House Finance hears presentations, public testimony on $120 million housing bond; advocates press for $150 million and prevailing‑wage protection

The House Committee on Finance on Monday reviewed the governor’s proposal to place a $120,000,000 general obligation housing bond (Question 2) on the November 2026 ballot and heard public testimony urging a larger authorization and stronger labor and affordability requirements.

Secretary of Housing Deborah Goddard told the committee that the administration has focused on implementation since last year, citing the statewide plan Housing 2030 and ongoing funding rounds. "Today, $106,000,000 is already available through active funding rounds that are accepting or have completed applications," Goddard said, noting the bond language gives flexibility to address development, redevelopment and acquisition needs. She said the governor’s proposal requires at least $25,000,000 be set aside for homeownership units.

The hearing opened with staff briefings from committee staffer Sharon, who reviewed the history of housing bonds since 2006, remaining balances from prior authorizations, and how recent ARPA and state fiscal recovery funds intersect with bond spending. Sharon said roughly $5,000,000 remains in a 2021 development allocation and about $4,300,000 remains for acquisition and revitalization from 2021, while prior bond authorizations have been divided across multiple program categories.

Members pressed the administration for clearer accounting of costs and program details. Representative Edwards asked whether a staff figure showing an average cost of about $384,342 per unit reflected total development cost or the state’s share; Goddard replied there are "caveats" and agreed to provide a tighter breakdown. "We can get you that," she said. Committee members also asked for square‑footage averages, the split between new development and renovation, and how many applicants are "shovel ready."

State Budget Officer Joe Cadiga told the committee he was available to answer questions on the governor’s recommendation to authorize the additional $120,000,000 in general obligation bonds for voter consideration in November 2026.

During public comment, housing advocates and developers urged higher funding and targeted uses. Melena Lodge, executive director of the Housing Network of Rhode Island, asked legislators to consider raising the bond to $150,000,000 to respond to rising construction costs and to prioritize deeply affordable rental and preservation. "Housing is in fact infrastructure," Lodge said, urging resources be reserved for lowest‑income households.

Several witnesses highlighted rising construction costs and the need for acquisition and predevelopment support. Colin Penny, executive director of South County Habitat for Humanity, said per‑unit budgets in his projects rose from about $386,000 to $410,000 in roughly 18 months. Peter Chapman of 1 Neighborhood Builders asked the General Assembly to fund acquisition and predevelopment to lower per‑unit costs and urged continued set‑asides for small‑scale developments and permanent supportive housing.

Labor advocates asked that bond‑funded projects comply with prevailing‑wage requirements. Anthony Cherry, who identified himself as an assistant executive director, requested compliance with "general law 37 13," the Rhode Island prevailing‑wage statute, arguing public dollars should support middle‑class wages.

Committee members pressed the administration on program design and local capacity. The secretary described several set‑asides introduced in recent rounds — preservation, permanent supportive housing, and a small‑scale category for projects under 30 units — and said Rhode Island Housing is working to score applications to balance statewide access with readiness to proceed. She also described a home‑repair program and an acquisition revolving loan intended to help nonprofits compete in an active market.

No formal motion or vote was taken; members asked staff to supply more detailed breakdowns of unit types, total development cost versus state contribution, developer contributions, and counts of shovel‑ready projects. The hearing closed after additional public testimony urging higher funding and dedicated amounts for public housing authorities.

The committee will use the follow‑up information requested from staff to inform future deliberations on the bond proposal and related capital budget assumptions.