MAHC Receives HUD Memo Clarifying Environmental Review and Choice Limiting Actions Sharing an update on the outreach we had with HUD Region I officials earlier this year. HUD shared this clarifying memo regarding some questions and we have follow up conversations planned with Maine Housing on their Environmental Review process to expedite, and allow for alternative pathways, and better understand Choice Limiting Actions in Maine. MAHC will share updates and opportunities for engagement as our work continues, but of note in HUD's memo are the following:
Equipment such as transformers and meter packs can be reviewed at the Categorically Excluded (CENST) level - 58.35(b)(3) - and therefore would not be a choice limiting activity. Such equipment should not be stored at the proposed project site.
Contracts signed prior to the federal nexus, including a P&S, may be executed after the federal nexus, but the project proceeds at the grantee's risk.
A P&S signed after the federal nexus is a choice limiting action. HUD is currently in internal discussions with their Office of General Counsel and their Policy Council to consider whether to allow a P&S, with the proper contingency language, to be executed after the federal nexus without incurring a choice limiting action.
If a previous environmental clearance under 24CFR Part 58 was by the same responsible entity (RE - aka Maine Housing in Maine), supplemental assistance would likely be applicable. (See full memo)
Another agency's environmental review may be adopted if the scopes match. (See full memo)
MAINE JOB POSTINGS: USDA Rural Development
USDA is looking for navigators eager to help Maine communities, businesses, and people. Rural Development is a place-based, community-driven government agency. Both positions may be located in one of several cities. Apply soon – the deadline is Wednesday, July 24. Maine USDA staff encourage people to apply regardless of the extensive pre qualifications, because usually the qualifications aren’t as strict as they read. Furthermore, with USDA positions, once someone has completed one application, they are poised to apply for a future position with little additional inputs. Grants Management Specialist (Business Programs) and Housing Program Director. Choose location: Bangor, Lewiston, Presque Isle, or Scarborough, ME
MAINE JOB POSTINGS: USDA Rural Development
USDA is looking for navigators eager to help Maine communities, businesses, and people. Rural Development is a place-based, community-driven government agency. Both positions may be located in one of several cities. Apply soon – the deadline is Wednesday, July 24. Maine USDA staff encourage people to apply regardless of the extensive pre qualifications, because usually the qualifications aren’t as strict as they read. Furthermore, with USDA positions, once someone has completed one application, they are poised to apply for a future position with little additional inputs. Grants Management Specialist (Business Programs) and Housing Program Director. Choose location: Bangor, Lewiston, Presque Isle, or Scarborough, ME
Tuesday, 8/6, 1-2:30 pm, at Maine Housing or Virtual by emailing: amccann@mainehousing.org by 8/2.
MAHC successfully advocated for $35M for this program in the budget, and also successfully advocated for an additional $10M in this year's Supplemental Budget. Come share input on this program for the development of 5-18 unit rental properties in rural areas. The goal is to make the program as efficient and easy to use as possible. Offered in partnership with the Genesis Community Loan Fund.
Rising Insurance Costs and the Impact on Housing Affordability - Bipartisan Policy Center
Share Your Projects and Learn about Federal Technical Assistance and Funding Programs - Thriving Communities Northeast Workshop, 7/29, 9-4 pm, St. Anselm College, Manchester, NH
For decades, communities have requested resources and tools to successfully compete for federal funding. This brings together federal agencies to coordinate place-based technical assistance (TA) and capacity-building resources - grant and financial management support, pre-development assistance, community engagement, planning, and project delivery support. Federal agency staff, technical assistance providers, philanthropy, and state and local community leaders will attend. Register
Healthy Communities Grant Program - Due Nov. 1
To provide an overview of the application process and address questions from prospective applicants, the Healthy Communities Grant Program will host four virtual information sessions before the application deadline. Sessions will take place at the following times. Please visit the Healthy Communities webpage to register for a session. For more information and/or to apply, please visit Grants.gov.
July 16, 1:00 -3:00 p.m.
August 14, 10:00 - 12:00 p.m.
September 10, 10:00- 12:00 p.m.
October 2, 1:00 -3:00 p.m.
NH Housing Policy Update - HOMEnibus and Parking
HB 1400. NH Housing advocates are urging the Governor to sign HB 1400 in order to provide much needed tax incentives and regulatory relief to encourage affordable housing development. The final bill, resulting from a Committee of Conference chaired by Representative Joe Alexander, combined parking proposals and the HOMEnibus bill (formerly SB 538, sponsored by Senator Rebecca Perkins Kwoka). The package expands the Community Revitalization Tax Incentive for conversions of commercial properties to residential, enables efficient passage of zoning changes, and limits local parking mandates to reasonable standards and parking alternatives.
Join in Portland for Maine’s 2nd Biennial Conference on Homelessness: Solutions Start with ME. Building on the ideas and relationships established at the 2022 conference, this year’s event will bring together stakeholders from Maine and beyond to focus on the critically needed solutions and strategies that will help Maine end homelessness. Keynote speaker for this year’s conference: Jeff Olivet, executive director of theU.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness (USICH).
Maine Housing Survey - Please Respond and Share
MAHC Housing Policy Conference
Coming up on November 13, 2024 at the Doubletree by Hilton, Portland. Get your sponsorship and vendor table today.
MAHC Releases New Research - Case Studies on the Cost of Building Affordable Housing
MAHC worked with Research Consultant, Sarah Sturtevant, to consider different approaches and costs to building affordable housing. These three case studies and areas of opportunity based on the findings support the need for subsidy to build affordable housing, reduced regulation to build safe housing, reduced impact of stringent zoning, and more. Full report.
