Newsroom
Treasury Guidance on Emergency Rental Assistance Requires Third-Party Documentation of Income, Hardship
Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury published a Frequently Asked Questions document providing guidance on the $25 billion Emergency Rental Assistance program enacted under the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021. Despite the seemingly unanimous urging of NCSHA and other organizations representing both grantees and low-income households, Treasury is requiring applicants for assistance to provide third-party source documentation evidencing income and their experience of unemployment or financial hardship due directly or indirectly to COVID-19.
CHFA Hires New Community Relationship Managers Serving Western and Southwest Colorado
Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA) is pleased to welcome Margie Joy and Christopher Lopez as its newest community relationship managers serving the Western Slope and southwest Colorado. In their roles, Joy and Lopez will help CHFA advance its work to strengthen Colorado by investing in affordable housing and economic development. CHFA partners with the private, nonprofit, and public sectors to support affordable homeownership, the development and preservation of affordable rental housing, and help small- and medium-sized businesses access capital.
IRS Housing Credit COVID-19 Relief Notice Addresses All NCSHA Recommendations
On January 15, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) issued Notice 2021-12 which extends all COVID-19 relief measures originally provided under Notice 2020-53 and provides further relief not included in that original COVID-19 relief notice. The deadline extensions and waivers provided under Notice 2020-53 expired at the end of 2020.
NCSHA Washington Report | January 15, 2021
The Treasury Department apparently is about to decide how much documentation millions of desperate low-income renters will have to show states and cities to be eligible for aid under the new...
Governor Hogan Announces $30 Million in Emergency Relief for Music and Entertainment Venues
Governor Larry Hogan today announced $30 million in awards for more than 90 live music and performance venues, live entertainment promoters, and independently-owned local movie theaters whose operations have been impacted by COVID-19. This is part of the more than $700 million in emergency economic relief provided by the State of Maryland. "These awards will save hundreds of jobs and help many of Maryland's entertainment venues sustain their operations until they can safely and fully reopen," said Governor Hogan.
President-Elect Releases COVID-19 Response Plan with Additional Housing Assistance, Foreclosure Prevention
President-elect Joe Biden announced his American Rescue Plan, an ambitious $1.9 trillion COVID-19 recovery platform including a national vaccination program, assistance to households, and other supports for communities struggling due to the pandemic. The announcement today includes proposals that are part of the first step in what will be a two-step plan. The second step will be an economic recovery plan focused on job creation, combating the climate crisis, and building “back better than before.”
Governor Hogan Announces Maryland To Receive $402 Million Through Federal Emergency Rental Assistance Program
Governor Larry Hogan today announced that the State of Maryland is eligible for an estimated $402,439,000 in federal rental assistance made available through the Consolidated Appropriations Act. The state officially filed its application to the U.S. Treasury Department on January 8, ahead of the January 12 deadline. The majority of the funding will be administered by the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development, with local jurisdictions managing the remainder. "COVID-19 has caused incredible hardships for the people of our state," said Governor Hogan.
Hogan Administration Announces Grant Awards for Opportunity Zone Investment
Governor Larry Hogan today announced $500,000 in grant awards to 13 small businesses to support investment in Maryland's designated Opportunity Zones. The microgrants, offered through the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development's Neighborhood BusinessWorks Program, range from $10,000 to $50,000 for start-up and expanding businesses located within an Opportunity Zone.
Diane House Joins WHEDA Board
Diane House, economic development director for the Great Lakes Inter-Tribal Council (GLITC), has been appointed to serve as a member of the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA) Board of Directors. House’s experience includes more than 25 years working with the tribes in Wisconsin in various policy and strategic initiatives. She is currently serving her second elected term as an Appellate Court judge for the Oneida Judiciary and as a pro tempore judge for Wisconsin Tribal Courts.
Demand for State and Federal Housing Tax Credits Continues to Outpace Allocations
Statewide demand for housing tax credits among developers seeking to build more affordable rental housing for workers, families and seniors continues to outpace the federal and state resources available in Wisconsin. For the 2021 tax credit award cycle, the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA) has received applications for 34 projects seeking $29.6 million in federal 9% housing tax credits to build 1,671 units available for low- to moderate-income renters.
NCSHA Washington Report | January 8, 2021
A resolution for the new year all of us in affordable housing can make is to put digital inclusion in our lexicon — and our business plans. A HUD rule on the books since 2016 already...
WHEDA Exceeds Targets for Purchases From Diverse, Disabled Veteran and Women-Owned Businesses
From computer technology to financial services, the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority exceeded its targets for purchases from certified minority-, disabled veteran- and women-owned businesses during fiscal 2020. In all, these targeted purchases accounted for some $859,700 or 12.4% of WHEDA’s total $6.9 million in discretionary spending, up from $509,963 or 8.58% during fiscal 2019.
