SUNSET PROFILE – HOUSING AGENCIES GO UNDER REVIEW
In a series of articles I have been profiling state agencies that are currently undergoing the sunset review process administered by the Texas Sunset Commission (www.sunset.state.tx.us). In describing the “sunset process” I have pointed out that agencies both big and small undergo the same type of review and that this review helps to ensure the effectiveness and efficiency of our state agencies. Two of our state agencies currently undergoing the sunset review process is the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) and the Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation (Corporation).
In 1991 the Texas Legislature merged the Texas Department of Community Affairs and the Texas Housing Agency in to the TDHCA. The TDHCA works to ensure the availability of affordable housing, provides funding for community assistance, and regulates the manufactured housing industry. The agencies functions include the following activities.
• Assisting low-income individuals and families to obtain affordable rental housing by awarding federal funds and tax credits, as well as state funds, to nonprofit and for-profit organizations and
local governments.
• Assisting low- and moderate-income families with home rehabilitation, reconstruction, or first time home purchase.
• Assisting low-income individuals and families through a network of public and private service providers to obtain community-based support services, including services to address homelessness, foreclosure, high utility costs, home weatherization, and other concerns.
• Acting as an information clearinghouse on affordable housing resources in Texas.
• Regulating the manufactured housing industry and maintaining official records of manufactured home ownership, location, and status, including liens.
The TDHCA is governed by a board of seven public members, while the Manufactured Housing Division (MHD) is governed by a separate board of five public members. The Governor appoints the members of both of these boards as well as designating the board’s presiding officers, with each of the member serving a staggered six-year term. Separately the MHD regulates manufactured housing activities in Texas to ensure units are well built and correctly installed, and that ownership is properly documented for financing and taxing purposes.
Along with the TDHCA , the Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation (Corporation) is also being reviewed by the Sunset Commission. The Corporation is a self funded, nonprofit entity created to help in Texas’ efforts to better meet the needs of low-income families in obtaining access to affordable housing. The Corporation was created by statute in 1994 to be operated exclusively for the promotion of public health, safety and welfare through the provision of safe, decent and affordable housing for low-income Texans and other underserved populations. The Corporation provides a variety of affordable housing programs that range from First-time Homebuyer Programs for individuals and families to assisting in the development of affordable multifamily housing.
While originally the agency was created to perform activities the State could not, their key activities now revolve around issuing a portion of the State’s private activity bond allocation. As a nonprofit, the Corporation can also seek grants and private donations to support housing initiatives statewide.
Public participation in both the sunset review process and in legislative hearings is encouraged. If you have any questions regarding the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs, the Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation or the sunset review process, please don’t hesitate to contact either my Capitol or District office. My offices are available at any time to assist with questions, concerns or comments (Capitol Office, 512-463-0672; District Office, 361-949-4603).
