• Affirmative Fair Housing Protections: The Trump administration has rolled back federal civil rights regulation requiring concrete state action to reverse the history of segregated housing investments. With 67% of government subsidized housing located in areas with above-average poverty, Connecticut’s subsidized housing investments limit choices for lower-income families. This proposal would improve Connecticut’s existing statute regarding Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing by clarifying and streamlining reporting obligations about the location of Connecticut’s subsidized housing investments and establishing a system for goal-setting and outcome tracking. 
   
• Funding for Rental Assistance Program: In the face of historic cuts to housing aid at the federal level and stagnant construction of new units partly attributable to restrictive zoning, it is more important than ever for state programs to meet the needs of people in Connecticut. The state-funded Rental Assistance Program runs alongside the federal Housing Choice Voucher program, and offers help for thousands of families in need. While waiting for longer-term zoning reform measures to generate more housing, more money and more vouchers are needed to keep people housed. Growing Together is requesting funding to support 3,400 new state vouchers.
  
  
• Protecting the Affordable Housing Appeals Act: 8-30g is a state law on affordable housing that comes under scrutiny every year, and this session a number of bills would weaken its effectiveness. OCA is committed to keeping 8-30g in place and ensuring that it works, especially as the new PA 25-1 affordable housing law goes into effect. Find out how you can defend 8-30g here.

While working toward passing these agenda items, Open Communities Alliance is committed to protecting hard-won gains. With the passage of a major housing reform law in 2025, implementation will take center stage, along with defending the law from attacks that have already started. At the same time, the Affordable Housing Appeals Act known as 8-30g can also be expected to face pressure, and it’s essential to keep that necessary law in place.