Social Landlords have a clear and transparent incentive to provide good management services. Tenants were at the center of the decision-making process.


Presentations
Introduction & Overview of Event
Presentation by Jessica Katz, Executive Director, CHPC
Overview of the Public Housing Revolution in the UK
Presentation by Sarah Watson, Deputy Director, CHPC
Role of Affordable Housing Providers
Presentation by Kate Davies, Chief Executive of Knotting Hill Genesis
→ Read More
Role of Tenants in Regeneration
Presentation by Geoff Bell, Co-Chair of the Woodberry Down Community Organization
Best Practice in Tenant Engagement
Presentation by Jenny Osbourne, Chief Executive of Tpas- the tenant engagement experts
Podcasts, Articles & Other Media
Crain’s Op-Ed by Jessica Katz
July 11, 2019- Lessons for NYCHA: How London fixed its public housing
Sarah Watson on Max & Murphy Podcast
Listen to CHPC’s Sarah Watson talk about the public housing revolution in the UK on the Max & Murphy Podcast!
City Limits – London Lessons for Public Housing in New York?
By Jarrett Murphy, May 30, 2019
Photos from the week!
Check out photos from our week