This monograph, originally published in 1979 by Abt Books, reports the findings of a social experiment to examine how local agencies might administer a housing allowance program. The unique aspect of the Administrative Agency Experiment was its focus on program administration, and its central purpose was to identify viable means by which local agencies could carry out the necessary administrative functions in a public program of this type. Involving nearly 6,000 beneficiary families, the effort was conducted by Abt Associates Inc. for the Department of Housing and Urban Development.