White House and HUD publish Opportunity Zones Implementation Plan, request public comment
This week, the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council published its implementation plan for accomplishing the goals outlined by Executive Order in late 2018. The Council, which is chaired by HUD Secretary Ben Carson, described its strategy to implement administrative reforms and initiatives that will target, streamline, coordinate, and optimize federal resources in economically distressed communities, including Opportunity Zones.
In addition to its implementation plan, the Council identified 160 federal programs – such as HUD’s Choice Neighborhoods Planning Grants Program and Section 202 Program – in order to increase targeting to Opportunity Zones through grant preference points, loan qualifications, reduced fees, and eligibility criteria modifications. The Council’s work streams include economic development, entrepreneurship, safe neighborhoods, and education and workforce development.
In addition to developing an “OpportunityZones.gov” website, the Council’s Executive Director Scott Turner will be conducting listening tour sessions of rural, urban, and suburban Opportunity Zones and other distressed communities throughout the remainder of 2019.
HUD this week also requested public comment on its approach to policy in Opportunity Zones, asking questions such as:
- What role can HUD play in helping to ensure that existing residents, businesses, and community organizations in Opportunity Zones benefit from the influx of investment and remain the focus of their community’s growth moving forward?
- What tools can HUD provide to make local communities, investors and other stakeholders more aware of the full range of applicable Federal financing programs and incentives available to projects located in urban and economically distressed areas, including Opportunity Zones?
- What types of technical assistance should be offered through HUD?
Please send any comments on HUD’s Request for Information to NAHMA by June 7, 2019.
Legislation reintroduced to provide rent relief, strengthen inspection enforcement
Two more notable housing bills were reintroduced to Congress this month, continuing the momentum for affordable housing issues on Capitol Hill.
Rent Relief Act of 2019
Senator Kamala Harris (D-CA) and Representative Danny Davis (D-IL) reintroduced legislation that would create a new, refundable tax credit for households whose housing costs exceed 30% of their income. Under the “Rent Relief Act” (S. 1106/H.R. 2169), a household’s credit would be determined by their income and the amount spent on housing costs (rent, utilities) in excess of 30% of their gross income. The credit is limited by the Small Area Fair Market Rent (FMR), and this year’s version of the legislation includes a tax mechanism for the credit to be paid to households on a monthly basis.
HUD Inspection Process and Enforcement Reform Act of 2019
Senator Rubio reintroduced legislation to amend the physical inspection process at HUD. The bill would allow the agency to remove certain HUD employees from civil service or reduce the grade or pay for misconduct or performance, and also protects whistleblowers who report misconduct, while requiring HUD to publish housing reports that detail inspection scores of facilities. According to the Senator’s press release, the bill stems from previous investigations into the Global Ministries Foundation housing scandal.
Lawmakers connect with NAHMA member communities during April Recess
Lawmakers continue their two-week Recess until late April, when they will return to DC to continue early negotiations on Fiscal Year 2020 funding levels and a critical impasse on disaster recovery efforts.
Congratulations to Solari Enterprises and AHMA Pacific-Southwest for hosting a property visit with California Congresswoman Hill’s staff during the April Recess. As a follow-up to AHMA PSW’s meeting with Representative Hill’s DC office during the NAHMA March Meeting, the congressional staff visited two in-district affordable housing communities north of Los Angeles – including an 80-unit tax credit property with a preference for artists.
For more information on planning a successful property visit, view NAHMA’s “Keys to Success” factsheet, or reach out for assistance with planning. As always, remember to let us know when you have an advocacy success so that we can share your story – and award points for our ongoing advocacy competitions!
NAHMA discusses key federal issues with Government Affairs Committees
This week, NAHMA held a joint committee call to discuss government affairs updates with its policy committees. Chairs and members of our Federal Affairs, Regulatory Affairs, Rural Housing, Senior Housing, Fair Housing, and Tax Credit Committees joined the discussion of relevant congressional and agency activities. To view our call notes, which include an update on REAC, RAD, handbook chapters, contract funding, and the Section 202 NOFA, as well as questions for feedback from NAHMA members, please click here.
NAHMA’s government affairs committees engage in policy discussions, provide “on-the-ground” insights to NAHMA’s Government Affairs staff, and help us formulate our positions on key housing issues. To join a NAHMA policy committee or learn more about our committee activities, please reach out to our GA team. Our next committee call will be hosted by NAHMA’s Advocacy Task Force in early May – stay tuned for call details and results of the March Meeting Hill Visit Challenge.
NAHMA members promote housing as a platform for success
To help NAHMA succeed in promoting adult literacy and demonstrating that housing is a platform for success, NAHMA members continue to spread the word about a free literacy app, available for download until August 31, 2019.
NAHMA members are uniquely situated to reach residents of affordable housing who are working hard to improve the financial and educational status of their families. To join the effort, simply distribute our English and Spanish fliers throughout your companies, communities, and to on-site staff. Residents can download the free app at https://abc.xprize.org/ac5588 using Community Referral Code 5588. For more info, please visit our webpage here.