Section 3 Webinar for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands

Section 3 worker definition slide.

Maria Rodríguez presenting on behalf of Puerto Rico Department of Housing.

"Section 3 is not only a HUD requirement but a path towards self-sufficiency" stated Southeast Regional Administrator José Alvarez in his opening remarks for the Section 3 Webinar for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The virtual event took place on August 24, 2022, with an audience of more than 300 participants, as part of a dual effort on behalf of the San Juan Field Office; first to honor the stakeholders' requests for Section 3 training, and second to promote economic development as part of the White House Economic Dialogue Working Group.

On behalf of HUD, Nathan Roush from the Field Policy and Management Office of Economic Development presented on the Section 3 New Rule and Best Practices for Section 3 compliance. James Castle from the Office of Community Planning and Development presented on reporting requirements for Disaster Recovery grantees.

From Puerto Rico's Department of Housing, Maria Rodríguez shared a reflection on lessons learned regarding their Section 3 efforts, highlighting the importance of collaboration with agencies such as the Small Business Administration and local business incubators. Rodríguez also emphasized the importance of messaging and outreach for Section 3 as a CDBG-DR (www.hudexchange.info/programs/cdbg-dr/) grantee, stating that section 3 compliance is not achieved from the desk but instead from in person outreach visiting the communities that will be impacted by the funds subject to Section 3.

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