House Committee emphasizes affordable housing infrastructure needs
This week, House Financial Services Committee Chairwoman Maxine Waters (D-CA) unveiled draft legislation to promote the development of affordable housing in both urban and rural America. The draft bill, titled “Housing is Infrastructure Act of 2019,” cites research emphasizing the immense backlog of capital needs for public housing, the vast unmet reserve needs in Rural Development’s 515 Rural Rental Housing Loans program, and the positive effects of affordable housing investment in creating jobs and stimulating the economy.
Specifically, the draft bill would authorize significant funds for the Public Housing Capital Fund; the Rural Multifamily Preservation and Revitalization (MPR) Demonstration Program; FEMA’s Predisaster Hazard Mitigation Program; the Housing Trust Fund; and the Native American Housing Block Grant Program, among other housing programs. The bill would also authorize funding for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program specifically for affordable housing projects. The funds would be provided on a competitive basis, in part based on applicant efforts to streamline affordable housing development, eliminate or reduce impact fees, and leverage other funding sources.
As Congressional interest in broader infrastructure investments picks up steam, this draft legislation underscores the fact that “affordable housing is a critical part of the national infrastructure, but that there is a severe shortage of affordable housing in the United States and the existing stock is badly in need of repair,” according to the draft bill text.
After Congress returns from the April Recess next week, the Financial Services Committee will hold a hearing on Tuesday, April 30th on “Housing in America: Assessing the Infrastructure Needs of America’s Housing Stock.” To view the hearing online, please click here.
NAHMA members connect residents with free adult literacy resources
Help NAHMA succeed in promoting adult literacy at your communities! Spread the word about NAHMA’s adult literacy initiative and the free literacy app, available for download until August 31, 2019.
NAHMA believes that housing is a platform for success, and our members are uniquely situated to reach residents of affordable housing. 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.