The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced new grant funding opportunities to encourage the redevelopment of severely distressed public and HUD-assisted housing, along with the communities where they are located.

Choice Neighborhoods Planning Grant funds are available for public housing authorities, local governments, nonprofit organizations, and tribal entities. Applicants must submit a completed electronic application through www.grants.gov by February 9, 2016. HUD anticipates awarding approximately 4 Planning and Action Grants of up to $2 million each, and approximately 4 Planning Grants of up to $500,000 each. For more information about these grants, go to www.hud.gov/cn.

Public housing authorities that have not received a Rental Assistance Demonstration Conversation Commitment (RCC) at the time of the application deadline may apply for a Choice Neighborhoods Planning and Action Grant. Applicants will receive additional points if a RAD Commitment to Enter into a HAP Contract (CHAP) has been secured for all of the housing targeted in their application. The Office of Recapitalization will offer flexibility with regard to the RAD milestones so that PHAs and their partners may take advantage of the Planning and Action Grants.

Previously, Choice Neighborhoods Planning Grant funds could only be used to create a neighborhood Transformation Plan. However, according to HUD, experience with Planning Grantees has shown that tangible, early actions help sustain community energy, attract new resources, and build momentum to turn that plan into reality.

In the announcement, HUD suggested Planning and Action Grant funds will enable activities like:

  • Reclaiming and recycling vacant property into community gardens, pocket parks, farmers markets, or land banking;
  • Beautification, placemaking, and community arts projects;
  • Neighborhood broadband/Wi-Fi;
  • Fresh food initiatives; and
  • Gap financing for economic development projects.