“During the 20th century, Federal, State, and local governments systematically implemented racially discriminatory housing policies that contributed to segregated neighborhoods and inhibited equal opportunity and the chance to build wealth for Black, Latino, Asian American and Pacific Islander, and Native American families, and other underserved communities. Ongoing legacies of residential segregation and discrimination remain ever-present in our society.” - President Joseph Biden
HUD’s Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing Rule (2015) Basic goals Identify factors contributing to segregation and take meaningful steps to address Identify factors contributing to disparities in access to opportunity across neighborhoods and communities and take meaningful steps to address Transform racially and ethnically concentrated areas of poverty (R/ECAPs) into areas with greater access to opportunity Respond to disproportionate housing needs experienced by different groups Applies to local governments, states* & PHAs*
HUD’s Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing Rule (2015) Timeline ← July 2015: AFFH rule released (initial application to local governments) ← January 2018: AFFH rule suspended ← May 2018 NFHA v Carson filed ← August 2018 NFHA v Carson dismissed ← August 2020 AFFH rule repealed by “Preserving Community and Neighborhood Choice” rule ← January 2021 Biden Executive Order ← March 2021? AFFH rule reissued?
AFFH: what can Connecticut do? Adopt a state fair share mandate Impose meaningful fiscal consequences for towns Implement housing mobility for the state HCV program; establish real deconcentration goals Expand and redirect state public housing redevelopment Extend PHA jurisdiction Setaside high opportunity locations for family LIHTC Invest in jobs and community amenities in high poverty neighborhoods Caution in implementing new federal housing dollars! Enforce CT’s own AFFH laws!
Connecticut’s own affirmatively furthering fair housing laws Public act no. 91-362
Public act no. 91-392
An act promoting housing choice and racial and economic integration.
An act concerning regional housing provisions in zoning codes (amendments to zoning enabling act)
Each housing agency shall affirmatively promote fair housing choice and racial and economic integration in all programs administered or supervised by such housing agency.
Such regulations shall also encourage the development of housing opportunities, including opportunities for multifamily dwellings, consistent with soil types, terrain and infrastructure capacity, for all residents of the municipality and the planning region in which the municipality is located… Such regulations shall also promote housing choice and economic diversity in housing, including housing for both low and moderate income households…