HI HB1277

Establishes a new office of the housing advocate within the office of the governor, headed by a housing advocate appointed by the governor for a four-year term concurrent with the governor's term, without requiring senate confirmation.

Housing advocate shall identify promising special/functional needs, affordable, and market stand-alone housing, mixed-use, and master planned projects in each county.

Housing advocate shall facilitate projects through state government departments and processes, and identify state and local regulatory barriers to housing development.

Housing advocate shall make recommendations regarding policies, laws, and rules including taxation, land use, and financing to remove barriers to housing development.

Transfers one full-time equivalent (1.0 FTE) position from the office of the governor to establish the housing advocate position, effective July 1, 2021.