The Biden-Harris administration is investing $325 million through HUD’s Choice Neighborhoods program to build new homes and revitalize seven communities across the U.S. This funding aims to create mixed-income housing and support services focusing on income, health and education. Additionally, $19.5 million will be awarded to current grantees for further neighborhood improvements. The initiative is expected to leverage $2.65 billion in additional resources, promoting significant economic development and community revitalization. For more details, view the HUD press release.  

Here are a couple of examples of how awardees will put the grant funds to work. 

An aerial view of Children Rising, a future best-in-class early learning center and YMCA. Children Rising is adjacent to the New Street linear park.

Syracuse, NY – The Syracuse Housing Authority (SHA) and City of Syracuse were awarded $50 million to redevelop the McKinney Manor and Pioneer Homes public housing properties and the surrounding East Adams neighborhood. McCormack Baron Salazar will redevelop McKinney Manor and Pioneer Homes into 1,404 new housing units in buildings that are well-designed, energy-efficient, mixed-income, sustainable and accessible. The project includes 672 replacement public housing units, plus 732 affordable and workforce housing units across 11 phases. A variety of housing types will be built, including mid-rise multifamily buildings, townhouses and walk-up/ garden buildings. Eighteen affordable, single-family homes will be developed adjacent to target housing, which brings the total to 1,422 new units in the East Adams Neighborhood. The first two development phases, which include 135 public housing replacement units, are already underway. 

View of “The Lawn.”

Chattanooga, TN – The Chattanooga Housing Authority (CHA) and City of Chattanooga were awarded a $50 million to redevelop the College Hill Courts public housing property and surrounding Westside neighborhood. The Housing Plan calls for the redevelopment of 497 severely distressed public housing units that make up College Hill Courts. Built in 1940, College Hill Courts is the City’s oldest public housing site. The new development includes 1,126 mixed-income units and community amenities, such as a fitness center, community room, playground and business center. The new energy-efficient housing will also be within walking distance of several public amenities, including retail space, public parks, downtown offices and a new grocery store. Columbia Residential, as the lead developer, will oversee the design and construction of all new rental housing, infrastructure and onsite amenities.