1. COMMUNITY REINVESTMENT ACT AND FAIR HOUSING PLENARY
Neighborhood Preservation Coalition of New York State
2016 Annual Conference
Housing is Key
COMMUNITY REINVESTMENT ACT AND FAIR HOUSING PLENARY
Lorraine Y. Collins Andrew M. Cuomo
Assistant Commissioner/Director Governor
Fair and Equitable Housing Office (FEHO)
October 13, James S. Rubin
Commissioner/CEO

2. Presentation Outline FEHO Overview
Update – Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice (AI)
What a Difference a Year Makes
FEHO Fair Housing Activities
FEHO Section 3 Activities

3. FEHO Overview

4. The Civil Rights Act of 1968 was signed on April 11, 1968…days after the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., one of the most noteworthy advocates for the legislation. Title VIII of the Act is known as the Fair Housing Act, which expanded on previous acts and prohibited discrimination concerning the sale, rental and financing of housing, based on race, religion, national origin, sex (and as amended), handicap and familial status.
The Fair Housing Act serves two purposes: to eliminate housing discrimination and segregation and to promote integration nationwide.

5. Researches issues pertaining to housing and lending discrimination.
5/28/2015
FEHO is committed to removing barriers to fair housing at the state level and to continue to take meaningful actions to affirmatively further fair housing.
FEHO:
Looks at how the agency’s public investments affect the larger housing market and works to engage our partners to ensure affordable housing is available to all people in all areas of the State.
Works with HCR program staff to develop policies, procedures and best practices to ensure compliance with federal requirements to affirmatively further fair housing.
Promotes fair housing compliance and improves the understanding of fair housing laws through education and outreach, technical assistance (TA) and other training.
Researches issues pertaining to housing and lending discrimination.
Oversees Section 3 compliance of awardees to ensure that economic opportunities generated by U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development financial assistance are, to the greatest extent feasible, directed to low- and very low- income persons.
Under Governor Cuomo’s leadership, HCR created FEHO in January 2015 to help ensure New Yorkers have an equal opportunity to live in housing they desire and can afford regardless of race, color, national origin, sexual orientation, military status, sex, age, disability, marital status, or familial status.

6. Update - Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice (AI)

7. AI for
Purpose
Scope
Methodology
Key Findings

8. Purpose
The AI process provides New York State with the data and information necessary to carry out its responsibility to Affirmatively Further Fair Housing
The AI is a review of the laws, regulations, and administrative policies, procedures, and practices affecting the location, availability, and accessibility of housing, as well as an assessment of conditions that affect fair housing choice
The AI was submitted to HUD in January 2016
This AI serves as the basis for fair housing planning, provides essential information to policy makers, administrative staff, housing providers, lenders, and fair housing advocates, and assists in building public support for fair housing efforts throughout the NYSEJ. NYSHCR will use it for direction, leadership, and resources for future fair housing planning. The AI will also serve as a point-in-time baseline against which future progress in terms of implementing fair housing initiatives will be evaluated and documented.
DRAFT - Privileged & Confidential

9. Scope of the AI
Covers New York State Entitlement Jurisdiction (NYSEJ) which consists of all or parts of 54 of the State’s 62 counties. The data and policy analysis in the AI mostly focuses on the NYSEJ.
The remaining 8 counties, and more heavily populated cities, receive funding directly from HUD and manage their own AIs independently. The AI includes a discussion of AIs submitted by other Entitlement Jurisdictions across the State.

10. Methodology
HCR utilized a comprehensive approach to data collection for the AI documents, including:
Public Engagement Initiatives
17 public meetings across the State
19 interviews with agencies and organizations that provide housing and housing-related services to New York State residents
Online surveys
Housing and demographic data
Municipal zoning regulations
HCR administrative policies concerning housing and community development programming
Approximately 480 individuals participated in the public engagement process in some way.
Internally, HCR pulled together a comprehensive group of staff members to work with FEHO, the Policy Office and the contractor (Mullin and Lonergan) to provide programmatic expertise and data.
DRAFT - Privileged & Confidential

11. Key Findings Lack of Affordable and Accessible Housing
Lack of Fair Housing Knowledge and Education
Insufficient Fair Housing Enforcement
Disparity in Access to Community Assets
Land Use and Development Regulations
DRAFT - Privileged & Confidential

12. Key Findings (continued)
Local “Not In My Backyard” or “NIMBY” Sentiment
Entry Barriers into the Private Housing Market
HCR Policies and Procedures
Environmental Regulatory Requirements
Technical Assistance for HUD Entitlement Jurisdictions

13. FEHO
Fair Housing Activities

14. New and Improved Policies, Procedures
5/28/2015
New and Improved Policies, Procedures
and Best Practices
Affirmative Fair Housing Marketing Plan
Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing Checklist (CDBG)
Criminal Conviction Assessment
Design and Construction Certification
Fair Housing Enforcement Program
What a difference a year makes? Our 2015 conference highlights included -FEHO Internal Monthly Newsletter and Board presentations, NYS HUD Fair Housing Initiatives Program Groups outreach, FEHO Web Site…we’ve been busy

15. Education and Outreach, Technical Assistance and Training
5/28/2015
Education and Outreach, Technical Assistance and Training
Criminal Conviction Assessment Webinar
Regional Fair Housing Roundtables
Regional Fair Housing Training
Robust FEHO Web Page
Quarterly Bulletin

16. Strategic Partnerships
5/28/2015
Strategic Partnerships
NYS Division of Human Rights
NYS Department of State
Fair Housing Advocacy Groups
NYS Association of Realtors

17. FEHO
Section 3
Activities

18. IT’S NOT AN OPTION…
IT’S THE LAW!!!

19. Section 3 Compliance Section 3 Compliance Plan and Quarterly Reporting
5/28/2015
Section 3 Compliance
Section 3 Compliance Plan and Quarterly Reporting
Regional Section 3 Technical Assistance Sessions
Section 3 Web Page
Section 3 Business Concern Registry