Affordability and Fairness for Mountain Communities Act of 2023

HR 3715, the Affordability and Fairness for Mountain Communities Act of 2023, creates a new waiver program allowing counties in mountain communities to use ZIP codes or neighboring counties instead of standard area median income (AMI) calculations for housing assistance programs. This directly affects low-income residents and seasonal workers in rural mountain areas (as defined by the Census Bureau) who face high housing costs relative to their income under current AMI rules. The bill requires the Housing Secretary to establish this waiver program within 90 days, letting counties choose localized AMI methods for programs like public housing, rental assistance, and homeless services. It also mandates a two-year study assessing how AMI calculations impact housing affordability in mountain communities, including effects on rent burdens and income limits.