Grants

Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing

In 1995 the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced that entitlement communities - communities receiving direct federal funding from Community Development Block Grant, HOME Investment Partnership and Emergency Shelter Grant programs - must conduct a study of existing barriers to housing choice. This required study is referred to as the "Analysis of Impediments (AI) and is part of entitlement communities' consolidated planning process.

The purpose of the AI is to examine how state and local laws, private, public and non-profit sector regulations, administrative policies, procedures, and practices are impacting the location, availability, and accessibility of housing in a given area. The AI is not a Fair Housing Plan - rather it is an analysis of the current state of fair housing choice in Arkansas and identifies specific barriers that need to be addressed if future fair housing initiatives are to be successful.

Each jurisdiction receiving federal funds must certify that it is affirmatively furthering fair housing. The certification specifically requires jurisdictions to do the following:

  • Conduct an analysis of impediments to fair housing choice within the state or local jurisdiction.
  • Take appropriate actions to overcome the effects of any impediments identified through that analysis.
  • Maintain records reflecting the analysis and actions in this regard.

2009 Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing