(a) Before preparing the annual low income housing report under § 2306.072 and the state low income housing plan under § 2306.0721, the department shall meet with regional planning commissions created under Chapter 391, Local Government Code, representatives of groups with an interest in low income housing, nonprofit housing organizations, managers, owners, and developers of affordable housing, local government officials, residents of low income housing, and members of the Colonia Resident Advisory Committee. The department shall obtain the comments and suggestions of the representatives, officials, residents, and members about the prioritization and allocation of the department’s resources in regard to housing.
(b) In preparing the annual report under § 2306.072 and the state low income housing plan under § 2306.0721, the director shall:
(1) coordinate local, state, and federal housing resources, including tax exempt housing bond financing and low income housing tax credits;
(2) set priorities for the available housing resources to help the neediest individuals;
(3) evaluate the success of publicly supported housing programs;
(4) survey and identify the unmet housing needs of individuals the department is required to assist;
(5) ensure that housing programs benefit an individual without regard to the individual’s race, ethnicity, sex, or national origin;
(6) develop housing opportunities for individuals and families of low and very low income and individuals with special housing needs;
(7) develop housing programs through an open, fair, and public process;
(8) set priorities for assistance in a manner that is appropriate and consistent with the housing needs of the populations described by § 2306.0721(c)(1);
(9) incorporate recommendations that are consistent with the consolidated plan submitted annually by the state to the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development;
(10) identify the organizations and individuals consulted by the department in preparing the annual report and state low income housing plan and summarize and incorporate comments and suggestions provided under Subsection (a) as the board determines to be appropriate;
(11) develop a plan to respond to changes in federal funding and programs for the provision of affordable housing;
(12) use the following standardized categories to describe the income of program applicants and beneficiaries:
(A) 0 to 30 percent of area median income adjusted for family size;
(B) more than 30 to 60 percent of area median income adjusted for family size;
(C) more than 60 to 80 percent of area median income adjusted for family size;
(D) more than 80 to 115 percent of area median income adjusted for family size; or
(E) more than 115 percent of area median income adjusted for family size;
(13) use the most recent census data combined with existing data from local housing and community service providers in the state, including public housing authorities, housing finance corporations, community housing development organizations, and community action agencies; and
(14) provide the needs assessment information compiled for the report and plan to the Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation.