TOP STORIES

USDA will propose closing local offices, reducing and relocating staff, report says

Office of Management and Budget documents show the administration plans to suggest closing USDA local offices and consolidating staff into “state committees” covering Rural Development, the Farm Service Agency, and the National Resources Conservation Service, Government Executive reported on April 15. The publication, which reviewed OMB’s “passback” for the FY26 budget proposal, did not provide specifics but reported that OMB’s documents assume cuts in staff, offices, and program funding. The administration can still make changes before submitting its budget request to Congress, and Congress will then decide what dollar amounts and policy provisions to include in its final appropriations.

Politico recently reported that about 30,000 of USDA’s 100,000 employees will be removed through buyouts and reductions in force. Government Executive has also reported that 16,000 USDA staffers have accepted the government’s two deferred resignation offers. Remaining staff will be relocated from Washington, DC to three hubs in other, not yet identified, parts of the country, Government Executive wrote on April 7, anticipating about 9,000 jobs will be eliminated. Some field staff will also be relocated to the hubs, it reported, and parts of the department will be reorganized. Government Executive offers a regularly updated “RIF watch” page summarizing information about layoffs at many federal agencies and another page about firings of probationary employees.

Court proceedings continue in two cases challenging the legality of the administration’s large-scale firings of probationary employees. In one of them, the Supreme Court recently lifted a lower court’s order to reinstate thousands of workers, but that did not end the case, which is now pending in an appeals court.

Congress agrees on framework for tax and spending cuts

The House (on April 10) and the Senate (on April 5) passed a resolution setting parameters for a budget reconciliation package that will reduce federal spending and extend tax cuts. An earlier House version included deeper spending cuts, but the House supporters of that plan agreed to vote for the Senate’s version after Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) and House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) made a public commitment to increase the savings achieved through the budget reconciliation process. Now that the two chambers have agreed on the topline figures, their committees will draft pieces of a final budget reconciliation bill with specific provisions – tax cuts and program changes – to reach those figures. The spending levels established by the just-passed resolution are likely to require cuts to Medicaid and SNAP. The final bill will not set appropriations for any particular fiscal year, but will establish dollar limits for future appropriations.

Administration budget request possible this month

The Trump administration’s budget proposal for FY26 is expected to be released in May. A “skinny budget,” without details, may be issued in April. House Appropriations Committee Chair Tom Cole (R-OK) has launched his committee’s FY26 work and announced the committee will accept House members’ requests for earmarks, known as Community Project Funding. A similar announcement from Senate Appropriations Committee Chair Susan Collins (R-ME) and Vice Chair Patty Murray (D-WA) also permits earmarks, calling them Congressionally Directed Spending.

Trump suggests some undocumented workers could get legal status

In comments during a Cabinet meeting on April 10, President Trump referred to a possible process for legalizing undocumented workers, including farmworkers. News reports indicate he suggested that employers could recommend specific people for legalization, who would continue to work in the U.S. briefly, then leave the country and return with legal status.

RuralSTAT

USDA’s Economic Research Service identified 453 High Farming Concentration Counties in 2025. This classification indicates that these counties have a high share of earnings or jobs in farming or agriculture industries. Over 90 percent of High Farming counties are located outside of metropolitan areas. Source: HAC tabulations of USDA ERS County Typology Codes.

OPPORTUNITIES

Deadline extended to April 18 for OneRural 2025 Technical Assistance

HAC is now accepting applications for OneRural Technical Assistance Services, offering customized support to rural nonprofits, Tribal housing entities, and local governments. This program helps organizations strengthen their housing and community development efforts through expert guidance and capacity building. Applications are open through April 18. Learn more and apply at OneRural 2025 – Housing Assistance Council.

CAPITOL HILL

Rural Housing Service Reform Act and other housing bills reintroduced

The RHS Reform Act of 2025, introduced as S. 1260 by Senators Tina Smith (D-MN) and Mike Rounds (R-SD) with several cosponsors, offers a slate of commonsense modernizations to the rural housing programs at USDA. HAC has endorsed the bill.

The Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act, introduced by Rep. Darin LaHood (R-IL) and Rep. Suzan DelBene (D-WA) with several cosponsors, expands and strengthens the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit. HAC supports the bill.

The Neighborhood Homes Investment Act was introduced by Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA) and Rep. John Larson (D-CT) with several cosponsors. It is supported by HAC and would create a tax credit for the production and preservation of homeownership housing in low-income areas.

REGULATIONS AND FEDERAL AGENCIES

Turner emphasizes restrictions on aid for undocumented residents and sanctuary cities

Secretary Scott Turner issued a public letter to HUD grantees and stakeholders reminding them that HUD funds cannot be used to provide “certain federal public benefits” to undocumented residents. Turner posted the letter on X with a comment that seemed to indicate HUD would also withhold funds from organizations that assist people without legal status, even if they do not use federal monies to do so: “I want to make it crystal clear – no taxpayer dollars will be given to organizations that support, house, shelter, or provide care to illegal aliens who broke the law.” Undocumented residents are legally eligible for some HUD and USDA housing aid, and “mixed status” families that include both legal residents and undocumented members are eligible for prorated housing assistance, as explained here by the National Housing Law Project.

HUD may move headquarters out of DC

HUD hopes to move out of its headquarters building in Washington, DC, according to Bloomberg News, which said HUD might relocate within the DC metro area or elsewhere in the country.

Technical assistance grants reinstated

HUD has restored at least some of the technical assistance contracts it cancelled in February. Enterprise Community Partners and the Local Initiatives Support Corporation issued press releases announcing their Section 4 contracts were reinstated. At least six other organizations had lost contracts from HUD’s Community Compass program but their current status has not been reported.

Judge renews ruling on Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund

On April 15 a federal judge extended her previous freeze on EPA’s termination of grants to intermediaries under the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund program. This preliminary injunction applies to the three organizations that brought suit: Climate United Fund, Coalition for Green Capital, and Power Forward Communities, all of which were awarded grants from the GGRF’s National Clean Investment Fund. The injunction will last indefinitely while the court proceedings continue.

USDA announces, then retracts, pause on rental production and preservation funding

On April 7, USDA’s multifamily housing office informed funding recipients by email that it was “currently paused on executing obligations and issuing Conditional Commitments for all MFH Production & Preservation Programs until further notice.” The next day, a second email rescinded the first. It stated that “USDA is implementing an internal pre-obligation review process; however, Multifamily Housing programs are not paused on executing obligations or issuing Conditional Commitments. Multifamily Housing programs are operating normally for FY2025.”

Effective dates extended again for parts of HOME regulation

After an initial delay announced in February, HUD has further postponed the effective dates for some provisions of the HOME final rule. HUD will publish a separate notice requesting comments on the delayed provisions. The provisions that are not delayed are effective as of April 20, 2025, with a final compliance date of April 20, 2026.

White House orders faster repeal of regulations

A presidential memorandum, building on a February executive order, instructs federal agencies to repeal regulations without public notice or comment periods if they conflict with recent Supreme Court decisions.

OMB seeks deregulation ideas

OMB requests suggestions for deregulation relating to “any and all regulations currently in effect.” Commenters should identify rules to be rescinded and provide detailed reasons for their rescission. Comments are due May 12.

USDA announces senior staff appointments

Some recent appointments are potentially relevant for rural housing. Kelsey Barnes is now Senior Advisor to the Secretary for Rural Development, Biofuels, and Research, Education, and Economics. David Matthews serves as the Director of State Operations for Rural Development. T.W. Shannon has become the Senior Advisor to the Secretary for Rural Prosperity.

PUBLICATIONS AND MEDIA

HAC posts online guide for flood survivors

To assist our rural partners and communities affected by recent flooding, HAC’s Ohio River Valley and Mississippi Valley Floods Rural Response Guide provides information for people in the disaster area. Other disaster resources from HAC include Rural Resilience in the Face of Disaster and a Disaster Response for Rural Communities Guide.

Proposal to develop “Freedom Cities” on federal land may be gaining momentum

A proposal from the American Enterprise Institute calls for building up to 3 million homes on federally owned land in “Freedom Cities” – deregulated zones designed to address housing affordability and land scarcity. A Bloomberg Law article notes that, rooted in a concept floated by President Trump, the plan has gained new attention amid rising housing costs in the West. Supporters see potential in states like Nevada and Colorado, while critics raise concerns about environmental oversight and local governance.

HAC

Need capital for your affordable housing project?

HAC’s loan fund provides low interest rate loans to support single- and multifamily affordable housing projects for low-income rural residents throughout the U.S. and territories. Capital is available for all types of affordable and mixed-income housing projects, including preservation, new development, farmworker, senior and veteran housing. HAC loan funds can be used for pre-development, site acquisition, site development, construction/rehabilitation and permanent financing. Contact HAC’s loan fund staff at hacloanfund@ruralhome.org, 202-842-8600.

Please note: HAC is not able to offer loans to individuals or families. Borrowers must be nonprofit or for-profit organizations or government entities (including Tribes).

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Please credit the HAC News and provide a link to HAC’s website. Thank you!

TOP STORIES

Fair housing grants reinstated

A federal judge issued a temporary restraining order requiring HUD to reinstate the Fair Housing Initiative Program grants it terminated in February. The TRO restores the status quo while a lawsuit filed by fair housing organizations moves forward.

CDFI Fund says all its programs are statutorily required

The March 14 Executive Order that called for limiting the activities of the Community Development Financial Institutions Fund and other agencies instructed the agencies to report to OMB “confirming full compliance with this order and explaining which components or functions of the governmental entity, if any, are statutorily required and to what extent.” The CDFI Fund’s report to OMB lists all 11 of its programs and functions, along with the statutes that require them, concluding that the Fund “is performing its statutory functions as required by law.”

Bank regulators will rescind 2023 Community Reinvestment Act rule

The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, and Federal Reserve Board announced on March 28 that they will propose to rescind the final CRA rule issued in October 2023 and reinstate the prior CRA framework.

April is National Fair Housing Month

Report housing discrimination to HUD online, by phone at 1-800-669-9777, or by mail.

RuralSTAT

Most (87%) of the recent population growth in places with moderate-to-high wildfire risk has been among people over the age of 60. In rural areas with the greatest wildfire risk, 35% of residents are over 60. Source: Economic Research Service, Aging and Wildfire Risk to Communities.

OPPORTUNITIES

Apply by April 15 for OneRural 2025 Technical Assistance

HAC is now accepting applications for OneRural Technical Assistance Services, offering customized support to rural nonprofits, Tribal housing entities, and local governments. This program helps organizations strengthen their housing and community development efforts through expert guidance and capacity building. Applications are open through April 15. Learn more and apply at OneRural 2025 – Housing Assistance Council.

USDA revises multifamily funding notices

The 2024 notices announcing funds for USDA’s multifamily preservation and Section 515 loan programs and for multifamily technical assistance provision offered points to applicants for addressing Biden administration priorities. The current administration has now amended the notices to remove those priorities and will not award points related to them. The agency will review applications accordingly. It is not reopening the funding opportunities and applicants do not need to make changes.

REGULATIONS AND FEDERAL AGENCIES

HUD, other agencies confirm DEI orders do not apply to programs for Tribes

An internal HUD memo confirms that President Trump’s executive orders ending diversity, equity, and inclusion programs do not apply to HUD’s programs for American Indians and Alaska Natives. The memo from HUD’s Acting General Counsel explains that “the Department’s legal obligation to provide housing for Indian Tribes and their citizens” and the government-to-government relationship with Tribes are distinct from the kind of DEI programs cancelled by the executive orders. The executive orders do apply, however, to DEI programs such as efforts to hire diverse staff by Native agencies that use HUD funding. The Departments of the Interior and Health and Human Services have issued similar clarifications.

No new Emergency Housing Vouchers to be issued after mid-April

HUD Notice PIH 2025-07 tells public housing agencies they must stop issuing Emergency Housing Vouchers. These vouchers were authorized by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. The notice also reminds PHAs that they are prohibited from reissuing turnover EHVs when families leave the program after September 30, 2023. HUD adds that it hopes to support families who currently have vouchers for as long as possible until the program runs out of funds by the end of calendar year 2026.

USDA and HUD limit mortgages for some non-citizens

USDA and HUD recently announced limitations on undocumented residents’ eligibility for mortgages guaranteed by USDA RD or insured by the Federal Housing Administration. They were already ineligible under Section 214 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1980 (42 U.S.C. § 1436a), which prohibits housing assistance to noncitizens unless they meet specific requirements, such as having permanent residence status. The March 20 HAC News erroneously reported that all non-citizens are now ineligible for USDA guaranteed mortgages but, in fact, those with certain documentation remain eligible. HAC regrets the error. FHA Mortgagee Letter 2025-09 and Title I Letter TIL-490 explain that non-citizen FHA mortgage insurance recipients must be permanent residents.

Universal Notice for CDBG disaster funds revised

A March 19 HUD memo makes changes in the Universal Notice governing Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery funds, adjusting the previous version of the Notice, which was published on January 8, to fit recent executive orders. A version with all the changes incorporated into the text is posted on HUD’s CDBG-DR site.

HUD sets income limits, revises some Fair Market Rents

Income limits for HUD programs, effective April 1, are posted online. Separately, HUD has revised FMRs for several areas, based on new data and effective on April 28.

USDA delays energy efficiency requirements

Energy efficiency standards adopted by USDA and HUD last year will go into effect six months later than originally planned, USDA announced. The standards will apply to the Section 502 direct and guarantee programs and the Section 523 self-help program. HUD published a similar notice recently.

Preliminary injunction protects Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

Under a preliminary injunction and order issued March 28 by a federal district court judge, the administration must rehire CFPB staff and keep the agency functioning while the employees’ union’s suit moves forward. The administration announced it will appeal the decision.

Some Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac guidance canceled

Federal Housing Finance Agency Director Bill Pulte has been posting announcements to his X account of FHFA decisions canceling past directives regarding Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and the Federal Home Loan Banks. Topics include tenant protections, special purpose credit programs, unfair or deceptive acts or practices, solar energy, climate-related risk management, and more.

HUD revamps website, resources can still be found online

While HUD is revising its website, materials that cannot be located at their previous URLs may be available through the Internet Archive’s Wayback Machine, HUD’s official archives, HUD User’s archives, or the National Housing Conference’s collection of resources.

EVENTS

HAC offers Section 502 direct loan packaging course in Atlanta

HAC will hold a USDA Section 502 Direct Certified Loan Packaging Training in Atlanta, GA on April 22-24. This three-day advanced course prepares participants to become certified Section 502 loan packagers. It is designed for those experienced in using Section 502. A laptop is required for the class for each participant. Following the course, participants are encouraged to take the online certification exam. The registration fee is $825. For more information, contact HAC, registration@ruralhome.org, 202-842-8600.

PUBLICATIONS AND MEDIA

HAC analysis shows significant increases in rural homelessness

HUD’s 2024 Annual Homeless Assessment Report, released in January, shows that homelessness has reached an all-time high nationwide. A new HAC brief analyzes the data and finds that more than 126,000 people experienced homelessness in largely rural Continuums of Care, with a disproportionate rise in unsheltered families and chronically homeless individuals. The brief explores contributing factors such as the end of pandemic-era protections, economic pressures, and natural disasters. Despite these challenges, a notable decline in veteran homelessness highlights the impact of sustained, targeted interventions.

Farm laborers’ contributions highlighted during Farmworker Awareness Week

Organizations, schools, and communities across the country celebrated Farmworker Awareness Week March 24-31. Farmworker advocates, including Student Action with Farmworkers, put out a call to action to raise awareness of farmworker issues within their communities. HAC joined in these efforts by presenting on our recent farmworker research during the National Community Reinvestment Coalition’s Just Economy Conference 2025. To learn more about current farmworker trends and housing conditions, read HAC’s recent research brief, Creating A Better Understanding of Farmworker Communities and Their Housing Conditions.

Number of Hispanic homeowners hits record high

With 238,000 new owners added in the last year, Hispanic homeownership reached a record 9.8 million households, the largest increase of any racial or ethnic demographic for the second consecutive year, according to the annual State of Hispanic Homeownership Report published by the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals. The Hispanic homeownership rate declined, however, from 49.5% to 49.0%.

Articles highlight strategies to expand affordable housing

Axios and JPMorgan Chase identify four strategies to grow the affordable housing supply: zoning reform, better land acquisition tools, support for construction innovation, and stronger development capacity. A recent AP News story focuses on possibilities for innovation, highlighting how factory-built modular homes, 3D printing, and hempcrete are being explored to reduce housing construction costs and timelines. The article contends that these emerging methods could help expand affordable housing, especially in rural areas where labor shortages and high material costs often pose barriers.

HAC

Need capital for your affordable housing project?

HAC’s loan fund provides low interest rate loans to support single- and multifamily affordable housing projects for low-income rural residents throughout the U.S. and territories. Capital is available for all types of affordable and mixed-income housing projects, including preservation, new development, farmworker, senior and veteran housing. HAC loan funds can be used for pre-development, site acquisition, site development, construction/rehabilitation and permanent financing. Contact HAC’s loan fund staff at hacloanfund@ruralhome.org, 202-842-8600.

Please note: HAC is not able to offer loans to individuals or families. Borrowers must be nonprofit or for-profit organizations or government entities (including Tribes).

Want to reprint a HAC News item?

Please credit the HAC News and provide a link to HAC’s website. Thank you!

TOP STORIES

HAC responds to USDA RD and HUD cuts

HAC has issued a statement in response to recent reports that at least 550 USDA Rural Development staff (subscription required) have been let go, leaving state office staffing levels at “half or less than half” of normal, and that 50% of HUD’s staff will be discharged. A group of senators has written to HUD Secretary Turner requesting more information by February 21. No details are available on the number of staff at either department who accepted a now-closed buyout offer extended to most federal workers. An executive order requires federal agencies to hire not more than one employee for every four employees that depart. That order does not apply to public safety, immigration enforcement, or law enforcement, and a freeze on IRS hiring remains in place. HAC’s statement concludes that “the affordable housing crisis in rural America requires more capacity and attention, not less.”

Administration begins announcing canceled spending

As the Trump administration reduces spending across federal agencies, DOGE is listing some of the canceled contracts and leases on its website. HUD Secretary Scott Turner announced on February 13 that HUD has “already identified over $260 million in savings and we have more to accomplish.” USDA reported on February 14 that it had “terminated 78 contracts, which totaled more than $132 million” and was reviewing more than 1,000 others. Additional details should be available eventually under a February 18 presidential memo telling agency heads to make public “the complete details of every terminated program, cancelled contract, terminated grant, or any other discontinued obligation of Federal funds” while complying with laws, regulations, and the terms of the contract or award.

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s future awaits court action

On February 8 Russell Vought, the director of the Office of Management and Budget and acting director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, told CFPB employees to stop work. The National Treasury Employees Union and others filed suit on February 13 to keep the agency operating. A federal judge ordered the administration to keep the agency’s staff and funding in place while the lawsuit proceeds. She set a hearing for March 3. As of February 19, most parts of the agency’s website were online, although the home page was not. President Trump has nominated Jonathan McKernan to be CFPB director but he has not yet been confirmed by the Senate.

President tells agencies to review funding to nonprofits

A memo from President Trump says “many” nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) are actively undermining the national interest. He instructs the heads of all federal departments and agencies to review funding to NGOs and “align future funding decisions with the interests of the United States and with the goals and priorities of my Administration.” Nonprofit organizations involved in international work are often called NGOs, but the term can refer to those working domestically as well, and this memo applies to agencies that fund both domestic and international activities.

Federal spending freeze still blocked

Temporary restraining orders imposed by federal courts in D.C. and Rhode Island, both of which require the administration to keep spending funds as appropriated by Congress, remain in place while the suits continue. Responding to complaints that funds were still being withheld, the Rhode Island judge added another order to enforce the first. A federal appellate court denied the administration’s appeal of that order.

RuralSTAT

Manufactured home shipments increased by 15.8% in 2024 from 2023 levels. In 2024 manufacturers shipped more than 103,000 new manufactured homes to dealers, up from 89,000 shipments in 2023. Source: HAC tabulations of the U.S. Census Bureau’s Manufactured Home Survey. Shipments data not seasonally adjusted.

OPPORTUNITIES

HAC offers aid for resident service coordination in Section 515 properties

HAC has opened the application process for the first cohort of the Service Coordination Technical Assistance Program. Thanks to a generous grant from the AARP Foundation, HAC will provide technical assistance to an initial group of eight to ten owners of USDA Section 515 rental properties to build resident service coordination programs. Applications will be accepted through March 15. For more information, contact Seth Leonard, HAC.

Grants to be made for local data

The Urban Institute and Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s Local Data for Equitable Communities grant program is accepting proposals from nonprofits seeking to collect, analyze, and use data to improve conditions of a place, focusing on activities such as housing, healthy food access, transportation, and others. Applications are open through March 18.

Funds offered for housing counseling agencies

The National Community Reinvestment Coalition’s Field Empowerment Fund will make grants to HUD-approved housing counseling agencies that are also NCRC members located in eligible geographies. Funds can be used to support housing counseling for first-time homebuyers and building agency knowledge on heirs’ property challenges. The deadline is March 14.

Support available for distressed farmers

The Distressed Borrowers and Financially Distressed Farmers Assistance Network of the 1980 Universities Foundation offers funding to community-based nonprofits, some institutions of higher education, and state or county governments that will provide tailored, one-on-one support and technical assistance to tackle the unique financial challenges of distressed borrowers, financially distressed farmers, and underserved farmers, ranchers, and foresters. DBAN aims to stabilize farmers financially and enhance their access to farm loan programs, USDA programs, and other services and resources. Apply by March 6.

CAPITOL HILL

Federal funding set to end March 14

The continuing resolution that currently funds the federal government runs through March 14. It is not yet clear whether Congress will adopt another short-term CR, a CR to cover the rest of FY25, or an omnibus appropriations bill, or will allow the government to shut down. Meanwhile, for future funding the House and Senate are developing separate versions of bills that would include program dollars as well as tax provisions and would be adopted through a “reconciliation” process that makes a bill easier to pass. The texts of the bills are not yet available from either house, but it is clear that both will propose cutting safety net programs, increasing funding for the military and border control, and extending tax cuts. Budget resolutions – essentially frameworks for bills – have passed the House and Senate Budget Committees. The Senate resolution covers spending and a second bill is expected to address tax provisions. The House resolution includes both spending and taxation.

REGULATIONS AND FEDERAL AGENCIES

For HOME, SHOP, homeless programs, and more, Buy America requirements apply only to projects with five or more units

Notice CPD-2025-01, issued by HUD’s Community Planning and Development office, provides a straightforward way to determine when the Build America, Buy America Act applies to housing financed under CPD programs. Projects with one to four units are considered to be private and are not subject to BABA. Those with five or more units are deemed “public infrastructure” and BABA applies. The notice also includes information on several other BABA topics. It encourages grantees to contact their assigned local field offices to discuss issues and concerns.

HUD moves to change Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing rule

HUD has developed an interim final rule on Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing to replace the 2023 proposed rule that was withdrawn in January 2025. The new rule has been submitted to OMB for review. Its text is not yet publicly available.

HUD to revise rule on gender identity

On February 7, HUD Secretary Scott Turner announced HUD would stop enforcing its 2016 rule requiring providers to treat individuals according to their gender identity and would instead require services to be based on sex at birth. On February 12, HUD submitted a proposed rule change for OMB review. The proposal itself is not yet publicly available.

Two USDA RD state directors named

Most USDA Rural Development state offices are being run by acting state directors, but the process of appointing new state directors is underway. Jesus Ortega has been named director for Illinois and Alida Ceballos has taken the position for Nevada.

Effective date delayed for changes to Section 502 guarantee program

In August 2024 USDA RD published a final rule for the Section 502 single-family mortgage guarantee program, making changes to the use of special servicing options for non-performing loans and adjusting the Mortgage Recovery Advance process. The rule was scheduled to take effect on February 11, 2025, but that date has been deferred to April 14, 2025.

EVENTS

Save the dates! HAC’s National Rural Housing Conference planned for November 3-7

HAC is excited to announce that the 2025 National Rural Housing Conference will take place November 4-7 in Washington, DC, with pre-conference activities on November 3. This biennial event is an unparalleled opportunity to connect, learn, and collaborate with fellow leaders in rural development. Whether you’re a long-time participant or joining us for the first time, you’ll find a welcoming space where challenges and solutions in rural housing come to the forefront. Sponsorship information is posted here. To receive more details as they become available, watch the HAC News or sign up for conference emails.

PUBLICATIONS AND MEDIA

New toolkit outlines strategies to improve LIHTC housing impacts

The Alliance for Housing Justice partnered with the Poverty & Race Research Action Council on a recent publication titled Moving LIHTC Towards Social Housing: A Toolkit. This guide is intended to help tenants, advocates, nonprofits, and state officials reform how Low-Income Housing Tax Credit dollars are used, ensuring permanent and deeper affordability, better tenant protections, and more community control.

Community Facilities program helps keep rural hospitals open

A report from USDA’s Economic Research Service, Federal Assistance and Rural Hospital Closings: The Impact of the USDA Community Facilities Program, notes that the CF program is one of the major federal resources providing financial assistance to rural hospitals. Severe financial stress is the primary cause of rural hospital closures, and ERS found that rural hospitals with CF program funding were less likely to close than those without such support.

Federal worker data compiled

There were just over 3 million federal government employees in November, or 1.87% of the civilian workforce, the Pew Research Center reports. Pew’s analysis of 2024 figures examines workers’ distribution across agencies and states, their salaries, their jobs, and more.

HAC

Online disaster guide supports survivors of Appalachian floods

To assist our rural partners and communities affected by the recent flooding in central Appalachia, HAC offers an online resource guide with information for individuals and families in the disaster area. Other disaster resources from HAC include Rural Resilience in the Face of Disaster and a Disaster Response for Rural Communities Guide.

Need capital for your affordable housing project?

HAC’s loan fund provides low interest rate loans to support single- and multifamily affordable housing projects for low-income rural residents throughout the U.S. and territories. Capital is available for all types of affordable and mixed-income housing projects, including preservation, new development, farmworker, senior and veteran housing. HAC loan funds can be used for pre-development, site acquisition, site development, construction/rehabilitation and permanent financing. Contact HAC’s loan fund staff at hacloanfund@ruralhome.org, 202-842-8600.

Please note: HAC is not able to offer loans to individuals or families. Borrowers must be nonprofit or for-profit organizations or government entities (including Tribes).

Want to reprint a HAC News item?

Please credit the HAC News and provide a link to HAC’s website. Thank you!