HousingWorksRI: Take Action! - This Year's Platform

HousingWorks RI 2007 Policy Platform Wrap-Up

Despite budget constraints, housing still important at State House

The General Assembly faced an extremely tight budget this year, needing to erase a $400 million deficit. Knowing this would be a difficult year to introduce new programs, HousingWorks RI focused its policy platform on maintaining the state’s commitment to successful programs and policies, ensuring the effective implementation of the $50 million bond passed by voters in November, and responding to policy issues that impact the development of affordable housing.

Thanks especially to the leadership of our legislative champions and commitment of our members, HousingWorks RI’s efforts were largely successful.

Maintaining crucial investments

As requested in the HousingWorks RI platform, the General Assembly:

Continued funding the Neighborhood Opportunities Program (NOP) at $7.5 million. 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.
Extended the life of the Housing Act of 2004 Implementation Oversight Commission to March 31, 2009. The Commission, which oversees implementation of the state’s principle affordable housing policy, was scheduled to expire on March 31, 2007.

Ensuring implementation of the $50 million bond

The budget passed by the General Assembly includes $12.5 million for the first year of funding under Building Homes Rhode Island, the $50 million bond passed by voters in November. The Building Homes Rhode Island program will primarily help people making between $30,000 and $60,000 a year rent or buy a home in Rhode Island. The Housing Resources Commission is due to award the first round of funding later this summer.

Responding to policy issues

HousingWorks RI had two additional victories this legislative session:

Fought against the Governor’s proposed 56 percent cut to the Housing Resources Commission (HRC) budget. As the state housing agency, the HRC is an importance piece of Rhode Island’s housing system. The General Assembly ultimately restored $650,000 in lead program funds to the HRC’s budget.
Joined with the Coalition for Neighborhood and Economic Renewal, led by Grow Smart Rhode Island, to preserve a strong State Historic Tax Credit despite pressures to drastically change the program. The tax credits help stimulate the production of affordable housing.

Two elements of the 2007 platform stalled

The General Assembly chose not to pursue two components of the HousingWorks RI platform:

Requiring all 39 cities and towns to submit plans for how they will ensure that 10% of their housing units are affordable to low or moderate-income people.
$250,000 to expand the capacity of community development corporations to build more affordable homes.

Issues to pursue

In the coming months, HousingWorks RI will continue to research and explore several policy priorities, including ongoing implementation and evaluation of the Supportive Services Program to end homelessness through permanent supportive housing, regulatory barriers that inhibit the production of affordable homes, and a permanent funding stream for affordable housing.

Download the 2007 Legislative Platform (PDF).

Find out more about the 2006 Platform and 2005 Platform.