HousingWorks RI scores major legislative victories, looks forward to statewide bond campaign
The General Assembly invested in real solutions to Rhode Island’s housing crisis this legislative session, including in the budget signed by the Governor four key pieces of HousingWorks RI’s policy platform:
The booster shot
- A $50 million housing bond that will go before voters in November. When passed, the bond will fund the production of affordable homes, investing an additional $12.5 million per year for four years. The impact? A doubling of our current production level. We need YOU to help us win this campaign in November. Stay tuned to find out how you can help.
Maintaining current investments
- $7.5 million for the Neighborhood Opportunities Program (NOP). The state’s primary affordable housing production program, NOP helps fund the production of affordable homes for persons with disabilities, very low-income families and people experiencing homelessness.
- $300,000 for the second year of the Supportive Services Pilot Program, which is aimed at reducing homelessness and lowering demand for expensive state services.
- Preservation of a strong State Historic Tax Credit to stimulate the production of affordable housing.
HousingWorks RI credits the extraordinary leadership of our legislative champions and the commitment of our members and other community supporters for these hard-fought successes. We look forward to bringing our campaign for the $50 million bond to voters across Rhode Island in the fall!
Two elements of the 2006 platform stalled
The General Assembly chose not to pursue two components of the HousingWorks RI platform:
- Establishment of a permanent, dedicated funding stream for affordable housing
- $400,000 to expand the capacity of community development corporations to build more affordable homes.
