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 CCA
works with neighborhoods and communities in the design, implementation
and administration of affordable housing programs, utilizing
community-based resources and local business to the greatest
extent possible. Local staff training and administrative systems
are emphasized to minimize the need for outside project consultants.
CCA also works to ensure that program control and resources
remain in the community. |
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good affordable housing plan begins with a housing needs assessment.
Some of the components of such an assessment include: |
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 A
Housing Condition Survey
provides a housing inventory, mapping of housing conditions,
a description of housing characteristics within the community,
and historically significant properties. It can also identify
vacant land or adaptive reuse of existing buildings that are
well suited for affordable housing purposes. |
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The
Market Study and Analysis
helps in determining the type of housing that is needed in the
community. This phase of the housing needs assessment documents
real estate trends of the community, including housing vacancy
rates and the proportion of owner/rental occupied units. It
also provides data on real estate listing and sales, information
on housing and demographic growth rates, and an examination
of local housing costs in relation to household budgets. An
effective market study and analysis should not only include
the participation of government officials, but also direct input
from local residents and business representatives, allowing
them to voice their preferences and perceptions as to what types
of housing are needed in the community. |
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Land
Use/Development Regulations and Code Enforcement
can also be examined to determine whether there may be opportunities
for providing incentives or removing obstacles that could significantly
contribute to the development of affordable housing. |
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Program
Design is a critical facet of the affordable
housing plan. It is the means by which the housing plan is implemented.
In the Program Design phase, a comprehensive housing strategy
is prepared based upon the findings of the needs assessment. |
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The comprehensive housing strategy could identify
specific community housing needs, such as: increased homeownership
opportunities; additional safe, clean, affordable rental housing;
the need for home improvement or special attention to vacant
and neglected buildings; and special circumstances, such as
the need for appropriate senior housing to assist elderly residents
who have the economic burden of being "over-housed"
and may have real concerns about their ability to physically
"age-in-place." |
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The comprehensive housing strategy also identifies
specific program funding options and project incentives that
would result in the production and long-term viability of affordable
housing in the community; such as, in-kind labor contribution
(sweat equity), low interest loans, principal buy-down, rental
assistance, property tax abatement/exemption, income tax credits,
sales tax exemptions, land trusts, developer's density bonuses,
and creative subdivision design. |
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Other affordable housing program features could
include: |
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 local
consideration of site development standards related to
lot layout, roads, and water/septic systems that would
be more appropriate and cost effective; |
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emphasis on physical design that reduces long-term housing
costs, such as energy conservation measures, alternative
energies, and the use of low-maintenance building material; |
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| homebuyers
clubs that provide peer support and preparation for homeownership;
and, Mutual Housing groups that assist one another in
the construction of owner-built housing. |
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