Supreme Court Rules in Favor of Home Buyers

The Supreme Court has found that housing discrimination does not have to be intentional in order to be considered illegal. The results of the case could have far-reaching implications for the North Texas commercial real estate and developer community.

Supreme Court Makes Ruling Regarding Real Estate Practices

In the case called Texas Department of Housing v. Inclusive Communities Project, the high court ruled 5-4 that one only needs to show that zoning, lending, sales and rental practices had a disparate effect on minorities in order to be considered discriminatory. The case leading to the decision claimed that Dallas officials made most federal low-income housing vouchers available in neighborhoods that were primarily populated by minorities and those who were poor. In their ruling for Inclusive Communities Project, the Supreme Court found that the practice of concentrating affordable housing developments in these areas can be discriminatory. The ruling also found that the practice could be perpetuating segregation.

Impacting How Developers Do Business

As a result of the lawsuit, affordable housing developers will need to continue to compete for tax credits within the point system that has been developed by the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs. Tens of millions of dollars in federal tax credits rests at the heart of the issue, with the federal government providing the dollars in an effort to encourage affordable housing in Dallas as well as throughout the country.

dAs of right now, it appears as if Dallas will not receive any affordable housing tax credits through the federal program. Meanwhile, developers in nearby cities and suburbs have been finding more success with getting the federal tax credits and moving forward with affordable housing projects.

Inclusive Communities Project and Texas Department of Housing

The Inclusive Communities Project is a non-profit organization that focuses on creating and maintaining racially and economically inclusive communities. The organization also advocates for the expansion of fair and affordable housing opportunities for low income families while seeking to change policies and practices that perpetuate discrimination and segregation. The organization strives to help others find where opportunities for safe neighborhoods, good schools, economic opportunity and affordable housing exist in North Texas.

The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs works to ensure programs are lawfully put into place while developing high-quality affordable housing in Texas communities. The department serves as a conduit for federal grants associated with housing and community services while also operating as a housing finance agency. The department is entrusted with the responsibility of ensuring program compliance with state and federal laws to guarantee resources are used in an efficient and effective manner.

The Inclusive Communities Project and Texas Department of Housing are just two organizations that North Texas has available to ensure fair and affordable housing opportunities are made available in the area. If you are interested in learning more about Dallas-Fort Worth real estate opportunities, contact our team of knowledgeable and experience real estate experts today. We will be happy to help you find the Dallas property that best suits your lifestyle and budget.

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