With Section 504 design standards, tax credit projects have consistent standards with projects that are developed using Housing Trust Funds, HOME, CDBG or other federal funding supports.
Since 2001, 6,527 of 93,251 tax credit units developed have been created as accessible units because of the past legislative initiative.
Goal: Persons with disabilities want the same things as people without disabilities: housing choice, control, integration and inclusion.
Problem: Although the Housing Tax Credit (HTC) program is designed to expand the supply of affordable housing by encouraging private investment in housing, it falls short of addressing the housing needs of people with disabilities.
Recommendation: The Texas Legislature needs to ensure that current state fair housing laws and Section 504 accessibility standards in tax credit developments are not weakened or eliminated.
Background: Because many Texans with disabilities have some of the lowest incomes and worst case housing needs, publicly subsidized housing programs are the best way to obtain decent housing. The design standards outlined in Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 for housing developed through the Housing Tax Credit program were meant to increase the actual accessible and usable units and more effectively address the needs of people with disabilities.
Justification: Section 504 design standards eliminate discriminatory practices towards persons with disabilities and provide for physical access in all programs or activities receiving federal funds.