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Enews Archives

February 8, 2005

Governor Beefs Up State Housing Efforts -- Announces New Office of Housing and Community Development
Governor Carcieri unveiled a far-ranging plan to address the state’s housing shortage at a packed press conference on Monday. The plan includes consolidating housing programs currently offered by other departments into a newly-created Office of Housing and Community Development, adding staff to Statewide Planning in order to help municipalities develop affordable housing and hiring a senior level executive director to head the state’s housing efforts.

The plan gives housing a status in State government it has not enjoyed since the former Office of Housing, Energy and Intergovernmental Relations was abolished in the early 1990s. The new Office will provide a critical focal point for housing issues in the state. The governor also renewed his pledge to include $5 million for the State Neighborhood Opportunities Program in the Fiscal 2005 budget.

HousingWorks praises the Governor for involving the state as a partner in addressing Rhode Island’s housing crisis. The state’s involvement will help ensure a cohesive and effective approach to addressing complex housing issues.

The governor also highlighted a partnership with the United Way of Rhode Island and The Rhode Island Foundation to help develop a five-year strategic plan for housing in the state. The two groups are funding the preparation of a plan. The effort will include drafting goals and standards for the production and rehabilitation of housing to meet the state’s housing needs and to ensure safe, affordable housing for Rhode Islanders.

To view the Providence Journal article on this issue, click here.