(1) be responsible for the study and analysis of housing activities, including renewal problems, the planning and programming of housing activities, including site selection, preparation of requests for public facilities, loans and related matters, and the formulation of recommended policies and programs to the Governor and the Legislature;
(2) make market surveys and determine the quality and quantity of present and future housing needs and propose specific projects and sites;
(3) conduct investigations to develop improved methods of financing projects and activities and the formulation of suggestions for further stimulating participation in housing and renewal activities by the private sector of the economy;
(4) review the results of all housing and community renewal operations of the Government and its agencies and formulate recommendations to improve overall programs and their administration;
(5) be responsible for the enforcement and administration of all laws pertaining to rent controls;
(6) administer public recreation programs within housing projects and elsewhere in the United States Virgin Islands, including the organization and maintenance of youth sports leagues;
(7) provide and maintain parks, recreation areas and sports complexes for public use and enjoyment;
(8) promote physical fitness throughout the United States Virgin Islands;
(9) be responsible for and administer beautification programs;
(10) acquire property already devoted to public use;
(11) plan for, install, construct and reconstruct parks, playgrounds and other public improvements in housing projects;
(12) undertake and carry out studies, analyses, research and investigations of living and housing conditions and housing needs, within its area of operation, and of means and methods of dealing with the needs disclosed by such studies;
(13) make available to the public, the results of such studies and information on housing;
(14) determine if, and where, in its area of operation, slum and blighted conditions or areas exist, or if, and where, there is a shortage of safe, decent, and sanitary dwellings for low-income families;
(15) make findings, determinations, and recommendations concerning matters relating to housing and means and methods of dealing with such matters;
(16) carry into effect such findings, determinations and recommendations through close coordination with the Virgin Islands Housing Authority and the Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority;
(17) cooperate with, and participate in activities of local, regional or national agencies, organizations, institutions or other official or unofficial bodies engaged in the same or related fields;
(18) perform all appropriate functions with respect to housing activities and projects;
(19) clear or prepare any property owned by it for redevelopment, conservation or rehabilitation;
(20) advise the Virgin Islands Housing Authority on standards of eligibility for admission to, and occupancy of, low-income public housing dwellings and facilities;
(21) make such expenditures, subject to the provisions of this chapter or any other applicable laws, regulations or restrictions, as may be necessary for the activities and operations of the Department and to carry out the purposes of this chapter;
(22) conduct examinations and investigations on any matters material to the functions of the Department;
(23) exercise all, any, part, or combination of the powers granted in this chapter;
(24) prescribe rules and regulations, consistent with law, for the conduct of its personnel and the execution of its powers and duties;
(25) prepare and submit to the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, in a timely manner, an annual budget of its operations;
(26) create, maintain and submit a listing of all vacant and occupied vendor spaces as part of its annual executive budget submitted to the Legislature; and
(27) annually publish on the Department’s website a listing of all vacant and occupied vendor spaces.