LR131 LR131
2021 2021
ONE HUNDRED SEVENTH LEGISLATURE
FIRST SESSION
LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION 131
Introduced by Hansen, M., 26.
PURPOSE: The purpose of this interim study is to examine the lack of
affordable housing in Nebraska, identify barriers to affordable housing, and explore statutory changes necessary to encourage the development of affordable housing across the state. The 2019 Blueprint Nebraska report, which includes contributions from housing experts across the state, indicates that the state's economic development has slowed as a result of a shortage of affordable housing units and states a goal of building an additional thirty thousand to fifty thousand housing units in the coming years. The report suggests that stimulating construction through increased funding and collaboration are key steps to addressing the shortage.
This interim study shall assess the affordable housing situation in this state and explore ways to support the housing industry and other stakeholders in providing an appropriate level of affordable housing.
This study shall include, but not be limited to:
(1) A collection of existing data on the number of affordable housing units still needed to address the statewide housing shortage;
(2) An examination of existing federal, state, and local funding sources and the entities and processes through which such funds are disseminated,
including, but not limited to, (a) an overview of federal and state funding opportunities available through the Department of Economic Development, the Nebraska Investment Finance Authority, and the Department of Health and Human Services and (b) an examination of how those entities coordinate to boost efforts to increase affordable housing in Nebraska communities;
(3) A review of potential statutory changes that would consolidate entities, create new entities, or provide for new duties to state agencies
-1-
LR131 LR131
2021 2021
related to affordable housing, and whether those changes would increase efficiency in community efforts to rehabilitate and build affordable housing units; and
(4) A determination of whether additional state funding is needed to
increase development and access to affordable housing.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MEMBERS OF THE ONE HUNDRED SEVENTH
LEGISLATURE OF NEBRASKA, FIRST SESSION:
1. That the Urban Affairs Committee of the Legislature shall be designated to conduct an interim study to carry out the purposes of this resolution.
2. That the committee shall upon the conclusion of its study make a report of its findings, together with its recommendations, to the Legislative Council or Legislature.
-2-