A pair of bills coming before Congress would impact the ability of states to finance affordable housing construction and preservation.
In a commentary piece in Route Fifty, Andrea Bell, executive director of Oregon Housing and Community Services, urges the quick passage of a proposed federal tax bill that would increase the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit by 12.5% and reduce the Private Activity Bond financing threshold.
According to Bell, the proposal would allow states like Oregon to finance more affordable housing construction. “The longer the current projects are delayed, the more they will be impacted by market forces that increase the cost of both up-front development and long-term operations.”
Bell claims that if the bill passes this year, Oregon could potentially double its affordable housing production. “In addition to supporting more construction,” Bell writes, “the Housing Credit is essential for taking care of existing housing stock. Preserving the conditions and livability of the affordable housing we invest in is how we take care of our community and steward a healthy economy.”
FULL STORY: Commentary: Federal tax bill: What it could mean for affordable housing
Proposed Changes to LIHTC Approved by US House
If passed by the Senate, it would represent the most significant reform to the LIHTC in decades. Some say it’s still not enough.
How to Improve the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit
With the housing shortage only getting worse, updates to a key federal program could help.
Bipartisan Congressional Group Introduces Affordable Housing Bill
Lawmakers from both sides of the aisle are supporting a bill that would increase the number of federal affordable housing credits available and streamline the development process for affordable housing projects.
Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto
The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.
National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions
Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.
Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50
A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.
Test News Post 1
This is a summary
Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto
The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.
Test News Headline 46
Test for the image on the front page.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
EMC Planning Group, Inc.
Planetizen
Planetizen
Mpact (formerly Rail~Volution)
Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service