IUE was set up in October 1995 with the purpose of development and introduction of new approaches to the solution of Russian housing problems, financing of housing and urban infrastructure, municipal management, urban land usage, social protection of the population and other problems of the social and economic life of cities.
IUE participates in the implementation of projects run by major international organizations and financial institutes. IUE is a member of the European Network for Housing Research, (ENHR), the International Union for Housing Finance, the Society for International Development, the Transition Policy Network, and an associated member of European Foundation Centre.
Its main activities include:
- research of the social and economic problems of the urban territories
- expert analysis of drafts of legal and normative documents on the issues of housing reform, urban regulation and financing of residential real estate
- elaboration of the strategy, practical approaches and implementation of pilot programs for reforming the urban economy
- implementation of experimental projects of foreign and international organizations
- organisation of training for government officials, bank staff and personal of private firms
- communication of experiences, practical developments and recommendations through the mass media
The website in Russian and English contains all the information of the Institute, its staff, areas of expertise and access to electronic versions of publications.