Dissertation Defense Schedule
Academic Excellence
Sharing original dissertation research is a principle to which the University of Delaware is deeply committed. It is the single most important assignment our graduate students undertake and upon completion is met with great pride.
We invite you to celebrate this milestone by attending their dissertation defense. Please review the upcoming dissertation defense schedule below and join us!
PROGRAM | Urban Affairs & Public Policy
A Tale of Energy-Burdened Cities: Connecting the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit to Energy Insecurity
By: Cara Clase Chair: Katie Fitzpatrick
ABSTRACT
In the United States, urban areas are one of the most energy-insecure spaces with energy-cost-to-income ratios (i.e. energy burdens) as high as 25%. This is more than twice the 10% standard energy insecurity studies use to distinguish highly energy-burdened households. Impoverished, urban areas tend to have residents that live in older and less energy-efficient housing that requires more energy – and thus money – to operate. Recognizing the limited options renters have to update or change their energy appliances and infrastructure, this dissertation takes a deeper look at urban energy burden’s relationship with the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC): a credit that incentivizes housing developers to build or renovate housing for low-income renters. This dissertation uses a fixed effects regression model to investigate the impact of LIHTC housing on the energy burdens of urban PUMAs and ConsPUMAs. The analysis found that PUMAs with more LIHTC units, especially newly-built units, had a significantly negative relationship with energy cost and energy burden in multiple model specifications. Additionally, the analysis also found strong evidence that infrastructure-centered programs like the Weatherization Assistance Program have a significantly negative relationship with energy cost and burden.
The Process
Step-by-Step
Visit our “Step-by-Step Graduation Guide” to take you through the graduation process.From formatting your Dissertation to Doctoral Hooding procedures.
Dissertation Manual
Wondering how to set up the format for your paper. Refer to the “UD Thesis/Dissertation Manual” for formatting requirements and more.
Defense Submission Form
This form must be completed two weeks in advance of a dissertation defense to meet the University of Delaware Graduate and Professional Education’s requirements.