§ 42-167-3. Powers and duties of the executive office of housing.
In order to provide housing opportunities for all Rhode Islanders, to maintain the
quality of housing in Rhode Island, and to coordinate and make effective the housing
responsibilities of the agencies and subdivisions of the state, the executive office
of housing shall have the following powers and duties:
(1) Policy, planning, and coordination of state housing functions:
(i) To prepare and adopt the state's plans for housing, including but not limited to,
any statewide housing and homelessness plan; provided, however, that this provision
shall not be interpreted to contravene the prerogative of the state planning council
to adopt a state guide plan for housing;
(ii) To prepare, adopt, and issue the state's housing and homelessness policy;
(iii) To conduct research on and make reports regarding housing issues in the state; and
(iv) To advise the governor and general assembly on housing issues and to coordinate housing
activities among government agencies and agencies created by state law or providing
housing services under government programs;
(2) Establish, implement, and monitor state performance measures and guidelines for housing
programs:
(i) To promulgate performance measures and guidelines for housing programs conducted under
state law;
(ii) To monitor and evaluate housing responsibilities established by state law, and to
establish a process for annual reporting on the outcomes of the programs and investments
of the state in housing for low- and moderate-income people; and
(iii) To hear and resolve disputes pertaining to housing issues;
(3) Administer the programs pertaining to housing resources that may be assigned by state
law. The executive office of housing shall have the power and duty to administer programs
for housing, housing services, and community development including, but not limited
to, programs pertaining to:
(i) Abandoned properties and the remediation of blighting conditions;
(ii) Services for the homeless;
(iii) Rental assistance;
(iv) Community development;
(v) Outreach, education, and technical assistance services;
(vi) Assistance, including financial support, to nonprofit organizations and community
development corporations;
(vii) Tax credits that assist in the provision of housing or foster community development
or that result in support to nonprofit organizations performing functions to accomplish
the purposes of this chapter; and
(viii) The supportive services program, the purpose of which is to help prevent and end homelessness
among those who have experienced long-term homelessness and for whom certain services
in addition to housing are essential. State funding for this program may leverage
other resources for the purpose of providing supportive services. Services provided
pursuant to this subsection may include, but not be limited to: assistance with budgeting
and paying rent; access to employment; encouraging tenant involvement in facility
management and policies; medication monitoring and management; daily living skills
related to food, housekeeping, and socialization; counseling to support self-identified
goals; referrals to mainstream health, mental health, and treatment programs; and
conflict resolution;
(4) Lead abatement and management. The executive office of housing will provide funding
to support the administration of a lead hazard abatement program managed by the Rhode
Island department of health in cooperation with the Rhode Island housing and mortgage
finance corporation.
(5) The regulations promulgated under title 860 of the Rhode Island code of regulations
will remain in full force and effect and shall be enforced by the executive office
of housing until such a time as the rules are properly transferred to the executive
office of housing's title within the Rhode Island code of regulations, notwithstanding
any other transfers authorized under § 42-128.1-7.