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2027 Mo Winograd Memorial Special Competition

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Solving America's Affordable Housing Crisis

Why is it becoming so difficult for working people to afford a place to live?

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This year’s topic is Solving America's Affordable Housing Crisis. It is an especially difficult problem which can be categorized as a local, national and international crisis. 

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Midnight Thursday, February 18 is the deadline for submissions by the MUN teams to Beth Foss.  Friday morning, February 19 Beth will relay the submissions to the Mo Winograd Memorial 2027 Special Team Competition review committee.  The Mo Winograd Memorial 2027 Special Team Competition committee will rank the top five submissions from 1 to 5.  If there are other submissions worthy of recognition beyond the top five in the evaluation of the committee, that will be flagged as well so we can commend those teams.  

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Through the generosity of our donors we are able to fund the Special Competition Awards in the following amounts (which go to the teams, not individuals):

                             First Place       $2,000

                             Second Place  $1,500             

                             Third Place      $1,300              

                             Fourth Place    $1,000

                             Fifth Place        $   500      

 

This is your chance to work and compete as a team, develop creative solutions, and earn some money for your school’s Model U.N. Program.  Please read the details below carefully and contact us if you have any questions.  

 

The winners of the Mo Winograd Special Competition will be announced at the SWFLMUN Awards Ceremony on March 2, 2027.  They will also be invited to showcase their presentation to Naples Council of World Affairs in advance of a lecture in April 2027.

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Mo Winograd Memorial 2027 Special Team Competition

Topic: Solving America's Affordable Housing Crisis

 

Why is it becoming so difficult for working people to afford a place to live?
 

Across the United States, many teachers, nurses, police officers, firefighters, and service workers can no longer afford to live in the communities where they work. In Florida counties like Collier (Naples), median home prices exceed $600,000 and rents rose over 40% between 2020 and 2024 Similar housing challenges exist in cities and regions across the Northeast, West Coast, and Midwest.
 

Your team will investigate why affordable housing has become a national problem and explore possible solutions.


Key Questions

  • Why are housing costs rising so quickly?

  • What role do zoning laws and housing regulations play?

  • How do short-term rentals affect housing availability?

  • Why is there a shortage of affordable housing in many communities?

  • Can local, state, and federal governments help solve the problem?

 

Stakeholder Roles

Each team member will represent one of the following stakeholders:

  • County Commissioner

  • Housing Developer

  • Low-Income Renter

  • State Legislator

  • Federal Housing Official

 

As you research the issue, consider the priorities, concerns, and viewpoints of your assigned stakeholder.

 

Your Challenge

Working together, your team will develop a realistic plan to make housing more affordable.

You should evaluate existing policies and programs, such as:

  • Florida's Live Local Act

  • Section 8 Housing Vouchers

  • Low-Income Housing Tax Credits

  • Zoning and land-use reforms

You should also consider challenges to implementing these solutions, including funding limitations, political opposition, and concerns from local residents.

 

Final Deliverables


1. Team Video Presentation

Create a 10–12 minute video that clearly presents your team's recommendations to a simulated government panel.

Your presentation should:

  • Explain the causes of the affordable housing crisis

  • Reflect the perspectives of all stakeholder roles

  • Present specific policy recommendations

  • Explain how local, state, and federal governments can work together

 

2. PowerPoint Presentation

Submit a PowerPoint that summarizes:

  • Your research findings

  • Stakeholder perspectives

  • Key policy recommendations

  • Expected benefits and challenges of your proposal

 

Goal

Develop a practical, balanced, and creative plan that helps more Americans find affordable housing while considering the needs of residents, businesses, developers, and government leaders.

 

 

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