A Richmond poverty reduction group is asking for transparency in how affordable homes – built and managed by developers – are being listed and rented out.
The Richmond Poverty Reduction Coalition (RPRC) will be at Monday’s city council meeting, reminding them that they asked a year ago for the Low-End Market Rental (LEMR) program be looked into.
RPRC representaties plan to revisit the issue with some further suggestions, asking for a LEMR registry that is “transparent and accessible.”
Currently, LEMR units are built by developers – as per city council’s policy – and then they are managed by the owner of the building.
A list on the city’s website shows there are currently about 500 LEMR units located in about 40 different buildings across the city. The city list gives contact information on how to access the units with either a phone number or email address.
RPRC is calling on city council to have “ongoing oversight and accountability” for the LEMR units with an annual report that includes number of units, rents and income thresholds.
In her correspondence to the city, RPRC president Deirdre Whalen notes that city council approved the LEMR policy and can “amend it to make it transparent, accessible and equitable for taxpayers and everyone who needs non-market housing.”
RPRC plans to be at Monday’s city council meeting to talk about the LEMR program.
