Los Angeles ACORN members help launch a statewide campaign for protections for renters in April 2002.

ACORN is working to make affordable housing available so people in low- and moderate-income neighborhoods can be homeowners. ACORN members demand more rehabilitation programs aimed at developing affordable housing and increased production of affordable housing.

In Baltimore, ACORN, among a coalition of labor, faith and community groups, recently passed an important piece of legislation, creating inclusionary housing for rental and coop developments with 30 or more units that have either received tax breaks or discounted land from the city.

The bill stipulates that subsidized developers be required to set aside 20 percent of their buildings’ units for low and moderate-income residents.

Eighteen months after the bill is enacted, the bill will apply to developments that have been rezoned. Those buildings would have to set aside 10 percent of units as affordable.

Eventually, the bill could be broadened to cover all residential developments if housing costs continue to rise.

Baltimore Mayor Sheila Dixon has established a housing fund with an initial deposit of $2 million to which additional monies will be generated through bonds and resource campaigns.