Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grant Program | FR 6000 N 34

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grant Program (HUD)

What is the Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grant Program?

The Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grant Program is a discretionary grant opportunity from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). It is designed to fund the on-the-ground implementation of comprehensive neighborhood revitalization plans in neighborhoods affected by distressed public or assisted housing.

What is the main purpose of this grant opportunity?

The purpose is to support large, coordinated neighborhood turnaround efforts that address housing conditions, resident outcomes, and the surrounding neighborhood environment at the same time, rather than addressing these issues separately.

What types of neighborhoods does the program focus on?

The program focuses on neighborhoods with distressed public housing or distressed assisted housing, with the goal of supporting comprehensive revitalization where housing distress is connected to broader neighborhood challenges.

What are the three core goals of the program?

HUD describes three core goals: Housing, People, and Neighborhood. Together, they reflect a comprehensive approach to revitalization that combines physical redevelopment, resident support, and neighborhood reinvestment.

What does the "Housing" goal require grantees to do?

Under the Housing goal, grantees are expected to replace severely distressed public and assisted housing with high-quality, mixed-income housing. The replacement housing is intended to be properly managed, sustainable over time, and responsive to both current residents and the surrounding neighborhood.

What does "mixed-income housing" mean in the context provided?

Based on the description, mixed-income housing refers to replacement housing that serves a mix of income levels, rather than concentrating poverty, and is designed to fit the needs and dynamics of the neighborhood as well as existing residents.

What does the "People" goal focus on?

The People goal emphasizes improving educational outcomes and increasing intergenerational mobility for young people. The program description indicates this typically involves services and supports that reach youth and also assist their families.

How does the program connect stable housing to resident outcomes?

The description highlights the idea that stable housing paired with strong, targeted supports can change long-term life trajectories, particularly for youth and families.

What does the "Neighborhood" goal focus on?

The Neighborhood goal aims to create conditions that attract and sustain public and private reinvestment in historically distressed areas. HUD points to practical neighborhood assets that influence where families choose to live, such as safety, strong schools, and healthy commercial activity, along with other amenities that support opportunity-rich communities.

Who is eligible to apply for this grant?

Eligibility is limited to organizational applicants with a public or community development role. Eligible applicants include Public Housing Authorities (PHAs), local governments, tribal entities, and nonprofit organizations.

Can a for-profit developer apply?

Yes, for-profit developers can participate, but only when applying jointly with a public entity. The description states this reflects the program's emphasis on public accountability and community-wide planning.

Who is not eligible to apply?

Individuals, foreign entities, and sole proprietorships are explicitly not eligible to apply for or receive awards under this announcement.

What agency is offering this opportunity?

The opportunity is offered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

Is this a discretionary grant or a formula grant?

This is described as a discretionary grant opportunity.

What is the Funding Opportunity Number for this notice?

The Funding Opportunity Number listed is FR 6000 N 34.

What is the CFDA/Assistance Listing number?

The CFDA (now commonly referenced as the Assistance Listing) number provided is 14.889.

What activity category is associated with this opportunity?

The opportunity is listed within the housing activity category.

How many awards did HUD anticipate making?

HUD anticipated making about four awards under this opportunity.

What is the maximum award amount?

The award ceiling is $30,000,000 per award, indicating the program is intended to support major, transformative projects rather than small or pilot efforts.

When was this funding opportunity created?

This opportunity was created on March 31, 2016.

What was the original closing date for this notice?

The original closing date was June 28, 2016.

Does the closing date mean the program no longer exists?

The information provided indicates this specific notice belongs to the 2016 funding cycle. The description also notes the program itself may recur in other years under different notices, even though this particular opportunity had a 2016 closing date.

What kind of approach does HUD expect from applicants?

Based on the description, HUD expects a comprehensive and coordinated approach that simultaneously addresses housing redevelopment, resident outcomes (especially for youth and families), and neighborhood conditions that support long-term reinvestment.

What are examples of neighborhood assets HUD highlights as important?

The description highlights assets such as safety, strong schools, and healthy commercial activity, along with other amenities that contribute to a functioning, opportunity-rich community.

Why does the program emphasize joint efforts rather than separate initiatives?

The program is described as supporting coordinated efforts because housing conditions, resident outcomes, and neighborhood environment are interconnected. The intent is to avoid treating these issues in isolation.