STATEHOUSE (Oct. 29, 2022) – The Housing Task Force, led by co-chairs State Rep. Doug Miller (R-Elkhart) and State Sen. Linda Rogers (R-Granger), on Thursday released several recommendations on how to address Indiana's growing need for affordable housing.
The group's final report, voted on and adopted by task force members, included recommendations on how to increase housing options and affordability and could be used to draft legislation in the upcoming legislative session kicking off in January. Recommendations include encouraging communities to utilize state funding via the Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative (READI) program for housing infrastructure, helping first-time homebuyers and low-income Hoosiers through tax incentives, and incentivizing local governments to consider easing zoning and design standard regulations.
Miller said data shows communities large and small are in need of more housing, including low-to moderate-income housing for both rental and owner-occupied units.
"Despite rising interest rates and a leveling off of soaring home values, insufficient housing inventory at all price points remains a concern for Indiana's future growth," Miller said. "Housing market data shows that, quite simply, demand for housing outpaces supply in nearly every market in the state. Our fast-growing communities may have a more acute need for more units, but even our tiniest Indiana towns are clamoring for new home construction. Affordable and attainable housing has contributed to Indiana having a homeownership rate that exceeds the national average. We must invest in our future to ensure Indiana remains at the head of the pack when it comes to this critical marker of a strong economy."
With the state's successful READI Program encouraging regional economic growth, the task force recommends utilizing the opportunities and partnerships provided by the READI grant process to prioritize housing projects that align with regional development plans to ensure success. Housing requests comprised 30% of all funding requests in the first round of READI, but more could be done to promote projects that result in the highest end use of limited grant dollars.
"I want to thank all of the members of the Housing Task Force and those who provided public input for their collaboration on this issue. The efforts to bring together so many ideas to increase affordable housing in Indiana was quite impressive," Rogers said. "I am really looking forward to implementing some of these findings into legislation in the upcoming session to provide easier access to housing for all."
"We certainly have work to do on behalf of Hoosiers who need affordable housing and housing options," Miller said. "It's not only a quality-of-life matter, but an economic and workforce issue as well. I appreciate the work of the task force members, as well as everyone who shared input and expertise on this important issue impacting the state. Now we can take these recommendations, and work toward policy changes that will make a positive difference."
To view the final report by the Housing Task Force, visit iga.in.gov/legislative/2022/committees/housing_task_force, or access it by clicking here.
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State Rep. Doug Miller (R-Elkhart) represents House District 48,
which includes portions of Elkhart County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Sen. Linda Rogers (R-Goshen) represents Senate District 11,
which includes portions of Elkhart and St. Joseph counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
