Hoosiers urged to take part in housing survey

INDIANA – Indiana is conducting a study to better understand housing choices, barriers, and needs. This Housing Study will assist the Office of Community and Rural Affairs and the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority in planning reports to HUD and determine how HUD funding will be utilized. 

An essential element of the project is a resident survey. Information about residents’ housing experience in Indiana will help inform the state’s priorities, programs, and policies. Root Policy Research is working with the state to promote the survey to residents. 

The survey takes 10-12 minutes and will be open until Feb. 29, 2024.

The Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs and the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority plan to file their 2024 Annual Action Plan for Housing and Community Development (“2024 Action Plan”) with the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development on May 15, 2024, contingent on federal funding decisions.

If federal funding is delayed, the plan may be submitted to HUD after this date. The draft 2024 Action Plan contains a funding contingency plan.

The Annual Action Plan concerns programs funded through the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development under Title I of the Housing & Community Development Act of 1974 as amended. Annually, the state receives about $65 million for housing and community development funds. This document governs allocating those funds among housing and community development activities (e.g., economic development initiatives, infrastructure improvements, and homeownership and rental programs).

The 2024 Action Plan provides information on the priorities of housing and community development needs and a one-year spending plan for the Community Development Block Grant Program, the Home Investment Partnership Program, the National Housing Trust Fund, the Emergency Solutions Grant Program, and the Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS Program.

OCRA and IHCDA will have the 2024 Action Plan available for public inspection before submission.

Members of the public are invited to review the 2024 Action Plan during the hours of 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET, April 1 through April 30, 2024, at the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs, located at One North Capitol, Suite 600, Indianapolis, Indiana 46204. The Action Plan will be available online at in.gov/ocra/cdbg/consolidated-and-action-plans/ or in.gov/ihcda/newsroom/action-plans/.

Information regarding the 2024 Action Plan can be obtained by writing to the Office of Community and Rural Affairs, c/o 2024 Action Plan, One North Capitol, Suite 600, Indianapolis, Indiana 46204-2027. Additional information may be obtained via e-mail at vanessa@rootpolicy.com, SEnz@ihcda.IN.gov, or CHudgens@ocra.IN.gov.

Two public hearings will be held in a hybrid setting to discuss the engagement methods and provide comments on the draft 2024 Action Plan. Public hearings will be held via Zoom and in person at the Indiana Government Center South, located at 302 W Washington St, Indianapolis, IN 46204.

Participants can join the public hearing online or in person at hybrid meetings. Please email vanessa@rootpolicy.com or call 970-880-1415 for the Zoom meeting link or call-in number to attend the public hearing virtually. You can access the virtual public hearing by phone or computer.

Public Hearing 1: Tuesday, February 20, at 4 p.m. ET

In-person at 302 W Washington St., Indianapolis, 46204, in Conference Room D.

Online (email vanessa@rootpolicy.com or call 970-880-1415 for the Zoom link)

Public Hearing 2: Monday, April 15, at 4 p.m. ET

In-person at 1 N Capitol Avenue, Indianapolis, 46204, in the First Floor Conference Room.

Online (email vanessa@rootpolicy.comor call 970-880-1415 for the Zoom link)

Additional locations will be added and made available in the coming weeks.

You can also provide public comments via email to vanessa@rootpolicy.com -or by mail to the Office of Community and Rural Affairs, c/o 2024 Action Plan, One North Capitol, Suite 600, Indianapolis, Indiana 46204-2027. If you prefer to provide comments verbally or need assistance, please call 970-880-1415.