Here’s a breakdown of the key points from the provided text, focusing on the challenges and efforts related to affordable housing and federal land transfers in Nevada and the broader West:
challenges with Federal Land Transfers for Affordable Housing in Nevada:
Low Transfer Rate: Nevada has not requested many parcel transfers for affordable housing in recent years.Only three new projects are moving toward approval.
BLM‘s Role and Restrictions:
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) can only offer land after it’s nominated by an eligible entity and confirmed to have no encumbrances or restrictions.
Many restrictions originate with the nominating entities themselves.
Poor Understanding of SNPLMA: The specific mechanism within the Southern Nevada Public Land Management Act (SNPLMA) for affordable housing is not well understood. Even key figures like the chair of Washoe County’s board of commissioners and former BLM directors were unsure about its applicability. Agency Disconnect: there’s a recognized disconnect between agencies involved in this process. Nevada is hiring a dedicated official to improve coordination between municipalities and the BLM.
Efforts to Address the Housing Crisis:
Nevada’s Legislative Actions:
Democratic Senators Jacky Rosen and Catherine cortez Masto have proposed legislation to open federal acreage for housing and transfer it to tribal nations, while also protecting conservation areas.
Republican Governor Joe Lombardo signed a bill allocating $183 million for lower- and middle-class housing development.
Other Western States’ Approaches:
New mexico: Leasing state lands for apartment development.
Utah:
Encouraging cities to increase housing density through zoning changes.
Using public funds to finance private developments.
looking to build on state lands.
Targeted Approach: There’s a growing consensus that a “targeted approach” is more effective than broad federal land sell-offs,especially given the hyper-politicized debate.
Triumphant Local examples in Nevada:
Clark county purchased 20 acres from the BLM for $2,000 to develop single-family homes for first-time homebuyers.
A new affordable housing apartment complex for seniors opened in Las Vegas,built on former public land transferred through SNPLMA. While the process took time, the pace of transfers is reportedly picking up.
Key Figures and Organizations Mentioned:
BLM (Bureau of Land Management): The federal agency responsible for managing public lands. SNPLMA (Southern Nevada Public Land Management Act): A law that allows for the sale of public lands in Southern Nevada, with proceeds used for specific purposes, including conservation and infrastructure.
Alexis Hill: Chair of Washoe County’s board of commissioners.
Tracy Stone-Manning: Former BLM director, now leads The Wilderness Society.
Squillace: A Colorado law professor.
Steve Aichroth: Administrator of the Nevada Housing Division.
Jacky Rosen & Catherine Cortez Masto: Democratic Senators from Nevada.
Joe Lombardo: Republican Governor of Nevada.
Steve Waldrip: Director of housing strategy for Utah Gov. Spencer Cox.
Pinto: Directs AEI’s efforts to push for housing on federal lands. AEI (American enterprise Institute): A conservative think tank.
* Ovation: A developer involved in affordable housing projects in Las Vegas.
Overall sentiment:
The text highlights the complexities and challenges in utilizing federal lands for affordable housing. While there’s a recognized need and some promising initiatives,a lack of clarity,inter-agency coordination issues,and political debates are hindering progress. However,there’s also evidence of a shift towards more targeted and collaborative approaches,with some successful local projects demonstrating the potential of these mechanisms.
