(a) Housing production and rehabilitation programs.—Programs to encourage housing production or rehabilitation must be guided by the following general policies, as appropriate for the purpose of the specific program:1. State and local governments shall provide incentives to encourage the private sector to be the primary delivery vehicle for the development of affordable housing. When possible, state funds should be heavily leveraged to achieve the maximum federal, local, and private commitment of funds and be used to ensure long-term affordability. To the maximum extent possible, state funds should be expended to create new housing stock and be used for repayable loans rather than grants. Local incentives to stimulate private sector development of affordable housing may include establishment of density bonus incentives.
2. State and local governments should consider and implement innovative solutions to housing issues where appropriate. Innovative solutions include, but are not limited to:a. Utilizing publicly held land to develop affordable housing through state or local land purchases, long-term land leasing, and school district affordable housing programs. To the maximum extent possible, state-owned lands that are appropriate for the development of affordable housing must be made available for that purpose.
b. Community-led planning that focuses on urban infill, flexible zoning, redevelopment of commercial property into mixed-use property, resiliency, and furthering development in areas with preexisting public services, such as wastewater, transit, and schools.
c. Project features that maximize efficiency in land and resource use, such as high density, high rise, and mixed use.
d. Mixed-income projects that facilitate more diverse and successful communities.
e. Modern housing concepts such as manufactured homes, tiny homes, 3D-printed homes, and accessory dwelling units.
3. State funds should be available only to local governments that provide incentives or financial assistance for housing. State funding for housing should not be made available to local governments whose comprehensive plans have been found not in compliance with chapter 163 and who have not entered into a stipulated settlement agreement with the department to bring the plans into compliance. State funds should be made available only for projects consistent with the local government’s comprehensive plan.
4. Local governments are encouraged to enter into interlocal agreements, as appropriate, to coordinate strategies and maximize the use of state and local funds.
5. State-funded development should emphasize use of developed land, urban infill, and the transformation of existing infrastructure in order to minimize sprawl, separation of housing from employment, and effects of increased housing on ecological preservation areas. Housing available to the state’s workforce should prioritize proximity to employment and services.
(b) Public-private partnerships.—Cost-effective public-private partnerships must emphasize production and preservation of affordable housing.1. Data must be developed and maintained on the affordable housing activities of local governments, community-based organizations, and private developers.
2. The state shall assist local governments and community-based organizations by providing training and technical assistance.
3. In coordination with local activities and with federal initiatives, the state shall provide incentives for public sector and private sector development of affordable housing.
(d) Unique housing needs.—The wide range of need for safe, decent, and affordable housing must be addressed, with an emphasis on assisting the neediest persons.1. State housing programs must promote the self-sufficiency and economic dignity of the people of this state, including elderly persons and persons with disabilities.
2. The housing requirements of special needs populations must be addressed through programs that promote a range of housing options bolstering integration with the community.
3. All housing initiatives and programs must be nondiscriminatory.
4. The geographic distribution of resources must provide for the development of housing in rural and urban areas.
5. The important contribution of public housing to the well-being of citizens in need shall be acknowledged through efforts to continue and bolster existing programs. State and local government funds allocated to enhance public housing must be used to supplement, not supplant, federal support.
