City government assignment – affordable housing

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On Wednesday, February 19, Houston City Council voted to approve resolutions giving the city’s support to 23 proposed Low Income Housing Tax Credit developments scattered throughout Houston. The Low Income Housing Tax Credit program allows apartment operators to take a credit against their income tax in exchange for agreeing to lease apartments at affordable rents to residents with incomes below a certain percentage of the average income for the area.

The resolution passed to support all 23 proposals, but not without opposition to various projects by various council members – mostly for the proposed communities in their districts.

Houston’s support for affordable housing is not new. Mayor Sylvester Turner has worked hard to ramp up the city’s efforts to provide more housing options for more low-income Houstonians. What is new, though, is the holistic approach of mapping out and passing 20 tax credit support resolutions at one time, with the properties very meticulously dispersed throughout the entire city. The city’s list of supported projects include some in high-dollar neighborhoods that have not been chosen for affordable housing in the past. Two of the properties are in the Heights and one is on Post Oak Boulevard inside Loop 610.

Why is the city looking at these locations, and why now?

A few years ago, Houston began planning a 233-unit affordable housing community on Fountain View, in the Galleria area. At an estimated $53 million, the property was far more expensive that most similar projects. On the one hand, the project would have provided 233 units in a “high opportunity area,” zoned for good schools. On the other hand, that same sum of money could have provided many more badly-needed housing units in areas with lower land costs. Mayor Turner opposed the Fountain View property in favor of other options that would provide housing for more people.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development immediately launched a five-month investigation, which resulted in a scathing 14-page letter accusing the city of “blocking and deterring affordable housing proposals in integrated neighborhoods.”

“The city’s refusal to issue a resolution of no objection for Fountain View was motivated either in whole or in part by the race, color, or national origin of the likely tenants,” Garry Sweeney, director of HUD’s Fort Worth’s regional office of fair housing and equal opportunity, wrote. “More generally, the department finds that the city’s procedures for approving Low-Income Housing Tax Credit applications are influenced by racially motivated opposition to affordable housing and perpetuate segregation.”

Mayor Turner, an African-American with strong roots among low-income Houstonians, saw the issue very differently. To him, focusing solely on housing in “high opportunity areas” was basically telling low-income Houstonians they should give up on their neighborhoods, and that working to improve the areas where they live would be a waste of money. If they want a better life, by that logic, they should give up on the neighborhoods they know and move somewhere else. Turner, as evidenced by his commitment to the Complete Communities program, is a supporter of investing in low-income communities and turning them into the high-opportunity areas in which HUD wants affordable housing.

Reasonable people can disagree about the best approach to affordable housing, but the most important point may be simply that Houston needs more affordable housing everywhere. With a population of over 2 million, Houston’s roughly 78,000 subsidized units are not nearly enough. As the cost of housing continues to rise faster than wages for unskilled and low-skilled workers, the gap between supply and demand is going to continue to grow.

Meanwhile, the 20 Houston properties supported by Houston City Council for tax credits will now have to compete for those credits with properties all over the state. Out of the 20 supported by the City of Houston, only about 10 are likely to be awarded credits and proceed to construction.

For your assignment this week, write a 2 – 5 page essay about the city’s decision to support these projects. Is this a good idea? Do you think there are better ways to proceed, and, if so, what suggestions would you have if you were a member of the Houston City Council?

Submit in Word. Cite your sources.

Resources

Here’s the Houston City Council agenda from that week (Look for Item 41, starting on page 8): http://www.houstontx.gov/citysec/agenda/2020/Feb1820.pdf (Links to an external site.)

If you go to the “online agenda,” for February 18, scroll down and click on Item 41, you can see the “backup” information given to council members: https://houston.novusagenda.com/agendapublic/ (Links to an external site.)

The Houston Chronicle wrote about the leadup to this: https://www.houstonchronicle.com/business/real-estate/article/Two-dozen-mixed-income-projects-seek-tax-credits-15047375.php (Links to an external site.)

…then the upcoming vote: https://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston-texas/houston/article/affordable-homes-tax-community-change-income-low-15065977.php# (Links to an external site.)

…and the outcome: https://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston-texas/houston/article/Houston-council-support-tax-credits-housing-afford-15068063.php (Links to an external site.)

Here’s a little background on the Low Income Housing Tax Credit program: https://www.nhlp.org/resource-center/low-income-housing-tax-credits/

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July 1, 2023

Most importance: Assessments must be submitted via Turnitin, and the similarity must below 20%.

The module is assessed (100%) by an individual Strategic Report (maximum 3,000 words) involving an in-depth, strategic analysis of a large organisation. The subject of the report will be decided by the module convenor but students will be able to choose from a list of 6 varied examples.

Instructions for assessment

should strictly NOT exceed 3,000 words and demonstrate clear report style with relevant Harvard references. It is to be a unified whole that answers three questions (see below) focused on the selected organisation. Formative work in weekly seminars will guide students through analytical techniques and processes required to complete the task.

For the selected organisation, assume you are an outside consultancy reporting to the Chief Executive. The Strategic Report should:-

1). Identify 3 key strategic issues facing the organisation with a clear explanation of why they are “strategic” (20%).

2). Analyse fully the resources and key capabilities of the organisation plus key factors that give the company its competitive advantage. (40%)

3). Assess the extent to which the organisation’s competitive strategy

addresses its strategic issues, and suggest improvements where they

might be justified. (30%)

A further 10% is available for clarity, structure, grammar, correct Harvard referencing and overall professional presentation showing clear report style.

Best answers will draw explicitly on strategic concepts and analysis from the module and apply them to the organisation. Clear referencing (Harvard system), professional presentation with appropriate diagrams/tables are required.

Again note the report should not exceed 3,000 words. Appendices are allowed outside this limit but NO MORE than 6 pages.

How will your work be assessed?

Your work will be assessed by a subject expert who will use the marking scheme indicated below. Feedback will be given in the Turnitin/Grademark system with script comments plus overall points. When you access your marked work it is important that you reflect on the feedback so that you can use it to improve future assignments.

In this Strategic Report, high marks come from using strategic concepts and analysis from the module clearly applied to the organisation. Harvard referencing, a professional report style plus appropriate diagrams/tables are also required. Outline marking expectations are as follows:-

Q1: (20%) After a short introduction, we expect 3 key Strategic Issues with explanations and knowledge of why they are “strategic”. The 3 environments (PESTLE, 5 Forces & internal) should be used as a guide.

Q2: (40%) We expect strong course knowledge, clear industry CSFs plus the organisation’s resources & unique capabilities well analysed. Also how unique capabilities link to advantage & CSFs, and their Porter generic strategy.

Q3: (30%) We expect an evaluation of how their strategy addresses their issues using the three SAFe tests – plus how it might be improved. A short overall conclusion completes the report.

PRESENTATION: (10%) We expect a professional report with clear report style (not an essay) e.g. frontsheet, contents, clear sections, tables & diagrams and relevant Harvard referencing. The word count should not be exceeded by more than 10%.

(In addition to marker feedback, a full marking rubric will be available within the Turnitin submission system for student consideration.)

Assignment submissions.

The Business School requires a digital version of all assignment submissions. These must be submitted via Turnitin on the module’s Moodle site. They must be submitted as a Word file (not a pdf) and must not include scanned in text or text boxes. They must be submitted by 2pm on the given date. For further general details on coursework preparation refer to the online information via StudentZone

If you cannot submit a piece of work and wish to submit Mitigating Circumstances, the University Mitigating Circumstances Policy can be found on the University website

How will we support you with your assessment?

There will be weekly references to the assessment task in seminars and weekly activities in those seminars will be helpful in creating “scaffolding” for eventual submission. An assessment worksheet will be provided in Wk4 to assist the development of ideas.

The formative mini-casework in seminars will be of direct help in the application of relevant strategic tools. There will be regular Q&A sessions linked to the assessment report and in the final weeks of teaching there will be an opportunity to review and reflect upon work from previous cohorts.

The 6 cases (with initial links) from which you should choose are:-

Case study

Online links for more information

Johnson et al.

H&M in fast fashion: continued susses?

http://www2.hm.com/en_gb/home.html

Ed. 10: p.575 Ed. 11: p.576

Megabrew: creating an undisputed global brewing champion?

http://www.ab-inbev.com/investors/combination-with-sabmiller.html

Ed. 11: p.639

Ed. 10: p.647 (SAB Miller)

All change at Teva

http://www.tevapharm.com/about/profile/

Ed. 10: p.634

Ed. 11: p.690

Mondelez International: Are you going to stick around Irene?

http://www.mondelezinternational.com/investors

http://ir.mondelezinternational.com/sec.cfm?DocType=Annual&Year=&FormatFilter=

Ed. 10: p.686

Ed. 11: p.695

CRH plc: leveraging corporate strategy for value creation and global leadership

http://www.crh.com/

Ed. 11: p.705

Ed. 10: p.639

Flight Centre Limited: competing to provide the lowest air fares

https://www.flightcentre.co.uk/about-us/our-story

http://www.fctgl.com/our-brands/

http://www.fctgl.com/investors/annual-reports/

Ed. 11: p.636

Ed. 10: p.676

How will your work be assessed?

Your work will be assessed by a subject expert who will use the marking rubric provided on Moodle. When you access your marked work it is important that you reflect on the feedback so that you can use it to improve future assignments.

Referencing

You MUST use the Harvard System.

Tips for how to do make a good start:-

Tip 1: Read the Assessment Brief to understand clearly what is required.

Tip 2: Use web links to initially research each of the 6 organisations.

Tip 3: Choose your organisation with the assessment task in mind.

Tip 4: Assemble material from a wide range of research sources.

Tip 5: Focus on knowledge & application of relevant module concepts.

Tip 6: Participate in module seminars & draw lessons for your Report.

July 1, 2023

Most importance: Assessments must be submitted via Turnitin, and the similarity must below 20%.

Instructions for assessment

For the selected organisation, assume you are an outside consultancy reporting to the Chief Executive. The Strategic Report should:-

1). Identify 3 key strategic issues facing the organisation with a clear explanation of why they are “strategic” (20%).

2). Analyse fully the resources and key capabilities of the organisation plus key factors that give the company its competitive advantage. (40%)

3). Assess the extent to which the organisation’s competitive strategy

addresses its strategic issues, and suggest improvements where they

might be justified. (30%)

A further 10% is available for clarity, structure, grammar, correct Harvard referencing and overall professional presentation showing clear report style.

Again note the report should not exceed 3,000 words. Appendices are allowed outside this limit but NO MORE than 6 pages.

How will your work be assessed?

Q3: (30%) We expect an evaluation of how their strategy addresses their issues using the three SAFe tests – plus how it might be improved. A short overall conclusion completes the report.

(In addition to marker feedback, a full marking rubric will be available within the Turnitin submission system for student consideration.)

Assignment submissions.

If you cannot submit a piece of work and wish to submit Mitigating Circumstances, the University Mitigating Circumstances Policy can be found on the University website

How will we support you with your assessment?

The 6 cases (with initial links) from which you should choose are:-

Case study

Online links for more information

Johnson et al.

H&M in fast fashion: continued susses?

http://www2.hm.com/en_gb/home.html

Ed. 10: p.575 Ed. 11: p.576

Megabrew: creating an undisputed global brewing champion?

http://www.ab-inbev.com/investors/combination-with-sabmiller.html

Ed. 11: p.639

Ed. 10: p.647 (SAB Miller)

All change at Teva

http://www.tevapharm.com/about/profile/

Ed. 10: p.634

Ed. 11: p.690

Mondelez International: Are you going to stick around Irene?

http://www.mondelezinternational.com/investors

http://ir.mondelezinternational.com/sec.cfm?DocType=Annual&Year=&FormatFilter=

Ed. 10: p.686

Ed. 11: p.695

CRH plc: leveraging corporate strategy for value creation and global leadership

http://www.crh.com/

Ed. 11: p.705

Ed. 10: p.639

Flight Centre Limited: competing to provide the lowest air fares

https://www.flightcentre.co.uk/about-us/our-story

http://www.fctgl.com/our-brands/

http://www.fctgl.com/investors/annual-reports/

Ed. 11: p.636

Ed. 10: p.676

How will your work be assessed?

Referencing

You MUST use the Harvard System.

Tips for how to do make a good start:-

Tip 1: Read the Assessment Brief to understand clearly what is required.

Tip 2: Use web links to initially research each of the 6 organisations.

Tip 3: Choose your organisation with the assessment task in mind.

Tip 4: Assemble material from a wide range of research sources.

Tip 5: Focus on knowledge & application of relevant module concepts.

Tip 6: Participate in module seminars & draw lessons for your Report.

July 1, 2023

Most importance: Assessments must be submitted via Turnitin, and the similarity must below 20%.

Instructions for assessment

For the selected organisation, assume you are an outside consultancy reporting to the Chief Executive. The Strategic Report should:-

1). Identify 3 key strategic issues facing the organisation with a clear explanation of why they are “strategic” (20%).

2). Analyse fully the resources and key capabilities of the organisation plus key factors that give the company its competitive advantage. (40%)

3). Assess the extent to which the organisation’s competitive strategy

addresses its strategic issues, and suggest improvements where they

might be justified. (30%)

A further 10% is available for clarity, structure, grammar, correct Harvard referencing and overall professional presentation showing clear report style.

Again note the report should not exceed 3,000 words. Appendices are allowed outside this limit but NO MORE than 6 pages.

How will your work be assessed?

Q3: (30%) We expect an evaluation of how their strategy addresses their issues using the three SAFe tests – plus how it might be improved. A short overall conclusion completes the report.

(In addition to marker feedback, a full marking rubric will be available within the Turnitin submission system for student consideration.)

Assignment submissions.

If you cannot submit a piece of work and wish to submit Mitigating Circumstances, the University Mitigating Circumstances Policy can be found on the University website

How will we support you with your assessment?

The 6 cases (with initial links) from which you should choose are:-

Case study

Online links for more information

Johnson et al.

H&M in fast fashion: continued susses?

http://www2.hm.com/en_gb/home.html

Ed. 10: p.575 Ed. 11: p.576

Megabrew: creating an undisputed global brewing champion?

http://www.ab-inbev.com/investors/combination-with-sabmiller.html

Ed. 11: p.639

Ed. 10: p.647 (SAB Miller)

All change at Teva

http://www.tevapharm.com/about/profile/

Ed. 10: p.634

Ed. 11: p.690

Mondelez International: Are you going to stick around Irene?

http://www.mondelezinternational.com/investors

http://ir.mondelezinternational.com/sec.cfm?DocType=Annual&Year=&FormatFilter=

Ed. 10: p.686

Ed. 11: p.695

CRH plc: leveraging corporate strategy for value creation and global leadership

http://www.crh.com/

Ed. 11: p.705

Ed. 10: p.639

Flight Centre Limited: competing to provide the lowest air fares

https://www.flightcentre.co.uk/about-us/our-story

http://www.fctgl.com/our-brands/

http://www.fctgl.com/investors/annual-reports/

Ed. 11: p.636

Ed. 10: p.676

How will your work be assessed?

Referencing

You MUST use the Harvard System.

Tips for how to do make a good start:-

Tip 1: Read the Assessment Brief to understand clearly what is required.

Tip 2: Use web links to initially research each of the 6 organisations.

Tip 3: Choose your organisation with the assessment task in mind.

Tip 4: Assemble material from a wide range of research sources.

Tip 5: Focus on knowledge & application of relevant module concepts.

Tip 6: Participate in module seminars & draw lessons for your Report.

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City government assignment – affordable housing

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