Texas Lawmakers Seek Reform of Multi-Million Tax Breaks to Apartment Developers for ‘Affordable Housing’

Texas lawmakers are seeking to reform a state program that has awarded hefty tax exemptions to apartment developers in Houston and other urban areas through a process some say lacks transparency and oversight and fails to meet affordable housing goals.

Legislation filed by state Sen. Paul Bettencourt (R-Houston) and Rep. Jacey Jetton (R-Richmond) Tuesday would add more stringent requirements to the approval of tax breaks through Public Facility Corporations (PFC) in exchange for affordable housing for low-income households.

Under current law, local government authorities may create a PFC to purchase or...