Federal Update
Senator Burr Meeting
On Tuesday, April 18 NCHC’s Samuel Gunter, NCHFA’s Scott Farmer, and Evergreen’s Tim Morgan met with Senator Richard Burr at the ribbon cutting of Wakefield Spring Senior Living Community in Raleigh. The event was also attended by staff from the offices of Senator Thom Tillis and Representative George Holding. The Senator spoke at the event saying, “The government is a partner in the tax credit, but this is really about the private sector and developers like Tim Morgan who make this happen. The tax credit is something we don’t have to do, but we do because you can quantify the impact.”
HOTMA provisions taking effect
Some of The Housing Opportunity Through Modernization Act of 2016‘s (HOTMA’s) voucher provisions take effect this week including:
- Inspections of Dwelling Units;
- Units Owned by a PHA;
- Project-based Vouchers (PBVs); and
- Vouchers in Manufactured Housing.
You can read more detail on the NAHRO blog.
HUD Publishes LIHTC Report and MTSP Income Limits
HUD has published its third annual report on demographic and economic data for people living in Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (Housing Credit) properties. As of December 31, 2014, the median annual income of residents was $17,152 and approximately 47 percent of tenants earned 30 percent or less of the area median income.
HUD has also put out its annual Multifamily Tax Subsidy Projects Income Limits. These limits are used to determine qualification levels as well as set maximum rental rates for projects funded with tax credits and tax exempt housing bonds.
Vouchers Work series
The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities is launching “Vouchers Work,” a blog series that provides the latest facts and figures about the Housing Choice Voucher Program. Housing vouchers help millions, including families with children, working people, seniors, and people with disabilities, afford decent, stable housing.
Thus far, they have highlighted the important role vouchers play in protecting children from hardship and improving their chances to succeed and providing supportive housing for particularly vulnerable people.
State Updates
President Trump’s Proposed Budget Threatens Habitat for Humanity of North Carolina Affiliates
Today, Habitat for Humanity of North Carolina issued a press release quantifying the impact of the proposed Federal budget cuts on affiliates across the state. In 2016, Habitat for Humanity affiliates across NC received more than $8.7M dollars in HOME funding, most of that via the NC Housing Finance Agency, to provide zero-percent second mortgage financing to affiliates. This funding contributed directly to the construction of 220 new housing units. Habitat for Humanity affiliates in NC received another $1.2M in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding that made possible the development of infrastructure (water, sewer, curb and gutter) on several projects across the state. Under the budget currently proposed by President Trump, both sources of funding would be zeroed out, and Habitat affiliates in NC alone would be faced, in 2018, with the loss of as much as $10M in federal funding. This funding is essential to Habitat’s home-building, primarily because every dollar of public funding generates and leverages nearly four dollars in private contributions from individuals, churches, corporations and foundations.
Local Updates
Winston Salem Fair Housing Summit
The Human Relations Commission of Winston Salem will host their 12th Annual Fair and Affordable Housing Summit on April 20, 2017 at 11:30 a.m. at the Benton Convention Center. Registration is required. Please e-mail Jayme Waldeck or call 336-734-1228.
Raleigh Fair Housing Conference
The City of Raleigh, the Raleigh Fair Housing Hearing Board, and the Fair Housing Project of Legal Aid of North Carolina are proud to announce the 14th Annual Raleigh Fair Housing Conference. Registration is open, space is limited to 200 registrants. You must be 18 years or older and pre-register to attend.
City of High Point Housing Summit
The High Point Human Relations Division is excited to present its first Housing Summit. The purpose of this Summit is to bring together housing professionals, realtors, property managers and those interested in maintaining affordable housing in High Point for all citizens. We will explore the connections of fair and affordable housing as well as possible future collaborations that will positively impact the continuum of housing in High Point. The keynote speaker for the event will be NCHC Local/Regional Policy Officer Tyran Hill. Register here.
