Northwest HUD Lines
September 2020

HUD e-Briefs from Alaska, Idaho, Oregon & Washington
Jeff McMorris, Region X Regional Administrator

Leland Jones, Editor, (206) 220-5356 or Leland.jones@hud.gov

www.hud.gov/alaska	www.hud.gov/idaho
www.hud.gov/oregon	www.hud.gov/washington
http://twitter.com/hudnorthwest

e-OPEN FOR BUSINESS (STILL)

HUD offices in Anchorage, Boise, Portland & Seattle are open for business. But as of May 1st due to limited on-site staffing during the coronavirus outbreak, and consistent with local public health social distancing guidelines, the best way to get in touch with us is via e-mail at AK_Webmanager@hud.gov in Alaska, ID_Webmanager@hud.gov in Idaho, OR_Webmanager@hud.gov in Oregon or WA_Webmanager@hud.gov in Washington, or call us at 206-220-5101. And, of course, you can follow us on Twitter, Facebook or at four state Web sites. You'll find their addresses in the masthead above. We look forward to hearing from you.

PROTECTING HOMEOWNERS

On Thursday, August 27th more than 200,000 homeowners in Alaska, Idaho, Oregon & Washington & millions more across the county got some very good news when HUD Secretary Carson announced that FHA – the Federal Housing Administration – had approved a third extension of its foreclosure and eviction moratorium through December 31, 2020, for homeowners with FHA-insured single family mortgages covered under the Coronavirus Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act. This extension provides an additional four months of housing security to homeowners, as they will not fear losing their homes as they work to recover financially from the adverse impacts of the pandemic. With this third extension, FHA has now provided more than nine months of foreclosure and eviction relief to FHA-insured homeowners. There will be similar extensions for HUD Section 184 Indian Home Loans, USDA & VA issued mortgages & mortgages backed by Ginnie Mae, Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae. "President Trump is taking unprecedented measures to ensure American homeowners have the resources and support they need to get back to financial stability during the economic recovery," said the Secretary said. "Because homeownership is the largest wealth builder for the majority of the nation's families, providing relief from foreclosure and eviction to those who are in jeopardy of losing their hard-earned wealth, through no fault of their own, is a priority."

EXTENSION TOO

HUD posts interim final rule in Federal Register extending deadline for HUD-approved housing counseling agencies & counselors to complete required certification from August 1st, 2020 to August 1st, 2021 because of the pandemic.

PROTECTING TRIBAL COMMUNITIES

In August HUD Secretary announced the award of an additional $6,299,080 in Indian Community Development Block authorized by the CARES Act. These awards are over-and-above the awards of ICDBG-CARES Act in prior rounds in which 21 Alaska Tribes and Villages were awarded $27 million, 2 Idaho Tribes were awarded $2.7 million, 3 Oregon Tribes were awarded $2.7 million & 8 Washington Tribes were awarded $7.6 million in ICDBG CARES Act funds. As in prior rounds, however, the funds may be used to support several projects on Tribal lands across the United States, such as:

• The construction of new rental housing to address overcrowding and homelessness;
• The building of transitional housing for quarantined individuals and families that have tested positive for COVID-19;
• The construction of an emergency operation center to help respond to current and future COVID-19 issues; and
• The rehabilitation of an existing hotel for the isolation of Tribal members affected by COVID-19.

August's awardees included:

The CARES Act allocated $100 million in ICDBG funding for Tribes & Native Villages, all of which has now been awarded. For the complete list of all awardees, visit.

BRIEF BRIEFS

First launched in April to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic in the Juneau area, the Central Council of the Tlingit & Haida Tribes Emergency Operations Center is now coordinating the response in 20 Native communities throughout southeast Alaska that are home to 35,000 people says Juneau Empire. . . U.S. Department of Justice awards nearly $3 million to Alaska Housing Finance Corporation, Covenant House Alaska, Clackamas Women's Services, International Rescue Committee in Seattle, YWCA of Seattle & King Counties & Youth Care to provide housing to victims of sexual trafficking. . .Governor Kate Brown & Oregon Housing & Community Services award $60.8 million in General Housing Assistance Program, Low-Income Housing Tax Credits & U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development HOME Investment Partnership funds to support the development or preservation of 802 units of affordable housing statewide. . .Washington Department of Commerce awards $12.5 million in state Housing Trust Funds to preserve 150 multifamily units in rural communities-Deer Park, Leavenworth, Okanogan, Brewster, South Bend & Sunnyside-otherwise set to age-out of USDA use restrictions and, thereby, lost to Washington's affordable rural housing stock. . .Based on investigation conducted by HUD Northwest fair housing staff, U.S. Attorney for Oregon Billy J. Williams files charges in U.S. District Court in Eugene against Florence, Oregon landlord who violated the Fair Housing Act by denying a foster parent the opportunity to apply to rent an apartment.

CONGRATS. . .

. . .to the board, staff & partners of the Meyer Memorial Trust headquartered in Portland, Oregon. Founded in 1982 with a bequest from grocer Fred Meyer, It's one of seven philanthropies nationwide to selected by the Council on Foundations & HUD to win 2020 HUD Secretary Awards for Public-Philanthropic Partnerships in recognition of the critical role they have played in "transforming communities and improving the quality of life for low-and moderate-income residents across the country." T o date, it has awarded more tham $810 million in more than 9,800 grants and investments to more than 3,380 organizations in Oregon and Southwest Washington. Impressive, indeed. The Trust joins six other foundations in Alaska, Idaho, Oregon & Washington to have won the Award - the Rasmuson Foundation in Anchorage, the Home Partnership Foundation in Boise,, the Oregon Community Foundation Portland and the Raikes Foundation, Bill and Melinda Gates and Seattle Foundation in Seattle and King County - since it was first awarded in 2012.

CONGRATS TOO. . .

At the Kentucky Derby or the Belmont Stakes it would be called a SIX-FECTA. Recently, the Affordable Housing Tax Credit Coalitionannounced the winners of the 2020 Charles Edson Tax Credit Excellence Award winners. 6 of the 13 came from our region – Ch'anikna Commons in Anchorage, Alaska, New Path Community Housing in Boise, Idaho, Blackburn Center in Portland, Oregon & Mary Magnuson Place, Gardner House & the Tony Lee in Seattle, Washington. BE-YOOTIFULl!

SPEAKING OF WHICH. . .

The concept's pretty simple. Public art beautifies public spaces which makes those spaces more welcoming & comfortable to the public. Case in point? A mural commissioned in collaboration with the Vancouver Mural Society by the Vancouver, Washington Housing Authority as part of the renovation of the 62-unit Van Vista Assisted Living complex, says The Columbian. It's the work of Travis London, an art teacher in the city's schools, & shows Washington's state bird – yep, you're right – the American Goldfinch – alighting on the state flower – you're right again - the Pacific rhododendron - & is well worth a look. Enjoy.

BRIEF BRIEFS TOO

City of Boise, Idaho Housing & Finance Association & Boise City / Ada County Housing Authorities, says BoiseDev, completes 27-unit, $6 million Valor Pointe permanent, supportive housing for homeless veterans whose rents are being subsidized by HUD VASH vouchers. . .Yakama Nation awards $100,000 each in CARES Act funds to Noah's Ark Homeless Shelter, the behavioral health & emergency housing assistance programs of its Housing Authority, the Peacekeepers Society & the Village of Hope, also in Wapato, says Yakima Herald Republic. . .Business Oregon awards CARES Act funding to support 28 projects in 24 rural counties to upgrade & build-out broadband in a "big way" & increase access to telework, telehealth & K through 12 education opportunities. . .City of Ketchum, Idaho has pledged to commit $1.4 million to support development of 55-unit, affordable Bluebird Village on the site of its current City Hall if project is approved for Low Income Housing Tax Credits by Idaho Housing & Finance Association says Idaho Mountain Express. . .City of Portland, Oregon Council votes to adopt Residential Infill Project that will allow duplex, triplex & four-flex housing to be built in what were once areas zoned only for single family & also to significantly reduce the maximum size of allowable new single family homes, says Oregonian. . .City of Spokane, Washington begins moving the homeless who've been sheltered in Spokane Arena into new, 102-bed shelter operated by The Salvation Army of Spokane in the Emerson/Garfield neighborhood of the City says KXLY-TV. . .With loans & grants from USDA & Oregon Housing & Community Services, The World says NeighborWorks Umpqua commits $7.8 million to renovate 39-unit Hillside Terrace complex, the only income based rental property in Oregon's Coquille Valley.

ON-LINE TO STREAMLINE

Federal Housing Administration launches Electronic Appraisal Delivery module on the FHA Catalyst platform that will allow its lenders to electronically submit, track, & manage single family property appraisals,, "another way," says FHA Commissioner & Assistant Secretary for Housing Dana Wade, "FHA is supporting the housing market with innovative technology during the COVID-19 economic recovery."

FLEXI-BILIZING

Saying "we have to be responsive to challenges as they arise," on August 14th Secretary Ben Carson has authorized greater flexibility in how states, counties & cities may utilize the more than $3 billion in Community Development Block Grants that HUD is allocating to them from the CARES Act.

FLEXI-TOO

On August 19th HUD Secretary Carson also issued guidance on additional flexibilities to state & local governments that have received HUD Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery for major disasters that occurred in 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 & 2019 reflecting, he explained, the Trump Administration's efforts to provide "flexibilities & accommodations so that states and localities can best respond to the needs of their communities."

NOFA-TUNITY

HUD sets December 10th deadline for Tribes & Tribally designated housing entities to apply for $91 million in Indian Housing Block Grant- Competitive grants of between $100,000 & $5 million to "develop, maintain, & operate affordable housing in safe and healthy environments."

NOFA-TWO-NITY

HUD sets December 16th deadline for public housing authorities & cities to apply for up to 5 Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grants of $35 million each to replace distressed housing & invest in distressed communities.

NOFA-THREE-NITY

HUD sets December 1st deadline for public housing authorities to apply for up to 5 JobsPlus grants of no more than $3.7 million per grant. Authorities that have previously won JobsPlus grants in fiscal year 2015 through 2019 may not apply. JobsPllus grants support development of "locally-based, job-driven approaches that increase earnings & advance employment through work readiness, employer linkages, job placement, educational advancement, technology skills & financial literacy of public housing residents.

NOFA-FOUR-NITY

HUD sets November 19thdeadline for resident associations, Tribes & non-profits to apply for a total of $35 million in HUD Resident Opportunity & Self Sufficiency Service Coordinator grants ranging from $100,000 to $717,000.

NO-FIVE--TUNITY

USDA sets September 10th deadline for organizations with experience providing "place-making" technical assistance for grants of up to $250,000 – with 15 percent applicant match - for Capacity Building and Planning Grants to serve rural communities.

NOFA-SIX-NITY

The Washington Department of Commerce sets September 3rd deadline for identified non-entitlement communities to apply for a total of $7.7 million in HUD Community Development Block Grants funds from CARES Act to address COVID-19 related impacts & challenges.

NOFA-SEV-NITY

King County, Washington sets September 17th deadline to submit applications for some $40 millin but applicants must have submitted notices of intent-to-apply by July 30th.

BRIEF BRIEFS THREE

Beginning Wednesday, September 2nd, Skagit County, Washington to allocate $1.4 million in CARES Act funds to the Samish Indian Nation, the Housing Authority of Skagit County, Catholic Charities Services of Western Washington & Community Action of Skagit to help families hard-hit by COVID-19 at or below 50 percent AMI to pay rent & avoid eviction says GoSkagit. . .St. Ambrose Health Care System & LEAP Housing Solutions form the first community land trust in Boise, Idaho metro to develop Caritas Commons, a 14-unit affordable housing community comprised of homes made from converted cargo containers says KIVI-TV. . .Tri-Cities HOME Consortium - composed of City of Kennewick Government, City of Pasco Government & City of Richland, Washington - launches rental assistance program funded with $700,000 in HUD Home Investment program funds says Tri-Cities Journal of Business. . .BoiseDev reports that LEAP Housing Solutions & IndieDwell to use 6 shipping containers to build two duplexes with 4-bedroom & 1-bath homes in Nampa, Idaho for four households at 50 percent or less of area median income. . .Thanks to a $1.25 million grant from Washington State Department of Commerce grant, Housing Authority of Chelan County & City of Wenatchee tells The World it's buying 24-unit apartment building in Leavenworth that will be city's first general occupancy affordable housing complex for families at or below 80 percent area median income. . .Pacific County, Washington launches Small Business Grant & Eviction Rental Assistance Grants to those affected by COVID-19. . .Homestead Community Land Trust breaks ground for Village Gardens in the Leschi/Central District neighborhood of Seattle, Washington providing 16 more much-needed units of affordable homeownership housing says businesswire. . .First Story, NeighborImpact & Hayden Homes virtually help three families move into three affordable homes in Sisters, Oregon they now own, all three the first family in their families to be homeowners says Cascade Business News.

GOT VIEWS?

HUD sets September 30th deadline to submit comments on its proposed Fair Market Rents for fiscal year 2021 which begins October 1st. The proposed rents reflect updated economic assumptions as a result of the downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

QUOTE TO NOTE

"We are here to help. We care about people & we're all here together. The big (thing) right now is staying safe together. . .That's what we want to do. "- James Mitchell explaining why the City of Pocatello, Idaho like so many other cities, is using HUD funds allocated by the CARES Act to help residents hard-hit by the pandemic to pay rent or mortgages, KPVI-TV, August 14th, 2020

QUOTEWORTHY

"It's nice that Pocatello is getting recognized with our efforts in getting lead out of our homes"-42 to date "These funds have brought life back into some old houses and knowing that we are helping to make kids safe is the best part of the job." - Janae Mitchell, director of the City of Pocatello, Idaho's CDBG program & HUD-funded Lead Hazard Reduction program, who, along ith Homer Healthy, the program's mascot, celebrating it being cited as a best practice by EPA & HUD at a recent Healthy Homes symposium, Local News 8, August 2oth, 2020

QUOTABLE & NOTABLE

It might sound sort of silly but programs like HUD's Indian Community Development Block Grants can make dreams come true. No, not the dreams of bureaucrats in Seattle or Washington D.C., but of people who live in Tribal communities. Communities like Wainwright, Alaska, a predominantly Native Alaskan Village of just over 550 people on the shores of the Chukchi Sea just over 700 miles northwest of Anchorage. Since 2013 its "consistently come up in terms of what kind of facilities people would like," said The Arctoc Spimder. Why? Well the Village's unemployment rate is three times the national average. A center would enable parents to go to work instead of home tending to the young ones and would also enable younger parents to stay in school and finish their education, said the application noting that both key elements to economic self-sufficiency. Thanks to a $750,000 ICDBG grant & a $250,000 grant from the Taġiuġmiullu Nunamiullu Housing Authority, the Village now has the funds to transform a former National Guard building into a center. "It was really inspiring to see, especially because the people behind it had no particular experience with this kind of project, but didn't let that stop them from winning the first grant of this kind to go to a village in our region," said an Authority staff member. It's exactly the way HUD's ICDBG program is supposed to work.

FACTASZTIC!

Here's another key to economic self-sufficiency. The White House has just issued a Council of Economic Advisors report that found that Qualified Opportunity Funds have raised $75 billion for investment in 8,000+ Opportunity Zones established by Tax Cut & Jobs Act of 2017 & "could lift more than 1 million people out of poverty."

UN-FACTASTIC!

"Black applicants are denied a mortgage at a rate 80% higher than that of white applicants, according to an analysis of the most-recent data from the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act. And Black applicants are more likely to be denied when they live in predominantly Black areas — troubling signs that, despite encouraging recent progress in advancing Black homeownership, the housing market still has far to go to fully heal the scars of a deeply unjust history." - Zillow Research, August 3rd, 2020

JUST PUBLISHED

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau analysis of mortgage, student and auto loans &^ credit card accounts from March 2020 to June 2020 finds "consumers have not experienced significant increases in delinquency or other negative credit outcomes". . .HUD economists publish latest Seattle-Bellevue-Everett Housing Market Profile & Boise City Housing Market Profile & the Olympia Housing Market Profile. . .University of Washington study of 270,000+ 2017 & 2018 rental ads in Seattle-Tacoma finds "pattern of "racialized language" that can perpetuate neighborhood segregation". . .HUD's Office of Native American posts on-line training videos on 2 CFR Part 200 – "Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards. . .Poverty & Race Research Action Council issues Guide for Successful Implementation of Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) Choice-Mobility.

NOTES TO NOTE

HUD posts interim final rule in Federal Register extending deadline for HUD-approved housing counseling agencies & counselors to complete required certification from August 1st, 2020 to August 1st, 2021 because of the pandemic. . .Washington Department of Commerce sets September 1st deadline to apply for up to $10 million in Housing Trust Fund dollars to develop & maintain MODULAR Construction Rental Housing that will serve the "homeless at entry" for at least 50 years. . .Washington Department of Commerce sets September 3rd deadline for identified non-entitlement communities to apply for a total of $7.7 million in HUD Community Development Block Grants funds from CARES Act to address COVID-19 related impacts & challenges. . .WashingtonPublic Works Board sets September 9th deadline for counties, cities, Tribes & others to apply for $9.1 million in low-interest loans & $8.6 million in grants for broadband infrastructure construction project. . .USDA sets September 10th deadline for organizations with experience providing "place-making" TA for grants of up to $250,000 - with15 percent applicant match - for Capacity Building & Planning Grants to serve rural communities. . .HUD sets September 14th deadline to apply for up to 10 Choice Neighborhood Planning Grants of up to $450,000. . .FHA sets September 14th deadline to submit feedback on proposed "overhaul focuses on expediting homeowner assistance & achieving operational efficiencies that reduce the cost of servicing. . .HUD sets September 15th deadline for eligible housing authorities to submit Letter of Interest in applying for additional HUD Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing vouchers. HUD expects to award $50 million to fund some 6,000 new VASH vouchers. . .HUD Policy & Development & Research sets September 15th deadline to submit papers on communities "early experience of and results from the federal Opportunity Zone program" for a May 2021 CityScape symposium. . .King County, Washington sets September 17th deadline to submit applications for some $40 million but applicants must have submitted notices of intent-to-apply by July 30th. . .HUD sets September 30th deadline has been set by HUD to submit comments on its proposed Fair Market Rents for fiscal year 2021 which begins October 1st & have been updated to reflect economic assumptions as a result of the downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. . .U.S. Department of Health & Human Services sets October 2nd deadline for public input to be submitted on developing an interagency Council on Economic Mobility to "promote economic mobility, recovery & resiliency". . .HUD sets November 19th deadline for resident associations, Tribes & non-profits to apply for a total of $35million in HUD Resident Opportunity && Self Sufficiency Service Coordinator grants ranging from $100,000 to $717,000. . .HUD sets December 16th deadline for public housing authorities & cities to apply for up to 5 Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grants of no more than $35 million each to replace distressed housing & invest in distressed communities. . .HUD sets December 1st deadline for public housing authorities to apply for up to 5 JobsPlus grants of no more than $3.7 million per grant. . .HUD set December 10th deadline for Tribes & Tribally designated housing entities to apply for $91 million in Indian Housing Block Grant- Competitive grants of between $100,000 & $5 million to "develop, maintain, & operate affordable housing in safe & healthy environments". . .HUD sets December 16th deadline for public housing authorities & cities to apply for up to 5 Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grants of $35 million each to replace distressed housing & invest in distressed communities. . .U.S. Department of Labor VETS program sets December 31st, 2020 deadline for state & local workforce development groups, veterans service organizations, public agencies, Tribal governments & non-profits to apply for grants of up to $10,000 to conduct veterans Stand Down events.

COMING UP

HUD Northwest Office of Native American Program hosts virtual NAHASDA Essentials Workshop, September 1st to 3rd, on-line. Visit

Idaho Smart Growth hosts virtual Citizens Planning Academy, September 2nd, on-line. Visit

Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University hosts Webinar on the Impact of COVID-19 on Renters & Rental Markets, September 4th, on-line. Visit

Oregon Affordable Housing Management Association hosts virtual Webinar on Tracking Lease-Use in LIHTC Properties, September 10th, on-line. Visit

HUD Seattle hosts virtual FFCRAP Area Practice/Union Management Union Majority Rates on Wage Determination Workshop, September 14th, on-line. Visit

Oregon Affordable Housing Management Association hosts virtual Webinar on Elderly Bond , Certification, September 16th, on-line. Visit

HUD Seattle hosts 1st session – Course Overview, of 10-part Virtual 24 CFR Part 58 Environmental Review Training for HUD Region X, September 17th, on-line. Register with Brian.Sturdivant@hud.gov

HUD Seattle hosts virtual FFCRAP Area Practice/Union Management Union Majority Rates on Wage Determination Workshop, September 18th, on-line. Visit

HUD Seattle hosts 2nd session – Project Description & Levels of Review - of 10-part virtual 24 CFR Part 58 Environmental Review Training for HUD Region X, September 22nd, on-line. Register with Brian.sturdivant@hud.gov

Oregon Affordable Housing Management Association hosts virtual How to Write an (Approvable) AFMHP Workshop, September 22nd,on-line. Visit

Oregon Affordable Housing Management Association hosts virtual COVID-19 Clean & Disinfectant Applications for Multifamily Properties Workshop, September 23rd, on-line. Visit

Portland hosts virtual 2020 FSS & Service Coordinators Conference, on-line, September 23rd & 24th, on-line. Visit

Oregon Affordable Housing Management Association hosts virtual Webinar on Taking On Management? How Smart Managers Can Transition With Ease, September 24th, on-line. Visit

Oregon Affordable Housing Management Association hosts virtual Webinar on Preparing for a HUD OR, September 29th, on-line. Visit

HUD Seattle hosts virtual FFCRAP Area Practice/Union Management Union Majority Rates on Wage Determination Workshop, September 28th, on-line. Visit

Washington Housing Finance Commission & Washington Department of Commerce co-host 2020 virtual Housing Washington Affordable Housing Conference, October 6th, on-line. Visit

Oregon Affordable Housing Management Association hosts virtual Fair Housing Timely Topics Workshop, October 6th, on-line. Visit

Association of Alaska Housing Authorities hosts virtual NAHASDA Essentials Workshop, October 6th, on-line. Visit.

HUD Seattle hosts 3rd session – Maintain Clause, Laws & Authorities, Airport Clear Zones - of 10-part virtual 24 CFR Part 58 Environmental Review Training for HUD Region X, October 7th, on-line. Register with Brian.sturdivant@hud.gov

Washington Low-Income Housing Coalition hosts virtual 2020 Conference on Housing & Homelessness, October 7th to 9th, on-line. Visit

Idaho Chapter of American Planning Association hosts virtual Annual Conference, October 7th to 9th, on-line. Visit

Idaho Housing & Finance Associations hosts virtual Physical Inspection of Tax Credit/HOME Properties, October 14th, on-line. Visit

Oregon Affordable Housing Management Association hosts virtual Eviction & Rent Collection in a Time of Pandemic, October 13th, on-line. Visit

In collaboration with the National Alliance of Community Economic Development Associations, Housing Oregon's virtual Fall Industry Conference will host a series of workshops on strengthening communities, October 13th to 23rd, on-line. Visit

HUD Seattle hosts 4th session – Endangered Species - of 10-part virtual 24 CFR Part 58 Environmental Review Training for HUD Region X, October 14h, , on-line. Register with Brian.sturdivant@hud.gov

Oregon League of Cities hosts virtual 9tth Annual Conference, October 14th & 15th, on-line. Visit

Washington Low Income Housing Tax Credit/HOME properties, October 14th, on-line. Visit

Oregon & Washington Chapters of American Planning Association host virtual Annual Planning Conference, October 14th & 15th, on-line. Visit.

Oregon Affordable Housing Management Association hosts virtual New Guidance on Service & Emotional Support Animals Workshop, October 15th, on-line. Visit

HUD Seattle hosts 5th session – Contaminated Sites & Toxic Substances -, of 10-part virtual 24 CFR Part 58 Environmental Review Training for HUD Region X, October 21st, , on-line. Register with Brian.sturdivant@hud.gov

Oregon Affordable Housing Management Association hosts virtual Conquering Multifamilly Housing Compliance Workshop, October 21st to 23rd, on-line. Visit

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