Reydel Santos’ Post

Terwilliger Center Advisory Committee members Henry Cisneros and Steve Stivers recently penned an excellent op-ed for Newsweek. The piece explores the unique opportunity before Congress and the administration to leverage previously appropriated funds to create a demonstration program aimed at streamlining the construction of affordable housing. The pressing need for such initiatives cannot be overstated. While estimates vary, the United States has underbuilt housing by millions of units over the past 15 years. This shortage has led to a significant rise in housing costs.    The proposed demonstration program prioritizes responsible deregulation, fostering public-private partnerships, and increasing access to affordable housing in opportunity-rich neighborhoods. Find out more: https://lnkd.in/eztVd3WH  

I like this opinion piece, especially this suggestion, “Such a demonstration program would be launched in eight to 10 geographically diverse communities, selected through a multi-agency "notice of funding availability." When choosing communities, agencies would prioritize those demonstrating a significant need for more affordable homes and anticipating both job and population growth from recent federal investments. Communities that receive funding would commit to removing local regulatory barriers—such as exclusionary land use and zoning regulations, environmental impact reviews, and parking minimums—that can add to construction timelines and project costs. In turn, the federal agencies involved would streamline federal regulations that impair the swift construction of affordable housing, while maintaining those needed to ensure safety, fair housing, and accountability.” It can work. We had this opportunity as part of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development when the City of Rockford Illinois was a SC2 community, but we squandered it and got too mired down in working to kill a project, vs recognizing the need to change the systems of housing. #BeTheChange #DataMatters #ResearchBased

The top 5 benefits of affordable housing in SLO County. Read the latest Op/Ed from our CEO, Jeff Eckles. https://lnkd.in/gWADeJVx #HousingForAll

Colorado's Proposition 123: A Game-Changer for Affordable Housing Colorado's affordable housing crisis has long been a hot topic, and Proposition 123, approved in November 2022, is poised to make a significant impact. With nearly $300 million in annual funding, this initiative aims to boost affordable housing options across the state. 🌟 But how will this unfold on the ground? The Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA) and Department of Local Affairs are key players, allocating funds to development, land acquisition, equity investment, and homelessness initiatives. This collaborative effort is crucial for rapid deployment to address immediate needs. Here's what's exciting: - Local governments must increase affordable housing by 3% each year over three years. 🏠 - Tribal governments now have access to these programs. - $39 million already awarded under the Proposition 123 Equity program, creating 628 affordable housing units! - Communities like Vail aspire to ambitious goals, such as acquiring 1,000 additional resident units by 2027. However, challenges like land scarcity and high construction costs remain. It’s a step in the right direction, but comprehensive solutions are still needed. So, what does this mean for investors and developers? Opportunity! This measure could serve as a model for other states grappling with affordable housing issues, and the long-term impact on Colorado's housing landscape could be transformative. 🔍 What are your thoughts on Proposition 123’s potential? Have you seen similar initiatives in your area? #AffordableHousing #ColoradoRealEstate #InvestmentOpportunities #CommunityDevelopment

Delighted to see this insightful piece shedding light on the complexities behind affordable housing costs. It's no secret that creating sustainable, accessible housing at an affordable price point is a multifaceted challenge. This article beautifully articulates five key reasons behind the expense, from land prices to regulatory hurdles. However, it's crucial to recognize that while these obstacles are significant, they're not insurmountable. As advocates for affordable housing, we must amplify the call for more direct funding and innovative solutions. By investing in affordable housing initiatives, we not only address immediate housing needs but also cultivate thriving communities and bolster economic stability. Let's continue the dialogue and work collaboratively towards solutions that ensure everyone has access to safe, affordable housing. #CommunityHousingNetwork #AffordableHousing #SustainableCommunities Community Housing Network, Inc.

7 Creative Solutions to Affordable Housing in California. We’ve learned a lot over the years about how to solve California’s housing crisis. The solutions below are proof that, yes, it can happen. https://lnkd.in/esu_H-HR Communities are stronger when everyone has a safe, stable and affordable place to call home! 🏡 Check out these orgs advancing innovative housing solutions. #affordablehousingmonth

Arkansas was not a PRO Housing grant recipient in 2023 from U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The 2024 grant cycle closes October 15 with $100 million on the table and up to 30 awards expected. Why it matters: Affordable housing is an issue all over the state and the majority of Comprehensive Economic Development Strategies (CEDS) in Arkansas cite affordable housing as a workforce goal. Pathways to Removing Obstacles to Housing (PRO Housing) supports communities who are actively taking steps to remove barriers to affordable housing, such as: - Outdated zoning, land use policies, or regulations; - Inefficient procedures; - Gaps in available resources for development; - Deteriorating or inadequate infrastructure; - Lack of neighborhood amenities; or - Challenges to preserving existing housing stock such as increasing threats from natural hazards, redevelopment pressures, or expiration of affordability requirements. There are great people in local and state government, nonprofits, and other community-based organizations working on this multifaceted issue. This opportunity could be transformational for a community or region is awarded. Our EDA Center for Rural Resilience and Workforce Development is focused on opportunities that support rural workforce opportunities ranging from employee training to housing issues like these. If your community is trying to address affordable housing through a workforce lens, I'd love to hear from you. Send me a message or comment below. More info on the PRO Housing: https://lnkd.in/guW32Cf6

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's Office of Community Planning and Development has awarded $85 million in Pathways to Removing Obstacles to Housing (PRO Housing) funding to identify and remove barriers to affordable housing production and preservation. This first-of-its-kind funding aims to identify and remove barriers to affordable housing production and preservation, ultimately lowering housing costs.    Congratulations to the 21 winners across 19 states and D.C., including several HR&A Advisors' clients: - LA County: $6.7M to support housing goals in unincorporated areas — improving utility infrastructure, creating Transit Oriented Districts, and coordinating regional land use strategies.  - Hawaii: $6.6M to establish a statewide infrastructure bank, increase staff capacity, and address local regulations.  - Metro Washington Council of Governments, DC/MD/VA: $3.5M to update local policies, create affordable homeownership opportunities, and prevent displacement.   Congratulations to all recipients for leading the way in expanding housing supply and making a significant impact in their communities!  #AffordableHousing #PROHousing #HUD #CommunityDevelopment

The Western Massachusetts Housing Coalition released top priorities for the Affordable Homes Act to ensure the AHA works for Western MA communities. Key recommendations include: -Making the Transfer Fee for Affordable Housing available to all communities -Expanding the Commonwealth Builder and Homeownership Tax Credit programs to more communities and nonprofit developers -Extending eligibility of HousingWorks Infrastructure funding to include septic and water projects - Improving funding and efficiency for public housing -Permitting automatic sealing of eviction records in certain cases Contact your legislator to advocate on behalf of these priorities: https://lnkd.in/eDJhQuG  Read more about them here: https://lnkd.in/echZYNyi #AffordableHousing #WesternMA #HousingCoalition #CommunityDevelopment #WesternMassachusetts #MassachusettsHousingCrisis

7 Creative Solutions to Affordable Housing in California. We’ve learned a lot over the years about how to solve California’s housing crisis. The solutions below are proof that, yes, it can happen. https://lnkd.in/eSz5XCjE Communities are stronger when everyone has a safe, stable and affordable place to call home! 🏡 Check out these orgs advancing innovative housing solutions. #affordablehousingmonth