Industry News

St. Paul PHA Project-Based Vouchers

The St. Paul Public Housing Authority (PHA) is offering up to 50 Project-based Vouchers through the Consolidated RFP with an additional 20 Project-based Vouchers specifically for HUD – Veteran Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH). Applications will be accepted through Minnesota Housing’s Multifamily Customer Portal. Applications are due by noon on July 15. For information on Project-based Vouchers, please visit the St. Paul PHA website or contact Dominic Mitchell, St. Paul PHA Housing Choice Voucher Programs Director at 651-292-6191 or dominic.mitchell@stpha.org.

Illinois Requires Use of Income-Approach in LIHTC Assessments in Cook County, Extends State LIHTC through 2026

The Illinois state legislate passed the COVID-19 Affordable Housing Grant Program Act (HR 27252), which would require that LIHTC properties in Cook County be assessed using the income-approach, as well as a new property tax incentive policy that would provide reduction in assessed value for both subsidized and market-rate owners that provide affordable units. The omnibus legislation also extends the Illinois State LIHTC through 2026. A full summary of the bill’s provisions is available here from the Illinois Housing Council.  

California Assembly Passes Bill Creating State Appeals Committee for Affordable Housing

The California state assembly passed the Housing Accountability Act (AB 989), which would create a state Housing Accountability Committee to adjudicate violations of the Housing Accountability Act and give the committee the authority to overturn denials or conditions of approval that are not consistent with the Act. This provides a quicker, less expensive, less confrontational and more consistent alternative to enforcing state housing laws in court, resulting in more affordable homes built at lower cost.  

Member News

Merritt Community Capital Closes Fund XXII, its Biggest to Date

Merritt Community Capital said it has closed the first round for Fund XXII, so far raising $102 million that will finance nine projects and create 452 affordable homes across California. 

Gorman Names Towns to Lead Public Housing Revitalization Efforts

Gorman & Company announced it has named William Towns, PhD, a leading scholar and advocate for housing equity among underrepresented communities, as national market president for community revitalization and public housing Towns will lead Gorman’s partnership-building efforts with local public housing authorities to advance comprehensive revitalization and redevelopment strategies, the company said. 

Cinnaire Announces New Board Members

Cinnaire announced three new members on its board of directors. The new board members include Quinetta Roberson, John A. Hannah distinguished professor of Management and Psychology, Michigan State University; Anne McCulloch, president and CEO, Housing Partnership Equity Trust ; and Jeffrey Benson, president and CEO, Case Credit Union.