Housing (Rural Communities)

HB 1716 establishes a state grant program to create workforce housing investment funds in rural communities (populations under 50,000). Nonprofit development organizations can apply for grants up to $1 million over two years to launch these funds, requiring a 1:1 match from private or local sources. The program supports projects like new construction, rehabilitating dilapidated housing, or upper-story development, with units costing no more than $275,000 (owner-occupied) or $200,000 (rental) per unit. Grantees must report annually on fund usage, achieve occupancy within 24 months, and maintain financial oversight through independent audits.

SB 1105 establishes Missouri's Rural Workforce Housing Investment Act to address housing shortages in rural communities (populations under 50,000). It creates a state grant program through the Department of Economic Development, providing nonprofit housing organizations with up to $1 million per grant (with a $2 million lifetime limit) to build or rehabilitate affordable housing. Grants require a 1:1 match from private sources and fund projects where owner-occupied homes cost ≤$275,000 or rentals ≤$200,000 (adjusted annually by inflation). Nonprofits must annually certify their work, manage funds transparently, and return unspent grants if projects stall beyond 24 months.