Housing, Politics and Mitchell-Lama

Jonathan Tarleton, an urban planner and oral historian, talked about his book 'Homes for Living: The Fight for Social Housing and a New American Commons.' We discussed his motivation behind writing the book, which focuses on two social housing cooperatives in Brooklyn and Manhattan. We go in-depth about the ongoing housing crises in the U.S., the difference between cooperatives and social housing as well as the disparities in wealth-building opportunities for Black and Brown communities. Tarleton explains his personal viewpoints on the Mitchell-Lama program, challenges in the co-op governance, the technicalities behind privatization and the broader fight for social housing. We also touch on how larger community involvement and public perception towards viewing housing as a public good can help sustain affordable housing models.

Jonathan Tarleton is a writer, urban planner, and oral historian. He is the author of Homes for Living: The Fight for Social Housing and a New American Commons. He previously served as the chief researcher on Nonstop Metropolis: A New York City Atlas and as the editor of Urban Omnibus. His essays have appeared in Orion, Jacobin, Hell Gate, Dirt, and beyond.

Social media: instagram: @jonathantarleton; twitter: @jttarleton; bluesky: @jonathantarleton