Relating to the evaluation of applications for certain financial assistance administered by the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs.
Impact
The bill introduces a scoring system that ranks applications based on several criteria, such as financial feasibility, community participation, and the quality of the proposed development. It seeks to prioritize developments that not only aim to provide low-income housing but also engage and involve the community effectively. By mandating written notifications to local representatives and community organizations prior to application submission, the bill intends to foster communication and encourage local input into housing projects that may affect them.
Summary
House Bill 2109 amends the Government Code to refine the evaluation procedure for applications for certain financial assistance provided by the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs. The bill focuses on the criteria and requirements necessary for applicants to qualify for low-income housing tax credits. It emphasizes the importance of community involvement and local government notification at various stages of the application process, thereby ensuring transparency and stakeholder engagement.
Contention
While the bill aims to create a more equitable and comprehensive process for housing assistance applications, it may raise concerns about the bureaucratic burden it could impose on applicants. Critics may argue that the added requirements for community input and notifications could slow down the application process and create hurdles for developers seeking to secure funding for important housing projects. Additionally, the requirement for transparency may face pushback from those who believe it could lead to local opposition and potentially hinder the development of essential housing in desperate areas.
Relating to a right of first refusal applicable to the sale of housing developments that have received certain financial assistance administered by the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs.
Relating to the establishment of a program administered by the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs and certain county housing authorities to incentivize landlords to accept tenants participating in the housing choice voucher program.
Relating to a study on mold contamination in housing developments supported by financial assistance administered by the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs.
Relating to the collection and publication of affordable housing information by certain municipalities and the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs.