Community Legal Aid’s Post

EXCITING NEWS! Developments are underway in Phoenix with the announcement of a $10 million investment in two new affordable housing projects. This significant financial commitment is a proactive step in addressing the critical issue of housing insecurity and homelessness in our community. With this substantial investment, Phoenix is demonstrating a firm dedication to creating more stable and accessible housing options. This initiative goes beyond mere construction; it's about building the foundations of a secure and resilient community. The allocation of $10 million is set to play a pivotal role in these housing projects, offering hope for those struggling with the high costs of housing. By expanding the availability of affordable homes, the city is taking an essential step towards ensuring that all its residents have access to safe, affordable, and decent living conditions. Affordable housing is key to community well-being and these projects resonate deeply with A New Leaf’s commitment to ending homelessness and providing vital support to those in need. We thank the City of Phoenix for their commitment to affordable housing and eagerly anticipate the positive changes these projects will bring. https://lnkd.in/gtCYzfUE

Finding common ground on affordable, sustainable housing is crucial for addressing this complex issue in a balanced way. Here are common themes found in affordable, sustainable housing policy debates, along with conservative and progressive viewpoints on them: Common Themes The Role of Government: Conservatives: Generally advocate for a less active government role, favoring market-based solutions and deregulation to reduce costs. Progressives: Often support a more substantial government role through regulations, subsidies, and direct public housing development. Zoning Regulations: Conservatives: May support relaxing zoning regulations to increase housing supply and lower costs, believing strict zoning hurts affordability. Progressives: Frequently address exclusionary zoning to promote greater integration and address historical inequities. Density and Development: Conservatives: Might promote denser development, increasing the housing supply and potentially lowering costs. Progressives: Tend to advocate for increased density, mixed-use development, and focus on walkable communities and transit accessibility. Environmental Sustainability: Conservatives: Conservatives can favor incentives and market-based solutions to encourage sustainability but may express concerns about regulations overly restricting development. Progressives: Emphasize regulations and mandates for energy efficiency, sustainable building materials, and reducing environmental impact. Addressing Homelessness: Conservatives: Might focus on individual responsibility and behavioral causes of homelessness, often supporting work requirements for receiving aid. Progressives: Emphasize the structural causes of homelessness and advocate for affordable housing solutions and supportive services. Areas of Potential Overlap Despite these differences, there are some areas with the potential for agreement in the quest for affordable, sustainable housing: Incentives: Both sides can support tax breaks, credits, or grants to promote affordable housing development or prioritize sustainability. Public-Private Partnerships: Collaboration between the government and the private sector to leverage resources and expertise. Streamlining Regulations: Agreement might exist on reducing excessive bureaucracy and simplifying permitting processes to expedite the development process. Important Considerations It's important to remember: These are generalizations, and specific policy proposals can vary significantly within each ideological camp.  Geographic factors (urban vs. rural) play a significant role in shaping perspectives on housing policy. Finding common ground on affordable, sustainable housing is crucial for addressing this complex issue in a balanced way. Searching for common ground through ongoing, constructive debate is essential to furthering effective housing policy and programs.

This month, as part of #RetownRevision's celebration of innovative and sustainable affordable housing projects, we spotlight the Sequoia Commons project in the rural Southwest. Located in Tulare County, CA, this initiative stands out for its targeted approach to addressing the needs of chronically homeless individuals and integrating supportive housing solutions. Sequoia Commons is a development project supported by rental subsidies from the Kings/Tulare Homeless Alliance and Tulare County Health and Human Services. This support is crucial for ensuring the sustainability of the housing model, which focuses on providing much-needed affordable units along with integrated resident services. The project also benefits from a collaborative approach with local behavioral health and mental health agencies, emphasizing the importance of resident programs in developments with Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) units. Such programs are vital for enhancing the quality of life for residents and ensuring they have the necessary support to maintain their housing and health. Sequoia Commons has been financed through a blend of sources aimed at enhancing housing stability and community support for the most vulnerable. Key funding sources include the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) and tax-exempt bonds, which have been crucial in ensuring the financial feasibility of the project. Additionally, the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco's Affordable Housing Program has provided essential grants that contribute to the project's capital stack. The support from state officials has been instrumental, with funds allocated through California's Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities, Infill Infrastructure, and Multifamily Housing programs. These programs are designed to promote sustainable community development by integrating affordable housing with broader economic and environmental goals. Sequoia Commons serves as an exemplary model of how partnerships and collaborative funding strategies can be effectively utilized to create impactful housing solutions in rural areas. By leveraging local resources and focusing on sustainability and support, Sequoia Commons not only provides housing but also fosters a supportive community for its residents. This project exemplifies the potential of rural housing developments to improve lives through innovative approaches to design, financing, and service provision. It underscores the importance of continued investment in affordable housing to meet the diverse needs of rural communities in the Southwest. #Retown applauds these efforts! Sources: https://lnkd.in/gszRqsV9

The Grants Administration Division of the City of Fort Pierce is pleased to announce the launch of three housing assistance programs aimed at supporting residents in achieving homeownership and maintaining stable housing situations. These programs, funded through a combination of federal and state grants, are designed to address the diverse housing needs within the Fort Pierce community. Home Purchase Assistance Program - The Home Purchase Assistance Program will start accepting applications on Monday, February 12, 2024, at 8:00 AM. This program, funded in part by federal award number SLFRP5533 granted to the City of Fort Pierce by the U.S. Department of the Treasury, aims to help income-eligible individuals and families purchase homes within Fort Pierce city limits. With allocations of $515,000 from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and $205,000 from the State Housing Initiative Partnership (SHIP), the program seeks to provide financial assistance. Applications will be processed on a first-submitted, first-qualified, first-served basis until all funds are exhausted. Interested applicants can find more information and required documents on the City of Fort Pierce website. Residential Rehabilitation Program – Also, on Monday, February 12, 2024, at 8:00 AM, the Residential Rehabilitation Program will open for applications. This program is supported by $800,000 from the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and $350,000 from the State Housing Initiative Partnership (SHIP). Designed to aid income-eligible households in Fort Pierce, the program provides funds for rehabilitating existing residences. Like the Home Purchase Assistance Program, applications will be processed on a first-submitted, first-qualified, first-served basis until all funds are allocated. Rapid Rehousing Program - In addition, the Rapid Rehousing Program, focused on rental assistance, will accept applications starting Monday, February 12, 2024, at 8:00 AM, closing on March 12, 2024. This initiative, funded by $200,000 from the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and $50,000 from the State Housing Initiative Partnership (SHIP), is exclusively available to Fort Pierce residents referred for assistance by social service agencies. The program aims to provide swift support to individuals and families facing housing instability. Orientation Requirement - Applicants for the Rehabilitation Program and Home Purchase Assistance Program are required to attend a Mandatory Orientation session before submitting their applications. Failure to provide proof of orientation attendance will result in an application non-review. Interested parties can register for the orientation sessions via the City of Fort Pierce website. For more information please visit the city’s website at https://lnkd.in/ePrfPCJD or contact the Grants Administration Division at 772-467-3161 or GrantsAdministration@cityoffortpierce.com. 

Q Shelter welcomes announcements today about reforms to build homes faster. These measures help to achieve greater speed and reduced cost. Several initiatives are included: * A ground lease model bringing more government-owned land to the table for partnerships to build and operate more social and affordable housing. This is a step in the right direction which we hope will increase the opportunities for community housing providers to contribute to growth projects. We will continue to work towards a combination of approaches to long-term leases on land, and improved access to asset ownership so that community housing providers are in the strongest position to ensure more Queenslanders have a home. *An Inclusionary Planning Pilot Program - which will help to engage key partners in developing and operating social and affordable housing. *Funding to support infill development, achieving greater density close to transport and services. This funding will reduce development costs and bring more homes close to transport, employment, and services. * The State Facilitated Development Team bringing capacity and capability to drive solutions and remove barriers to the success of growth projects.’ As is always the case, the success will be in the implementation of these measures. I have said before there is a great deal of convergence of opinion across private and not-for-profit peak organisations about solutions. This new level of collaboration needs to be the foundation for helping implementation succeed. We are also on the record proposing that modern methods of construction need to be embedded in our approach to the delivery of homes. We need significant support for this industry to scale up and deliver many more homes as cost effectively as possible and in the shortest amount of time possible. The raft of measures highlights the complexity of the housing system. So many factors influence growth, affordability, and the speed of delivery. These measures are not isolated from each other. They interact to address system capacity and capability. We need to see the same system-level improvements in the delivery of homelessness services which is why the planned review is critically important. We celebrate the 20 percent uplift in funding for hard-working front-line services and also the announcement of 8 new Foyer projects for young people. This is so important to our sector right now and was achieved because of their incredibly hard work and advocacy. Q Shelter will be working just as hard to support the review of the homelessness system inclusive of government and non-government services so that we can design a system for success, based on evidence and needs-based planning. Needs have changed. The location of demand for services is also expanding. There is new evidence of what is proven to work. This is our opportunity to design a system for success with the end-user firmly at the centre. https://lnkd.in/gBt8TZN7

State Interventions in Housing: Pros and Cons Today, we're discussing an important topic that affects many of us: state interventions in housing. Whether you're a homeowner, renter, or investor, understanding how state policies can influence the housing market is crucial. I'll keep things simple, so it's easy to grasp for everyone. What are State Interventions? State interventions are actions taken by government bodies to manage or improve the housing market. These can include laws and regulations, financial assistance programs, tax incentives, or direct investments in building homes. Why Do States Intervene? 1. To Boost Supply: Many areas face housing shortages, which drive up prices and rent. States can intervene by funding construction projects to increase the number of homes available, making housing more affordable for everyone. 2. To Control Prices: In places where housing costs are very high, governments might step in to try and keep prices from going up too fast, making sure homes remain affordable for average families. 3. To Support Community Development: Governments also use interventions to encourage the development of complete communities that include not just housing but also schools, parks, and transportation. Pros of State Interventions - Increased Affordability: By increasing the supply of homes or regulating prices, states can make it easier for people to afford housing. - Better Living Conditions: Interventions can lead to the development of better infrastructure and amenities, improving quality of life. - Economic Stimulus: Building and improving homes can create jobs and boost local economies. Cons of State Interventions - Market Distortion: Sometimes, government actions can interfere with the free market, leading to unintended consequences like discouraging private investment. - Cost: These programs can be expensive, and the money has to come from somewhere—usually taxes. - Bureaucracy: Government initiatives can be slow and tied up in red tape, delaying the benefits that they are supposed to provide. Navigating State Interventions - Stay Informed: Keep up with local government decisions that could affect the housing market in your area. This can help you anticipate changes that might affect your property's value or your investment plans. - Engage with Community Planning: Participating in community meetings can give you a voice in how these interventions are planned and implemented. - Consult Experts: Real estate experts, economists, and local officials can provide insights into how state interventions might play out. Let's Discuss! Have you experienced the effects of state interventions in housing? What do you think are the best ways for governments to help improve housing markets? Share your thoughts and experiences. Your insights can help others understand the complexities of real estate and government involvement.

COMMUNITY-DRIVEN HOUSING IN AN ERA OF GLOBAL CHANGE: PREPARING FOR NEW WARS, DISPLACEMENTS, AND THE SURGE IN HOUSING DEMAND Co-operative housing has been a cornerstone of COMMUNITY-DRIVEN HOUSING solutions for decades, with significant investments in the 1970s and 1980s creating thousands of QUALITY CO-OP HOMES that continue to offer AFFORDABILITY, STABILITY, and COMMUNITY CONNECTION. Focusing solely on co-operative, non-market, and social housing has taught us the importance of diversification, as such approaches can inadvertently lead to the ISOLATION of public classes, creating GHETTOS and HIGH-CRIME AREAS over time. This underscores the necessity of standing firm against NIMBYism and implementing a VARIETY OF HOUSING SOLUTIONS simultaneously. To address these challenges, it is crucial to utilize a broad spectrum of land types, including MUNICIPAL SURPLUS LAND, BROWNFIELDS, and CROWN LANDS, dedicating them to housing initiatives. Rather than disposing of these lands or transferring them to developers, a model of SHARED CONTROL OR OWNERSHIP should be established, where private developers are engaged to build under GOVERNMENT GUIDANCE AND OVERSIGHT. The escalating HOUSING CRISIS, compounded by the rising cost of living, underscores the urgent need for new co-op housing, SOCIAL HOUSING, and other innovative solutions. The FEDERAL GOVERNMENT'S 2022 COMMITMENT of $1 billion in loans and $500 million in grants for new co-op housing through the CO-OPERATIVE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM marks a significant step forward. This program, the first dedicated federal investment in co-op housing in three decades, aims to create thousands of new co-op homes. As we enter 2024, we face the transition from an era marked by the industrial revolution to a new era defined by AI, knowledge-based advancements, and a different kind of global conflict. This new form of conflict, potentially akin to a NEW WORLD WAR but characterized by widespread proxy wars, is likely to result in MASSIVE HUMAN DISPLACEMENT. This displacement could involve MILLIONS, if not HUNDREDS OF MILLIONS, of people. In light of these developments, and with the INCREASING DEMAND FOR HOUSING due to the influx of unexpected newcomers, Canada must be prepared for significant changes. This preparation involves not only anticipating NEW WARS and DISPLACEMENTS but also leveraging the existing population and infrastructure to accommodate this unexpected demand. Being ready for the UNEXPECTED and utilizing housing to integrate and support both existing and new members of the community will be crucial in navigating the challenges of this NEW ERA. #Community #Housing #Cooperative #Affordability #Stability #Integration #NIMBYism #Solutions #Municipal #Brownfields #CrownLands #Development #Crisis #Innovation #Government #Ownership #Control #Funding #Displacement #Refugees #Preparedness #Infrastructure #Demand #GlobalChange #AI #KnowledgeEra #Conflict #Adaptation #Diversity #Resilience

The City of Tulsa and Grants Administration have released a Request for Proposals (RFPs) for the development of affordable rental housing. Available funding consists of $4,956,144 for development and $550,682 to go toward on-site supportive services and case management for the project. Support services as a standalone project are not eligible. Funds can be used for renovation, conversion, or new construction and must comply with the HOME-ARP rental requirements for a minimum of 15 years, with the goal of creating at least 20 new units. Applications are due April 15, 2024. “We know that we need more affordable housing units in Tulsa right now and that’s why we have released this RFP at this time,” Mayor G.T. Bynum said. “I am hopeful we will get some really good proposals back so that we can close the affordable housing gap in Tulsa and continue to provide services that Tulsans so desperately need.” The release of the RFP represents one aspect of the forthcoming Mayor/Council Housing, Homelessness, and Mental Health (3H) Task Force recommendations, which will include short and long-term strategies for increasing housing stock, reducing homelessness and providing more resources, enhancing public safety, and providing more mental health/supportive programs. The City is seeking partners that have the capacity to act quickly and have expertise/experience in multiple areas, including affordable housing development (either acquisition or new construction), ownership, and provision of supportive services. Collaboration of experts is highly encouraged to serve all qualifying populations that may be housed. As project proposals for the RFP come in, priority will be given to mixed income projects, projects that leverage other funding sources, and projects that don’t create neighborhoods of concentrated poverty. Interested parties are required to RSVP to grantsadmin@cityoftulsa.org for the required and upcoming in-person HOME-ARP RFP Workshops on the following dates and times: Tuesday, February 27, 2024 Workshop 1 (Preferred): 10 a.m.-noon Wednesday, February 28, 2024 Workshop 2 (Preferred): 10 a.m.- noon Workshop 3 (Contingency): 2 -4 p.m. – Please sign up only as a last resort Interested parties must RSVP to grantsadmin@cityoftulsa.org, notating which HOME-ARP workshop they would like to attend to receive an official meeting invitation and details of the exact location. All workshops will be in person and located at City Hall. More information about the 3H Task Force can be found online at https://lnkd.in/gYwT5Fxi   More information about the City’s housing efforts can be found at https://lnkd.in/e3ZBWAR   

𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗴𝗼 𝗔𝗳𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗱𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗛𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 Chicago is taking a significant step forward in addressing its affordable housing crisis through the latest allocation of Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC). • 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝗿𝘁𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀: The city has awarded LIHTCs to thirteen new affordable housing projects, with a combined development cost of $562 million. These projects will also receive $154 million from tax-increment financing and city public loans. • 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗛𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 (𝗣𝗦𝗛): PSH is a housing model designed to provide long-term housing and supportive services to individuals who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, particularly those with chronic health conditions, disabilities, or other barriers to stable housing. These services can include case management, mental health care, substance abuse treatment, and assistance with daily living activities. • 𝗘𝗻𝘃𝗶𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗘𝗻𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀: The projects emphasize energy efficiency, decarbonization, and enhanced broadband infrastructure. The developments are aligned with the City’s Climate Action Plan. • 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗙𝗼𝗰𝘂𝘀: Areas such as Woodlawn, East Garfield Park, and Pilsen will see significant site-specific developments, fostering inclusive and vibrant communities. • 𝗘𝘃𝗶𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻𝘀: A new mandate requires developers to implement eviction prevention plans, ensuring stability for residents. 𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗰𝘀: • 𝗧𝗼𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗼𝘀𝘁: $562 million for the combined development of thirteen projects. • 𝗣𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗰 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗙𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴: Includes $154 million from tax-increment financing and public loans. • 𝗔𝗳𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗱𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗛𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗗𝗲𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗱: Chicago needs an estimated 120,000 affordable units to meet current demand. These new projects exemplify a multi-faceted approach to addressing Chicago's affordable housing needs, ensuring that every resident has access to safe and affordable housing. This initiative highlights the city's commitment to fostering inclusive and sustainable communities through strategic public-private partnerships. --------------------------------------------- 𝗦𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗲𝘀: Hoodline: https://lnkd.in/g9-8RsUY The Real Deal: https://lnkd.in/gZazrXJH OMD News: https://lnkd.in/g5_X3UzT Chicago.gov: https://lnkd.in/gw3yzx3U #commercialrealestate #affordablehousing #CRE #chicago

A housing trust is different from housing and community development departments in a city, attracting resources and providing economies of scale that small and overburdened cities struggle to match. For example: "A recent survey of local jurisdictions found that the region has approximately 4,000 affordable housing units in the pipeline. However, many face financing shortfalls. Many Gateway cities are small and do not have the staff, expertise, or resources to offer technical assistance to developers or pursue gap funding. One significant advantage of a trust is its ability to attract developers. The fight for funding dollars is so fierce that cities must prove to potential developers they are worthy of their investment. The trust can leverage its collective power to aggressively pursue funding and access new types of funding, such as the state’s Local Housing Trust Fund Program." Learn more about the Gateway Cities Affordable Housing Trust and our role in providing affordable housing in the region. https://lnkd.in/gefc_Vmz