NACCED Conference October 2012 Fair Housing: Best Practices for County Governments

NACCED Conference October 2012

Fair Housing:Best Practices for County

Governments


Presented by

Mira TannaProgram Manager

Community Legal Services of Mid-Florida122 East Colonial Drive, Suite 200

Orlando, FL 32801407.841.7777 x2118

[email protected]


Traditional Fair Housing Activities

*Fair housing education*Fair housing investigations or “testing”*Taking complaints of discrimination (FHAP / FHIP programs)*Fair housing ordinances and commissions


Importance of Collaboration

HUD has increased emphasis on collaboration on fair housing activities, through its granting process. Examples are the Sustainable Communities Initiative and the Fair Housing Initiatives Program. Extra points are given if you can show collaboration between both.


“One Community, Many Faces” Regional Fair Housing Summit in Orlando

The Summit brought together Orange County, City of Orlando, Community Legal Services of Mid-Florida, Fair Housing Continuum, Florida Commission on Human Relations, FAMU Law School and HUD. Speakers included HUD Assistant Secretary John Trasviña and CFPB Assistant Director Patrice Ficklin; 280 attended.


“One Community, Many Faces” Regional Fair Housing Summit in Orlando

Brought together Orange County, City of Orlando, Community Legal Services of Mid-Florida, Fair Housing Continuum, Florida Commission on Human Relations, FAMU Law School and HUD. Speakers included HUD Assistant Secretary John Trasviña and CFPB Assistant Director Patrice Ficklin.


Methods to Encourage Racial Integration*Inclusionary Zoning*Affordable Housing in Neighborhoods of Opportunity*Affirmative Marketing*Incentives to Encourage Integrative Moves*Creating Inclusive Communities*Celebrating Diversity*Source of Income Protection and Mobility Counseling*Incentives for Lenders to Reinvest*Educational policies (magnet schools)*Transportation – employment – housing planning


Inclusionary Zoning

Inclusionary zoning (IZ) requires developers to make a percentage of housing units in new residential developments available to low- and moderate-income households. In return, developers receive non-monetary compensation-in the form of density bonuses, zoning variances, and/or expedited permits-that reduce construction costs. By linking the production of affordable housing to private market development, IZ expands the supply of affordable housing while dispersing affordable units throughout a city or county to broaden opportunity and foster mixed-income communities. (from PolicyLink)


Inclusionary ZoningCase Example: Montgomery County Maryland

Created more than 11,000 affordable units since 1973Moderately priced dwelling units are scatteredAffordable units not identifiable by design


Inclusionary ZoningCase Example: Montgomery County Md.

Picture credit – David Rusk


Inclusionary ZoningCase Example: Fairfax County, Va.

Picture credit – David Rusk


Community Land Trusts

Can be used to preserve owner-occupied affordable housing in rapidly gentrifying areas and can create permanent affordability. Generally, the land trust owns the land while the homeowner owns the house and agrees to resale restrictions.


Community Land Trusts

Highland Park Illinois Community Land Trust

From BPIchicago.org


Affirmative Marketing

*Affirmative fair housing marketing plans*Affirmative marketing in inner ring suburbs / urban areas experiencing “white flight” such as Maplewood / South Orange NJ*Rent Referrals / Housing Counseling such as Oak Park Regional Housing Alliance


Affirmative Marketing

Case Example: www.movesmart.org

Neighborhood finder designed to introduce potential buyers or renters to neighborhoods they would be least exposed to, based on preferences for density, educational options and services.


Incentives for Integrative Moves

Case Example: Shaker HeightsThe Fund for the Future provides low-interest loans to home buyers who will help sustain Shaker's racially diverse neighborhoods. The loans are for down payment assistance. The home must be in a neighborhood where the purchase will enhance the neighborhood's racial

diversity. The Fund matches up to 10% of purchase price, not to exceed $18,000. The interest on the loan is half of the current rate charged for a 30-year fixed mortgage.


Creating Inclusive Communities

National League of Cities Inclusive Communities ProjectEvents which celebrate diversityEncourages cities to post signs that they are an Inclusive Community


Providing Incentives for Reinvestment

*National Community Reinvestment Coalition has drafted local CRA ordinances, to ensure that local governments are depositing funds in financial institutions which have excellent records of community reinvestment.

*City of Cleveland negotiated over $10 billion since passing community reinvestment initiative in 1991.


Integration for Persons with Disabilities

*Disability discrimination is highest complaint category*Promoting universal design and visitability*Visitability ordinances – concretechange.org*Promoting integrated housing choices for persons with disabilities


Integration for Immigrants

*Language Bank, Montgomery County Maryland*LEP coordinators*Refugee resettlement and housing


Considering Other Protected Classes

*Local / state governments can affirmatively further fair housing by identifying groups not currently protected under federal law who encounter barriers*Source of income protections


AI Study Example – Madison County IL





Affirmative Fair Housing Marketing Plans reviewedFound that many USDA properties would not market on western side of the county



Reviewed advertisements“50+ Active Adult Community,” “quiet” building, “adult community,” per person rent charges, “perfect for girl students”, and “no SSI”

Conducted testingOf twelve tests conducted, three showed a difference in treatment: two based on familial status, and one based on race.

Survey / Focus Groups31% encountered housing discriminationhistorical patterns of exclusion, personal preferences, location of subsidized housing, lack of affordable housing and public perception about crime/education identified as main reasons for racial segregation


AI Study Example – Madison County ILImpediment #1: Fair Housing Planning Needs Improvement

Goal: Fair Housing Planning and Implementation: An Ongoing Public Process

Recommendation 1: This AI will be condensed to a usable format for public dissemination and awareness. Recommendation 2: The AI will be made publicly available. Recommendation 3: The AI will spark community discussion and public awareness. Recommendation 4: A presentation for county officials will be conducted based on this AI to ensure that county officials, including building / zoning / planning / community development staff are aware of the analysis and recommendations of this AI, and to ensure that a fair housing lens is infused throughout the planning process.Recommendation 5: Comments solicited through the website and provided at public hearings will be used in the process of updating this AI study in five years.

Measurable Outcomes:Flyers created, 5 public hearings, training for county officials, web access to AI


AI Study Example – Madison County ILImpediment #2: Lack of Education on Fair Housing Persists

Goal: Fair Housing Education: Vital to Ending Discrimination Recommendation 1: Educate 120 persons / year on fair housingRecommendation 2: Distribute fair housing brochures to all homebuyers.

Measurable Outcomes:120 people educated, brochures distributed

Impediment #3: Discrimination Persists

Goal: Ensuring that the Housing Market is Open to All Regardless of Protected ClassRecommendation 1: Conduct 30 tests


AI Study Example – Madison County ILImpediment #4: People Concentrated in Low-Income Minority Communities Lose Opportunities

Goal: Moving to Opportunity: Ending Concentrated Poverty and SegregationRecommendation 1: Creation of 20 Opportunity VouchersRecommendation 2: Consultant to review all AFHMP, all should advertise on ilhousing.org Recommendation 3: Security Deposit Assistance program for affirmative movesRecommendation 4: Review all plans for affordable housing for segregation impact

Impediment #5: Exclusionary Residential Patterns Continue

Goal: Ending Exclusionary Practices and PoliciesRecommendation 1: Communities identified with history of exclusion must demonstrate inclusivity before receiving county fundingRecommendation 2: Four identified communities not building MF housing must create planRecommendation 3: Forgivable 2nd lien for $10,000 for those moving into highly segregated areas (90+%) of other race, with networking opportunities


AI Study Example – Madison County ILImpediment #6: Educational Policies Contribute to Segregation

Goal: Increasing Educational Equity, Housing Policy is School PolicyRecommendation 1: Creation of Council of School Districts

Impediment #7: Lack of Efforts to Support Stably Integrated Communities

Goal: Supporting Stable, Integrated CommunitiesRecommendation 1: Diversity Bonus Incentive of $2000 for Homebuyer ProgramRecommendation 2: CDBG application criteria awards 5 extra points to communities showing they will create or maintain stable, integrated community

Impediment #8: Lack of Investment in Low-Wealth Communities

Goal: Bringing Investment to Low-wealth areasRecommendation 1: CRA added to county investment policyRecommendation 2: Annual workshop on Section 3


AI Study Example – Madison County ILImpediment #9: Madison County Unprepared for Senior Boom

Goal: Creating Access, Preparing for the BoomRecommendation 1: Increase funding for accessibility modificationsRecommendation 2: Visitability standards for construction with county fundsRecommendation 3: Support for Visitability ordinance Recommendation 4: Coordination with Money Follows the Person program

Impediment #10: Persons with Disabilities Have Restricted Housing Choices

Goal: Making Good on the Promises of OlmsteadRecommendation 1: Identification of accessible units through ilhousing.orgRecommendation 2: 10 Rental Vouchers for persons with disabilities

Impediment #11: Persons with Limited English Proficiency have difficulty accessing services

Goal: Equal Access for LEPRecommendation 1: Identify LEP Coordinator in county government

Documents

NACCED Conference October 2012 Fair Housing: Best Practices for County Governments