Establishes the rural housing workforce corps to address rural housing shortages by expanding construction capacity, training a local workforce, and supporting the development of modest, year round housing units in rural New York state.
Impact
The bill proposes a pilot program that will operate for two years, allowing for limited but impactful state investment into local housing initiatives. It plans to mobilize selected corps members who will receive hands-on training in construction and other related trades, ultimately enhancing their employability. By partnering with local developers, the corps will focus on constructing or rehabilitating between eight to twelve housing units throughout its operation. Such investments could potentially reshape the housing landscape in rural areas, addressing long-standing shortages while simultaneously building a workforce skilled in essential trades.
Summary
Assembly Bill A10259, also known as the 'Rural Housing Workforce Corps Act,' aims to address the critical shortage of affordable and safe year-round housing in rural New York. The bill seeks to establish a rural housing workforce corps that would support construction projects by training local workforce members and enhancing construction capacity. This initiative is particularly targeted at regions suffering from these housing shortages, such as Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Hamilton, Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence counties. By creating modest housing units, the bill intends to foster economic growth and improve community stability in these areas.
Contention
While the bill has clear goals aimed at combating rural housing shortages, it may face scrutiny concerning the feasibility and effectiveness of the pilot program. Critics could raise concerns about the adequacy of funding and the long-term sustainability of the corps once state support expires. Additionally, debates around the appropriateness of government intervention in local housing markets or the specific regions chosen for initial implementation could emerge, particularly regarding whether such a workforce program truly meets the diverse needs of differing rural communities.
Relating to the establishment of the workforce housing capital investment fund program to fund the development of workforce housing in this state; authorizing a fee.
Relating to the establishment of the workforce housing capital investment fund program to fund the development of workforce housing in this state; authorizing a fee.
Establishes the "jobs and housing act"; directs the private housing finance agency to develop and administer a jobs and housing pilot program to construct and preserve housing, including workforce housing, that is affordable to low and moderate income persons, and creates jobs for those who build and work in such housing.
Establishes the rural housing development revolving fund for the purpose of providing loans to support low- and moderate-income housing development projects in rural areas.