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Lillie M. Zinnerman 70: Lillie M. Zinnerman/FPM/SFCINt1D 03!15/2007 01:09 PM cc: Subject: AACt4 NA'T'IONAL CALL TO ACT10N FOR AFFORDAT3LE HOUSING TH120UGH REC=ULATORY REFORM Q and A's for State and local officials 1. Why should we join the America's Affordable Communities Initiative's `National Call to Action?" The America's Affordable Communities initiative's (AACI} "Call to Action" invites States, cities, towns and other municipalities to participate in a voluntary network of communities interested in addressing their own regulatory barriers. Regulatory barriers increase cost and reduce the supply of affordable housing. Though this network, localities can learn from each other, be kept up-to-date on some of the most innovative reforms tried in other communities and receive guidance materials and tools they can use to advance regulatory reform in their own communities. Far more information on the Initiative and the "Call for Action" please visit the Initiative's website, http://www.hud.goo/initiltives/affordablecom.cfm or the website of the Regulatory 13arrierr Clecrringhvuse at: www.hudtlser.or~/regbarricrs. 2. Aren't development regulations a State and Tocal issue? ~Yhy is the Federal government getting involved? We recognize that most regulations on housing development are strictly local and HUD neither seeks nor is even empowered to directly address these issues. HUD's role is educational and advisory, providing materials and research and other tools that can assist you in addressing these issues at the local level. Each community is different and ali housing markets are Local. HUD encourages each locality to explore the issue of regulatory barriers, through the formation of a task force and choose those solutions that best meet local needs, policies and priorities. Participating communities will be recognized as leading the charge for reform. 3. What is actually meant by affordable housing? Families face an affordable housing problem if they cannot afford to buy Or rent a decent home in a good community without sacrificing other basic necessities of life. Therefore, affordable housing addresses the needs of a wide swath of the American population -from teachers, firemen, police, other essential public servants, factory workers, health workers and others -requiring "workforce housing". These individuals should, but are currently not able to, buy or rent adequate housing in the marketplace. Ideally, America's "workforce `'should