The Housing Trust Fund Operations and Maintenance (HTF O&M) Program plays a crucial role in sustaining affordable housing projects for extremely low-income households across Washington. With the pressing need for accessible and stable housing, this program addresses the financial gaps that often hinder the maintenance and operation of housing units designated for those earning at or below 30% of the Area Median Income (AMI). By providing essential funding support, the HTF O&M Program ensures that these properties can effectively meet the needs of their residents, fostering a stable and secure living environment. This introduction explores the program’s objectives, funding sources, and the legislative framework that enables it to make a meaningful impact on communities in need.
Program overview
- Purpose: Assists in covering the gap between project income and operating/maintenance costs for HTF funded projects serving households ≤30% AMI.
- Scope:
- Limited to HTF portfolio projects. (in workout or new HTF-funded projects)
- Reimburses routine operating & maintenance expenses only.
- Funding:
- Approximately $1.5 million annually statewide.
- Supports over 50 projects with approximately 500 units.
- Focus: Keeps HTF supported affordable housing projects viable by helping with essential O&M costs.
The HTF O&M is a small-scale program, limited to HTF funded projects, and covers only operating & maintenance costs. (no services)
Program intent
The HTF Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Program helps cover the gap between allowable routine operating and maintenance costs and the revenues of the project. A “gap” means there isn’t enough income to pay for essential operations and maintenance expenses.
We award funding based on the specific gap identified in the project’s budget. Although this funding addresses part of the gap between eligible costs and project income, it may not fully cover it. Full program eligibility and additional information can be found within the HTF O&M Program Guidelines.
Washington code
The Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 36.22.250 (Sec. 5) (i) says that grants are available to cover the operating and maintenance costs for housing projects that are part of the state’s Housing Trust Fund. These projects must be affordable for extremely low-income households, defined as those earning 30% or less of the local area median income. If these projects need extra funds beyond rent to cover their ongoing costs, they qualify for this support.
The HTF Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Program puts this law into action by providing financial support for the operating and maintenance expenses of housing units in approved Housing Trust Fund capital projects. The HTF O&M Program helps ensure that affordable housing is available to more extremely low-income households than would be possible without this assistance.
Legislative funding source
The Housing Trust Fund Operations and Maintenance (HTF O&M) program is funded by the Affordable Housing for All Surcharge. This is a fee that the County charges when recording legal documents. In 2023, SSB5386 combined four laws about document recording fees into one law to support the O&M program. This program provides extra help to multifamily rental housing projects that serve extremely low-income households. (earning at or below 30% of the area median income for the project location)
The solicitation of eligible project proposals for HTF O&M funding will occur as funding permits. New notice of funding opportunities (NOFO) will be posted publicly.
No current funding opportunities at this time, please check back later.
See all current Commerce funding opportunities on the Contracting with Commerce Page.