The proposed bill amends the Community Development Law in Nebraska to prioritize affordable housing within redevelopment projects. It introduces new definitions for "affordable housing," which encompasses workforce housing and housing for households earning less than sixty percent of the county's median income. The bill also redefines the criteria for designating areas as "extremely blighted," incorporating a broader understanding of the factors contributing to blight, particularly the scarcity of affordable housing. Additionally, it establishes that the designation of an extremely blighted area will remain valid for a minimum of twenty-five years, with requirements for public hearings and studies to evaluate the area's conditions.

Moreover, the bill includes several key amendments, such as the insertion of new definitions and the modification of existing terms related to redevelopment projects. Notably, the term "workforce housing" has been removed, and its definition has been replaced with criteria for affordable housing that better serves working families. The bill also updates definitions for various entities involved in redevelopment, ensuring they reflect current practices. It repeals outdated sections of the Revised Statutes of Nebraska, aiming to enhance the clarity and effectiveness of redevelopment efforts, particularly in improving housing affordability and living conditions in substandard areas.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 18-2101.02, 18-2102, 18-2103