 Multifamily Housing partners,
We are pleased to announce that the application window for Choice Neighborhoods Planning Grants is now open. For FY22, $10,000,000 is available for Planning Grants – double the amount available in previous years due to increased appropriations.
Choice Neighborhoods is a comprehensive neighborhood revitalization grant program focused on three core goals - “Housing, People, and Neighborhood.” To meet these goals, grantees replace distressed HUD-assisted housing with high-quality mixed-income housing; provide supportive services for the families that live there; and make physical improvements to the surrounding neighborhood. The program offers two types of grants: Planning Grants and Implementation Grants.
Choice Neighborhoods Planning Grants are two-year grants of up to $500,000 each that assist local communities in developing a successful neighborhood transformation plan that meet the “Housing, People, and Neighborhood” goals of the program. These grants are a great first step for any multifamily stakeholder considering redevelopment of a distressed project-based Section 8 property(ies) with an active HAP contract. Funds may be used for activities such as market studies, environmental reviews, resident surveys, staff time, and a planning coordinator (a contracted entity that coordinates the process and helps build local capacity). Most important, they provide an opportunity to meaningfully engage residents to create a positive outlook for the future.
Planning Grantees may also receive additional points and priority for future Implementation Grant applications. Implementation Grant awards are up to $50 million and provide the resources necessary for redevelopment. There are several Implementation Grant sites nationwide. In fact, a recent study on the Chicago Choice Neighborhoods experience found the redevelopment of a distressed 500-unit project based Section 8 development attracted $400 million in public and private investment to the neighborhood. This includes the construction of a new grocery store. Choice Neighborhoods grants aren’t limited to large urban areas – HUD recently awarded the City of Lewiston, Maine $30 million to revitalize HUD-assisted housing. They’ll also use grant funds to construct a HeadStart facility, expand a neighborhood health clinic, and improve the local parks.
This is an exciting and untapped resource for multifamily developers and stakeholders. Local governments, nonprofits, and public housing authorities are eligible to apply. For profit developers must partner with an eligible applicant to apply. We encourage all eligible applicants to review the funding announcement for Choice Neighborhoods Planning Grants and consider applying.
The Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) and application package must be accessed via www.grants.gov.
Frequently asked questions and additional information are available through a FY22 NOFO webpage.
A webinar for prospective applicants on the NOFO and application submission process is available here.
Potential applicants may also email questions to ChoiceNeighborhoods@hud.gov.
Applications are due Thursday, July 28, 2022.
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