Last week, GOPC hosted a webinar about the recently passed 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act. This bill is one of the largest housing-related packages the federal government has passed in decades. With over a dozen different sections to the bill, there are several new programs that are specifically designed for local governments.
With support from JPMorgan Chase in producing this webinar, GOPC showcased the expertise of Liz Osborn, Vice President of Policy, Enterprise Community Partners; Brian Larkin, Director of the National Land Bank Network, Center for Community Progress; Tiffaney Shaver, Planning & Development Coordinator, Great Lakes Community Action Partnership; and Sam Sheets, Strategy Executive-Community + Affordable Lending, JPMorgan Chase.
The full webinar is accessible here, panelists’ slides are here.
A few key takeaways stand-out from the webinar:
Programs still need funds appropriated. The Bill created many different programs but did not make appropriations to fund their staffing or operations within HUD, Treasury, and other federal agencies. Advocates should continue to encourage their congresspeople to fund these programs through upcoming appropriations (aka budget) bills.
Prepare for programs that align with local priorities. There are a number of programs specifically for local governments, including whole-home repair pilot grants, a pilot program to help local governments convert commercial properties into housing, and a pilot program to fund the creation of local pattern books (aka pre-approved architecture plans). Applying for funding from these pilot programs will be highly competitive, so start figuring out what is the topmost local priority around housing and focus community energy on making a strong case.
Applying for federal funding is a team sport—assemble the team. Grant applications to federal programs must be persuasive and show total community commitment. In addition to using data and evidence of a community’s need, grant applications need to show how the project is a cross-sector priority with essential partners, like the private sector and nonprofit sector, prepared to contribute to the project’s success. Start talking with stakeholders today, so partnerships are well-formed when applications open.
Learn more about specific programs available to local governments and how to prepare for them through the webinar. GOPC will continue to share resources and information as it becomes available. Follow us on our socials here and here and sign up for our monthly newsletter.