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HFA News
Governor Noem Announces New Executive Director of South Dakota Housing Development Authority
Today, Governor Kristi Noem announced that Lorraine Polak will be appointed Executive Director of the South Dakota Housing Development Authority (SDHDA), effective January 8, 2021. Polak will replace Mark Lauseng, who is retiring. “Lorraine has a great understanding of SDHDA’s programs and all the opportunities that they present,” said Governor Noem. “She will be a dedicated leader and an invaluable partner as it relates to carrying out SDHDA’s mission for the people of South Dakota.”
Mayor Bowser Announces $10 Million in Housing Stabilization Grants
Today, Mayor Muriel Bowser announced a new $10 million investment in Housing Stabilization Grants to provide support for the District’s portfolio of affordable and small housing providers. The grants will utilize federal CARES Act funding to cover rent arrears during the COVID-19 public health emergency in order to assist renters and to stabilize properties that may be heading toward distress. “This pandemic has forced an unprecedented and disproportionate financial burden on our low-income renters, through no fault of their own.
MassHousing Closes on $4.5 Million in Financing for New, Mixed-Income and Workforce Rental Housing to Complete the Northampton State Hospital Redevelopment
MassHousing has closed on $4.5 million in affordable housing financing to The Community Builders (TCB), for the 53-unit North Commons at Village Hill, a new, affordable and workforce rental housing community being built at the former Northampton State Hospital. All 53 rental homes at the North Commons at Village Hill will be deed-restricted and affordable to residents across a broad range of incomes. The North Commons at Village Hill project marks the final phase of TCB’s work redeveloping the former Northampton State Hospital.
Agency Releases Study of Housing In North Dakota
North Dakota Housing Finance Agency (NDHFA) has released “The Current State of Housing in North Dakota,” a study of the affordability of the state’s single and multifamily housing, the impacts of COVID-19, and housing challenges faced by vulnerable populations in 2020. Over 60 percent of North Dakotans live in owner-occupied housing and, in recent years, have benefited from an above average increase in their median household value.
Applications Open for Highly Competitive Federal and State Housing Tax Credits
The Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority is now accepting applications for the upcoming round of federal and state tax credits, which finance affordable workforce housing. The application period for the highly competitive 2021-22 housing tax credit programs runs from Nov. 20, 2020 until Dec. 11, 2020. The application process covers federal 9% as well as state 4% and federal 4% tax credits estimated at a total of $31 million for the upcoming year.
Oklahoma Housing Finance Agency Trustees Allocate Affordable Housing Funds
Oklahoma Housing Finance Agency's (OHFA's) Board of Trustees allocated federal Affordable Housing Tax Credits and Home Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) funds at its November meeting. This allocation will generate 695 affordable housing units. "The approved developments will benefit residents in both rural and urban communities," said Deborah Jenkins, OHFA executive director. "Investment in these communities will have a far-reaching impact on Oklahoma's low-income families and seniors."
MaineHousing Awards $225,000 in Community Housing Grants
MaineHousing announced today that they are awarding funds to two Maine municipalities who are leading with innovation to address local affordable housing needs. The City of Lewiston will receive $75,000 to support their application to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s $30+ million Choice Neighborhoods Initiative. The City of Sanford will receive $150,000 to rehabilitate tax foreclosed single family and two-family buildings.
Hogan Administration Announces $19 Million in Eviction Prevention Partnership Grants
Governor Larry Hogan today announced that 17 Maryland local jurisdictions were awarded $19.3 million in Maryland Eviction Prevention Partnership grants, which will address the needs of more than 3,600 households across the state. "Maryland has continued to be a national leader in our COVID-19 response, which is why we have responded aggressively with targeted rental relief funding," said Governor Hogan. "These grants will help ensure our citizens can remain safe and secure in their homes as we continue to respond to this global pandemic."
CHFA’s New Strategic Plan Will Lead to Greater Access to Affordable Housing for Low- and Moderate-Income Families
The Board of Directors of the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority (CHFA) has approved a three-year strategic plan that will guide the quasi-public agency in addressing the State’s housing priorities. The plan, which was created with input from scores of external stakeholders and board members, serves as a roadmap for CHFA, charting the way to creating greater opportunity for low- and moderate-income state residents to access safe, secure, affordable housing. CHFA worked with Leadership Greater Hartford to coalesce the various perspectives garnered from stakeholders into goals for implementation.
DSHA’s Eviction Defense, COVID-19 Rental Assistance, and Homes for Grads Programs Win National Awards
DSHA received national recognition for three of its newest programs when they were honored with a 2020 Annual Award for Program Excellence during the NCSHA annual conference. DSHA received the most awards of any state housing authority in the country. The conference was held virtually this year due to COVID-19 restrictions. The awards recognized the success of DSHA’s Eviction Defense Program, COVID-19 rental assistance program, and Homes for Grads.
