Summary

Public housing in the U.S. was not an inherent failure but was deliberately undermined by restrictive policies, underfunding, and racial segregation.

Initiated during the 1930s New Deal to address housing shortages, public housing faced early opposition from real estate interests and lawmakers.

Key legislation like the George-Healey Act and later austerity measures under Nixon crippled its potential, leading to neglect and stigmatization.

Despite challenges, over 2 million Americans rely on public housing, and successful examples show its potential if properly funded and managed. Reform could revive this critical program for affordable housing.