| Regulatory barriers include public statutes, ordinances, regulations, fees, processes and procedures that significantly restrict the development of affordable housing without providing a commensurate health or safety benefit. These barriers can effectively exclude working individuals such as teachers, police officers, firefighters, nurses and returning veterans from living in the communities where they work. In addition, senior citizens often find it extremely difficult to find suitable housing near their adult children while young families likewise face difficulties in finding a home in the communities where they were raised. Local communities interested in sharing innovative strategies to overcome regulatory barriers to affordable housing can click here to visit HUD’s Regulatory Barriers Clearinghouse. “The National Association of Home Builders strongly supports HUD’s efforts to remove excessive and redundant regulatory barriers that push up the cost of housing,” said NAHB President David Wilson. “I think the Affordable Communities Awards are an excellent way to recognize the efforts of local governments to develop regulatory policies that make it possible to produce housing that is affordable to working families.” To download an application for the 2005 awards, click here. Applications must be postmarked no later than March 15. For a detailed description of the nomination and selection process, click here. | 
