Summary of Bill S 2083

Bill Number: S 2083

Title: Requires municipalities to include a housing needs assessment using the HUD median income calculations in their comprehensive plans

Status: Referred to Local Government

Introduced: January 15, 2025

Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

Bill S 2083 aims to enhance the planning and development of housing within municipalities by mandating that local governments conduct a housing needs assessment. This assessment must utilize the median income calculations provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The intent is to ensure that comprehensive plans reflect the housing needs of the community based on accurate and standardized income data.

Key Provisions

• Housing Needs Assessment Requirement:
  
  Municipalities are required to incorporate a housing needs assessment in their comprehensive plans. This assessment must be based on HUD's median income calculations, which provide a benchmark for understanding the economic demographics of the area.

• Standardization of Data:
  
  By using HUD's calculations, the bill seeks to standardize the data used across different municipalities, allowing for more consistent and comparable assessments of housing needs.

• Integration into Comprehensive Plans:
  
  The housing needs assessment must be integrated into the municipalities' comprehensive plans, which guide long-term development and zoning decisions.

Impact

• Municipalities:
  
  All municipalities within the jurisdiction of this bill will be required to adjust their planning processes to include the mandated housing needs assessments. This may involve additional resources and expertise to conduct the assessments accurately.

• Housing Development:
  
  The bill is expected to influence future housing development projects by ensuring that they are aligned with the identified needs of the community, potentially leading to more affordable housing options.

• Community Residents:
  
  Residents may benefit from improved housing strategies that are better tailored to meet the needs of various income groups, particularly low- and moderate-income households.

Procedural Aspects

• Current Status:
  
  As of January 15, 2025, the bill has been referred to the Local Government committee for further consideration.

• Related Legislation:
  
  This bill is related to prior-session Bill S 9074 and has a companion bill, A 27, which may provide additional context or support for its objectives.

Conclusion

Bill S 2083 represents a significant step towards ensuring that municipalities are equipped to assess and address their housing needs effectively. By requiring the use of HUD's median income calculations, the bill aims to create a more informed and equitable approach to housing development across communities.