Tag Archive for: National Rural Housing Conference

HAC News: November 2, 2023

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Vol. 52, No. 22

TOP STORIES

Second continuing resolution needed by November 17

The federal government is currently funded by a continuing resolution that ends November 17, and a second CR will be necessary to keep programs running while full-year appropriations bills are prepared. Both the House and Senate are trying to move forward on enacting FY24 funding bills, but progress is slow and most of the bills, including those for USDA and HUD, differ widely between the two chambers. On November 1, the Senate passed a “minibus“ that includes funding for USDA, Transportation-HUD, and Military Construction-VA. The House may vote November 2 or 3 on some of its funding bills, including Transportation-HUD. In September the House voted on, but did not pass, its USDA appropriations bill. President Biden will veto the House THUD and USDA bills if passed in their current forms.

Final Community Reinvestment Act rule released

The federal banking regulatory agencies – the Federal Reserve Board, FDIC, and Office of the Comptroller of the Currency – have issued a final revised Community Reinvestment Act rule, most of which will take effect on April 21, 2024. The rule modernizes the CRA evaluation framework in several ways that will benefit rural areas. Two modifications to the reliance on facility-based assessment areas should increase community development activities in rural areas: the rule uses counties rather than census tracts as the defining geography for facility-based assessment areas, and it enhances CRA credit for bank community development activities outside of facility-based assessment areas. For large banks, it gives equal weight to community development activities and retail lending. Community development activities in persistent poverty counties, Native lands, and colonias, all of which are disproportionately rural, are designated as impact factors. And it emphasizes “responsiveness to community need” and other qualitative factors as well as metrics.

HAC’s decennial Taking Stock report analyzes rural America

Taking Stock: Rural People, Rural Places, Rural Housing, released at the 2023 National Rural Housing Conference, is the fifth in a series of decennial reports covering social, economic, and housing trends. For the first time the report includes interactive, digital, and new media resources. Chapters cover “The New (and Evolving) Rural America,” “Rural People and Places,” “The Rural Economy,” and “Rural Housing.”

President Biden launches “Investing in Rural America” events

On November 1, President Biden launched a two-week Investing in Rural America Event Series. Cabinet members including Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack, as well as other administration officials, will visit a variety of rural places to announce funding awards in economic development (including housing), infrastructure (including community facilities), high-speed internet, agriculture, and renewable energy.

National Rural Housing Conference convenes stakeholders to “Build Rural”

Nearly 700 rural housing practitioners and policymakers came together in Washington, DC on October 24-27 for the 2023 National Rural Housing Conference. Recordings of the plenary sessions are available online, including a discussion with Senators Tina Smith (D-MN) and Mike Rounds (R-SD), a presentation by Professor Kathryn Edin on the injustice of place, an overview of HAC’s new Taking Stock report, and more. Anyone who registered for the conference can access workshop materials and more through the conference app or by logging into the Attendee Hub. HAC thanks our many sponsors, scholarship contributors, and partners for helping to make the event possible.

November is National Native American Heritage Month

 

November is National Veterans and Military Families Month

 

RuralSTAT

In 1790, nearly 95% of the U.S. population, over 3.7 million people, lived in rural places. By 2020 the rural population grew to more than 60 million people but accounted for just 18.1% of all U.S. residents. Source: HAC tabulations of historic Census Bureau data.

OPPORTUNITIES

HUD offers funding for Section 811 housing for persons with disabilities

Nonprofits and limited partnerships can apply for capital advances and rental assistance under the Section 811 Supportive Housing for Persons with Disabilities Program, which supports the development of, and ongoing rental assistance for, permanent supportive rental housing for very low-income persons with disabilities. The deadline for both capital advances and Project Rental Assistance Contracts is February 12. For more information, contact HUD staff, 811CAPAdvance@hud.gov or 811PRANOFO@hud.gov.

ROSS service coordinator funds available

HUD’s Resident Opportunity and Self-Sufficiency Service Coordinator Program funds service coordinators for public and Indian housing. Nonprofits, PHAs, Tribal governments and Tribal housing entities, resident associations, and some owners of multifamily housing are eligible to apply by December 18. For more information, contact HUD staff, 202-402-3624, ROSS-PIH@hud.gov.

Government entities can apply for hazard mitigation funds

FEMA’s Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) grant program provides funds to states, U.S. territories, federally recognized Tribal governments, and local governments for hazard mitigation activities including capacity building, hazard mitigation projects, and management costs. Apply by February 29. For more information, contact FEMA staff, 1-877-585-3242, femago@fema.dhs.gov.

Initiative will help rural communities plan to address substance use issues

Reaching Rural: Advancing Collaborative Solutions, a one-year initiative sponsored by a group of federal agencies, will help individuals or cross-sector teams develop plans to address substance use issues in their communities. The planning fellowships do not offer funding but include an opportunity at the end of the year to apply for grants of up to $100,000 to launch projects. An informational webinar will take place on November 14 and applications are due December 15. For more information, email COSSUP@iir.com.

REGULATIONS AND FEDERAL AGENCIES

Community Facilities program input requested

USDA Rural Development is considering changes to its Community Facilities direct loan and grant programs, including expanded eligibility for housing funding. Comments can be presented at an online listening session on November 7 or submitted in writing by December 8. For more information, contact Surabhi Dabir, USDA, 202-568-9315.

HUD has new Buy America info page and webinars, OMB issues new memo

A new Build America, Buy America Act page was recently launched on the HUD Exchange to provide resources for entities receiving funding from HUD’s Community Planning and Development programs, which include HOME, CDBG, SHOP, Continuum of Care, Veterans Housing, and more. Three quick guides are offered, and more are planned in both English and Spanish. Submit questions on CPD topics here. Also, several webinars are scheduled, including one on November 2.

A more general BABA section on HUD’s website provides information such as what types of assistance are not covered by the Buy America preference and an illustration of HUD’s phased implementation schedule.

The Office of Management and Budget, which oversees BABA for all federal agencies, issued a new implementation guidance memorandum on October 25, M-24-02, replacing M-22-11 issued in April 2022. The new memo aligns with OMB’s recent final rule on the subject.

Use of CDBG funds for housing, including manufactured housing, described

HUD Notice CPD-23-10, Use of CDBG Funds in Support of Housing, describes how Community Development Block Grant grantees can use this funding to support and promote the development of decent, accessible, equitable, and affordable housing in their communities. It includes changes relating to manufactured housing, and those provisions will be the subject of a November 8 webinar.

HUD considers allowing agencies to opt out of in-person housing counseling

A proposed change in HUD’s housing counseling regulations would allow counseling agencies to provide their services virtually rather than in-person. Agencies that choose not to provide in-person services would be required to refer clients to local providers that provide such services, when requested. Comments are due December 26. For more information, contact David Valdez, HUD, 713-718-3178.

Multifamily insurance changes proposed by USDA

Revisions to the requirements on multifamily housing insurance coverage and deductibles are intended to bring the 2004 regulations in line with current affordable housing industry standards. Comments are due December 26. For more information, contact Michael Resnik, USDA, 202-430-3114.

Broadband expansion in HUD-assisted communities planned, comments requested

HUD plans to expand its ConnectHomeUSA initiative to between 50 and 100 new communities to further the collaborative efforts by government, industry, and nonprofits to accelerate broadband internet adoption and use in HUD-assisted homes. Comments are due December 18. HUD will accept applications between December 19, 2023 and February 15, 2024. For more information, contact Dina Lehmann-Kim, HUD, 202-402-2430.

Duty to Serve and other housing activities evaluated

A new Federal Housing Finance Agency report describes Fannie Mae’s and Freddie Mac’s affordable housing activities during 2022. Both entities met their single-family and multifamily affordable housing goals. Under the Duty to Serve requirements, both received “low satisfactory” ratings for affordable housing preservation activities and “high satisfactory” ratings for rural housing activities. For manufactured housing, Fannie Mae’s performance was rated “low satisfactory” and Freddie Mac’s was rated “high satisfactory.”

EVENTS

Monthly virtual trainings set for Section 502 guarantee program

Free virtual trainings on topics related to USDA’s Section 502 guarantee program will begin on November 8 with Program Overview: 101. Future sessions are planned through September 2024. In-person training will also be offered in spring 2024.

Manufactured housing webinar series begins

HUD’s four-part webinar series aims to help increase understanding of how manufactured housing can be a sustainable solution to meeting a community’s affordable housing needs. Introduction to Manufactured Housing was held November 1. Overview of the Updated CPD Notice on CDBG Housing Activities is set for November 8. Future sessions will include “Using Federal Funding Sources to Develop Manufactured Housing” and “Manufactured Housing and Tribal Communities.” For more information, contact the series registrar, info@capitalaccessinc.com.

HUD session to cover cash aid and housing

Cash Assistance and Housing, a hybrid event to be held in Washington, DC and online on November 16, will examine guaranteed income programs, which provide direct payments to local participants, and their impact on housing opportunities in Philadelphia and Denver.

PUBLICATIONS AND MEDIA

Policies and biases left the rural economy behind, research concludes

The booming knowledge economy of the last four decades has contributed to the increasing disparity in opportunity between rural and nonrural places, according to an analysis by the Center on Rural Innovation. The Equity of Economic Opportunity in Rural America argues that policies and biases have concentrated knowledge economy resources and investment in nonrural places, making it more difficult for rural areas to compete. Investing in rural knowledge economies is the best way to address these root causes and help rural economies catch up, the report concludes.

Study suggests changes for HUD program addressing homelessness after disasters

Plugging the Gaps: Recommendations for HUD’s RUSH Program, published by the National Low Income Housing Coalition and the National Housing Law Project, reports on HUD’s new Rapid Unsheltered Survivor Housing (RUSH) program, which is intended to help people experiencing or at risk of homelessness in disaster-affected areas. Its recommendations include ensuring equity in allocation decisions, providing RUSH funds up front instead of by reimbursement, and imposing requirements for timely use of funds.

Analysis considers why census found huge increase in Native Americans

The 2020 census counted 9.6 million people with fully or partly Native American heritage, compared to 5.2 million in 2010. A Washington Post data analysis, The Native American Population Exploded, the Census Shows. Here’s Why, examines the reason for the jump and concludes it was not due to procreation or to immigration of Natives from other countries, but instead to the way the race question was phrased on the census form and, even more importantly, how responses were coded.

HAC

HAC is hiring

  • The Rental Housing Development and Preservation – Housing Specialist will provide technical assistance support to nonprofit organizations involved in multifamily housing programs, with a specific focus on USDA 515 and HUD rural housing programs. This position is remote work eligible.
  • The Rental Housing Development and Preservation Housing Specialist – Senior Level Position is a senior-level role that combines expertise in multifamily housing programs, specifically focusing on USDA 515 and HUD rural housing programs, with the responsibility of providing technical assistance, with a particular focus on transfers of USDA 515 properties. This position is remote work eligible.
  • The Senior Accountant is responsible for applying technical and leadership skills to guide accounting practices and recording of transactions. This position is hybrid, based in Washington, DC.
  • The Executive Assistant supports the work of HAC’s Chief Executive Officer, senior leadership, and board of directors. The position is a blend of administrative work and project assignments. This position is based in Washington, DC.

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!

HAC News: October 12, 2023

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Vol. 52, No. 21

TOP STORIES

Government funded through November 17

On September 30, Congress passed a continuing resolution and the President signed it into law. It funds the federal government through November 17, keeping most programs at FY23 levels, and also extends the National Flood Insurance Program to the same date. If there is no agreement by then on full-year funding, the government could face a shutdown threat again. The House and Senate have other priorities to address and also have very different funding proposals for most agencies. The only USDA or HUD appropriations bill that has received a floor vote so far, the House’s Agriculture bill, did not pass.

Next HAC News to be published November 2

The HAC News will be published in three weeks rather than two because on October 26 HAC’s staff and many of our readers will be busy at the 2023 National Rural Housing Conference. Look for the next issue in your email on Thursday, November 2!

October is National Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention Month

President Biden’s proclamation includes a reminder that for 24/7 immediate and confidential support, survivors can connect with the National Domestic Violence Hotline at thehotline.org, call 1-800-799-7233 (TTY 1-800-787-3224), or text “START” to 88788. Resources on the Violence Against Women Act, which includes legal protections related to assisted housing, are available from HUD and from the National Housing Law Project.

October 22-28 is National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week

HUD has posted resources and links to more from EPA and the Centers for Disease Control.

RuralSTAT

The average cost of homeowners insurance and a flood insurance policy could account for around 7% of the median household income in the eastern Kentucky counties impacted by the 2022 flood. Only 5% of damaged homes had flood insurance, and households earning $30,000 or less per year accounted for 60% of damaged homes. Source: Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland, Resilience and Recovery: Insights from the July 2022 Eastern Kentucky Flood.

OPPORTUNITIES

HUD offers fair housing initiatives funding

The application deadline is November 30 for four separate opportunities: the Education and Outreach Initiative, the Education and Outreach Initiative – Test Coordinator Training, the Fair Housing Organizations Initiative, and the Private Enforcement Initiative. For more information, contact Stephanie Thomas, HUD.

Agencies launch tools to find energy and environment funding

HUD’s Build for the Future Funding Navigator offers information on funding opportunities aimed at decarbonization, sustainable development, and community resilience. The Energy Department’s Funding and Incentives Resource Hub is intended to help identify rebates, funding, and other incentives for energy efficiency upgrades, renewable energy and decarbonization projects, and other sustainability initiatives.

REGULATIONS AND FEDERAL AGENCIES

USDA, HUD, and others address discrimination based on shared ancestry, ethnic characteristics, or religion

Eight federal agencies have clarified in writing that the Civil Rights Act prohibits discrimination based on shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics in federally funded programs and activities (HUD, USDA, White House). This includes forms of antisemitic, Islamophobic, and related discrimination and bias. HUD and USDA offer fact sheets that include examples of discriminatory actions.

Comments sought on flood risk management

FEMA proposes to amend its regulations to implement the Federal Flood Risk Management Standard and update its decision-making process for floodplain reviews. To supplement the regulations, it also suggests a policy that would further clarify how it would apply the FFRMS. Comments are due December 1. For more information, contact Portia Ross, FEMA, 202-709-0677.

Guidance released on HUD-assisted tenants’ income and assets

HUD Notice PIH 2023-17 offers guidance for public housing agencies and owners of HUD-assisted rental properties to implement Sections 102 and 104 of the Housing Opportunity Through Modernization Act of 2016. These provisions change the requirements for tenant income reviews and tenant assets for public housing and Section 8 participants.

HUD suggests no changes to Section 3 benchmarks

HUD proposes to keep using its 2020 benchmarks to gauge compliance with Section 3, which requires employment and other economic opportunities generated by federal housing and community development programs to be directed toward low- and very low-income persons to the greatest extent feasible. The department requests public comments, particularly on experiences with the benchmark goals, with no specific submission deadline. For more information, contact Nathan Roush, HUD, 678-732-2045. General email inquiries regarding Section 3 may be sent to Section3@hud.gov.

OMB to revise guidance on grants and agreements

The Office of Management and Budget suggests revisions to several parts of its Guidance for Grants and Agreements in Title 2 of the Code of Federal Regulations, including Part 200 (Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards). Comments are due December 4. For more information, email mbx.omb.offm.grants@omb.eop.gov.

USDA extends deadline for manufactured housing comments

Comments are now due October 31 rather than October 16 on USDA’s proposed rule that would expand use of the Section 502 direct and guaranteed programs for manufactured housing. For more information, contact Sonya Evans, USDA, 423-268-4333.

EVENTS

Register for the National Rural Housing Conference

Register now to join stakeholders in the field of rural affordable housing, community development, and placemaking at the 2023 National Rural Housing Conference October 24-27 in Washington, DC. The 2023 conference theme is Build Rural – both a literal and figurative appeal to explore and provoke action to build and renew rural communities by addressing housing affordability and preservation, community infrastructure and essential facilities creation and revitalization, resident led placemaking, capacity building, and community inclusion and justice efforts.

Webinar on rural housing set for November 6

Rural Housing Webinar, offered free by SaveYour.Town, will discuss demographic changes and what to do about them, creative ways to tailor housing solutions locally, and converting existing buildings into new housing through adaptive reuse.

PUBLICATIONS AND MEDIA

Climate Vulnerability Index shows disproportionate risk for Black and Native Americans

The Environment Defense Fund and Texas A&M researchers created the U.S. Climate Vulnerability Index, a new mapping and data tool, which outlines 184 climate risks for every census tract in the country. Socioeconomic and health disparities result in Black and Indigenous residents being most susceptible to death due to extreme heat. Systemic disinvestment in Black communities results in disproportionately higher risks of climate change effects. Seven of the ten most at-risk counties have a higher proportion of Black residents than the U.S. average of 12%.

Study examines philanthropy for the rural U.S.

“Giving for Rural Communities” is part of a State of American Philanthropy series published by Inside Philanthropy. The paper describes rural philanthropy, reviews rural issues and philanthropic responses, considers fundamental questions about rural designation and giving data, and offers recommendations to support the continued evolution of the field.

Recommendations address heirs’ property

Preserving Generational Wealth by Untangling Titles for Heirs Property Homeowners explains how heirs’ property develops as landowners die without wills. The paper, published by the JPMorgan Chase & Co. Policy Center, offers strategies to resolve existing heirs’ property cases and to prevent development of such title problems in the future.

States improving fair housing provisions in tax credit plans

Many states’ Qualified Allocation Plans show significant improvement in provisions related to fair housing since 2015, the Poverty and Race Research Action Council reports in Building Opportunity III: Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing in the Low Income Housing Tax Credit program. Some states, however, still lag behind.

Kentucky flooding and housing studied

In July 2022, serious flooding turned 13 eastern Kentucky counties into federally declared disaster areas. The impact on housing is the focus of Resilience and Recovery: Insights from the July 2022 Eastern Kentucky Flood, a report from the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland. In addition to findings on the prohibitive cost of flood insurance and the shortage of affordable housing, the report notes that floods increase population out-migration, which, in turn, impacts the local labor force; and that the pre-existing weakness of local labor markets will likely impact housing recovery, particularly due to a lack of skilled tradespeople.

U.S. gets failing grade on human right to housing

The U.S. receives an F in “affordability” and still has much room for improvement in other areas, according to the Human Right to Housing Report Card 2023 issued by the National Homelessness Law Center and University of Miami Law School Human Rights Clinic. The report card assesses the U.S. government’s performance on ensuring that adequate, affordable housing is available to all. It also cites numerous areas of hope, drawn from federal interventions to protect vulnerable homeowners, renters, and unhoused persons during the pandemic.

Social services organizations important in rural economic development work, survey finds

Large metropolitan areas have a disproportionately large share of community economic development (CED) groups’ revenues, expenditures, and assets compared to these places’ share of poverty, a recent survey found, while medium-sized metro areas have a disproportionately small share. Nationwide, the number of CED groups outside metro areas and their revenues are roughly comparable to their share of national poverty, with an outsized share of their revenues from government, probably because many are social services groups. These findings and others are reported by the National Alliance of Community Economic Development Associations (NACEDA) in Community Economic Development Organizations, Geography, and Financial Resources.

HAC

HAC is hiring

  • The Rental Housing Development and Preservation – Housing Specialist will provide technical assistance support to nonprofit organizations involved in multifamily housing programs, with a specific focus on USDA 515 and HUD rural housing programs. This position is remote work eligible.
  • The Rental Housing Development and Preservation Housing Specialist – Senior Level Position is a senior-level role that combines expertise in multifamily housing programs, specifically focusing on USDA 515 and HUD rural housing programs, with the responsibility of providing technical assistance, with a particular focus on transfers of USDA 515 properties. This position is remote work eligible.
  • The Senior Accountant is responsible for applying technical and leadership skills to guide accounting practices and recording of transactions. This position is hybrid, based in Washington, DC.
  • The Financial Controller is responsible for day-to-day management of HAC’s finance and accounting processes. This position is eligible for a hybrid schedule.
  • The Senior Human Resources and Payroll Administrator oversees all aspects of human resources and payroll practices and processes. This position is eligible for a hybrid schedule.
  • The Executive Assistant supports the work of HAC’s Chief Executive Officer, senior leadership, and board of directors. The position is a blend of administrative work and project assignments. This position is based in Washington, DC.

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!

HAC News: September 28, 2023

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Vol. 52, No. 20

TOP STORIES

Government may shut down

As of Thursday morning, September 28, Congress has not been able to agree on a funding measure to keep the government operating beyond the end of the fiscal year on September 30. What HAC knows about the possible effects on housing assistance is explained on our website and is currently the same information we reported in the HAC News of September 18. We expect USDA RD will soon release more details about potential impacts on its rural housing programs. As we learn more, we will update the website and post notices on our Facebook and LinkedIn pages.

Shutdown would threaten flood insurance

The National Flood Insurance Program, run by FEMA, provides coverage for a large proportion of all U.S. homes with flood insurance. Its authorization will expire on September 30 unless Congress reauthorizes it in a continuing resolution or other legislation. If it lapses, contracts entered into before September 30 will remain in effect until 30 days past their renewal dates and FEMA will continue paying claims as long as it has funds available. NFIP will not be able to issue new insurance or renew existing contracts when they expire, however, and the National Association of Realtors® estimates that a lapse in NFIP authorization could threaten 1,300 property transactions per day.

RuralSTAT

No geography – central cities, urban suburbs, rural suburbs, or places outside metro areas – comes close to having enough affordable, available, and adequate housing units for renters with extremely low (below 30% of area median income) or very low (below 50% of AMI) incomes. Outside metro areas, there are only 44.2 such units for every 100 extremely low-income renters and 66.5 for every 100 very low-income renters. Source: HUD, Worst Case Housing Needs: 2023 Report to Congress.

OPPORTUNITIES

HUD opens Healthy Homes and Weatherization Cooperation Demo

Nonprofits and state, local, and Tribal governments that have active Department of Energy Weatherization Assistance Program grants or subgrants or HUD Healthy Homes Production grants are eligible for HUD’s Healthy Homes and Weatherization Cooperation Demonstration to explore the potential advantages of coordinating these home intervention services. Applications are due October 31. For more information, contact Brenda M. Reyes, HUD, 202-402-6745.

Small cities main street grants deadline is October 12

HUD’s HOPE VI Main Street Program provides grants to communities with populations under 50,000 to assist in the renovation of historic, traditional central business districts or  “Main Street “ areas by replacing unused, obsolete commercial space in buildings with affordable housing units. Applicants must be local governments whose jurisdiction includes a Main Street area; nonprofits, for-profits, and others can be subcontractors. For more information, contact Susan Wilson, HUD, 202-402-4500.

Coronavirus funds can be used for disasters, transportation, and community development

Comments are due November 20 on a Treasury Department interim rule expanding allowable uses of State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds to include disaster relief, surface transportation, and CDBG-eligible community development. For more information, contact Jessica Milano, Treasury, 844-529-9527.

Deadline extended for USDA Discrimination Financial Assistance Program

The original October 31, 2023 application deadline has been changed to January 13, 2024 for farmers, ranchers, and forest owners who experienced discrimination when seeking USDA farm loans before January 2021.

REGULATIONS AND FEDERAL AGENCIES

HUD extends NSPIRE compliance date for additional programs

HUD’s National Standards for the Physical Inspection of Real Estate (NSPIRE) final rule will take effect on October 1, 2024 rather than October 1, 2023 for the Housing Choice Voucher and Project Based Voucher programs. HUD recently made the same change for the HOME, Housing Trust Fund, Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS, Emergency Solution Grants, and Continuum of Care programs. For more information, contact Dana M. Kitchen, HUD, 202-708-1112.

DDAs and QCTs designated

HUD has released its 2024 lists of Difficult Development Areas and Qualified Census Tracts for the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit program. For more information, contact Michael K. Hollar, HUD, 202–402–5878.

USDA requests input on research access

USDA will hold virtual listening sessions on September 27 and October 12 on public access to the results of research funded wholly or in part by any USDA component agency. Written comments are due November 15. For more information, contact Cynthia Parr, USDA, 301-837-8917.

FHFA considers private transfer fee covenants for shared equity loans

FHFA proposes to allow Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and the Federal Home Loan Banks to buy and sell mortgages with certain types of private transfer fee covenants (PTFCs), which require the buyer or seller to pay a private fee when a property is sold. Currently the only PTFCs permitted are for homeowners’ associations. The revised regulation would also allow PTFCs related to resale restrictions in shared equity loan programs such as community land trusts. Comments are due November 27. For more information, contact Ted Wartell, FHFA, 202–649–3157.

EVENTS

Register for the National Rural Housing Conference

Register now to join stakeholders in the field of rural affordable housing, community development, and placemaking at the 2023 National Rural Housing Conference October 24-27 in Washington, DC. The 2023 conference theme is Build Rural – both a literal and figurative appeal to explore and provoke action to build and renew rural communities by addressing housing affordability and preservation, community infrastructure and essential facilities creation and revitalization, resident led placemaking, capacity building, and community inclusion and justice efforts.

Creative placemaking webinar scheduled

The National Endowment for the Arts is offering a free webinar on November 1 to address funding and support for creative placemaking work – how to find it, who to ask, partnerships, and most effective approaches for building local funding and decision-making support.

PUBLICATIONS AND MEDIA

Complete Worst Case Housing Needs report published

The executive summary of HUD’s 2023 Worst Case Housing Needs report, released in August, showed that worst case needs were at a record high level in 2021. The just-published full report provides additional details, including data for rural suburbs within metropolitan areas and for places outside metro areas. It also includes a new element, an examination of the intersection between worst case needs and housing overcrowding.

Disasters impacting insurance for homeowners and rental properties

Researchers and others have begun to examine climate change’s effect on the cost and availability of property insurance around the country. Recent items include The 9th National Risk Assessment: The Insurance Issue by the First Street Foundation, which estimates that millions of properties nationwide may face rising insurance rates and non-renewals due to the growing risks of wildfires, wind, and flooding. In many places the insurance industry is limiting or withdrawing coverage, leaving homeowners to rely on state-backed “insurers of last resort,” which are also raising their rates. As this homeownership cost rises, the report states, property values will fall. For rental properties, The State of Multifamily Risk Survey and Report from the National Multifamily Housing Council shows an average 26% increase in insurance premiums nationwide, with “triple-digit increases” for some. Majorities of NMHC’s survey respondents increased their deductibles to maintain insurance affordability or accepted new policy limitations reducing insurers’ exposure.

Ethnically and racially uneven investments in rural water infrastructure found

In The Ethnically and Racially Uneven Role of Water Infrastructure Spending in Rural Economic Development, researchers report their findings that, while water infrastructure investments were associated with economic development outcomes in rural communities, these investments did not counteract compounded effects of systemic racism, particularly for rural Indigenous and Hispanic communities.

Homeless data improvements recommended

Calculating Change: Future Directions for Homelessness Data Use and Reporting, a National Alliance to End Homelessness report, advocates for increased data efforts in service programming in order to identify and respond to challenges in the field. Along with recommendations to expand data collecting techniques, NAEH offers suggestions to local stakeholders and Continuums of Care struggling to navigate their Homeless Management Information Systems. At an October 11 webinar titled Calculating Change: The Continuing Conversation on Homelessness Data Reform, panelists will discuss the report and ways the field can improve its approaches to data.

Report covers adults’ recovery from substance use and mental health problems

The federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration released Recovery from Substance Use and Mental Health Problems Among Adults in the United States, a report that provides policy recommendations and data on the 20.9 million adults in recovery from substance use disorders and 38.8 million adults in recovery from mental health problems. Policy recommendations include access to affordable, safe, and stable housing options and community support.

HAC

HAC is hiring

  • The Rental Housing Development and Preservation – Housing Specialist will provide technical assistance support to nonprofit organizations involved in multifamily housing programs, with a specific focus on USDA 515 and HUD rural housing programs. This position is remote work eligible.
  • The Rental Housing Development and Preservation Housing Specialist – Senior Level Position is a senior-level role that combines expertise in multifamily housing programs, specifically focusing on USDA 515 and HUD rural housing programs, with the responsibility of providing technical assistance, with a particular focus on transfers of USDA 515 properties. This position is remote work eligible.
  • The Senior Accountant is responsible for applying technical and leadership skills to guide accounting practices and recording of transactions. This position is hybrid, based in Washington, DC.
  • The Financial Controller is responsible for day-to-day management of HAC’s finance and accounting processes. This position is eligible for a hybrid schedule.
  • The Senior Human Resources and Payroll Administrator oversees all aspects of human resources and payroll practices and processes. This position is eligible for a hybrid schedule.
  • The Executive Assistant supports the work of HAC’s Chief Executive Officer, senior leadership, and board of directors. The position is a blend of administrative work and project assignments. This position is based in Washington, DC.

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!

HAC News: September 18, 2023

/in ,

Vol. 52, No. 19

TOP STORIES

Funding disagreements continue, government shutdown possible

Given the ongoing differences between factions on Capitol Hill, there may be no continuing resolution to keep the federal government open on October 1. Moody’s Analytics predicts a two-week shutdown and expects it to have little impact on the U.S. economy as a whole. A longer closure could harm recipients of housing assistance, however. A record 35-day shutdown from December 22, 2018 to January 25, 2019 led some owners of USDA-financed rental properties, unaware that the agency had enough Section 521 Rental Assistance funding to last through January, to threaten to evict tenants who could not pay full rent on their own. USDA RD’s shutdown contingency plan, dated September 2021, indicates that during a shutdown no new loans or grants would be committed and no new loan guarantees issued. Section 521 RA would continue “if funding is available.” If the agency used up all its RA funds, “additional servicing options” could be provided to rental properties. HUD’s contingency plan, from August 2023, says that programs operating with HUD funding that was obligated before a shutdown would continue. Monthly subsidy programs, however – including public housing operating subsidies, housing choice vouchers, and multifamily assistance contracts – would operate only while funding remained available. It is not clear what funding either department expects to have on hand after October 1.

Income fell and poverty rose from 2021 to 2022, Census Bureau reports

The expiration of temporary expansions to the Child Tax Credit and the Earned Income Tax Credit, as well as the end of pandemic-era stimulus payments, led to increases in poverty and drops in median income from 2021 to 2022, the Census Bureau reports. The Bureau’s annual reports on income, poverty, and health insurance highlight differences between the official poverty measure and the Supplemental Poverty Measure. The official poverty rate did not change significantly from 2021 to 2022, but the SPM, which accounts for government assistance and some other factors, increased by 4.6 percentage points to 12.4%. Even more dramatically, the SPM child poverty rate more than doubled, from 5.2% in 2021 to 12.4% in 2022. Geographically, SPM increases were greater for cities (from 9.8% in 2021 to 15.2% in 2022) and for places outside metro areas (7.1% to 12.2%) than for suburbs (6.8% to 10.8%).

Rural housing reform bill introduced in Senate

S. 2790, the Rural Housing Service Reform Act of 2023, was introduced on September 13 by Senators Tina Smith (D-Minn.) and Mike Rounds (R-N.D.) with several cosponsors. The bill would improve USDA’s rental preservation process in several ways, including decoupling Rental Assistance from USDA mortgages and permanently authorizing the MPR program. It would also establish the Native CDFI relending pilot as a permanent part of the Section 502 direct program, authorize the Rural Community Development Initiative, expand eligibility for Section 542 vouchers, adjust the mortgage requirement for Section 504 loans, and require USDA to release housing data.

Gooden nominated to head USDA Rural Development

President Biden has nominated Basil Gooden to become Under Secretary for Rural Development. Gooden, who has been USDA RD’s Director of State Operations since 2021, has also served in the Virginia state government’s agriculture and housing offices and as RD’s State Director for Virginia. The Senate will need to confirm his nomination.

September is National Preparedness Month

FEMA’s website for this year’s observance focuses on preparing older adults for disasters.

September is National Recovery Month

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration released a toolkit for National Recovery Month. SAMHSA has also published updated Recovery Housing Guidelines outlining best practices for recovery housing. The guide is intended for elected officials and practitioners seeking to support long-term recovery.

September 15-October 15 is Hispanic Heritage Month

Online resources include President Biden’s proclamation and a website prepared by several federal agencies.

RuralSTAT

Real median household income for the U.S. fell by 2.3% from $76,330 in 2021 to $74,580 in 2022. Outside metro areas, median income dropped by 3.5% from $57,960 to $55,960. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Income in the United States: 2022.

OPPORTUNITIES

HUD offers funds for seniors’ home modifications, barrier removal, lead and healthy homes, Choice Neighborhoods, and HIV housing

  • The Older Adults Home Modification Grant Program deadline is October 16. At least one third of the funds will go to communities with substantial rural populations. Eligible applicants are nonprofit organizations, state and local governments, and PHAs/IHAs with at least three years of experience in providing services to elderly adults. Funding is for low-cost, high impact home modifications, repairs, and renovations to enable low-income seniors – both homeowners and renters – to age in place. Contact Dr. Taneka Blue, HUD, 202-402-6846.
  • The Pathways to Removing Obstacles to Housing (PRO Housing) deadline is October 30. Using the CDBG statutory and regulatory framework, HUD will make PRO Housing grants to identify and remove barriers to affordable housing production and preservation. Local and state governments, metropolitan planning organizations, and multijurisdictional entities are eligible. Contact Jessie Handforth Kome, HUD, 202-708-3587.
  • The Lead and Healthy Homes Technical Studies Grant Program will fund studies to improve knowledge of housing-related health and safety hazards and to improve or develop new hazard assessment and control methods. Applications are due October 30 from nonprofits, for-profits, state and local governments, institutions of higher education, PHAs/IHAs, and Tribal governments and organizations. Contact Brenda M. Reyes, HUD, 202-402-6745.
  • Healthy Homes Production Grant Program applications are due November 7. Nonprofits, state, local, and Tribal governments, and consortia are eligible. The program aims to identify and remediate housing-related health and safety hazards in privately owned, low-income rental and/or owner-occupied housing. Contact Sacsheen Scott, HUD, 202-402-4370.
  • Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grants carry out comprehensive neighborhood revitalization plans to revitalize distressed HUD housing and address challenges in the surrounding neighborhood. Local governments, PHAs, Tribal entities, and owners of HUD-assisted housing are eligible. Applications for new grants are due on December 11, and for supplemental grants on March 4, 2024. Contact HUD staff, ChoiceNeighborhoods@hud.gov.
  • Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS Competitive Grant: Housing Interventions to End the HIV Epidemic applications are due January 31, 2024. Nonprofits, states, and units of general local government are eligible for these grants to create and implement new projects that align with initiatives aimed at ending the HIV epidemic and elevate housing as an effective structural intervention. Contact HUD staff, HOPWA@hud.gov.

USDA corrects Section 504 disaster repair notice

A correction expands the geographic coverage of a pilot program intended to make it easier for Section 504 loans and grants to be used to repair homes damaged by disasters. The pilot will apply to all areas hit by presidentially declared disasters between July 18, 2022 and July 18, 2025. For more information, contact Anthony Williams, USDA, 202-720-9649.

REGULATIONS AND FEDERAL AGENCIES

FEMA identifies Community Disaster Resilience Zones

The Community Disaster Resilience Zone designation applies to 483 census tracts in all 50 states and D.C., making them eligible for increased federal support for resilience and mitigation projects. FEMA will announce more Resilience Zone designations, including Tribal lands and territories, later this year.

NSPIRE compliance date extended for several HUD programs

HUD’s National Standards for the Physical Inspection of Real Estate (NSPIRE) final rule will take effect on October 1, 2024 rather than October 1, 2023 for the HOME, Housing Trust Fund, Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS, Emergency Solution Grants, and Continuum of Care programs. For more information, contact Caitlin Renner, HUD, 202-708-2684.

FEMA seeks comments on preparedness programs

FEMA requests public input by November 7 on ways to improve the management and administration of its preparedness grant programs. These 14 programs assist state, local, Tribal, and territorial governments, as well as transportation authorities, nonprofits, and others. The agency is also conducting listening sessions. For more information, contact Pamela Williams, FEMA, 202-212-8007.

Homeland Security and Labor propose stronger protections for H2-A farmworkers

The Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Labor have separate proposals to strengthen regulatory protections for temporary agricultural workers with H2-A visas and make other changes. Comments to DOL are due November 14. Comments to HHS are due November 20.

Comments requested on proposed federal homelessness research agenda

The U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness asks for comments by September 22 on a draft research agenda. The draft does not include research questions related to geographic differences.

State Department to start over on amending public charge rules

The State Department has decided not to finalize an interim final public charge rule issued in 2019 under the previous administration. It will revert to its pre-2019 regulation and will begin a new rulemaking process. State’s notice says its new proposal will be consistent with the Department of Homeland Security’s 2022 final rule, which excludes housing aid from the determination whether a noncitizen is likely to become a public charge. Both departments are involved in public charge determinations. For more information, contact Andrea Lage, State, 202-485-7586.

USDA to amend Section 514/516 rules

Comments are due November 13 on a proposal to add a provision specifying that the period of performance for a Section 516 grant is five years. The five-year period is already stated in the applicable handbook, though not in the regulations. For more information, contact Christa Lindsey, USDA, 352-538-5747, mfh.programsupport@usda.gov.

EVENTS

Register for the National Rural Housing Conference

Register now to join stakeholders in the field of rural affordable housing, community development, and placemaking at the 2023 National Rural Housing Conference October 24-27 in Washington, DC. The 2023 conference theme is Build Rural – both a literal and figurative appeal to explore and provoke action to build and renew rural communities by addressing housing affordability and preservation, community infrastructure and essential facilities creation and revitalization, resident led placemaking, capacity building, and community inclusion and justice efforts.

PUBLICATIONS AND MEDIA

New HAC disaster guide published for Hurricane Idalia survivors

To assist those affected by Hurricane Idalia, 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.

Farmworker housing inspections collected

Investigate Midwest is obtaining housing inspection records for farmworker housing in multiple states and posting the information, including violations identified by inspectors. Their site also provides links to their reporting on housing and other issues for farmworkers.

HAC

HAC is hiring

  • The Rental Housing Development and Preservation – Housing Specialist will provide technical assistance support to nonprofit organizations involved in multifamily housing programs, with a specific focus on USDA 515 and HUD rural housing programs. This position is remote work eligible.
  • The Rental Housing Development and Preservation Housing Specialist – Senior Level Position is a senior-level role that combines expertise in multifamily housing programs, specifically focusing on USDA 515 and HUD rural housing programs, with the responsibility of providing technical assistance, with a particular focus on transfers of USDA 515 properties. This position is remote work eligible.
  • The Senior Accountant is responsible for applying technical and leadership skills to guide accounting practices and recording of transactions. This position is hybrid, based in Washington, DC.
  • The Financial Controller is responsible for day-to-day management of HAC’s finance and accounting processes. This position is eligible for a hybrid schedule.
  • The Senior Human Resources and Payroll Administrator oversees all aspects of human resources and payroll practices and processes. This position is eligible for a hybrid schedule.
  • The Executive Assistant supports the work of HAC’s Chief Executive Officer, senior leadership, and board of directors. The position is a blend of administrative work and project assignments. This position is based in Washington, DC.

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!

HAC News: August 31, 2023

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Vol. 52, No. 18

TOP STORIES

Federal funding and other issues unresolved as Congress returns

It is still unclear whether the federal government will be funded through a continuing resolution or will shut down when fiscal year 2024 begins on October 1. The Senate returns from recess on September 5, with all of its appropriations bills having passed the Appropriations Committee, though none have been considered by the full Senate yet. The House reconvenes on September 12; its Appropriations Committee has passed most of its annual spending bills, including those covering both USDA and HUD, and the full House has passed only one of them. HAC has posted more details online on the appropriations bills for USDA and HUD. Other urgent issues awaiting action include a White House request for supplemental funding for FEMA disaster recovery, Ukraine, and more. A Farm Bill must also be passed to maintain authorization for various food and agriculture programs. HAC and others hope the Farm Bill will include rural rental housing preservation measures as well.

Worst case housing needs reach record high

HUD released the executive summary of its 2023 Worst Case Housing Needs report, revealing that from 2019 to 2021 worst case housing needs increased across demographic groups, household types, and regions throughout the United States. The number of very low-income families without housing assistance who paid more than half their income for housing or lived in severely substandard housing in 2021 exceeded previous record levels resulting from the Great Recession of 2007-2009. Even so, HUD researchers write, the data “suggest that a rise in homelessness was averted during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, when low-income families faced growing housing instability risks and cost burdens, and the federal government deployed historic funding and resources to keep people stably housed.” The full report, which is not yet available, should have more details about differences among geographies.

RuralSTAT

In rural places, 5.13% of American Indian or Alaska Native adults live with incomplete plumbing facilities, compared to 1.29% in urban areas. Source: University of Minnesota Rural Health Center analysis of 2015-2019 American Community Survey data.

OPPORTUNITIES

Grants offered for affordable housing innovations

The TD Bank Group’s 2023 TD Ready Challenge is seeking innovative solutions to help address systemic barriers to affordable housing across the continuum from transitional to permanent homes, and to help increase access to affordable and stable housing for those that need it most. Applications are due September 13. The challenge offers ten $1 million grants for nonprofits that have designed innovative, scalable and/or replicable solutions addressing affordable housing issues. For more information, email tdreadycommitment@td.com.

Disasters and community development to become eligible uses of state and local coronavirus funds

The Treasury Department has posted an interim final rule and an overview to broaden possible uses for Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF). The program provided monies to over 30,000 state, territorial, local, and Tribal governments, originally to respond to the coronavirus pandemic. Effective when the interim final rule is published in the Federal Register, eligible activities will broaden to encompass natural disaster response (including providing emergency housing and repairing permanent housing), infrastructure, and CDBG activities. Comments on the rule will be due 60 days after publication. For more information, contact Jessica Milano, Treasury, 844- 529-9527.

Bootcamps offer infrastructure help to small cities and towns

The National League of Cities and the Local Infrastructure Hub are accepting registrations on a first come, first served basis from local governments with 150,000 or fewer residents for fall 2023 bootcamps. The programs are intended to help governments prepare competitive applications for federal infrastructure funds. Topics include climate action, internet access, transportation, and more. For more information, email LocalInfrastructureHub@nlc.org.

REGULATIONS AND FEDERAL AGENCIES

OMB finalizes Buy America guidance

The Office of Management and Budget has published a final rule and guidance on the Build America, Buy America (BABA) preference for federally funded infrastructure projects, addressing products covered, cost determinations, and waiver requests. OMB declined to clarify its earlier language about what housing-related construction is subject to these requirements. It repeated its previous statement that “projects consisting solely of the purchase, construction, or improvement of a private home for personal use … would not constitute an infrastructure project,” leaving details to USDA and HUD. USDA has stated that it will apply BABA to multifamily housing, site preparation for single-family housing, and community facilities. HUD has staggered implementation of the requirements, so some of its interpretations are not clear yet. More BABA information is posted on OMB’s website, USDA’s, and HUD’s.

Guidance issued on multifamily solar energy savings

HUD published updated guidance for its multifamily housing programs and public housing regarding the treatment of financial benefits received from off-site or on-site solar energy, and USDA issued similar guidance for its rental housing programs. The updates clarify how the financial savings from solar energy impact utility allowances and income calculations.

FY24 Fair Market Rents published

The new FMRs were calculated using the methodology changes HUD proposed in June. They will become effective on October 1, 2023 (not 2024, as stated in one place in HUD’s notice). Comments are due October 2.

FCC and HUD to help tenants access internet service, final rule set for discount program

The Federal Communications Commission and HUD are partnering to promote awareness of the Affordable Connectivity Program and reduce the time it takes for some tenants to sign up. HUD’s press release indicates all recipients of HUD assistance are eligible to receive free or reduced cost internet through the ACP, and ACP benefits will not impact their rent. The program provides monthly discounts toward internet service. Eligible households can also receive a one-time discount to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet. FCC’s final regulation for the program will be published on September 1.

EVENTS

Register for the National Rural Housing Conference

Register now to join stakeholders in the field of rural affordable housing, community development, and placemaking at the 2023 National Rural Housing Conference October 24-27 in Washington, DC. The 2023 conference theme is Build Rural – both a literal and figurative appeal to explore and provoke action to build and renew rural communities by addressing housing affordability and preservation, community infrastructure and essential facilities creation and revitalization, resident led placemaking, capacity building, and community inclusion and justice efforts.

PUBLICATIONS AND MEDIA

Special reporting project considers Indian Country’s housing crisis

A series of articles in Tribal Business News, accessible without a subscription, examines several topics related to federal housing assistance for Indian Country. Experts featured in the articles include Dave Castillo, CEO of Native Community Capital and HAC board member, and Louie Sheridan, Jr., HAC’s Housing Specialist-Native American Communities.

Resilience guides aim to help prepare homes for hazards

HUD released a set of five guides intended to provide practical, actionable guidelines for designing and constructing residential buildings, neighborhoods, and accessory structures to improve resilience to natural hazards. Each volume focuses on a major category of hazard: wind, water, fire, earth (seismic, earthslides, sinkholes), and auxiliary (other hazards such as volcanoes, hail, and temperature extremes).

Resources added for Maui recovery

In addition to assistance it announced earlier this month for survivors of the Maui wildfire, HUD is providing Rapid Unsheltered Survivor Housing funds to Hawaii to aid those experiencing or at risk of homelessness. A joint reminder about available mortgage assistance was issued by Ginnie Mae, FHA, FHFA, USDA, and VA. HAC has compiled a response guide with links and contact information from many sources.

Housing quality problems remain more common for rural residents

A higher proportion of rural residents than urban dwellers have incomplete kitchen or incomplete plumbing facilities, the University of Minnesota Rural Health Center reports in Housing Quality by Disability, Race, Ethnicity, and Rural-Urban Location: Findings from the American Community Survey. Incomplete plumbing is a problem for a higher proportion of rural people with a disability than of rural residents without a disability or urban residents with or without a disability. Among racial and ethnic groups, rural American Indians and Alaska Natives have the highest rates of incomplete kitchen facilities and incomplete plumbing.

The “new” face of the opioid epidemic is rural Black residents

A TIME article, The Face of Rural Addiction Is Not What You Think, discusses the rising overdose rates among Black rural residents. It highlights how rural areas influence drug use patterns, including limited socialization and recreation possibilities, a prevalence of physically intensive jobs that are often associated with workplace discrimination and high social isolation, and deteriorating infrastructure and low-quality housing.

HAC

HAC is hiring

  • The Rental Housing Development and Preservation Housing Specialist is a senior-level role that combines expertise in multifamily housing programs, specifically focusing on USDA 515 and HUD rural housing programs, with the responsibility of providing technical assistance, with a particular focus on transfers of USDA 515 properties. This position is remote work eligible.
  • The Senior Accountant is responsible for applying technical and leadership skills to guide accounting practices and recording of transactions. This position is hybrid, based in Washington, DC.
  • The Financial Controller is responsible for day-to-day management of HAC’s finance and accounting processes, applying technical and leadership skills to determine proper application of accounting policies, practices, activities, and recording of transactions in accordance with GAAP and applicable industry standards. This position is eligible for a hybrid schedule.
  • The Senior Human Resources and Payroll Administrator oversees all aspects of human resources and payroll practices and processes. People are HAC’s most important asset and this individual will be an impactful contributor to ensure we have a happy and productive workplace where everyone is inspired to bring their best work, realize their professional growth aspirations, and participate in helping HAC accomplish its mission. This position is eligible for a hybrid schedule.
  • The Executive Assistant supports the work of HAC’s Chief Executive Officer, senior leadership, and board of directors. The position is a blend of administrative work and project assignments. Duties and responsibilities include maintaining an effective and well-organized Executive Office, serving as the primary point of contact for the CEO, and managing the meetings, materials, and other needs of HAC’s board of directors. This position is based in Washington, DC.

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!

HAC News: August 17, 2023

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Vol. 52, No. 17

TOP STORIES

Federal agencies offer assistance after Hawaii fires

President Biden’s major disaster declaration for Maui County makes federal aid available. FEMA’s site provides information about resources available from FEMA and other sources. HUD announced disaster relief and waivers available from many of its programs.

Information can help people keep Medicaid and CHIP health insurance

USDA’s multifamily housing office encourages stakeholders to help tenants keep Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Coverage Program health coverage as states are required to review eligibility of all enrollees, a process called “unwinding.” Many people who remain eligible have lost coverage for administrative reasons. USDA’s bulletin suggests actions to take and provides links for information. Links to resources are also included in the March 2 HAC News.

USDA proposes rule based on manufactured housing pilot

Comments are due October 16 on a proposed regulation that would expand use of the Section 502 direct and guaranteed programs for manufactured housing. Among other changes, the rule would remove current limits on what existing manufactured homes could be purchased with both direct and guaranteed loans. Both types of loans could also be used for new energy-efficient homes sited on leased land in communities operating on a nonprofit basis or on Tribal land. For more information on direct loans, contact Sonya Evans, USDA, 423-268-4333; on guaranteed loans, contact the Guaranteed Loan Division, 833-314-0168.

Rural Voices magazine shows how housing helps address the rural substance use disorder crisis

A new issue of Rural Voices, HAC’s magazine, highlights innovative approaches to providing housing for residents in recovery with a cross-sector analysis of successful collaborative approaches to addressing the issues associated with substance use disorders.

RuralSTAT

The Recovery Ecosystem Index analyzes the community-level factors that are in place to support individuals in recovery from substance use disorder. This map is based on a tool that allows creation of county-level maps to understand these factors and where additional resources are most needed to provide support to individuals in recovery. Source: The Fletcher Group, Inc., East Tennessee State University, and ETSU/NORC Rural Health Equity Research Center, Recovery Ecosystem Index.

REGULATIONS AND FEDERAL AGENCIES

Final Davis-Bacon regulation released

The Department of Labor has issued an extensive update of its Davis-Bacon regulation. The rule’s changes are intended to strengthen and streamline the process for setting and enforcing wage rates on federally funded construction projects. DOL also posted information about the revisions, including FAQs and a chart comparing the old and new rules. For more information, contact Amy DeBisschop, DOL, 202-693-0406.

Abatement could be required for lower levels of lead in buildings

EPA proposes to make stricter two standards related to dust-lead hazards in buildings constructed before 1978, and to adopt other changes as well. Comments are due October 2. For more information, contact the Toxic Substances Control Act Hotline, 202-554-1404, TSCA-Hotline@epa.gov.

HUD seeks input on application burden

The deadline has been extended to September 13 for commenting on the burden people face when applying for or maintaining eligibility for HUD’s housing programs. For more information, contact Todd Richardson, HUD, 202-402-5706.

Comments invited on allocation of Tribal home electrification and appliance rebates funds

The U.S. Department of Energy requests comments on the allocation formula for the Tribal Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates program, which will fund energy efficiency and electrification home upgrades. DOE’s notice also describes how consortia of Tribes may apply for funds. Comments are due September 15. For more information, contact Adam Hasz, DOE, 202-617-9081.

HUD proposes Buy America waiver for Pacific islands

HUD proposes an 18-month waiver of the Build America, Buy America requirement for construction materials that would apply to the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, and American Samoa. Materials must be shipped to these islands, which are thousands of miles from the U.S. mainland. Comments are due September 1. Send questions to BuildAmericaBuyAmerica@hud.gov or contact Faith Rogers, HUD, 202-402-7082.

Appraisal bias to be addressed by new partnership

HUD and the National Association of Real Estate Brokers announced a collaboration that will launch in October to increase efforts to combat racial appraisal bias in home property valuation. The partnership will include online training for counselors, roundtable discussions on bias and discrimination, educational material distribution, and appraisal-related training.

Regulations hope to promote trust in federal statistics

The Office of Management and Budget has proposed regulations that are intended to promote public trust in the federal agencies that produce federal statistics. The provisions cover topics such as statistical agencies’ relationships with, and autonomy from, their parent agencies; oversight by OMB; communication with the public and obtaining feedback; accuracy; objectivity; and confidentiality. Comments are due October 2. For more information, contact Kerrie Leslie, OMB, 202-395-5898.

USDA RD multifamily housing income limits posted

The July 20 HAC News provided the link to RD’s 2023 single-family income limits but left out the multifamily limits. For more information, contact Tammy Daniels, USDA.

Comments urge HUD and USDA to adopt new energy efficiency standards

HAC submitted a comment letter to HUD and USDA on August 7, signed by over 80 organizations from around the country and supporting adoption of updated energy efficiency standards for some newly constructed housing.  The letter asks the agencies to protect residents against any increased upfront costs, to provide technical assistance for those who implement the new standards, and expand strong energy efficiency requirements to additional programs.

HAC comments support decoupling USDA rental housing and Rental Assistance

Responding to a directive from Congress, USDA held stakeholder meetings and collected comments on decoupling USDA Section 521 Rental Assistance from Section 515 rental housing loans to facilitate the rehabilitation and preservation of the multifamily portfolio. HAC recently submitted comments in support of decoupling, emphasizing the need for long-term affordability, support for the entire suite of preservation programs, establishing a plan for prepayments, and more.

EVENTS

National Rural Housing Conference registration is open

Register now to join stakeholders in the field of rural affordable housing, community development, and placemaking at the 2023 National Rural Housing Conference October 24-27 in Washington, DC. The 2023 conference theme is Build Rural – both a literal and figurative appeal to explore and provoke action to build and renew rural communities by addressing housing affordability and preservation, community infrastructure and essential facilities creation and revitalization, resident led placemaking, capacity building, and community inclusion and justice efforts.

Webinar will cover rural creative placemaking

A webinar on August 30, hosted by USDA RD and the University of Kentucky, will help rural leaders learn about creative placemaking approaches to help improve the lives of people in their areas. Creative placemaking integrates arts, culture, and design activities into efforts that strengthen communities. Attendees will learn how rural leaders started their projects and how completed projects are impacting their communities.

PUBLICATIONS AND MEDIA

New persistent poverty approach could be detrimental for rural areas

Switching from counties to census tracts as the basis for defining persistent poverty may hurt rural communities and their chances when competing for federal dollars, HAC researcher Keith Wiley and former HAC deputy director Joe Belden explain in a Daily Yonder article. A recent report from the Economic Innovation Group suggests this change, which would shift the categorization from largely rural to primarily urban places. In Analysis: A New Approach to Defining Persistent Poverty, Wiley and Belden agree that these urban communities need investment and focused policies, but caution that such a change should lead to expanding investment rather than shifting where it occurs.

Rural poverty described in new book

In an article titled What the Best Places in America Have in Common: And What they Reveal about Alleviating Poverty Across the Country, the authors of a new book explain that, as urban researchers, they were surprised to discover that many of the most disadvantaged places in the U.S. are rural counties and that most have majority BIPOC populations. The book, The Injustice of Place: Uncovering the Legacy of Poverty in America, describes these areas. Many of their counties of greatest advantage are also rural, in the historically agricultural Upper Midwest states. When their Multidimensional Index of Deep Disadvantage was released in 2020, the HAC News noted the index’s map was strikingly similar to HAC’s map of persistent poverty counties.

Housing influences rural health

The University of Minnesota Rural Health Research Center’s Housing as a Social Determinant of Rural Health Project evaluates the well-understood concept of housing as a social determinant of health from a rural perspective. The most recent of three publications, Differences in Residential Stability by Rural/Urban Location and Socio-Demographic Characteristics, reports that rural residents are more likely to live in their homes for more than 20 years and highlights the need for support for home repairs for rural residents. The earlier papers are Housing Quality by Disability, Race, Ethnicity, and Rural-Urban Location: Findings from the American Community Survey and Crowded Housing and Housing Cost Burden by Disability, Race, Ethnicity, and Rural-Urban Location.

Briefs discuss upgrades for manufactured homes

Topic Briefs: Upgrading Manufactured Homes, a set of three briefs published by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, provides information on how states and utilities can help improve manufactured homes. The series includes an overview of manufactured housing and its residents, lessons learned from model state and utility retrofit and replacement programs, and key federal funding opportunities for upgrading manufactured homes.

HAC

Support HAC through the Combined Federal Campaign

We are excited to share that HAC is participating in the 2023 Combined Federal Campaign, the workplace giving campaign for federal employees.  Support raised through this year’s CFC will help ensure that families across rural America have a safe, healthy, affordable place to call home. If you are a current or retired federal government employee, we hope you will consider supporting HAC as part of your participation in the CFC (CFC#27823)!

HAC is hiring for several positions

  • The Senior Accountant is responsible for applying technical and leadership skills to guide accounting practices and recording of transactions. The successful candidate will have experience in a complex organization and demonstrate a balanced communication style and strong critical thinking skills. This position is hybrid, based in Washington, DC.
  • The Senior Housing Specialist – Multifamily is a senior-level role that combines expertise in multifamily housing programs, specifically focusing on USDA 515 and HUD rural housing programs, with the responsibility of providing technical assistance, with a particular focus on transfers of USDA 515 properties. This position plays a leadership role in offering specialized knowledge on USDA 515 transfers and affordable housing preservation, supporting the success of affordable housing initiatives, and ensuring program compliance. This position is eligible for telecommuting.
  • The Financial Controller is responsible for day-to-day management of HAC’s finance and accounting processes, applying technical and leadership skills to determine proper application of accounting policies, practices, activities, and recording of transactions in accordance with GAAP and applicable industry standards. The successful candidate will have experience in a complex organization and will demonstrate a strong customer service orientation, balanced communication style, and robust critical and strategic thinking skills. This position is eligible for a hybrid schedule.
  • The Senior Human Resources and Payroll Administrator oversees all aspects of human resources and payroll practices and processes. People are HAC’s most important asset and this individual will be an impactful contributor to ensure we have a happy and productive workplace where everyone is inspired to bring their best work, realize their professional growth aspirations, and participate in helping HAC accomplish its mission. This position is eligible for a hybrid schedule.
  • The Executive Assistant supports the work of HAC’s Chief Executive Officer, senior leadership, and board of directors. The position is a blend of administrative work and project assignments. Duties and responsibilities include maintaining an effective and well-organized Executive Office, serving as the primary point of contact for the CEO, and managing the meetings, materials, and other needs of HAC’s board of directors. This position is based in Washington, DC.

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!

HAC News: August 3, 2023

HAC News: August 3, 2023

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Vol. 52, No. 16

TOP STORIES

Congress recesses without agreement on spending

The House and Senate Appropriations Committees have approved versions of most of the 12 appropriations bills needed to fund the government for fiscal year 2024. But their drafts differ, the full House has passed only one bill, the Senate has not passed any of them, and Congress has recessed for the month of August. It is not clear whether it will be possible for legislators to agree on even a continuing resolution to keep the government open after September 30. The Senate plans to reconvene on September 5, the House on September 12. The new fiscal year begins on October 1.

Senate proposes to increase HUD’s funding

On July 20 the Senate Appropriations Committee unanimously approved S. 2437, a bill to fund HUD for fiscal year 2024. Like the House bill, H.R. 4820, the Senate’s version maintains aid for tenants. It holds many other programs at their FY23 funding levels, rejecting the House’s proposed cuts to HOME, Section 202 elderly housing, Section 811 housing for people with disabilities, and the Self-Help Homeownership Opportunity Program (SHOP). It includes no funding, however, for the new Preservation and Reinvestment Initiative for Community Enhancement (PRICE) program for manufactured housing. More details are available on HAC’s site for both the HUD and USDA bills.

USDA close to finalizing eligible areas changes

After a review process that began in March, USDA RD has posted a map showing proposed changes in area eligibility for its housing programs (click on a housing program name and then click on “Proposed Eligibility Areas”). The revised boundaries will be effective October 1. For a complete review of comments received or to ask questions regarding rural area boundaries, contact a USDA RD State Office. The agency’s announcement explains that for areas whose designation will change from rural to non-rural (places that were previously eligible and are becoming ineligible), a one-time notice will be published 30 days prior to implementation date confirming the updated boundaries.

Senate approves Tribal Trust Land Homeownership Act

S. 70, the Tribal Trust Land Homeownership Act of 2023, was unanimously approved by the Senate on July 18. The bill sets specific timelines for the Bureau of Indian Affairs processing of mortgages on Tribal trust land, requiring a decision within 30 days after BIA receives all documentation. The House has not voted on the bill, H.R. 3597, but it was included in a July 12 hearing held by the House Committee on Natural Resources Subcommittee on Indian and Insular Affairs.

RuralSTAT

Revised determinations classify 1,186 (38%) of the 3,144 counties in the United States in the country’s 387 Metropolitan Statistical Areas and 1,958 (62%) outside metro areas. Source: OMB, Revised Delineations of Metropolitan Statistical Areas, Micropolitan Statistical Areas, and Combined Statistical Areas, and Guidance on Uses of the Delineations of These Areas.

OPPORTUNITIES

New program aims to build HUD tenants’ capacity for preservation

The Tenant Education and Outreach program will make grants to nonprofits, for-profits, or HUD-approved housing counseling agencies with experience providing support and technical assistance to low-income tenants or community-based tenant organizations. These intermediaries will make and oversee administration of sub-awards to help local tenant organizations serving project-based Section 8 properties to work with property management, improve management, and advocate for the preservation of affordability. Apply by October 23. For more information, contact HUD staff, TEO@hud.gov.

Pathways to Removing Obstacles to Housing preview available

HUD has posted a preview of the funding notice for its new Pathways to Removing Obstacles to Housing (PRO Housing) program. The final version will be posted on grants.gov in September, with an application deadline of October 30. This competition will use the CDBG statutory and regulatory framework to award $85 million that was included in HUD’s FY23 appropriation for the identification and removal of barriers to affordable housing production and preservation. Local and state governments, metropolitan planning organizations, and multijurisdictional entities are eligible. Public participation is required. HUD will offer several webinars in August. For more information, contact Jessie Handforth Kome, HUD, 202-708-3587 ext. 5539 (phone) or 202-708-0033 (fax), or send questions to CDBG-PROHousing@hud.gov.

Preview for homeownership initiative posted

HUD published a preview of the funding notice for its FY23 Homeownership Initiative. It intends to publish the final notice in FY24 with a 30-day application period. This initiative will make grants to HUD-approved intermediaries, multistate organizations, and state HFAs to provide culturally sensitive, linguistically appropriate housing counseling that results in home purchase, mortgage origination, and preservation of ownership among underserved communities. For more information or to submit questions, email housing.counseling@hud.gov using the email subject line: FY 2023 Homeownership Initiative NOFO, or call Melissa Noe, HUD, 312-913-8648.

CAPITOL HILL

NAHASDA reauthorization passes Senate

The Senate approved a measure to reauthorize and revise the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act on July 27, attached as an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act. NAHASDA, which governs HUD’s housing programs for American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian communities, has not been authorized since 2013. The House passed a different version of the NDAA on July 14, without the NAHASDA amendment. A conference committee will need to resolve the differences between the bills when Congress reconvenes in September.

Senate measure would streamline disaster assistance

The Senate unanimously passed the Disaster Assistance Simplification Act, S. 1528, on July 28. The bill would establish a unified intake system, managed by FEMA, for all federal disaster aid programs.

REGULATIONS AND FEDERAL AGENCIES

Agencies remind landlords to share information with applicants

USDA, HUD, the CFPB, FHFA, and the Federal Trade Commission are distributing information to landlords, operators, and stakeholders on their responsibilities to alert rental applicants about information that is collected in tenant screening reports. USDA says owners of USDA-financed rental properties should post a memorandum in common areas easily visible to all residents and visitors, outlining the legal requirements for property owners and/or landlords.

USDA plans to host a listening session in fall 2023 for rural tenants to discuss ways to advance renter protections.

HUD also announced it intends to issue a proposed rule to affirm a provision of the 2020 Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act that is already in effect. It will require housing providers to give written notification at least 30 days before evicting tenants in public housing and properties with project-based rental assistance for nonpayment of rent.

USDA launches Tribal pilots for Section 502 guarantee program

Two pilot programs are intended to increase affordable homeownership opportunities for people on Tribal lands – the Tribal Property Valuation Pilot Program, which provides a flexible appraisal option, and the Tribal Rehabilitation Pilot Program, which permits rehabilitation loans for homeowners. Both are effective from July 26, 2023 to July 28, 2025. For more information, contact Laurie Mohr, USDA, 314-679-6917.

Section 184 program area expanded

HUD Dear Lender Letter 2023-06 expands the Section 184 Native American home loan guarantee program into 23 counties in Tennessee and 14 counties in Texas and provides the 2023 maximum loan limits for the newly added counties.

New federal guidance allows Medicaid to cover housing expenses

States have increased flexibility to support housing, and other health-related social needs that impact a person’s health, using Medicaid funding. A Shelterforce article, How States Can Use Medicaid to Address Housing Costs, explains ways states have deployed these funds to cover housing costs and related expenses.

Proposal would address appraisal reconsiderations

The Federal Reserve Board, CFPB, FDIC, National Credit Union Administration, and Office of the Comptroller of the Currency request comments on proposed interagency guidance to address reconsiderations of appraisals. Their notice explains that there is uncertainty about how financial institutions’ requests for re-assessments intersect with appraisal independence requirements and compliance with federal consumer protection laws, including those related to nondiscrimination. Comments are due September 19. For more information, contact Siddarth Rao, OCC, 732-635-2070.

Metro area determinations revised

A July 21 Office of Management and Budget bulletin titled Revised Delineations of Metropolitan Statistical Areas, Micropolitan Statistical Areas, and Combined Statistical Areas, and Guidance on Uses of the Delineations of These Areas provides lists for these types of Core-Based Statistical Areas, applying standards OMB published in 2021. The revisions do not have any immediate impact on housing programs.

USDA posts equity plans

The department has developed equity plans for each of its mission areas, including Rural Development. RD’s plan lists accomplishments including creation of the Rural Partners Network and new actions such as participation in the Property Appraisal and Valuation Equity (PAVE) interagency task force.

HUD issues supplemental RAD notice

Rental Assistance Demonstration Supplemental Notice 4B (Notice H-2023-08/PIH 2023-19, Rev 4B) provides additional flexibilities for PHAs and multifamily housing owners participating in RAD. It also promotes water- and energy-efficiency investments and includes new requirements that address climate resilience and adopt stronger energy efficiency standards. Additionally, the notice provides $12 million to support preservation transactions of eligible housing for the elderly. HUD will offer an overview of the notice in an August 9 webinar.

PUBLICATIONS AND MEDIA

HUD releases national estimates of homelessness for 2021

The 2021 Annual Homeless Assessment Report (AHAR): Part 2 presents the most recent national estimates of homelessness for the year, supplementing Part 1, which reported data gathered on a single night at the national, state, and Continuum of Care levels. Because of the pandemic, data for 2021 were reliable only for sheltered people. The report points out that rural areas have fewer shelter options, so people experiencing homelessness there may be more likely to be unsheltered or doubled-up and therefore would not be included in these figures. The data show that 78% of households experiencing sheltered homelessness were in urban areas, 15% in suburbs, and 7% in rural areas in 2021. The rural share in 2019 was 9%.

GAO recommends better use of SHOP data

A new report from the Government Accountability Office, Affordable Housing: HUD Could Improve Use of Data for the Self-Help Homeownership Opportunity Program, concludes that, while HUD collects some data from SHOP grantees, it has not used that data to inform key program decisions, such as setting the cap on the amount of SHOP funds grantees can spend on each housing unit or evaluating the geographic diversity of units produced. GAO recommends that HUD use project-level and market data to make better-informed program decisions for SHOP. HUD’s response, which is appended to GAO’s report, indicates it will increase its analyses.

Heat has notable impact on colonias and farmworkers

Two recent reports consider the effect of the summer’s extreme heat on vulnerable populations. A July 29 New York Times article titled In Border Towns, a “Dangerous Combination” of Heat and Water Cutoffs describes the difficulties of keeping cool in the Texas colonias, where running water is not reliable. Farmworkers and Heat Stress in the United States, a report released August 2 by the Environmental Defense Fund and La Isla Network, notes that farmworkers are at exceptionally high risk for heat-related illness due to the strenuous nature of their work, which primarily takes place outdoors, and the risk is growing as heat increases because of climate change. The study cites poor housing conditions as a complicating factor.

HAC

HAC is hiring for several positions

  • The Senior Housing Specialist – Multifamily is a senior-level role that combines expertise in multifamily housing programs, specifically focusing on USDA 515 and HUD rural housing programs, with the responsibility of providing technical assistance, with a particular focus on transfers of USDA 515 properties. This position plays a leadership role in offering specialized knowledge on USDA 515 transfers and affordable housing preservation, supporting the success of affordable housing initiatives, and ensuring program compliance. This position is eligible for telecommuting.
  • The Financial Controller is responsible for day-to-day management of HAC’s finance and accounting processes, applying technical and leadership skills to determine proper application of accounting policies, practices, activities, and recording of transactions in accordance with GAAP and applicable industry standards. The successful candidate will have experience in a complex organization and will demonstrate a strong customer service orientation, balanced communication style, and robust critical and strategic thinking skills. This position is eligible for a hybrid schedule.
  • The Senior Human Resources and Payroll Administrator oversees all aspects of human resources and payroll practices and processes. People are HAC’s most important asset and this individual will be an impactful contributor to ensure we have a happy and productive workplace where everyone is inspired to bring their best work, realize their professional growth aspirations, and participate in helping HAC accomplish its mission. This position is eligible for a hybrid schedule.
  • The Executive Assistant supports the work of HAC’s Chief Executive Officer, senior leadership, and board of directors. The position is a blend of administrative work and project assignments. Duties and responsibilities include maintaining an effective and well-organized Executive Office, serving as the primary point of contact for the CEO, and managing the meetings, materials, and other needs of HAC’s board of directors. This position is based in Washington, DC.

National Rural Housing Conference registration is open

Register by August 11 for early bird rates at the 2023 National Rural Housing Conference! Stakeholders in the field of rural affordable housing, community development, and placemaking will come together October 24-27 in Washington, DC. The 2023 conference theme is Build Rural – both a literal and figurative appeal to explore and provoke action to build and renew rural communities by addressing housing affordability and preservation, community infrastructure and essential facilities creation and revitalization, resident led placemaking, capacity building, and community inclusion and justice efforts.

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!

HAC News: July 20, 2023

HAC News: July 20, 2023

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Vol. 52, No. 15

TOP STORIES

House committee approves HUD funding measure

On July 18 the House Appropriations Committee passed an FY24 spending bill for the Departments of Transportation and HUD that would maintain funding for tenant vouchers, public housing, and Native American housing programs but would cut programs including HOME, Section 202 elderly housing, Section 811 housing for people with disabilities, and SHOP. HOME would be the most drastically impacted, with its funding cut from $1.5 billion in FY23 to $500 million in FY24. The bill also proposes to block HUD’s Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing regulations. More details are available on HAC’s website. The Senate Appropriations Committee is scheduled to mark up its FY24 Transportation-HUD appropriations bill on July 20, but has not yet made the bill’s contents public. HAC’s site will be updated when more information becomes available.

Torres Small confirmed as USDA Deputy Secretary

Xochitl Torres Small was confirmed by the Senate on July 11 and sworn in on July 17 as Deputy Secretary at USDA, after serving as Under Secretary for Rural Development since October 2021. Roger Glendenning is now Acting Under Secretary.

National Rural Housing Conference registration opens!

Register by August 11 for early bird rates at the 2023 National Rural Housing Conference! Stakeholders in the field of rural affordable housing, community development, and placemaking will come together October 24-27 in Washington, DC. The 2023 conference theme is Build Rural. Thriving rural communities don’t happen by accident.  It takes collaborative effort, leadership, investment and planning to build equitable and just communities. Build Rural is both a literal and figurative appeal to explore and provoke action to build and renew rural communities by addressing housing affordability and preservation, community infrastructure and essential facilities creation and revitalization, resident led placemaking, capacity building, and community inclusion and justice efforts.

RuralSTAT

In the parts of North and South Carolina outside metro areas, home prices and median household income both grew between 2016 and 2021, but home prices increased by 13 percentage points more than incomes. Source: Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond.

OPPORTUNITIES

EPA offers Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund grants

All three funding notices under the new $27 billion Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund have now been released. Details and resources are posted on EPA’s website. For more information, email ggrf@epa.gov.

  • The $14 billion National Clean Investment Fund will make grants to two or three national nonprofit lenders or coalitions, which will partner with the private sector to finance clean technology projects in homes, businesses, and communities. An informational webinar is scheduled for July 26. Applications are due October 12.
  • The $6 billion Clean Communities Investment Accelerator will make grants to between two and seven hub nonprofit organizations, enabling them to provide funding and technical assistance to public, quasi-public, and nonprofit community lenders. An informational webinar is scheduled for July 27. Applications are due October 12.
  • The $7 billion Solar for All program, announced in June, will award up to 60 grants to states, territories, Tribal governments, municipalities, and nonprofits to expand the number of low-income and disadvantaged communities primed for residential solar investment. Notices of intent to apply are due July 31 for states, DC, and Puerto Rico; August 14 for territories, municipalities, and nonprofits; and August 28 for Tribal governments and intertribal consortia. Applications are due September 26.

Community Facilities disaster grants available

USDA has $50 million for Community Facilities grants to repair essential community facilities damaged by presidentially declared disasters in calendar year 2022. Applications will be accepted until funds are expended. Contact a USDA RD state office to discuss a potential project. For more information, contact Surabhi Dabir, USDA, 202-768-5875.

PHAs eligible for radon funding

Under the Radon Testing and Mitigation Demonstration for Public Housing, HUD will fund public housing agencies to conduct testing and, if applicable, mitigation of radon in the units they manage and to support the development of a plan for future testing and mitigation as needed. The deadline is August 21. For more information, contact Rhona P. Julien, HUD, 202-402-6842.

REGULATIONS AND FEDERAL AGENCIES

Some Section 504 repair program rules waived for disaster areas

A pilot program in 24 states and territories, effective from July 18, 2023 through July 18, 2025, waives four regulatory requirements for Section 504 loans and grants in presidentially declared disaster areas. The waivers (1) remove the requirement for grant recipients to be at least 62 years old, (2) allow the program to cover costs incurred before an application, (3) allow the program to cover the cost of moving or delivering a manufactured home, and (4) allow assistance to applicants who are not currently living at the property. For more information, contact Anthony Williams, USDA, anthonyl.williams@usda.gov, 202-720-9649.

USDA taking applications for Discrimination Financial Assistance Program

On July 7, USDA opened the application process for farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners who experienced discrimination in USDA farm lending programs prior to January 2021. The program’s website offers applications in English and Spanish, information on how to get help to apply, and other resources and details about the program. Applications can be filed online, by mail, or in person at the program’s local offices. USDA will consider all applications submitted by October 31; this is not a first come, first served process. Eight organizations including the Federation of Southern Cooperatives, Intertribal Agriculture Council, and Rural Coalition will assist applicants. For more information, call 1-800-721-0970 or email info@22007apply.gov.

Energy efficiency comment deadline extended

The deadline is now August 7 to submit comments on HUD’s and USDA’s adoption of updated energy efficiency standards for some of the housing they finance.

Online platforms agree to improve information about junk fees for renters

The White House and HUD announced on July 19 that three of the largest online rental platforms – AffordableHousing.com, Zillow, and Apartments.com – will provide new tools to help inform renters about fees that increase the actual cost of a rental unit, such as application fees, move-in fees, and “convenience fees” for paying rent online. HUD also released a brief on Transparency in Rental Fees summarizing research on these fees and strategies to encourage transparency and fairness in the rental market. Several states have taken actions to limit or require disclosure of these fees. An article about efforts to create websites to help find affordable housing is available here.

2023 income limits for single-family rural housing published

USDA RD has released FY23 income limits for the Section 502 direct loan program and Section 504 direct loan and grant programs. Relevant websites, systems, and worksheets have been updated.

Corrections made for Section 538 lender submission process

A notice corrects errors in some provisions of USDA’s April update to the lender submission process for Section 538 guarantees. For more information, contact Jonathan Bell, USDA, MFHprocessing1@usda.gov, 254-742-9764.

EVENTS

Webinar on rural disaster preparedness set for August 1

Rural Disaster Preparedness: Partnering for Resilience and Resources, a new Rural Opportunity and Development (ROAD) Session on August 1, is hosted by Aspen Institute’s Community Strategies Group in collaboration with HAC, the Rural Community Assistance Partnership, Rural LISC, the International Economic Development Council, and the Federal Reserve Board. The webinar will be offered both virtually and in-person in Washington, DC.

PUBLICATIONS AND MEDIA

Online disaster guide supports survivors of floods in Vermont

To assist our rural partners and communities affected by the recent flash flooding in Vermont, 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.

Mortgages under $150,000 should be more available, researchers say

Small Mortgages Are Too Hard to Get, an issue brief by the Pew Charitable Trusts, reports that from 2018 to 2021, only 26% of properties that sold for less than $150,000 were financed using a mortgage, compared with 71% of higher-cost homes. Inability to obtain small mortgages may make homeownership impossible or lead buyers to use alternative financing arrangements, which tend to be riskier and costlier than mortgages. The brief examines reasons for the shortage of small mortgages and suggests solutions.

Research presents persistent poverty by census tracts rather than counties

Efforts to address persistent poverty – poverty rates above 20% for at least 30 years – have focused on county-level designations, and 81% of persistent poverty counties are outside metro areas. Advancing Economic Development in Persistent-Poverty Communities, an Economic Innovation Group analysis, suggests analyzing long-term poverty at the census tract level in order to capture more urban places. This would bring the total persistent poverty area population to 35 million, compared to about 20 million using the county definition. The report proposes typologies that would show key differences and similarities, as well as a development assessment that would identify strengths and weaknesses in local economies and could inform development strategies.

HAC

Leonel Parra becomes HAC’s Chief Financial Officer

HAC is excited to welcome Leonel Parra as our new CFO. With extensive expertise in the nonprofit, financial and professional services, technology, and manufacturing sectors, Leonel brings a wealth of knowledge that will help HAC sustain our unprecedented growth and deepen our impact. More details about Leonel’s background are available on HAC’s website.

HAC provides input on Duty to Serve

On July 17-19 the FHFA hosted its annual series of listening sessions on Fannie Mae’s and Freddie Mac’s Duty to Serve, focusing on the three components of the Duty to Serve Plans: rural housing, manufactured housing, and affordable housing preservation. Jonathan Harwitz, HAC’s Director of Public Policy, provided oral comments, accompanied by longer written comments, on behalf of HAC. HAC’s comments, which will be posted here, focused on maintaining USDA Section 515 preservation as a core goal of the rural Duty to Serve Plans; permitting targeted equity investments in CDFIs; using, and further refining, the new Colonias Census Tract definition; and meeting rural LIHTC equity investment goals. FHFA is still accepting written comments (at the link, select Duty to Serve Listening Sessions).

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!

2023 National Rural Housing Conference

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Online Registration is now closed – register on-site!

NRHC Conference Website

2023 National Rural Housing Conference

We’re back! The 2023 National Rural Housing Conference (NRHC) is taking place on October 24-27, 2023, in Washington, DC. The Conference convenes stakeholders in the field of rural affordable housing, community development, and placemaking. Practitioners from local nonprofits, federal agencies, Congress, state and local governments, and other industry leaders will gather for two-and-a-half days of training, networking, and reconnecting to #BuildRural!

Don’t miss this unforgettable experience that promises to amplify your knowledge and passion for creating thriving rural communities!

Build Rural

Sponsor the HAC Conference

Sponsor the HAC Conference

The 2023 NRHC theme is Build Rural.  Thriving rural communities don’t happen by accident.  It takes collaborative effort, leadership, investment and planning to build equitable and just communities.  Build Rural is both a literal and figurative appeal to explore and provoke action to build and renew rural communities by addressing housing affordability and preservation, community infrastructure and essential facilities creation and revitalization, resident led placemaking, capacity building, and community inclusion and justice efforts.

Build Rural is a platform to share successes and best practices for addressing the nexus of housing and community development.  It’s a space to highlight and enhance the narrative of rural America through presentations of stories, data, programs, policies, and approaches.

Introduction to USDA's Mutual Self-Help Housing

Self-Help Housing Trainings from HAC’s Conference

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Self-Help Housing

There are many potential homeowners who fall short financially but are able to contribute time and labor toward the construction or rehabilitation of their homes.

The self-help housing model helps bridge the gap in housing affordability by having participant families work together to build their homes. Instead of requiring a down payment, the prospective homeowners contribute their own labor to the project. When these families work together, they learn valuable construction skills and build a sense of community with their neighbors.

These five workshops, first recorded at HAC’s Virtual National Rural Housing Conference, provide an overview of the self-help housing process, how it works, and information on how local organizations can incorporate it into their efforts.

This session provides an overview of USDA’s Mutual Self-Help Housing program. It covers funding possibilities, regulation requirements, and the grant application process, as well as eligible grant uses, program development, staffing needs, and feasibility.

USDA-supported self-help housing rehab activities (acquisition/rehab and owner-occupied rehab) can be viable additions to affordable housing work. This session is designed for organizations currently active in the program as well, as those considering it. Workshop leaders share the latest instructions and guidance governing rehab activities and show before-and-after pictures of self-help projects. The discussion focuses on challenges, successes, and best practices in delivering the program. The audience was able to ask questions about the impacts of COVID. One of the presenters shares the key to the self-help method with a quote.

“Helping people help themselves benefits the participants and the community while making better use of scarce resources.”

In this session, experts present information on recent improvements to SHARES for group coordinators. Workshop leaders also provide an overview of how to use e-Forms for submitting Section 502 and 504 applications. A nonprofit marketing specialist provides strategies for how to use social media, email marketing, and design to share about your work with self-help programs. Self-help grantees are encouraged to share their updates on https://www.selfhelphousingspotlight.org/.

Learn what’s new in Section 502 loan packaging and how to avoid common errors and omissions that cause delays in processing 502 loan applications. This session will help packagers improve the quality and completeness of applications to get faster loan closings for families.

5 challenges in 502 Packaging

  1. Significant Delinquencies, how credit worthiness impacts application processing and what can be done to streamline this step.
  2. How to account for full-time student income and student loan debt.
  3. COVID’s impact on calculating income and how to account for variations.
  4. What forms of verification are acceptable and what can a packager use to verify application details?
  5. What has COVID’s impact been on budgets and materials and how to best incorporate them into the loan process?

The coronavirus pandemic’s cost overages, material delays, and numerous other challenges have intensified the need for leveraged funds in self-help housing programs. Learn how leveraged funds can not only increase affordability and resources for applicants, but also build an organization’s capacity and control. Leveraging can also better position an organization for program diversification to address community needs.

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