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

DENVER - In an effort to help low-income residents in Utah 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 Utah, giving them new tools to secure a more prosperous future," HUD's Utah Field Office Director Kelly Jorgensen. "It's a win-win situation for Utah 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 Utah more than $32 million is potentially available to eligible Section 3 businesses through local entitlements awarded annually by HUD. Some of those entitlements include: The State of Utah, Salt Lake County and Salt Lake City. Additionally, some of Utah's largest public housing authorities along the Wasatch Front are also eligible.

In conjunction with the Business registry, Utah 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.