Thursday, April 19, 2007
Contact: Jessica Robinson, 573-751-0290
Blunt's Blue Ribbon Panel Suggests Changes to Improve Efficiency, Transparency at Housing Agency
JEFFERSON CITY– Gov. Matt Blunt's Blue Ribbon Panel submitted a report outlining recommendations to improve efficiency and transparency and to save money in the state's housing finance agency. Blunt appointed the bipartisan panel in January to examine the Missouri Housing Development Commission (MHDC) and its operations.
"As a result of the first full government review of the state's housing agency we have the opportunity to implement recommendations to save money for taxpayers and ensure agency operations are consistent and transparent," Blunt said. "I appreciate the panel members for their work and look forward to reviewing the recommendations and discussing the report with the panel members."
State Sen. Jack Goodman (R) and former MHDC Chair Gary Collins (D) chaired the committee. The group held a number of open meetings and public forums around the state as they reviewed MHDC operations. Among other things, their recommendations include:
- Making the evaluation and award process as transparent to the public as possible
- Strengthening the review process for developers to screen out those that lack capacity, have a poor track record with other agencies, and/or have been sanctioned for violations
- Encouraging projects that also bring in funds from other sources
- Expressing concern that the presence of the four elected officials on MHDC has led to the appearance of politics
- Developing an affordable housing database to provide Missourians access to information about available housing opportunities
- Enhancing the application and evaluation process
The Missouri Housing Development Commission makes investments in rental housing developments, preservation of affordable rental housing, home mortgages, home improvement loans, grants to neighborhood housing groups and other housing programs. MHDC functions as a bank, providing financing directly to borrowers or through a network of private lending institutions.