New York State law authorizes the creation and support of Housing Development Fund Companies. It was the intention of the Legislature that these entities would become sophisticated and well-developed providers of affordable housing. Affordable housing construction is often funded from multiple sources that take advantage of federal, state, and local housing programs. Navigating these programs, and the construction and operation of the affordable housing development, can be a time-consuming and expensive prospect.

Through this hearing, the Assembly Standing Committee on Housing will focus on the current state of Housing Development Fund Companies and the lessons that can be drawn from those that have experienced success, as well as those that have run into difficulties. Additionally, the hearing will examine the oversight mechanisms in place.

Persons wishing to present pertinent testimony to the Committee at the above hearing should complete and return the enclosed reply form as soon as possible. It is important that the reply form be fully completed and returned so that persons may be notified in the event of emergency postponement or cancellation. There will be limited time for the completion of the hearing, so the Committee may limit the number of individuals able to present testimony.

Oral testimony will be limited to 10 minutes. In preparing the order of witnesses, the Committee will attempt to accommodate individual requests to speak at particular times in view of special circumstances. These requests should be made on the attached reply form or communicated to Committee staff as early as possible.

Ten copies of any prepared testimony should be submitted at the hearing registration desk. The Committee would appreciate advance receipt of prepared statements.

In order to further publicize these hearings, please inform interested parties and organizations of the Committee's interest in receiving written testimony from all sources.

In order to meet the needs of those who may have a disability, the Assembly, in accordance with its policy of non-discrimination on the basis of disability, as well as the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), has made its facilities and services available to all individuals with disabilities. For individuals with disabilities, accommodations will be provided, upon reasonable request, to afford such individuals access and admission to Assembly facilities and activities.

Keith Wright
Member of Assembly
Chair
Committee on Housing

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Persons wishing to attend the public hearing on Housing Development Fund Companies are requested to complete this reply form as soon as possible and mail, email or fax it to: