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Affordable Housing in Alief: LIHTC Impact on a Diverse Houston Neighborhood
CATEGORY
Affordable Housing
DATA
LIHTC Projects
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Population
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Affordable Housing
LIHTC Projects
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Population
Alief, a neighborhood in Houston, Texas, has a significant Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) funded affordable housing inventory. As of 2022, the neighborhood has 918 total units in LIHTC-funded projects, with 479 of these designated as low-income units. Based on the estimated housing inventory of 50,380 units, the LIHTC-funded affordable housing covers approximately 1.8% of the neighborhood's housing stock.
The LIHTC program has invested $1,072,725 in tax credits for affordable housing projects in Alief. This translates to an average federal funding of $1,168 per unit across all LIHTC-funded projects in the neighborhood. Affordable housing has been a part of Alief's landscape for over two decades. The first LIHTC project, Bristol Court Apartments, was completed in 1995, while the most recent addition, Golden Bamboo Village III, was finished in 2012. This 17-year span demonstrates a sustained commitment to affordable housing in the area.
The 2000s saw the most significant development of affordable housing in Alief, with four projects completed during this decade: Collingham Park (2002), The Pinnacle On Wilcrest (2006), Aspen Park Apts (2007), and Hometowne On Bellfort (2009). In terms of unit distribution, the LIHTC-funded projects in Alief offer a mix of housing options. There are 204 one-bedroom units, 478 two-bedroom units, and 72 three-bedroom units. This diversity caters to various household sizes and needs within the community.
Over the past decade, Alief's population has remained relatively stable, with a slight increase from 124,657 in 2013 to 131,492 in 2022. The median income has shown growth, rising from $46,644 in 2013 to $52,093 in 2022, indicating a gradual improvement in economic conditions. The racial composition of Alief has remained diverse but relatively consistent. As of 2022, the neighborhood is predominantly Hispanic (46%), followed by Black (25%), Asian (20%), and White (7%) residents. This diversity underscores the importance of maintaining affordable housing options to support a mixed-income community.
It is notable that no new LIHTC projects have been completed in Alief since 2012. This could be due to various factors, including changes in funding priorities, market conditions, or potentially a shift in housing needs within the community.
Alief's LIHTC-funded affordable housing inventory represents a small but significant portion of the neighborhood's housing stock. The consistent development of affordable housing projects from 1995 to 2012 demonstrates a long-term commitment to addressing housing needs in the area. While the LIHTC-funded units cover only 1.8% of the estimated housing inventory, other affordable housing programs may also contribute to meeting the community's needs. The neighborhood's stable population, gradually increasing median income, and diverse racial composition highlight the ongoing importance of maintaining and potentially expanding affordable housing options to ensure Alief remains an inclusive and accessible community for residents across various income levels.
