In order to provide housing opportunities for all Rhode Islanders, to maintain the quality of housing in Rhode Island, and to coordinate and make effective the housing responsibilities of the agencies and subdivisions of the state, the commission shall have the following powers and duties:

(1) Policy, planning, and coordination of state housing functions.   The commission shall have the power and duty:

(i)  To prepare and adopt the state’s plans for housing; provided, however, that this provision shall not be interpreted to contravene the prerogative of the state planning council to adopt a state guide plan for housing.

(ii)  To prepare, adopt, and issue the state’s housing policy.

(iii)  To conduct research on and make reports regarding housing issues in the state.

(iv)  To advise the governor and general assembly on housing issues and to coordinate housing activities among government agencies and agencies created by state law or providing housing services under government programs.

(2) Establish, implement, and monitor state performance measures and guidelines for housing programs.   The commission shall have the power and the duty:

(i)  To promulgate performance measures and guidelines for housing programs conducted under state law.

(ii)  To monitor and evaluate housing responsibilities established by state law, and to establish a process for annual reporting on the outcomes of the programs and investments of the state in housing for low- and moderate-income people.

(iii)  To hear and resolve disputes pertaining to housing issues.

(3) Administer the programs pertaining to housing resources that may be assigned by state law.   The commission shall have the power and duty to administer programs for housing, housing services, and community development, including, but not limited to, programs pertaining to:

(i)  Abandoned properties and the remediation of blighting conditions.

(ii)  Lead abatement and to manage a lead hazard abatement program in cooperation with the Rhode Island housing and mortgage finance corporation.

(iii)  Services for the homeless.

(iv)  Rental assistance.

(v)  Community development.

(vi)  Outreach, education and technical assistance services.

(vii)  Assistance, including financial support, to nonprofit organizations and community development corporations.

(viii)  Tax credits that assist in the provision of housing or foster community development or that result in support to nonprofit organizations performing functions to accomplish the purposes of this chapter.

(ix)  The Supportive Services Program, the purpose of which is to help prevent and end homelessness among those who have experienced long-term homelessness and for whom certain services in addition to housing are essential. State funding for this program may leverage other resources for the purpose of providing supportive services. Services provided pursuant to this subsection may include, but not be limited to: assistance with budgeting and paying rent; access to employment; encouraging tenant involvement in facility management and policies; medication monitoring and management; daily living skills related to food, housekeeping, and socialization; counseling to support self-identified goals; referrals to mainstream health, mental health, and treatment programs; and conflict resolution.

In the administration of the programs in this subsection, the commission shall award, in each funding round, a material award that benefits a Rhode Island city or town with a population below twenty-five thousand (25,000) people according to data from the United States Census Bureau.