Our Top Priorities in 2026
PHADA President John T. Mahon.
This is a particularly special year in our country’s history, the 250th anniversary of the USA’s founding. We will be hearing the term semiquincentennial a lot in the coming months and I am sure that, like me, many of you are looking forward to the celebrations throughout the year.
This is also an election year with all 435 House members and one third of the Senate up for election. As a result, there will be a shorter legislative calendar with the possibility that outside factors and politics may affect our issues at HUD and in Congress. In any case, the beginning of a new year is a suitable time to preview priorities and other highlights in the months to come.
Below is a short synopsis of PHADA’s priorities for 2026.
- Secure optimal funding for the current fiscal year. Despite the fact the fiscal year began three months ago, Congress has yet to complete a FY 26 HUD appropriations bill. The Continuing Resolution (CR) was developed after a government shutdown that lasted more than 40 days. Before the CR expires on January 30, our main objective is to secure sufficient funding for operating and capital funding, among other accounts. See PHADA’s FY 26 Appropriations Position Paper on page 13 for more specifics.
- Stabilize voucher funding. This is a big challenge confronting many HAs. Many are currently in shortfall and funding levels in both the House and Senate appropriations bills are insufficient for renewals. To ensure stability for families and communities, we have joined with scores of other organizations and groups to urge congressional appropriators to provide more funding for HCV renewals.
- Work closely with other industry groups to devise FY 27 budget recommendations. The Trump Administration will issue its next proposed budget in the first quarter. It is possible the Administration will again include its ill-advised plan to block-grant housing programs to the states. We will strongly oppose such a proposal again and collaborate with our industry partners to develop budget recommendations that meet the needs of our members and residents they serve.
- Continue to push BABA exemptions and more waivers. PHADA has consistently noted that, while its intent is laudable, Build America Buy America (BABA) has created significant challenges for housing authorities, raising our costs, and delaying some modernization projects. As outlined in the separate article in this edition, we are collaborating with key members of Congress to try and get housing exempted from the BABA statute. At the very least, we need a speedier waiver process. This will remain a top priority in 2026.
- Advocate that HUD repeal its 30-Day Notice rule. HUD’s flawed policy has contributed to the significant increase in Tenant Accounts Receivable (TARs) at many HAs. Following PHADA’s advice, the Trump Administration has pledged to repeal the rule, and we will continue to remind the Department of that commitment.
- In advocacy with Congress, pursue a delay in HUD’s cash management plan. Among other serious problems, HUD is mandating that PHAs institute major changes in their accounting and operational procedures and collect new forms of data beginning with the start of the year. HUD’s expectations and its timeline are unreasonable and will be impossible for HAs to execute. We are therefore asking Congress to intervene and mandate that HUD not move forward until its plans are scrutinized and deliberated through a rulemaking process.
- Extend HOTMA, HIP delays. PHADA and others requested greater clarity from the Department regarding the HIP development timeline, and for HAs to be given sufficient time after the HIP rollout to implement HOTMA income and asset changes. We will continue to press the point this year.
- Stress the need more local flexibility and deregulation. Providing HAs with greater flexibility and regulatory streamlining will bolster housing stability, increase landlord participation, expand self-sufficiency services, and help more households achieve homeownership. This goal, too, remains a priority in 2026.
Reminder: Scholarship Applications Due by January 23, 2026
To encourage academic excellence and community responsibility among high school students, PHADA operates a scholarship program for graduating seniors who are preparing to enter college. In 2026, we will again award three scholarships to deserving youth currently residing in a PHADA member agency.
The most prominent one is our Stephen J. Bollinger Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship will be formally presented at PHADA’s Annual Convention & Exhibition in June. The scholarship is named after a former PHADA Vice President who served at HUD during the Reagan Administration. The winner will receive a trip for him/herself and one parent/guardian to attend the convention.
We will also sponsor a Civil Rights and Social Justice Scholarship and are proud to partner in the Nan McKay Pathway to Achievement Scholarship. For more details and application materials.
Please act soon because January 23 is rapidly approaching.