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HCDD outlines multifamily priorities, tight tax-credit calendar and boost for resiliency features
Summary
Houston HCDD released application dates and a points-based rubric for multifamily tax-credit and bond-related applications, emphasized resiliency features (including backup generators) in scoring, and warned developers and council offices of a fast January–February schedule for applications and council actions.
Housing and Community Development Department staff presented multifamily housing priorities and the timeline for tax-credit and bond-related applications, telling the committee they will release application materials and score projects using a points system that emphasizes resiliency and equitable geographic distribution.
Staff said HCD will release resolution application materials on Dec. 5, accept pre-applications to TDHCA on Jan. 9, require applications for resolutions to HCD by Jan. 12, present to the housing committee Feb. 3 (special call), and bring resolutions to city council on Feb. 11, with developer applications due to TDHCA by Feb. 27. The department repeatedly warned this is a short, fast-turnaround cycle and urged council offices to expect developer outreach through December and the holidays.
Staff described priorities and scoring: projects should avoid floodways/floodplains, be located in areas with less than 25% poverty unless in a concerted revitalization area, preserve existing affordable housing, serve special populations, and offer on-site educational programming. The minimum to qualify is 10 points with a maximum in the low‑20s; HCD said it increased points for resiliency features to encourage generators and other measures to keep community spaces operational during disasters.
On resiliency, staff noted the resiliency category now explicitly rewards generators and other design features such as energy-efficient materials, LEED certification, podium design to mitigate flooding and underground detention in parking. A council member asked whether resiliency features raise construction costs passed to residents; staff said they review budgets and consider cost tradeoffs when assigning points.
HCD also described an equitable dispersion policy that limits the number of recommended deals per district (maximums of three or four depending on district) and tie-breaking criteria that prioritize low-poverty projects, on-site educational programs and HUD Choice Neighborhoods implementation awards.
Next steps: HCD will release the applications in early December, prepare a citywide graph of developments by district on request, run a special committee meeting on Feb. 3 to consider resolutions, and bring the recommended resolutions to council in February.
