NAHRO members understand the local needs, concerns, and conditions of their communities better than anyone. Allowing housing agencies to use creative, local solutions will go far in helping ease the affordable housing crisis at the local level.

---

• Streamline Federal Regulations: Simplifying cumbersome federal regulations and requirements will enable housing agencies to operate more efficiently and cost-effectively, allowing them to better address the unique needs of their communities.
• Address the Rise in Homelessness by Funding Programs that Support Local Approaches: In the past year, homelessness across the country increased by a staggering 12 percent. The Homeless Assistance Grants program and Continuums of Care play a vital role in providing essential support and resources to individuals and families experiencing homelessness, as well as facilitating communitywide engagement to address this pressing issue.
• Maintain the Existing Relationship between Housing Providers and HUD: Existing contractual agreements between Congress, housing agencies, and project-based contract administrations (PBCAs) should remain robust through Annual Contributions Contracts (ACCs) to ensure continuity and stability in the relationship between HUD and affordable housing providers. Maintaining this relationship will allow agencies to better respond to local needs.
• Increase Local Decision-Making Flexibility: Housing agencies should have the flexibility to collaborate with their communities in ways that make sense locally. This includes removing the public housing Community Service and Self-Sufficiency Requirement (CSSR), which is perceived as inequitable and of little benefit to residents. Additionally, Congress and HUD should provide resources for housing agencies to make informed decisions regarding tenant admission and continued occupation policies that address local considerations.
• Demonstrate Congressional Support for Flexibility: Congress must ensure that housing agencies have the necessary flexibilities to meet local needs effectively, acknowledging the importance of local expertise and community engagement in the affordable housing sector. HUD regulations must also reflect this need and not further complicate an already complex regulatory environment.

---

By prioritizing these measures, Congress can empower housing and redevelopment agencies to better serve their communities and ensure the development and preservation of affordable housing in ways that align with local priorities and needs.