House of Representatives passes HOPE VI reauthorization

The APA Advocate tells us today that the House passed a reauthorization of the HOPE VI housing program, with some important additions and improvements. The passage will extend and increase the funding for the program, as well as making some progressive changes.

(UPDATE: CNU posted a few words about the passage as well)

The program, which has been successful in deconcentrating poverty in cities and establishing mixed-income neighborhoods, has often been criticized for resulting in a net loss of housing units — understandable when HOPE VI projects are often replacing enormous Cabrini Green-style towers or acres full of smaller buildings.

The program still awaits Senate action in 2008, but the House has addressed some of these issues with the program through these additions. From the APA Advocate:

  • One-for-one replacement. The bill requires that all public housing units in existence on January 2005 that are proposed for demolition be replaced one-for-one. It also gives public housing agencies flexibility in meeting the one-for-one replacement obligation by establishing a limited waiver for compelling circumstances (such as a severe shortage of land).
  • On-site mixed-income housing. The bill requires public housing agencies to provide a mixed-income housing development on the site of the original public housing location in a manner that results in a decrease in the concentration of poverty.
  • Consistent eligibility and occupancy standards. The bill prohibits housing authorities or resident advisory boards from implementing strict re-entry standards, including credit checks, for returning residents.
  • Tenant protections. The bill requires public housing agencies to monitor and track all households affected by the HOPE VI revitalization plan. In addition, public housing agencies must develop a relocation plan that provides comparable housing for all relocated residents, protects residents transitioning to the private rental market with housing choice vouchers, and offers housing opportunities in neighborhoods with lower concentrations of poverty. The bill also allows up to 25 percent of grant funds to be used for community and supportive services for all residents affected by the HOPE VI grant.
  • Resident involvement. The bill provides for expanded notice and participation of residents in the HOPE VI process.
  • Implementation improvements. The bill gives public housing agencies 54 months from the date of execution of the grant agreement to complete construction. It also waives the grant-matching requirement for HOPE VI applicants in areas recovering from natural disasters or emergencies.

There are some good resources out there if you want to learn more about the HOPE VI program and affordable housing policy in general:

A Decade of Hope VI: Research Findings and Policy Challenges” by the Urban Institute and the Brookings Institution
Rethinking Local Affordable Housing Strategies: Lessons from 70 Years of Policy and Practice” by the Brookings Institution Metropolitan Policy Program.

And don’t miss PolicyLink’s Regional Equity ’08: The Third National Summit on Equitable Development, Social Justice, and Smart Growth. It’s the must-attend conference for anyone who cares about the intersection of social justice and growth issues.

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