Bill > HB1716

This bill creates the Rural Workforce Housing Investment Act, which establishes a grant program within the Missouri Department of Economic Development to support housing development in rural communities with populations under 50,000. The bill allows nonprofit development organizations to apply for grants up to $1 million over two years to create workforce housing investment funds, with a requirement for matching funds on a one-to-one basis. The funds can be used for activities like new housing construction, substantial rehabilitation of existing housing, and upper-story housing development in rural areas. Grant recipients must focus on housing that meets the needs of working families, is attractive to potential new residents, and does not exceed specific construction cost limits. The bill requires nonprofit organizations to have an active board of directors, maintain annual certification, undergo independent financial audits, and submit annual reports detailing their housing investment activities. A dedicated state fund will be created to support the program, with unallocated funds potentially being transferred to the Missouri Housing Trust Fund after 2031. The Department of Economic Development will oversee the program, aiming to target communities with the most pressing economic and employment needs while ensuring equitable geographic access to the housing grants.

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https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB1716&year=2026&code=R