ou will write a letter or email to the person you identified proposing a solution to an
issue of public policy. You can select an elected official, an appointed official, or a
leader of a special interest group.
Your message should be formatted as a formal letter using complete sentences. In
your message, make sure to do the following:
1. Define the issue that you are addressing (be as specific as possible).
2. Describe a proposed solution to the issue.
3. Acknowledge whether this requires action by the national government, the
state government, or both.
4. Identify which policy-making institutions are involved. How are they involved,
and what specific things do they need to do or to change?
5. What was the response from the official to your letter and policy proposal? Has any part
of your proposal already been implemented? What action can you make to further support
the solution?
6. How will you determine the effectiveness of your solution? What criteria will you
observe to evaluate the results of your solution?
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
[Email Address]
[Phone Number]
[Date]
[Recipient's Name]
[Recipient's Designation]
[Organization]
[Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
Dear [Recipient's Name],
I hope this letter finds you in good health and spirits. I am writing to address a pressing issue of public policy that requires immediate attention - the lack of affordable housing for low-income individuals in our community.
Specifically, our community is facing an acute shortage of affordable rental units, making it extremely difficult for low-income families to secure safe and stable housing. As a result, many individuals are forced to live in substandard conditions or spend an unsustainable portion of their income on housing, exacerbating poverty and social inequality.
To address this issue, I propose the implementation of a multi-faceted solution that involves both the national and state governments. Firstly, the national government needs to allocate sufficient funding to increase the supply of affordable housing units. This could be achieved through tax incentives for developers to construct affordable housing, increased federal funding for rental assistance programs, and the expansion of low-income housing tax credit programs.
Furthermore, the state government must play an active role in shaping policies that incentivize the construction of affordable housing within our community. This could include streamlining the permit and approval process for affordable housing projects, providing grants or loans to developers who commit to building affordable units, and implementing zoning regulations that encourage mixed-income neighborhoods.
To ensure the successful implementation of these proposed solutions, policy-making institutions such as the Housing and Urban Development Department at the national level and the State Housing Authority at the state level need to actively collaborate with local housing authorities, community organizations, and developers. These institutions must work together to streamline processes, secure funding, and monitor the progress of affordable housing initiatives.
I have yet to receive a response from you regarding my policy proposal, but I remain hopeful that you will consider its merits. As for the implementation of the proposal, I am pleased to inform you that a small portion of the suggested solution has already been implemented. Recently, the state government launched a pilot program to provide subsidies to developers who commit to building affordable rental units. This is a step in the right direction, but more needs to be done to address the magnitude of the issue.
To further support the solution, I plan to organize a community engagement event that raises awareness about the importance of affordable housing and highlights successful affordable housing initiatives in other communities. I believe that by engaging the public and generating support, we can create a collective voice and exert pressure on policymakers to prioritize this issue.
To determine the effectiveness of the solution, I propose monitoring key indicators such as the increase in affordable housing units, the reduction in rent burden on low-income individuals, and the overall improvement in the living conditions of our community members. Additionally, conducting periodic assessments of the impact of policies and programs implemented will provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of the solutions proposed.
I appreciate your attention and consideration in addressing this critical issue. By actively working together, we can make a substantial difference in the lives of many individuals who are currently burdened by the lack of affordable housing options. I eagerly await your response and remain committed to supporting and advocating for this solution.
Thank you for your time and dedication to public service.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]