1. A Data Framework for Unwinding Segregation
December 9, 2016
Erin Boggs, Esq.
Open Communities Alliance

2. Unwinding Segregation Data: Assumptions
CT is one of the most segregated states in CT and this is largely the result of current and historical policies limiting the location of affordable housing to certain areas.
This creates an “opportunity gap” for Blacks and Latinos and other low income families
Subsidized housing – physical units of affordable housing partially paid for by government funding – is, in most cases, the only vehicle for creating housing affordable for very low income families (30% AMI or below).
Therefore, the location of subsidized housing is critical to a fair housing and equity analysis.

3. Unwinding Segregation: Components of a meaningful Data Analysis
Where is the housing is located? (neighborhood poverty, racial composition, school performance, opportunity rating)
Who lives there? (by race, income, family size, disability – non-personally identifiable info.)
Additional critical housing characteristics:
Cost per unit
Sources of funding to create the housing
Income targeting [e.g. # of units at 25% AMI?]
Are units accessible or adaptable for people with disabilities?
Residents limited to elderly? People needing supportive housing?
When does the requirement to be affordable end?
New construction or rehabilitation?
New units or replacement units?
Overarching big question: Does this housing meet the various needs of the low income population?

4. What Data Does the state produce
What Data Does the state produce? Case Study: Competitive Housing Assistance for Multifamily Properties
CHAMP Round 8: $28 million awarded to support the development of 200 units of affordable housing – Announced March, 2016
New Britain, Columbus Commons: DOH will provide up to $1,976,000 to Tunxis Road Associates, LLC for the Columbus Commons project.  The project will consist of the construction of 14 townhouse rental units in two buildings on a currently underutilized property on a main city thoroughfare.  The site has easy access to highways and is a short distance to the CTfastrak Downtown New Britain station, governmental offices, shopping opportunities, and other amenities.    The project will serve a range of incomes and will also include market rate units to ensure a vibrant mixed-income development.
Income targeting: Not listed
Address: Not listed, can’t find online. Can only guess at opportunity rating
Google development name you get a 168 unit/$58 million development
Limits on residents (e.g. elderly): Not listed
Number of bedrooms/unit: Not listed

7. Upcoming Report Out of Balance: The Role of Subsidized Housing Location in Connecticut’s Opportunity Divide
11% of CHAMP units open to families with kids AND in higher opportunity areas (where 40% of the population of the state lives).
But, most recent round (second half 2016): 47%

8. Data Needs Housing development data transparency
Support for the Department of Housing to produce data.
This will help us answer important fair housing questions:
Is it cost effective to build subsidized housing in various locations?
Are we gaining access to high performing schools for low income families who would like to move?
Topics for another day:
Who lives in subsidized housing in various locations?
Are developments adequately complying with requirements to market to groups that are least likely to apply?
What is the need for deeply affordable housing available for families, elderly, people with disabilities, people in need of supportive housing?

9. Check us out online: http://www.ctoca.org
Erin Boggs, Esq.
Executive Director
Open Communities Alliance
75 Charter Oak Avenue
Suite 1-210
Hartford, CT 06106
Tel
Check us out online: