The Land Assemblage Redevelopment Authority (LARA) is a 13-member board appointed by the Mayor, City Council, Harris County and the Houston Independent School District. The LARA Authority is organized for the purpose of aiding, assisting and acting on behalf of the City in the performance of its governmental functions to promote the common good and general welfare of the City and in undertaking and completing one or more projects, as may be defined or determined by the City Council of the City.

• Houston HOPE Wins Recognized For Outstanding Achievement By The U.S. Conference Of Mayors (.pdf)

In particular, such projects shall include, without limitation, the acquisition, assemblage, management, marketing, development and disposition of properties that have been acquired by taxing authorities through foreclosure of delinquent ad valorem taxes, including the redevelopment of such properties.

What’s New (05.01.2013):

• Land Assemblage Redevelopment Authority (LARA) - RFP for Independent Audit Services Proposal #2013

What’s New (04.12.2013):

• Land Assemblage Redevelopment Authority (LARA) - RFP for Bookkeeping Services Proposal #2013

Solicitation of Offers for Affordable Housing Development

The Land Assemblage Redevelopment Authority ("LARA"), with the support of the City of Houston, has acquired certain tax delinquent properties to be developed as truly affordable home ownership units. LARA and the City, through the “Houston Hope” initiative, offer the Solicitation of Offers for Affordable Housing Development presented below.

The “Houston Hope” neighborhood revitalization effort will be accomplished through qualified non-profit and for-profit builders. Community Development Corporations (CDCs) may participate as builders, if qualified, or may assist LARA in support of housing development and neighborhood revitalization activities such as marketing, credit counseling, and program promotion.

Down payment assistance under the City's Homebuyer Assistance Program may be made available to qualified home buyers to bring monthly payments down to a level where many working families now renting can instead build equity in their homes.

To acquire LARA lots and participate in this program, qualified builders must complete and submit the following for consideration:

• A fully signed copy of the Contract (accompanied by the proposed house plans and drawings)
  
• Builder Qualifications Statement
  
• Requested Parcel List for Acquisition
  
• Builder House Construction Specifications Document
  
• Bid Cost Performa Document Worksheet

The contract and other documents listed above are available on line (below) and can be submitted electronically.