RI’s Housing Dept. wants to become the Executive Office of Housing. What that would mean.

Providence: The Rhode Island Department of Housing is looking to step up its game. After three years of trying to find its footing, the department wants to become the Executive Office of Housing.

This name change is part of a new plan aimed at making housing policies more efficient. The goal is to centralize decision-making and streamline the housing bureaucracy in the state.

Housing Secretary Deborah Goddard emphasized the need for coordinated action to tackle the housing crisis. She believes that by consolidating resources, they can make a real difference for families and communities in need.

The Housing Department was set up to bring together various public and private groups focused on affordable housing and homelessness. However, since its launch in 2021, it has faced challenges in establishing itself and completing projects.

Recently, the executive director of homelessness resigned after less than a year, highlighting some of the struggles the department has faced.

The new plan aims to address these issues by bringing more policymaking under the department’s control. This includes making the housing secretary the chair of RIHousing, the agency that finances affordable housing projects.

RIHousing has been a key player in housing policy for decades, with a much larger staff compared to the Department of Housing. The proposed changes would require approval from the General Assembly.

In a recent report, it was noted that the current government structure isn’t meeting the urgent needs of the housing crisis. The new plan aims to clarify roles, enhance policymaking, and ensure accountability.

However, some affordable housing advocates are worried that changes to the Housing Resources Commission could lead to a loss of important expertise in housing finance and construction.