In 1918, the US government embarked on a radical experiment, designing and constructing over 80 new communities across 26 states in just two years. These communities were thoughtfully designed, complete with parks, schools, shops, and sewer systems, providing housing for almost 100,000 people.
A Brief but Lasting Legacy
The US Housing Corporation, a shuttered agency, led this effort, which showed that large-scale public housing could be thoughtfully designed and community-oriented. Although the scope of the Housing Corporation’s work was national, each planned community took into account regional growth and local architectural styles.
The Housing Corporation’s efforts demonstrated that government has a major role in finding innovative solutions to complex challenges. This legacy serves as a reminder that bold public action can meet urgent needs, such as the current housing crisis.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
