During the 86th Hlm Congress held in Bordeaux, the Federation of Public Housing Offices and the review Esprit organized a meeting between Thomas Cazenave, Mayor of Bordeaux, President of Bordeaux Métropole and Aquitanis, and Michel Ménard, President of the Federation and the departmental council of Loire-Atlantique. The exchange, moderated by Anne-Lorraine Bujon, director of the review Esprit, focused on the place of public social housing in territories and its future capacity for action.
The speakers emphasized that housing issues go beyond mere housing policy, impacting employment, aging populations, health, climate change adaptation, urban renewal, and social diversity. Through their territorial roots, public governance, and durable heritage, Housing Offices enable local authorities to implement long-term policies. Thomas Cazenave highlighted the example of the Aquitanis Office, describing it as an "essential operational lever for the metropolitan project."
“"Having a public social housing provider allows for the support of public policies. The public provider acts where no one else wants to go."
The discussion also addressed the sale of social housing assets. While it can support pathways to social homeownership, the exchanges urged a consideration of its long-term consequences on available supply and future investment capacities. Michel Ménard recalled that "public control of land is an essential issue" and that sales cannot replace housing policy. Thomas Cazenave offered a nuanced view, considering sales as a "pragmatic tool" for supporting life paths.
“"Sales are justified as a pragmatic tool in supporting a life path. At the local level, it is a useful lever that should not hesitate to be activated."
As the 2027 elections approach, the discussion focused on the link between diverse territorial realities and the need for national ambition in housing. Thomas Cazenave advocated for a vision that transcends administrative boundaries and for territorial reform to clearly identify responsible parties. Michel Ménard called for a 10-year multi-year programming law to provide long-term visibility for operators and address the challenge of housing habitability in the face of climate change.
This conversation is part of the prospective initiative Habiter 2040 | Coconstruire 2027, launched by the Federation to debate the future of public social housing.
