Authorizes the establishment of a RI housing champion designation program. This program would make qualified municipalities eligible to receive preferential access to state resources, including discretionary state infrastructure funds, as available.
Impact
The bill directly impacts local governance by allowing municipalities to opt-in for a housing champion designation, contingent on their compliance with state guidelines for land use and housing development. As a result, this could lead to more uniformity in housing policies across the state, potentially easing the pathway for infrastructure improvements and housing construction. Municipalities would need to implement specific land use regulations, infrastructure improvements, and training programs to qualify, promoting a collaborative approach between state and local governments in addressing housing needs.
Summary
Senate Bill S0495 establishes a Rhode Island housing champion designation program aimed at promoting housing development by qualifying municipalities. This program provides municipalities that meet certain criteria with preferential access to state resources, including discretionary infrastructure funds. The goal of the bill is to encourage municipalities to adopt regulations that align with state housing goals and contribute to economic development through enhanced housing initiatives.
Sentiment
The sentiment around SB S0495 appears generally supportive among legislators who emphasize the necessity for more housing and economic growth in Rhode Island. However, there may be underlying tensions regarding local autonomy versus state oversight, as municipalities could feel pressured to conform to state expectations to gain access to necessary resources. Overall, the bill is perceived as a proactive step towards addressing housing shortages, though it raises questions about local governance and regulatory flexibility.
Contention
Notable points of contention surrounding SB S0495 include the balance between state intervention and local control. Some argue that while the bill presents an opportunity for municipalities to enhance housing initiatives, it could inadvertently undermine local decision-making processes. Furthermore, concerns might arise about the effectiveness of the criteria set by the state for granting designations and whether these measures adequately reflect the unique needs of different communities within Rhode Island.
Establishes a housing land bank program with the goal of creating affordable housing in the State of Rhode Island. The housing land bank would have the authority to buy, receive and hold property in furtherance of this goal.
Establishes a housing land bank program with the goal of creating affordable housing in the State of Rhode Island. The housing land bank would have the authority to buy, receive and hold property in furtherance of this goal.
Creates the Rhode Island Child Care Assistance Program that governs both family eligibility for the state's child care subsidy program and the rates paid to child care providers serving families receiving a subsidy.
Creates the Rhode Island Child Care Assistance Program that governs both family eligibility for the state’s child care subsidy program and the rates paid to child care providers serving families receiving a subsidy.
Provides that the $5,500,000 appropriation to the infrastructure bank from the 2023 budget act be allocated for eligible municipal infrastructure grant program projects.
Provides that the $5,500,000 appropriation to the infrastructure bank from the 2023 budget act be allocated for eligible municipal infrastructure grant program projects.
Establishes and funds an incentive program for landlords to offer reduced rents to eligible tenants. The program would be administered by the state department of housing with an appropriation of $3,000,000 for fiscal year 2024-2025.
Allows municipalities participating in the state prekindergarten program to accept students from outside the municipality under certain conditions and establishes a lottery for enrollment in the program.
Establishing the housing champion business loan program and making appropriations to the department of business and economic affairs and the business finance authority.
Authorizes the establishment of a Rhode Island housing champion designation program and makes qualified municipalities eligible to receive preferential access to state resources, including discretionary state infrastructure funds, as available.