New York State has a broad spectrum of housing needs. Within a few hundred square miles, citizens require adequate and affordable housing in markets that are starkly different. Whether it is an apartment in a large complex or a home in a rural community, New York State's housing programs are tailored to meet these needs. Some examples of these programs include: the Main Street Program, which revitalizes deteriorated buildings located in and around local community centers while creating affordable housing units in renovated buildings; the Neighborhood Preservation Program and the Rural Preservation Program, which support local not-for-profits that engage in housing preservation and development activities; and various homeownership and rental subsidy programs, which provide resources and information to individuals seeking housing. It is important that these programs undergo regular review to ensure that they are continuing to meet the needs of New York's residents. While the recent downturn in the economy has reduced the availability of funding, it is important that working-class citizens continue to have access to safe, clean and affordable housing as our economy recovers. The Assembly is constantly looking to improve the housing situation for the people of New York State.

Please see the reverse side for a list of subjects to which witnesses may direct their testimony.

Persons wishing to present pertinent testimony to the Committee at the above hearing should complete and return the enclosed reply form as soon as possible. It is important that the reply form be fully completed and returned so that persons may be notified in the event of emergency postponement or cancellation.

Oral testimony will be limited to 10 minutes duration. In preparing the order of witnesses, the Committee will attempt to accommodate individual requests to speak at particular times in view of special circumstances. These requests should be made on the attached reply form or communicated to the committee staff as early as possible.

Ten copies of any prepared testimony should be submitted at the hearing registration desk. The Committee would appreciate advance receipt of prepared statements.

In order to further publicize these hearings, please inform interested parties and organizations of the Committee's interest in hearing testimony from all sources.

In order to meet the needs of those who may have a disability, the Assembly, in accordance with its policy of non-discrimination on the basis of disability, as well as the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), has made its facilities and services available to all individuals with disabilities. For individuals with disabilities, accommodations will be provided, upon reasonable request, to afford such individuals access and admission to Assembly facilities and activities.

---

1. Have certain housing programs operated by New York State agencies and authorities or by local municipalities proved to be more effective than others? If so, what programs have been the most successful? Are there any significant factors or approaches that distinguish successful programs? If so, could these elements be duplicated in other programs?

2. Are there significant issues or challenges facing current housing programs in New York, including those operated by municipalities? If so, are these obstacles unique to certain programs or geographic areas?

3. Given the recent downturn in available funding for housing projects, are there alternative ways budgetary funds can be allocated to produce or retain a greater number of housing units for a similar cost?

4. Which housing programs are the most administratively demanding? How can these programs be streamlined to become more efficient?

5. How has the recent drop in home values affected housing programs? Have construction costs remained consistent? Should funds be shifted to focus on acquiring and rehabilitating existing housing units?

6. Has the demand for housing increased or decreased in the past year? Have the number of individuals served by New York State and local municipal housing programs reflected the change in demand?

---

Persons wishing to present testimony at the public hearing evaluating current housing programs are requested to complete this reply form as soon as possible and mail, e-mail or fax it to: