U.S. Treasury moves to boost affordable housing

The Department of the Treasury recently announced new guidance to “increase the ability of state, local, and tribal governments to use American Rescue Plan (ARP) funds to boost the supply of affordable housing in their communities,” according to a news release.

New department data shows that through March 31, 2022, more than 600 state and local governments had budgeted $12.9 billion to meet housing needs and lower housing-related costs. That figure included $4.2 billion for affordable housing development and preservation.

The Treasury has two new steps in its plan to increase affordable housing units. The first will increase the ability to use State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) to more easily finance long-term affordable housing loans. The second step broadens eligible uses to include “an expanded range of federal programs from multiple agencies, permitting more options for how states and local governments can presumptively use funds for affordable housing.”

The Treasury is also updating guidance so governments can use SLFRF funds to “finance the development, repair, or operation of any affordable rental housing unit that provides long-term affordability of 20 years or more to households at or below 65% of the local area median income.”