RHODE ISLAND DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING SUBMITS HOUSING ORGANIZATIONAL PLAN REPORT TO GENERAL ASSEMBLY, PROPOSING STRUCTURAL CHANGES TO BETTER ADDRESS HOUSING CRISIS
Published on Thursday, January 02, 2025
Providence, RI – On December 31, 2024, the Rhode Island Department of Housing submitted its Housing Organizational Plan Report to the General Assembly, calling for a streamlined governance structure to maximize state resources, align efforts across agencies, and ensure accountability as the state continues to tackle ongoing housing challenges. Developed with input from stakeholders, the report provides an in-depth review of housing-related functions across state departments, quasi-public agencies, boards, and commissions.
The report calls out governance options and a final recommendation for consideration. The recommended structure centralizes policy and strategic planning within the Department of Housing, streamlines funding, and creates direct leadership connections with RIHousing, the Interagency Council on Homelessness and a newly created Interagency Council on Housing Production and Preservation.
“The state’s housing crisis demands coordinated action,” said Secretary of Housing Deborah Goddard. “This report outlines a clear path forward, establishing a governance structure that ensures efficiency, clarity, and accountability. By consolidating resources and aligning efforts, we can deliver meaningful change for families and communities in need. Our work has just begun, and we are committed to working collaboratively to create lasting solutions for Rhode Islanders. We are grateful to the many stakeholders who participated in every phase of this process and provided invaluable insight and feedback.”
Successful implementation will require a phased and comprehensive transition plan that ensures continuity of operations and involves ongoing stakeholder engagement. As a next step, the Department of Housing will be working to draft legislation to implement the statutory changes necessary to implement the recommended governance structure.
For further details and to read the full report, visit Housing Governance Report 2024 | Department of Housing
The Housing Governance Report is the result of extensive research, including surveys, interviews, prior studies, and input from public meetings since Summer 2024. Information about the interim steps and meeting materials can be found here: https://housing.ri.gov/data-reports/housing-governance-report-2024.
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