MS SB2523

Municipalities and counties must develop and review housing plans every five years addressing safe, sanitary, and affordable shelter that link economic development, job creation, transportation, education, recreation, and healthcare resources to residential areas.

Housing plans must demonstrate that affordable housing options do not limit choices based on income and must include methods to maintain moderately priced housing stock.

Municipalities and counties may adopt inclusionary housing programs by ordinance to create mixed-income neighborhoods, reduce poverty concentration, and increase homeownership for households earning 50-80% of median family income.

Implementation tools include density bonuses, housing trust fund contributions, accessory dwelling units, required set-asides in development, design controls, conversion of commercial space to residential, and financial incentives for affordable housing development.

Adoption of housing programs requires creation of an advisory committee with input from citizens, developers, real estate professionals, preservation experts, planners, and finance professionals; effective July 1, 2022.