The proposed bill amends the Community Development Law in Nebraska to prioritize affordable housing in 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 "extremely blighted area" to include criteria related to affordable housing availability, specifically stating that less than twenty percent of the housing in such areas qualifies as affordable. Additionally, it mandates that cities must declare areas as extremely blighted through a public process, which includes studies and hearings, before moving forward with redevelopment plans.

Moreover, the bill harmonizes existing provisions and repeals outdated sections of the Revised Statutes of Nebraska. It emphasizes the importance of public hearings and studies to evaluate the conditions of areas designated as extremely blighted, ensuring community involvement in the decision-making process. The changes aim to address the economic and social challenges posed by blighted areas, ultimately promoting the development of affordable housing and enhancing the overall well-being of Nebraska communities. Key updates include the renumbering of definitions and the removal of the term "workforce housing," which has been replaced with a broader definition of affordable housing to better serve working families and attract new residents to rural areas.

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