New Web site to share affordable housing ideas

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Housing and Urban Development Secretary Mel Martinez Nov. 21 announced the creation of the Regulatory Barriers Clearinghouse at www.regbarriers.org, a step that is designed to create more affordable housing opportunities. The new Web-based forum will offer builders and developers the ability to share ideas and solutions for overcoming state and local regulatory barriers to affordable housing.|ret||ret||tab|

"The Bush Administration is committed to creating 5.5 million new homeowners by the end of the decade, and increasing the supply of affordable housing is the key to making the dream of homeownership a reality for more people," Martinez said. |ret||ret||tab|

He announced the new site in Washington, D.C., at the Home Ownership Summit 2002. |ret||ret||tab|

"Our hope is that by sharing development ideas from throughout the country, we will expose other communities to solutions that can assist them in increasing their affordable housing stock."|ret||ret||tab|

Users can search the database by state, by the published date of an entry, by entering a keyword, or by searching the 10 barrier categories:|ret||ret||tab|

administrative processes & streamlining;|ret||ret||tab|

building and housing codes;|ret||ret||tab|

fair housing and neighborhood deconcentration;|ret||ret||tab|

fees and dedications (impact fees and permit costs);|ret||ret||tab|

planning and growth restrictions;|ret||ret||tab|

redevelopment/infill;|ret||ret||tab|

rent controls;|ret||ret||tab|

state and local environmental and historic preservation regulations/enforcement process;|ret||ret||tab|

tax policies; and,|ret||ret||tab|

zoning, land development, construction and subdivision regulations.|ret||ret||tab|

The clearinghouse supports state and local governments, builders, community planners, non-profits and the American public seeking information about laws, regulations and policies affecting the development, maintenance, improvement, availability and cost of affordable housing. |ret||ret||tab|

Services offered by the Regulatory Barriers Clearinghouse include: |ret||ret||tab|

A searchable database of publications, local laws, regulations, policies and plans that identifies problem areas and offers possible solutions based on real-world experiences;|ret||ret||tab|

A toll-free number (1-800-245-2691, option 4) staffed by housing professionals familiar with regulatory barrier issues and the clearinghouse collection; |ret||ret||tab|

A "list serve" wherein publications and announcements will be e-mailed to keep interested constituents informed; |ret||ret||tab|

A submission section that enables practitioners to share their experiences in identifying and overcoming the regulatory barriers to affordable housing; |ret||ret||tab|

An electronic newsletter that highlights successful barrier removal strategies and policies, including a brief list of sources for further information; and|ret||ret||tab|

A discussion board that will facilitate information sharing in the context of an online community.|ret||ret||tab|

HUD is the nation's housing agency committed to increasing homeownership, particularly among minorities, creating affordable housing opportunities for low-income Americans, supporting the homeless, elderly, people with disabilities and people living with AIDS. |ret||ret||tab|

The Department also promotes economic and community development as well as enforces the nation's fair housing laws. More information about HUD and its programs is available on the Internet at www.hud.gov. |ret||ret||tab|

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