Note: please note that this issue overview should (a) contain links to the issue briefs on this topic that are focused either the local, state, national, or global level, and (b) be neutrally presented, based on facts, and include footnotes for each of the items.  See the Research Guide and Information Sources to assist you. 

Goal Statement  

• To increase the quantity and quality of housing for agricultural workers.

     

Policy Options / Program Models   specific policies or program models, grouped by type, that are profiled 

• Rehabilitation of existing sites that are presently abandoned. Also, rehabilitation of sites that are inhabited but can be hazardous to the health of tenants.
• Creation of innovative regulations at a local, state and federal level that do not limit the construction of affordable housing with requirements that are void in purpose.
• Encourage and foster additional affordable housing developments for farmworkers through a minimum 15 percent low-income housing requirement when adding new units to a city plan.
• Prevent discrimination against low income tenants, specifically farmworker housing through a law that specifically states.
• Allocate funds so that farmworker housing advocates can do outreach to communicate to the public and to city leaders the numerous benefits that result from additional farmworker housing and are enjoyed by not just the residents but also by the community at large (benefits that are not seen due to miscommunication/fear).

Issue Briefs   issue briefs on this topic at the local, state, national, global level

• Farm Worker Housing - USA

• Farm Worker Housing - Wenatchee, WA

Glossary of Terms   key words or phrases that the layperson needs to know to understand this issue 

NIMBY opposition- This type of opposition known as “Not In My Back Yard” is used to describe a community’s objection to an emerging development in their neighborhood. Opposition of this nature is strong and common when new farmworker housing developments are introduced in neighborhoods. This opposition emerges because neighbors believe that housing of this nature will depreciate the value of their property, increase crime in their neighborhood, and overcrowd their schools. This phenomenon is not particular to farmworker housing. It can also be seen in other areas like sitting hazardous waste sites or prison facilities.[1]