New federal funding a mixed bag for housing programs

The THUD bill builds on prior work to support safe, efficient, and reliable movement of people and goods through transportation infrastructure. It invests in housing and wraparound services for vulnerable groups, including women, children, and veterans. It advances policies intended to make housing more affordable for Americans. The National Association of Local Housing Finance Agencies encouraged lawmakers to fund HUD and tenant-based rental assistance at current-year levels. Advocacy efforts helped keep the Community Development Block Grant and HOME Investment Partnerships programs funded in the FY27 House bill. NALHFA urged level funding for HUD at at least $77.3 billion, tenant-based rental assistance at at least $38.4 billion, CDBG at $4.2 billion, HOME at $1.5 billion, and homeless assistance grants at at least $4.417 billion for FY27. The bill provides $34.083 billion for the Housing Choice Voucher Program and includes $4 billion available starting Oct. 1, 2027.

"The new THUD bill builds on the work we accomplished last cycle to ensure our nation's transportation and housing infrastructure and programs best serve the needs of the American people, said U.S. Rep. Steve Womack, who chairs the THUD subcommittee. Whether it be in the sky or along our waterways, rail lines and highways, this bill supports the safe, efficient and reliable movement of people and goods nationwide. It also invests in housing and wraparound services for our nation's most vulnerable such as women, children, and veterans while advancing policies that make housing more affordable for all Americans."

"While expressing satisfaction with some aspects of the bill, the National Association of Local Housing Finance Agencies (NALHFA) encouraged lawmakers to fund HUD and programs such as the tenant-based rental assistance account commonly known as the Housing Choice Voucher Program at the same level as the current year. NALHFA's efforts with Congress to advocate against the FY27 Presidential Budget request to eliminate the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program and HOME Investment Partnerships Program were successful, as the programs remain funded in the FY27 House bill, NALHFA stated."

"NALHFA members are encouraged to contact their elected officials and advocate in support of level funding for HUD at a minimum of $77.3 billion, level funding for tenant-based rental assistance at a minimum of $38.4 billion, an increase in CDBG funding to $4.2 billion, an increase in HOME funding to $1.5 billion and level funding for homeless assistance grants at a minimum of $4.417 billion for FY27. THUD legislation provides $34.083 billion for the Housing Choice Voucher Program, or Section 8. The bill also includes $4 billion that would become available Oct. 1, 2027."

"A White House request to HUD last year included a proposal to eliminate Section 8 vouchers. However, such a move would require congressional action, which has not garnered necessary support to this po"

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