Bill Introduced to Expand Project-Based Housing Vouchers
(Nov. 26, 2024) A new bill introduced Nov. 15th by U.S. Representative Jimmy Panetta (D-CA), the Housing Access Improvement Act, would increase the share of Housing Choice Vouchers that public housing agencies (PHAs) can “project-base.”
Currently, PHAs can enter into contracts with apartment owners to commit up to 20 percent of their vouchers to units for up to 15 years (a term that is renewable), with some exceptions for additional increases when the vouchers are used to assist people in properties with supportive services, people experiencing homelessness, and veterans. The bill would increase this limit by 10 percent, allowing up to 30 percent of vouchers to be committed to units.
LeadingAge supports the voucher program and allowing PHAs to increase the share of vouchers they can project-base. For example, vouchers can be project-based in Low-Income Housing Tax Credit buildings, which otherwise might not be affordable to extremely low-income older adults. Attaching project-based vouchers to multiple units in the same property can also allow service providers to work more efficiently with residents and increase access to services, as explained in this brief on project-based vouchers by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities.
Contact: Annalyse Komoroske Denio, akomoroskedenio@leadingageny.org, 518-867-8866