The Housing Authority of Columbus has become only the second such authority in the state to receive the “Moving to Work” designation from the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development, the authority announced today.

The designation allows the authority more flexibility in dealing with tenants, in order to prevent homelessness, encourage employment and to reduce administrative costs.

It will allow the local authority to seek relief from some of the regulations regarding housing choice vouchers and tenant income restrictions.

The authority is one of only 39 out of more than 3,000 in the country to receive the designation.