Maximizing Integration in Public Housing Allocation

Core Concepts

The core message of this article is to develop efficient approximation algorithms with provable performance guarantees for the problem of assigning agents to vertices in a network to maximize the diversity level, measured by the number of agents who have at least one neighbor of a different type.

Abstract

The article studies the problem of promoting community integration (diversity) in the context of public housing allocation. It models the problem as assigning a set of agents (applicants) to vertices (vacant residences) in a graph, where the goal is to maximize the index of integration (IoA), defined as the number of agents with at least one neighbor of a different type.
The key highlights and insights are:

The problem, referred to as Integration Maximization - Index of Agent Integration (IM-IoA), is shown to be NP-hard.

For general graphs, the authors present a local-improvement algorithm that provides a 1/2 approximation guarantee. They also show that this analysis is tight.

For the case where the sizes of the agent subgroups are similar, the authors present a semidefinite programming (SDP) based randomized algorithm that achieves improved approximation ratios in the range [0.516, 0.649].

For graphs with bounded treewidth, the authors provide a polynomial time dynamic programming algorithm that solves IM-IoA optimally. Using this, they obtain a polynomial time approximation scheme (PTAS) for planar graphs.

Experimental results on both synthetic and real-world networks demonstrate the high empirical performance of the proposed local-improvement algorithm, significantly exceeding the theoretical 1/2 guarantee.

Stats

"The number of vacant residences (i.e., |V|) equals the number of agents."
"Without loss of generality, let k ≤ n/2, and we refer to A1 as the minority subgroup."

Quotes

"Motivated by real-world applications such as the allocation of public housing, we examine the problem of assigning a group of agents to vertices (e.g., spatial locations) of a network so that the diversity level is maximized."
"The promotion and cultivation of integrated communities is an objective of contemporary societies. It has been shown that integration can improve a country's financial performance, reduce the disparity between demographic groups, and advance social prosperity in general."

Key Insights Distilled From

Assigning Agents to Increase Network-Based Neighborhood Diversity

by Zirou Qiu,An... at arxiv.org 04-02-2024

https://arxiv.org/pdf/2301.02876.pdf

Deeper Inquiries

How can the proposed algorithms be extended to handle more than two agent types or incorporate additional constraints such as fairness or individual preferences

The proposed algorithms can be extended to handle more than two agent types by modifying the assignment criteria and objective function. Instead of just considering two types of agents, the algorithms can be adapted to accommodate multiple agent types with distinct characteristics or preferences. This would involve redefining the diversity metric to account for the interactions between multiple agent types and their neighbors. Additionally, incorporating additional constraints such as fairness or individual preferences can be achieved by introducing constraints or penalties in the optimization process. For example, fairness constraints could ensure that each agent type is represented proportionally in the assigned neighborhoods, while individual preferences could be integrated by allowing agents to express their preferences or priorities during the assignment process.

What are the potential limitations or drawbacks of using a network-based diversity metric like the index of integration, and how could alternative measures be explored

One potential limitation of using a network-based diversity metric like the index of integration is that it may oversimplify the concept of diversity by focusing solely on the presence of different agent types in proximity to each other. This metric may not capture the nuances of diversity, such as cultural, socioeconomic, or lifestyle differences among agents. Alternative measures could be explored to provide a more comprehensive understanding of diversity, such as incorporating qualitative data on agent characteristics, preferences, or interactions. Additionally, considering the impact of segregation or clustering within neighborhoods could provide a more nuanced perspective on integration and diversity. Exploring alternative metrics that account for these factors could lead to more robust and meaningful assessments of neighborhood diversity.

What are the broader societal implications of developing computational methods for enhancing integration in public housing and other resource allocation domains, and how can these methods be responsibly deployed to address systemic inequities

The development of computational methods for enhancing integration in public housing and resource allocation domains has significant societal implications for promoting equity, social cohesion, and inclusivity. By leveraging algorithms to optimize the distribution of resources or opportunities in a diverse and integrated manner, these methods have the potential to reduce disparities, foster community engagement, and create more inclusive environments. However, it is crucial to deploy these methods responsibly to address systemic inequities and avoid perpetuating biases or reinforcing existing inequalities. This can be achieved by incorporating ethical considerations, transparency, and community engagement in the design and implementation of these algorithms. Additionally, ongoing monitoring, evaluation, and feedback mechanisms can help ensure that these methods contribute positively to social welfare and do not inadvertently harm marginalized or vulnerable populations.