Latest on RBC

LATEST ON RBC

Seattle Voters Approve Public Development Authority

On February 24, 2023, Seattle voters approved Initiative No. 135, which established a public development authority to develop and manage social housing, defined as mixed-income, publicly owned housing removed from market speculation. The initiative mandates exclusive ownership by the authority, mixed-income occupancy, green building standards, and minimal application barriers, with rents capped at 30 percent of household income. The authority's board must include resident representation, and each housing development must have a residents’ council to engage with property management and participate in budget and renovation decisions.

Connecticut Pursues Fair Share Affordable Housing

On June 29, 2023, Connecticut's governor signed Substitute S.B. 998, which introduces fair share allocations for affordable housing, strengthens tenant protections, and offers incentives for affordable housing development. The bill requires a methodology to distribute affordable housing needs among municipalities, prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation, limits application and late fees, and establishes tax credits and exemptions for workforce housing investments.

Atlanta Establishes A Public Development Corporation

On July 23, 2023, the Atlanta Housing Authority established the Atlanta Urban Development Corporation (UDC) to fund and facilitate the construction of 20,000 affordable housing units by 2030 on publicly owned land. As a subsidiary of the housing authority, UDC will create mixed-income communities through public-private partnerships, manage community engagement, and expedite permitting while retaining majority interest in projects. UDC has the authority to issue bonds to raise funds for development.

The Center for Community Progress Reports on Proactive Code Enforcement

A 2024 Center for Community Progress report proposes a proactive and data-driven approach to code enforcement to identify and address problem properties before they become nuisances instead of relying on complaints and penalties. In the new approach, the city provides property owners with resources and incentives for repairs and eviction prevention. Additional proactive actions recommended in the report include licensing and inspection programs that incentivize responsible ownership and protections for tenants to avoid displacement during repairs.