HUD TO CONNECT LOW-INCOME WORKERS IN NORTH DAKOTA WITH JOB OPPORTUNITIES
New national registry and proposed policy changes to stimulate North Dakota economy by connecting low-income residents and qualified businesses with HUD-funded contracting opportunities

DENVER - In an effort to help low-income residents in North Dakota find jobs, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) recently announced the launch of a National Section 3 Business Registry that directs jobs and training to low-income workers and connects businesses that hire them with HUD-funded contracting opportunities. The registry would increase opportunities for businesses that hire local public housing residents for HUD-funded projects.

"This business registry will connect hard-working folks and small businesses in North Dakota, giving them new tools to secure a more prosperous future," HUD's North Dakota Field Office Director Joel Manske. "It's a win-win situation for North Dakota residents who are looking for training and job opportunities as well as for businesses that hire them."

The registry is a searchable online database that local housing authorities, government agencies, and contractors can use to find firms that are self-certified as employing at least 30 percent of public housing residents or low-income workers.

In North Dakota more than $13.3 million is potentially available to eligible Section 3 businesses through local entitlements awarded annually by HUD in Fargo, Bismarck, Grand Fork's and the State of North Dakota's CDBG/HOME programs of $11.3 million. Additionally, some public housing authorities in these communities as well as Minot receive federal funding in excess of $2 million that are also eligible.

In conjunction with the Business registry, North Dakota small businesses can also use BusinessUSA (http://business.usa.gov/find-opportunities), a joint project between HUD and the Small Business Administration (SBA) that will allow HUD grantees, including Section 3 Businesses and small contractors to search for and bid on local HUD-funded contracts posted by HUD grantees.

"These separate efforts can be tied together to support small and eligible Section 3 businesses across our region. HUD would like to encourage small businesses to use these tools to increase jobs and contracting opportunities," Garcia said.

Section 3 of the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968 promotes employment, training, and contracting opportunities to low-income residents who live in communities where HUD funds are spent. Since 1994, the Section 3 program has been governed by an interim regulation. For the first time in 20 years, HUD is proposing a new rule that would expand opportunities for public housing residents and low-income workers. Comment on the proposed rule that seeks to strengthen Section 3 (www.huduser.org/portal/publications/pdf/Sec_3_Proposed_Rule.pdf).

To register a business, search the database of local self-certified Section 3 businesses, or to learn more about HUD's National Section 3 Business Registry, please visit: www.hud.gov/sec3biz. For more information about the Section 3 program, please visit www.hud.gov/Section3.

For answers to Frequently Asked Questions on Section 3.

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HUD's mission is to create strong, sustainable, inclusive communities and quality affordable homes for all. HUD is working to strengthen the housing market to bolster the economy and protect consumers; meet the need for quality affordable rental homes: utilize housing as a platform for improving quality of life; build inclusive and sustainable communities free from discrimination; and transform the way HUD does business. More information about HUD and its programs is available on the Internet at www.hud.gov and espanol.hud.gov. You can also follow HUD on twitter @HUDnews, on facebook at www.facebook.com/HUD, or sign up for news alerts on HUD's News Listserv.