elcome to the inaugural issue of PATHways, the bimonthly newsletter of the Partnership for Advancing Technology in Housing (PATH). At the U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), housing is our business and providing affordable housing in safe neighborhoods for all Americans is our mission. PATH, a private-public partnership announced by President Clinton last year, aims to dramatically improve the quality, cost effectiveness, durability, safety, and disaster resistance of housing in the United States. PATH represents the many ways that HUD, in partnership with other federal agencies, private industry, and professional associations (such as the National Association of Home Builders), is working to build affordable, environmentally friendly homes in livable communities across America.

The PATH program enhances livable communities in two distinct ways. New technologies almost always make housing more affordable over the long run because they are more energy efficient and reduce maintenance. New technologies are also more environmentally friendly, reducing air toxins and gas emissions.

Currently, a number of housing technologies identified by the PATH program are being used by national pilot sites in Los Angeles and Tucson.

The United States has the best housing system in the world, and HUD is proud to take a leadership role in PATH to promote, expand, and use new technology to make housing better for all Americans.