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November 19, 2024

Planning New Construction? Energy Code Webinar Rescheduled

On April 26, 2024, HUD published the Final Determination for the Adoption of Energy Efficiency Standards for New Construction of HUD- and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Financed Housing, establishing the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) and the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) 90.1-2019 as minimum energy efficiency standards for new construction for certain HUD and USDA covered programs.  

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November 08, 2024

PHADA Submits Comments on HUD’s Affirmative Fair Housing Marketing Plan Form Revisions

HUD’s PD&R has proposed revisions to Affirmative Fair Housing Marketing Plan forms that are required from all developers of FHA insured housing. The changes generally appeared to be helpful, but PHADA expressed some concerns. In particular, HUD’s failure to make documents available until just over a week before comments were due was frustrating.

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November 07, 2024

HUD Proposes PHAS Revisions

On Monday November 4, HUD posted a proposed rule revising PHAS, the Public Housing Assessment System.  PHADA had previously provided formal comment and recommendations in 2022.

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November 04, 2024

HCV Homeownership Virtual Convening for HAs

HUD’s Office of Public and Indian Housing (PIH), in collaboration with the Technical Assistance Collaborative (TAC), is hosting the first national HCV Homeownership Convening being held virtually and specifically for housing authorities.  

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October 30, 2024

Fair Housing Marketing Plan Comments

On October 3, HUD’s Office of Policy Development and Research (PD&R) published a 30-day notice of a proposed information collection, Affirmative Fair Housing Marketing Plan forms required from all FHA insured developments. The department and OMB failed to publish the subject forms on OMB’s web site until Friday, October 25, 2024, reducing the public review period from 30 days to 10 days.

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October 22, 2024

HUD Multifamily Posts Draft Notice on Solar Leases

The Office of Multifamily Housing recently posted a draft notice regarding commercial leases for on-site solar systems, cell towers, and other rooftop uses.  Broadly, the draft notice centralizes procedures for applications and approvals for such leases, as well as to establish additional requirements for multifamily owners seeking to install rooftop or other on-site solar systems. This is especially true if any of the electricity generated by the system is used by the property, such as through...

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October 18, 2024

Rural Housing Funding Opportunities; HAs Eligible for TA Program

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently announced additional funding opportunities that will expand safe, affordable housing throughout rural America.

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October 11, 2024

Important Resources for HAs Affected by the Recent Hurricanes

As many of your agencies manage the aftermath of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, PHADA would like to express our readiness to assist you, and your staff wherever needed. We understand the immense challenges that many of your housing authority, staff, residents, and communities may face now and in the indefinite future. Your agencies are often first responders to residents, and as a result, your staff play a vital role in the immediate aftermath of a disaster.

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October 10, 2024

PHADA Writes to Tax Teams in Support of LIHTC Expansion

On October 9, PHADA wrote to the Community Development Tax Team to support strengthening and expanding the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program in any future tax legislation. A copy of the letter—which highlights the importance of LIHTC in delivering affordable housing and to the success of the Housing Choice Voucher program—is available here

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October 08, 2024

HUD’s HCV Homeownership Program Convening

TAC and Du & Associates are collaborating with HUD on a crucial HCV homeownership convening. Below is the Save the Date notice from HUD Headquarters. Registration details will be coming soon from HUD.

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October 08, 2024

HUD Announces FSS Q&A for Funding Notices

On September 24, HUD released two Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) program funding notices. In notices PIH 2024-32 and PIH 2024-33, the Department announced that while the final deadline for renewal applicants is June 30, 2025, there is a priority deadline of November 1, 2024.

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September 26, 2024

Congress Passes Continuing Resolution to Avert Government Shutdown

On September 25, 2024, both the House and Senate passed a continuing resolution (CR) that will fund the government through December 20, 2024. The CR passed overwhelmingly and with bipartisan support in both chambers, averting a potential government shutdown that would have begun on October 1. President Biden is expected to sign the CR soon.

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September 23, 2024

HUD Announces NSPIRE Webinars and Office Hours

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) recently announced a series of webinars and office hours for the National Standards for the Physical Inspection of Real Estate (NSPIRE) for vouchers coming soon, following PHADA’s recommendation to maintain ongoing communication and information sharing. The series is geared towards housing authorities, landlords, maintenance staff, inspectors, and industry staff who may come with questions and to engage in discussion with HUD staff.

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September 23, 2024

HUD Requests Information on Awarding Some Lead Hazard/Healthy Homes Funding by Formula

On September 17, HUD published a request for information (RFI) in the Federal Register regarding the administration’s proposal (including its 2025 budget proposal) to make some Lead Hazard Reduction and Healthy Homes Program funding awards based on formula. Currently, funding designated for these programs is statutorily required to be awarded via competition.

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September 18, 2024

HUD Announces Delay to HOTMA Compliance Date

In a September 18 email to Executive Directors, General Deputy Assistant Secretary Dominique Blom noted that HAs will not be required to comply with Sections 102 and 104 of the Housing Opportunity through Modernization Act of 2016 (HOTMA) on January 1, 2025.

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September 05, 2024

PHADA Joins Other Organizations to Advocate for Maximum HUD Funding

On September 4, 2024, PHADA—along with nearly three dozen other organizations—wrote to Congressional appropriations leaders, advocating for maximum funding for crucial HUD programs. The letter was organized by the Coalition for Housing and Community Development Funding (CHCDF), of which PHADA is a member.

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August 14, 2024

HUD Publishes FY 25 FMRs Effective October 1

On August 14, HUD published a notice in the Federal Register , as required by law, announcing the 2025 Fair Market Rents (FMRs). The primary methodology is unchanged from 2024, when provisions for including private-market data sources were added when available to better reflect local market conditions and is described in detail in the notice. Small Area Fair Market Rent (SAFMR) information is also included, with SAFMRs now calculated for both metropolitan and non-metropolitan areas.

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August 13, 2024

NTIA Announces Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program

On July 24, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) announced a nearly $1 billion Notice of Funding Opportunity for the Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program. These competitive grants will help fund initiatives that support low-income households, older adults, rural communities, and other populations most impacted by the digital divide.

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August 12, 2024

HUD Announces Second Offset of HAP Reserves

On August 9, HUD’s Office of Public and Indian Housing posted Notice PIH 2024-29 (HA): HCV 2024 HAP Funding – Second Offset Based on Excess HAP Reserves. 

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August 08, 2024

HUD Files Notice of CY 24 HCV Administrative Fee Rates

On August 1, HUD published the Notice of Annual Factors for Determining Administrative Fees for the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher, Mainstream, and Moderate Rehabilitation Programs in the Federal Register. The notice announces the monthly per unit fee rates for use in calculating administrative fees for Calendar Year 2024 (CY 24) in accordance with HUD Notice PIH 2024-16. It covers administrative fee rates for the HCV, Mainstream Vouchers, Emergency Housing Voucher (column A rate only), and M...

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July 30, 2024

Senate Expected to Vote on Tax Bill Thursday

On Thursday, August 1, the Senate is expected to vote on cloture for the Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act, commonly known as the “Tax Bill.” This bill includes two PHADA-endorsed provisions that will expand and strengthen the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit program (LIHTC)—increasing the number of 9 percent (competitive) tax credits and lowering the bond financing threshold for 4 percent (non-competitive) tax credits to 30 percent.

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July 24, 2024

HUD Updates Budget Submission Deadlines for FY 22 and FY 23 Public Housing Shortfall Funding Recipients

On July 23, HUD posted Notice PIH 2024-23: Extending the 2024 Shortfall budget deadlines for Public Housing Agency Recipients of 2022 and 2023 Public Housing Shortfall Grants. Shortfall recipients are required to submit annual budgets to HUD via the Public Housing Portal. However, the Portal has not been available for submissions due each quarter of 2024 based on FYE cycles of recipient agencies. This notice applies to PHAs that received 2022 Shortfall Grants or 2023 Shortfall Grants and had 20...

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July 17, 2024

HUD News: Biden-Harris Administration Invests $325 Million in Housing and Community Development Improvements

On July 16, President Joe Biden and HUD Acting Secretary Adrianne Todman announced that the Biden-Harris Administration is awarding $325 million in Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grant funding to seven communities to build more homes and revitalize neighborhoods that have been left behind. The awards will redevelop distressed housing with high-quality mixed-income options, while also providing residents with services focused on income, health, and education. Grant funds may also be used fo...

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June 26, 2024

HUD Revises 2024 HAP Shortfall Funding Requirements

On June 24, HUD published Notice PIH 2024-21 (HA), “HCV 2024 HAP Funding – Revised HAP Set-aside Shortfall Funding Requirements.” This notice supersedes Appendix E of PIH Notice 2024-16 on 2024 HAP funding, issued only a month earlier. Despite PHADA’s calls for caution by HUD in continuing to push lease-up over other considerations, HUD is now backtracking.

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June 17, 2024

HUD Releases Notice on Cooling Options for Public Housing

On June 13, HUD published Notice PIH 2024-20, “Responding to Extreme Heat in Public Housing – Eligible Expenses and Individual Relief for Excess Utilities Consumption.” The new guidance is only applicable to public housing and highlights the eligible uses of capital funds and operating subsidies for air conditioning and other cooling technologies for extreme heat events. Additionally, the notice—which goes into effect immediately — outlines steps HAs may take at their own discretion to streamli...

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June 17, 2024

Department Announces HIP Implementation Delay

In a June 17, 2024, email to HA Executive Directors, HUD General Deputy Assistant Secretary Dominique Blom announced a delay in onboarding agencies to the Housing Information Portal (HIP), the successor system to PIC. This email rescinds the HIP implementation timeline published in Notice PIH 2024-12 and discussed in a recent edition of the Advocate.

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June 17, 2024

HUD Extends NSPIRE-V Compliance Date

As previously reported in the Advocate , PHADA and other industry groups met with Secretary Adrianne Todman in May. Among other issues, the groups raised concerns about the timing and volume of new regulations and requirements imposed by HUD in recent months. The groups also noted those problems are compounded by inadequate funding, rising tenant account receivables, and big increases in the cost of insurance. In addition, PHADA has pointed out the NSPIRE-V implementation timeline may negative...

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May 28, 2024

Preparing for Inflation Reduction Act Tax Credits

In late May, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced the opportunity for members to provide input related to access to whole-building energy use data to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The EPA just announced its Whole-Building Energy Data Campaign to assist building owners in communicating the need for whole-building energy use data to utility companies. The campaign seeks input from building owners and managers, companies that provide support for benchmarking...

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May 17, 2024

PHADA Urges Comments on Proposed Criminal Records Rule

In its discussion of the proposed rule, HUD indicates it consulted with many stakeholders, but current public housing resident perspectives were under-represented and public housing authority participation was limited. PHADA urges members to comment and share information on the proposed rule and the mechanisms for public comment with their tenant leadership. Resident commissioners, Resident Advisory Boards, Tenant Councils, and individual tenants can all comment on the rule and may want to. One...

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May 16, 2024

HUD News: HOTMA Final Rule Improvements to the PBV and HCV Programs

Last week, I had the great honor of announcing the publication of Housing Opportunity Through Modernization Act of 2016-Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) and Project-Based Voucher Implementation; Additional Streamlining Changes alongside the Housing Authority of DeKalb County in Decatur, GA, at one of their beautiful PBV properties.

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May 15, 2024

HUD News: Join HUD for May/June Webinars on HIP & NSPIRE

HUD’s Real Estate Assessment Center (REAC) in the Office of Public and Indian Housing (PIH) invites PHAs to three upcoming webinars on the Housing Information Portal (HIP) and the National Standards for the Physical Inspection of Real Estate (NSPIRE) for Vouchers. Please mark the following dates and times on your calendar and join the webinars via the provided links.

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May 07, 2024

HUD Awards Public Housing Capital Grant Funds

On Monday, May 6, HUD awarded capital grant funds to public housing authorities and began notifying executive directors of their awards. Below is the email communication being sent by the HUD Office of Capital Improvements to contacts of record for public housing agencies receiving public housing capital funds. 

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April 25, 2024

Department Releases FYI Funding Opportunity

Last week, HUD announced the availability of approximately $13 million in competitive funding for the Foster Youth to Independence (FYI) Initiative. FYI makes voucher funding available to HAs working in partnership with Public Child Welfare Agencies (PCWAs). FYI vouchers serve youth aged 18–24 who have left foster care or will leave foster care within 90 days. Vouchers may only be used to provide housing assistance for a maximum of 36 months, and FYI vouchers may also be project-based.

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April 18, 2024

MTW HCV Reserve Reporting Now Required

HUD has published Notice PIH 2024-11: Voucher Management System Reporting Requirements for Moving to Work Public Housing Agencies.

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April 18, 2024

HUD Resident Council Training in Birmingham and Chicago

Tenant leaders and residents have the opportunity to learn how to form and run effective resident councils. HUD’s Office of Public Housing and Voucher Programs (OPHVP) is scheduling training for residents interested in forming resident councils in Birmingham, AL, and Chicago, IL.

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April 11, 2024

HUD Extends PHAS Tenant Accounts Receivable Adjustment in the Management Assessment Subsystem to 2023 PHAS Assessments

On April 11, HUD published Notice PIH 2024-09pihn entitled, “Extension of the Adjustment to Tenant Accounts Receivable (TAR) Sub-indicator under the Management Assessment Subsystem (MASS) Indicator for the fiscal year 2023 Public Housing Assessment System (PHAS) assessment cycle.” The notice announces that HUD will extend its 2022 adjustment for assessing TARs in PHAS for agencies with fiscal year ends up to December 31, 2023.

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April 10, 2024

Criminal Records and Tenant Screening Proposed Rule Published

HUD has issued the much-anticipated proposed rule on the use of criminal records in tenant screenings and evictions, under the title, “Reducing Barriers to HUD-Assisted Housing.”  Comments are due June 10 .

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April 09, 2024

HUD Publishes NOFO for FY 24 Choice Neighborhoods Planning Grants

On April 9, 2024, HUD published the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for FY24 Choice Neighborhoods Planning Grants. HUD is making $10 million available for approximately twenty grants of up to $500,000 each to support local planning efforts to revitalize communities with distressed HUD-assisted public housing and/or PBRA properties. Applications for FY24 Choice Neighborhoods Planning Grants are due June 10, 2024. 

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March 20, 2024

HUD News: A Major Update to HUD-VASH

On March 19, HUD announced a new, optional flexibility for PHAs administering the HUD-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) program

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March 18, 2024

HUD Moves Up Capital Fund Certification Schedule for FY 25

HUD recently posted a new Capital Fund Certification Schedule moving up the dates for “the annual PIC Certification process.”  For FY 25 formula purposes, the certification period will be March 1 to April 30, 2024, using a February 29 reporting date.  Yes, “[HUD is] asking PHAs to certify data for FFY 2025 Capital Fund grants awards prior to the award of the FFY 2024 Capital Fund grant awards.”  The reporting date for this round is February 29, 2024.

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March 13, 2024

President Biden Releases FY 25 Budget Request

Earlier today, President Biden released his fiscal year FY 25 budget request. The request includes $72.6 billion in discretionary HUD funding, which is a 3.6 percent increase from FY 24 enacted levels. Despite this modest increase, though, the President has proposed flat or reduced funding for several core HUD programs.

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March 12, 2024

Upcoming HUD Webinars on the Small Rural Frozen Rolling Base (SR-FRB) Program

The Small Rural Frozen Rolling Base program (SR-FRB) provides an incentive to reduce energy use by allowing agencies to retain any savings occurring after the base consumption level used to calculate operating subsidy is frozen. Unlike Energy Performance Contracts (EPCs) with similar structures, small and rural agencies are not required to finance specific energy improvements in order to participate.  

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March 11, 2024

A Special Message From Secretary Marcia L. Fudge

Thank you for being such an integral partner to HUD and our tremendous staff. In my nearly five-decade career in public service, I have had the honor of working alongside many public and private sector agencies to carry out my work. Few have shown the dedication and commitment to the people of this nation as you. It has been a pleasure to work alongside you as we have sought to carry out HUD’s mission with integrity, and with respect for the people we serve. 

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March 04, 2024

Appropriators Release Bipartisan T-HUD Funding Bill

After passing another continuing resolution last week, Congressional appropriators yesterday released a “minibus” of six FY 24 appropriations bills, including one for Transportation and HUD (T-HUD). The bill provides slightly over $70 billion to the Department, which is approximately 13 percent higher than its FY 23 allocation. Congress is expected to pass the minibus package later this week with bipartisan support.

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February 29, 2024

HUD Publishes Notice Delaying Deadline for Updating Tenant Selection Plans

The HUD recently published Notice H-2024-04, which postpones the deadline for multifamily housing owners’ Tenant Selection Plans (TSPs) and Enterprise Income Verification (EIV) policies to comply with Sections 102 and 104 of the Housing Opportunity Through Modernization Act of 2016 (HOTMA). This deadline was previously March 31, 2024, but the notice extends it to May 31, 2024.

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February 16, 2024

HUD Reopens Certain FY 23 NOFOs

As Congress faces yet another partial CR deadline impacting T-HUD funding on March 1, 2024, PHADA is concerned that failure to finalize the FY 24 appropriations has forced HUD to rely on last year’s grant competitions for certain programs. Additionally, the Department has also recently published some NOFOs without knowing how much funding it will have available.

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February 13, 2024

HUD Webinar: CNA Walkthrough and Updates for PHAs

This session provides a live walkthrough of the Capital Needs Assessment Electronic Tool (CNA e-Tool) updates for Public Housing Authorities (PHAs).

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February 13, 2024

HUD Announces Special Administrative Fees to Support Housing Mobility Plans

On February 2, HUD published Notice PIH 2024-05, which outlines how the Department is making available approximately $1.5 million in special administrative fees for HAs to develop Housing Mobility Related Plans (HMRPs). HUD anticipates the average award will be approximately $60,000 and will have a 24-month period of performance.

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February 07, 2024

PHADA Submits Member Comments to HUD Concerning BABA Implementation

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) published PIH Notice 2024-01, Implementation Guidance for the Public Housing Program on Build America, Buy America (BABA) on January 1, 2024. While BABA is currently limited to the purchase of iron or steel in some HUD grant programs, like CDBG and Choice Neighborhoods implementation, its application will expand more broadly for housing authorities (HAs), becoming effective as early as February 22, 2024, for some agencies, and August 23, 202...

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February 05, 2024

HUD Publishes Revised HOTMA Notice, Clarifying Asset Limit Guidance

On February 2, HUD published a revised version of Notice PIH-2023-27, “Implementation Guidance: Sections 102 and 104 of the Housing Opportunity Through Modernization Act of 2016 (HOTMA).” The revised notice clarifies implementation guidance for the Section 104 asset limit, makes numerous technical corrections, and clarifies language throughout the document.

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February 02, 2024

Program Fund Guidance for Limited English Proficiency-Related Activities

On January 31, HUD released Notice PIH 2024-04, Eligible Uses for PIH Program Funds Related to Persons with Limited English Proficiency, that consolidates guidance on the program funds that can be used for individuals with limited English proficiency (LEP) to access programs and activities.

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February 02, 2024

Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) Faces Shutdown in April

Enacted as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), the Affordable Connectivity Program serves almost 23 million households in both remote rural communities and underserved urban neighborhoods. This past week, the FCC announced that it will no longer accept new ACP enrollments after February 7, 2024, as funding for the program is expected to run out in May.

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January 29, 2024

HUD Now Accepting Applications for Emergency Safety and Security Grant Program

Last week, HUD announced that it is now accepting applications for the Fiscal Year 2024 Public Housing Capital Fund Emergency Safety and Security Program (ESSG). Members should consult PIH Notice 2023-10 for eligible uses of funds and other requirements, and should note that the maximum award amount is $250,000. Applications are due March 27, 2024, at 5:00 pm ET.

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January 23, 2024

HUD Increases Maximum FHA Mortgage Amounts in High Cost Areas

Agencies planning to utilize FHA Multifamily housing loans as part of a development financing package should be aware of these updates from HUD. 

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January 23, 2024

Important Update on Operating Fund Distributions Under the CR

In a document dated January 12, 2024, HUD has provided its Explanation of Calendar Year (CY) 2024 Public Housing Operating Subsidy Obligations for February, March, and Three Weeks of April. In a recent call with HUD, officials highlighted the following things to keep in mind regarding HUD’s calculation and obligation of 2024 Public Housing Operating Funds under the continuing resolution (CR).

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January 19, 2024

Congress Passes Another CR, Avoiding Shutdown

On January 18, both chambers of Congress passed a continuing resolution (CR) to avert a partial government shutdown that would have begun at midnight on January 19. President Biden is expected to sign the CR bill sometime today.

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January 17, 2024

Contact Congress Today: Avoid Shutdown and Pass Important Tax Deal

Less than two months after passing a continuing resolution (CR) to avoid a government shutdown, Congress returns to snowy Washington this week with another pressing funding deadline. Both chambers must pass a new CR by this upcoming Friday (January 19) to avoid a partial government shutdown that would include the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

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January 05, 2024

HUD Publishes BABA Guidance for Public Housing Program

On January 1, HUD published PIH Notice 2024-01, Implementation Guidance for the Public Housing Program on Build America, Buy America (BABA) 2024. While BABA is currently limited to the purchase of iron or steel in some HUD grant programs, like CDBG and Choice Neighborhoods implementation, its application will expand more broadly for housing authorities (HAs), becoming effective as early as February 22, 2024, for some agencies, and August 23, 2024, for most.

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January 05, 2024

HUD News: New BABA Guidance for PHAs

Increasing support for American manufacturing is something we can all get behind. Many of us have seen the consequences of decades of disinvestment in manufacturing in our hometowns. The Biden-Harris Administration has been taking concrete steps to give hope for the future of American manufacturing.

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January 04, 2024

Public Housing Waiting List Module Now Open

On January 3, HUD sent an email to housing authorities nationwide announcing the opening of the waiting list module of the Public Housing Portal. According to HUD, “The module provides PHAs the ability to easily report the total number of families on the PHA waiting lists as required… by Section 103 (E) of HOTMA.”  

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December 20, 2023

HUD Re-Opens Jobs Plus NOFO

In a December 19, 2023, email to HA Executive Directors, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Monocchio announced that HUD has re-opened its FY 23 Jobs Plus Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). Eligible HAs that have not applied to the FY 23 NOFO may submit an application prior to the deadline of March 12, 2024. HAs who previously applied to the FY 23 NOFO do not need to re-submit but may choose to submit a revised application.

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December 19, 2023

HUD Extends GRRP Wave 3 Funding Deadline

HUD is extending the deadline for applications for wave 3 of the Green and Resilient Retrofit Program (GRRP) Elements cohort from January 4, 2024, to March 28, 2024. 

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December 18, 2023

Take Action on Proposed 30-day Notice Rule

On December 1, 2023, HUD proposed to make permanent the rule requiring a 30-day notice before initiating legal action for non-payment of rent for public housing and PBRA. The proposed rule would also require changes to the lease and the inclusion of specific information on late payment notices for tenants on how to request a change of income rent redetermination, how to request a hardship waiver of minimum rent, and other information.

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December 01, 2023

Proposed Rule Requiring 30-day Notice for Non-payment Published for Public Comment

On Friday, December 1, HUD published a proposed rule with a 60-day comment period. “Under this proposed rule, when tenants who reside in public housing or in properties receiving project-based rental assistance (PBRA) face eviction for nonpayment of rent, public housing agencies (PHAs) and owners would need to provide those tenants with written notification at least 30 days prior to the commencement of a formal judicial eviction procedure for lease termination.”

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November 29, 2023

HUD Publishes OCAFs for PBRAs Renewed Under Section 515 or 524 of MAHRA

On November 30, HUD will publish in the Federal Register a Notice establishing operating cost adjustment factors (OCAFs) for project-based assistance contracts renewed under the Multifamily Assisted Housing Reform and Affordability Act of 1997 (MAHRA). The new rates are applicable to annual renewal contracts with an Anniversary date on or after February 11, 2024.

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November 29, 2023

HUD Releases FAM Scores and Supplemental Information

Following up on the November 15, Federal Register publication on Family Self-Sufficiency Achievement Metrics (the ‘FAM Score,’ previously known as FSS performance metrics), HUD has released additional information on the scoring methodology as well as current FAM Scores for all participating agencies. The Department has also posted a recording of a webinar it recently held discussing the scores.

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November 21, 2023

Industry Groups Request Changes to Improve VASH Utilization

The housing industry groups (PHADA, CLPHA, NAHRO, and the MTW Collaborative) wrote to HUD leadership on November 20, requesting that the Department take steps to improve utilization of HUD-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH) vouchers. VASH utilization is approximately 74 percent nationwide, compared to 85 percent for the general HCV program.

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November 21, 2023

HUD Issues Correction to Section 3 Benchmarks Notice

On October 5, HUD published in the Federal Register notice of the required review and update of the Section 3 Benchmarks, proposing no changes. See the November 1, 2023 Advocate, where PHADA raised concerns about the ongoing lack of a reporting system and retroactive reporting requirements once a system is established.  

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November 15, 2023

HUD Issues SAFMR Guidance

On November 15, HUD published Notice PIH 2023-32: Small Area Fair Market Rent Implementation Guidance for FY2024 Designated Metropolitan Areas. This short notice is a consolidated version of the Federal Register Notice published October 25, 2023 (see the current Advocate for more).

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November 13, 2023

Congress Returns with Less Than a Week Until Potential Shutdown

Over the weekend, House leadership proposed a “laddered” CR, which would establish two deadlines for Congress to pass appropriations bills. Under new Speaker Johnson’s (R-LA) proposal, funding for HUD programs – along with the agriculture, energy and water, and military construction/VA appropriations bills – would expire on January 19, 2024. Funding for the other eight appropriations bills would expire on February 2, 2024.

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November 09, 2023

HUD Posts Youth Homeless NOFO and Related Resources

On November 8, HUD announced a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for $50 million in Youth Homelessness System Improvement (YHSI) grant funding.

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November 09, 2023

A New Report from PAHRC: Natural Disasters and Federally Assisted Housing

On November 7, in collaboration with the National Low Income Housing Coalition, the Public and Assisted Housing Research Corporation (PAHRC) published a report, Natural Hazards and Federally Assisted Housing, discussing the disproportionate exposure of federally assisted housing to risks of various natural disasters

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November 09, 2023

HUD Extends Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grant Deadline to February 13, 2024

On October 25, HUD updated the Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grant Notice of Funding Opportunity, originally released on September 6.

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November 03, 2023

Senate Passes T-HUD Appropriations with Bipartisan Support

On November 1, the Senate passed its Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies (T-HUD) appropriations bill on a bipartisan 82–15 vote. The T-HUD bill was combined with the Military Construction-Veterans Affairs and Agriculture appropriations bills in what many called a “minibus” (instead of a larger “omnibus” that includes all 12 appropriations bills).

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October 31, 2023

HUD News: Build America, Buy America Act Webpage Launched

HUD is pleased to announce the launch of the Build America, Buy America Act (BABA) page on the HUD Exchange. BABA requires that all iron and steel, construction materials, and manufactured products used in federally funded infrastructure projects are produced in the United States, unless otherwise exempt or subject to an approved waiver.

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October 26, 2023

Contact Your Members of Congress: Tell Them No Shutdown and Maximize Housing Funding

Today, the House elected a new Speaker and this week the full Senate began considering its Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies (T-HUD) appropriations bill. Given these developments, it’s an opportune time for PHADA members to contact their Representatives and Senators to stress the importance of maximum funding for HUD programs.

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October 24, 2023

HUD Releases List of New Metropolitan Areas Required to Use SAFMRs

HUD has scheduled publication in the Federal Register of a notice listing 41 additional Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs) that will be required to utilize Small Area Fair Market Rents (SAFMRs). The implementation date is October 1, 2024, with full adoption and use no later than January 1, 2025.

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October 23, 2023

HUD News: HUD’s Build America, Buy America (BABA) Virtual Outreach Event for Grantees

HUD invites recipients of Federal financial assistance from HUD to join us for a Virtual Education Outreach event on the requirements of the Build America, Buy America (BABA) Act. This informational session will take place on November 9, 2023 from 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm EST via webcast.

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October 20, 2023

HUD Releases FY 23 ROSS Service Coordinators NOFO

HUD has published the FY 23 NOFO for the ROSS (Resident Opportunity and Self-Sufficiency Service Coordinator Program). Approximately $40 million is available through this NOFO, and HUD expects to make approximately 130 awards. Three year grants to support service coordinators are available based on number of occupied units at the property to be served. There must be at least 50 occupied units, and properties from 50 to 1,000 units are eligible for one coordinator and a total grant of up to $272...

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October 16, 2023

HUD Offers Streamlined Payment Standards Waivers for FY 24

On October 12, HUD issued Notice PIH 2023-29, Certain Regulatory Waivers for the Housing Choice Voucher (including Mainstream) Program and Streamlined Review Process. The deadline to submit requests for these waivers is June 3, 2024. Authorized waivers cannot extend beyond December 31, 2024. Agencies with existing waivers and those requesting new waivers are required to submit a request as described in the notice.

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October 13, 2023

HUD News: Section 811 Capital Advance and Section 811 Project Rental Assistance Contract Notices of Funding Opportunity

HUD’s Office of Multifamily Housing Programs today made available $212 million in funding opportunities to expand the supply of affordable housing and supportive services for very-low and extremely-low-income persons with disabilities. The funding is available for two components of the Section 811 Supportive Housing for Persons with Disabilities program, which helps develop, subsidize, and provide supportive services for rental housing to meet the needs of this vulnerable population. 

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October 02, 2023

Congress Passes Continuing Resolution, Averts Shutdown

With only hours to spare before a government shutdown began at midnight, Congress passed a continuing resolution (CR) on Saturday, September 30, to fund the government through November 17. The CR – which was only introduced around noon the day before the shutdown was to begin – passed both the House and Senate with bipartisan support and provides level funding for HUD programs.

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October 02, 2023

HUD Issues NSPIRE Administrative Procedures Notice for the Housing Choice Voucher Program

On September 29, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) issued PIH Notice 2023-28 titled "Implementation of National Standards for the Physical Inspection of Real Estate (NSPIRE) Administrative Procedures for the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Programs. The notice finalizes the administrative procedures of NSPIRE for the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) and Project-Based Voucher (PBV) programs, which will replace Housing Quality Standards (HQS), and became effective for the HCV and PBV...

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September 29, 2023

HUD Releases HOTMA Sections 102 and 104 Implementation Notice

On September 29, HUD released Notice PIH 2023-27/H 2023-10, “Implementation Guidance: Sections 102 and 104 of the Housing Opportunity Through Modernization Act of 2016 (HOTMA).” In addition to the implementation guidance, the notice also includes details regarding when HAs and multifamily owners need to have policies and procedures updated to comply with Sections 102 and 104.

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September 29, 2023

PHADA Writes Secretary for Relief

In response to members concerns raised during PHADA‘s 2023 Legislative Forum, September 17–19 in Washington, DC, PHADA has written to Secretary Fudge repeating and emphasizing concerns about the growing threat to HA programs posed by increased Tenant Accounts Receivables (TARs), and how the 30-day notice requirement negatively impacts both HAs and tenants in those jurisdictions.

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September 27, 2023

HUD to Publish Notice on Option to Delay NSPIRE for HCV

HUD has scheduled a Federal Register Notice for publication on September 28, 2023, extending the compliance date for the NSPIRE final rule for the HCV, PBV, and Moderate Rehabilitation programs until October 1, 2024. This much-awaited notice formalizes HUD’s previous statements that HCV programs will be able to continue using HQS for an additional year. PHADA will continue to advocate for similar flexibility for the public housing program. 

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September 07, 2023

HUD News: Faircloth-to-RAD Webinar Registration

HUD is hosting a Faircloth-to-RAD Webinar on Wednesday, September 20, 2023, from 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm ET.

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September 07, 2023

HUD Posts NOFO for Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grants

HUD has posted the FY 23 Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grants Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). The NOFO defines the competition for $246 million available for Implementation Grants of up to $50 million each, and $10 million in Supplemental Grants to FY 17–20 Implementation Grantees who face financial challenges in completing replacement housing plans due to increased costs.

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September 05, 2023

HUD Announces Expanded Eligible Uses of EHV Service Fees

On August 29, HUD released Notice PIH 2023-23 (HA), which adds two new eligible uses of Emergency Housing Voucher (EHV) service fees.

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September 01, 2023

HUD Releases 2024 Fair Market Rents, Awards Supplemental HAP Funds

On August 31, HUD published the FY 24 Fair Market Rents (FMRs) in the Federal Register, and posted supporting and detail data here. While FY 23 FMR’s were up 10.7 percent nationally over FY 22 levels, the published FY 24 FMRs are 12.2 percent above FY 23 levels nationally. Local experience, of course, will vary.

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August 28, 2023

OMB Publishes Final BABA Guidance

On August 14, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) pre-published final guidance for the Build America, Buy America Act (BABA). Final guidance will be published to the Federal Register in a forthcoming publication. The OMB states that the Final Rule, entitled, “Guidance for Grants and Agreements,” supports the implementation of the BABA provisions of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, clarifies existing provisions related to domestic preferences, and provides further guidance on im...

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August 24, 2023

Deadline for SR-FRB Energy Incentive is September 21

HUD’s Small and Rural Frozen Rolling Base (SR-FRB) program allows eligible HAs to freeze the 3-year utility consumption average (the rolling base) for future subsidy calculations for up to 20 years. In short, if you expect reduced future consumption levels due to efficiency or other upgrades, you can freeze the consumption level for Operating Fund calculation purposes, continuing to receive a subsidy based on those higher levels. 

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August 21, 2023

RAD Notice Revision 4B Published in Federal Register

Today HUD published RAD Notice Rev4B in the Federal Register, establishing the effective dates for the previously released notice. See PHADA’s July 27 Breaking News, and the more detailed review in the August 23 Advocate. The notice is published jointly by the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Housing-Federal Housing Commissioner and Office of the Assistant Secretary for Public and Indian Housing, HUD, and is also released as Notices H-2023-08 and PIH-2023-19(HA).

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August 17, 2023

HUD Releases Final FY 23 Administrative Fee Rates

Today, the Federal Register published HUD Notice Annual Factors for Determining Administrative Fees for the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher, Mainstream, and Moderate Rehabilitation Programs. This notice establishes final FY 23 fee rates for the covered programs, which include EHV (Emergency Housing Voucher) and SRO (Single Room Occupancy) programs. Fees are distributed based on units leased on the first of the month as extracted from VMS.

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August 15, 2023

HUD Opens Applications for Additional VASH Vouchers

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has announced the FY 23 HUD-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH) Summer Registration of Interest (ROI), which makes available approximately $73 million for Public Housing Agencies (PHAs) to assist homeless veterans. HUD estimates this funding will support up to 7,500 new HUD-VASH vouchers. The funding includes $33 million in carryover funds available to award non-competitively and $40 million recently appropriated through the Furt...

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August 14, 2023

Deadline Extended: HUD Request for Comments on Reducing Regulatory Burdens

On July 13, HUD’s Office of Policy Development & Research (PD&R) issued a request for comments regarding regulatory burdens. Titled, “Reducing Barriers to Public Assistance Programs,” the request poses five specific questions regarding the burden of form completion and documentation requirements for compliance placed on applicants, recipients, and administrators of HUD programs. This includes Public Housing Authorities, State and local governments, non-profit recipients of CDBG programs, Multif...

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August 04, 2023

HUD Issues Notice on the Allocation of New Vouchers and Special Administrative Fees

On August 2, HUD published Notice PIH 2023-21, Allocation of New Incremental Housing Choice Vouchers and Special Administrative Fees, summarizing the awards process for approximately 4000 new general purpose vouchers and related administrative fees to housing authorities (HAs). These are regular vouchers, requiring no separate tracking or reporting. Funds for these vouchers are made available through the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023.

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August 04, 2023

HUD Releases Updated Guidance on Community Solar for Public and Assisted Housing

In a Friday, August 4, Press Release, HUD announced new guidance that expands use of solar program benefits for public and assisted housing residents under the inflation reduction act. These guidelines are intended to complement the Green and Resilient Retrofit Program for multifamily housing, as well as funding and financing for solar programs under the Department of Environmental Protection and the Department of Energy. (See PHADA’s Climate Funding for Housing Authorities for more information...

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August 02, 2023

HUD Opens Applications for Final MTW Cohort

On Monday, July 31, HUD issued Notice PIH 2023-20: Request for Applications under the Moving To Work (MTW) Demonstration Program: Overall Impact of Moving to Work Flexibility and Administrative Efficiencies. This final cohort, open to HAs with 1,000 or fewer aggregate authorized public housing and HCV units, is intended to fill the remaining 14 expansion slots based on size and regional distribution as mandated in the 2016 MTW Expansion statute. The research will test the overall effects of MTW...

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August 01, 2023

Department Releases Shortfall Funding Notice

HUD recently released Notice PIH 2023-18, “Implementation of Public Housing Operating Fund Shortfall Funding from Federal Fiscal Year (FFY) 2023 Appropriations.” The 2023 Consolidated Appropriations Act provided $25 million in funds to assist HAs that experience or are at risk of experiencing financial shortfalls. This notice provides information on HA eligibility and the application process to receive shortfall funding.

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