TWHC Files Multiple Texas PIA Requests
AUSTIN, TX — The Texas Workforce Housing Coalition (TWHC), which represents affordable-housing stakeholders across the state, has filed multiple requests under the Texas Public Information Act to uncover communications between county appraisal districts and outside individuals and organizations regarding the implementation of House Bill 21 (HB21).
The move comes as certain appraisal districts appear to be weaponizing HB21—the recently-passed housing reforms—against cross-jurisdictional Housing Finance Corporations (HFCs) prior to HB21's scheduled restrictions taking effect. The appraisal districts' actions target HFCs and developers who created affordable housing under previously approved structures and tax exemptions, putting thousands of working-class families at risk.
If these efforts succeed, the consequences will be devastating: foreclosures of affordable-housing properties, mass evictions, and working Texans—primarily teachers, nurses, first responders, and working parents—being forced out of their homes.
“The history here makes clear that the positions now being taken by certain appraisal districts are politically motivated and not based on a fair reading of the law. While we look forward to presenting our legal positions in the appropriate forums, we’re also concerned about the role of certain politicians and their network of insiders and enablers who may stand to benefit from the actions of the appraisal districts,” said Trey Cox, Partner at Gibson Dunn & Crutcher LLP and counsel to TWHC. “Like all Texans, we believe government agencies must stay above politics. This is step one in keeping everyone accountable.”
Last month, TWHC also filed a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of HB21. The suit argues that HB21 unlawfully retroactively imposes new rules on affordable-housing deals that were legally closed years ago, impairing billions of dollars’ worth of contracts. Such retroactive rule-changing would send a chilling message to anyone considering investing in Texas: that the rules of the game can be rewritten at any time, after the fact.
About the Texas Workforce Housing Coalition
The Texas Workforce Housing Coalition (TWHC) is a statewide alliance of affordable housing providers committed to one mission: creating and preserving affordable homes for Texas families. TWHC works with industry peers, policy advocates, and trusted partners to ensure hardworking Texans have a safe, stable place to live.