Federal / Agency News

The Affordable Housing Tax Credit Coalition, of which NH&RA is a member, sent a letter to the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) Director Dr. Mark Calabria to welcome him to his new role and thank him for his comments during the confirmation process on promoting access to affordable housing, retaining the Government Sponsored Enterprises’ (GSE) […]

On April 4, 2019, HUD published a proposed regulation to implement the policies of Section 3 of the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968, as amended. As proposed, the new rule would represent an overhaul of HUD oversight and administration of Section 3 by integrating requirements into regular program oversight and enforcement mechanisms and removing a separate compliance review process.

HUD issued a notice on implementing several sections of the Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act (S. 2155 of the 115th Congress) that was signed into law by President Trump on May 24, 2018. Section 209 of the bill made several amendments pertaining to small public housing agencies (PHAs) that administer 550 or fewer combined public housing units and vouchers under section 8(o) that predominantly operate in a rural area.

HUD is directing multifamily property owners/agents and public housing agencies that wish to appeal their REAC physical inspection score to a 2017 document titled Technical Reviews and Database Adjustments Guidelines.

HUD issued the FY 2019 Choice Neighborhoods Planning Grants Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA). The NOFA makes $5 million for Planning Grants and Planning and Action Grants available

HUD issued a Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) for Section 202 funds. Section 202 provides Capital Advance funding and project rental subsidies for the development and ongoing operation of supportive rental housing for very low-income persons, aged 62 years or older.

On April 4, 2019 the Senate voted 52-44 to confirm Mark Calabria as the director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA).

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) released Revenue Procedure 2019-17 which clarifies that preferences for veterans or other specific populations do not violate the general public use requirement for tax-exempt bonds and the Low Income Housing Tax Credit. This guidance comes two weeks after several Senators sent a letter to the IRS requesting clarification.

The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) announced the authorization of disbursements from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to the National Housing Trust Fund (NHTF) and Capital Magnet Fund (CMF). The NHTF will receive $244.86 million and the CMF will receive 131.84 million.

The House Financial Services Committee (HFSC) passed the Ending Homelessness Act (H.R. 1856) with a 32-26 vote. The legislation provides $13.27 billion in new funding over five years to federal programs and initiatives to prevent homelessness. It includes funding for new units of affordable housing, new vouchers, case management and technical assistance.

HUD revised the Quick Reference Guide for Environmental Review Requirements for RAD Conversions. This version provides a more streamlined organization of information, incorporates frequently asked questions and introduces simplified environmental reviews for RAD conversions to PBRA that do not entail any work.

HUD announced that it charged Facebook with violating the Fair Housing Act by encouraging, enabling and causing housing discrimination through the company’s advertising platform. HUD alleges that Facebook unlawfully discriminates based on race, color, national origin, religion, familial status, sex and disability by restricting who can view housing-related ads on Facebook’s platforms and across the internet.