STATEHOUSE (Feb. 7, 2023) – The Indiana House of Representatives today advanced State Rep. Doug Miller's (R-Elkhart) legislation that would help communities of all sizes expand housing options.
Indiana's population is growing and the Indiana Apartment Association estimates the state will need 4,000 additional multifamily housing units annually over the next 10 years.
Miller, co-chair of the Indiana Housing Task Force, authored House Bill 1005 to establish the Residential Housing Infrastructure Assistance Program, a revolving loan fund to help local governments tackle costly infrastructure needs that could open up new housing development. Under Miller's bill, communities could apply for loans and use the money to move forward with projects like water distribution systems, sanitary sewer systems, and electric or gas distribution lines.
"We know we need more housing options in Indiana, but many communities struggle with paying for the public infrastructure needed for more housing development," Miller said. "This bill would allow the state to partner with local communities to help pay for projects, which will encourage housing development and boost the local economy."
Miller said the Indiana Finance Authority would oversee the revolving fund in order to provide assistance to communities for the long term. To benefit smaller, more rural communities where the lack of housing is more prevalent, Miller said 70 percent of the funding would be for municipalities under 50,000 people.
The Indiana Chamber of Commerce, Indiana Habitat for Humanity, Hoosier Housing Coalition, Indiana Manufactured Housing Association and Accelerate Indiana Municipalities support Miller's legislation.
House Bill 1005 now moves to the Senate for further consideration. For more information visit iga.in.gov.
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State Rep. Doug Miller (R-Elkhart) represents House District 48,
which includes a portion of Elkhart County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
