Applicants are requesting a total of $97.7 million from Commerce’s Preservation Programs
The Washington State Department of Commerce received 91 applications from community-based organizations and nonprofit housing assistance organizations in response to NOFAs announced in March. We received 88 applications for the Housing Affordability Program (NOFA #MHU-2026-04) and 3 applications for the Continuing Affordability program (NOFA #MHU-2026-03). The 91 applications propose to preserve or maintain affordability for more than 3,200 units of affordable housing throughout Washington.
The application deadline was April 17. Applications came from rural, suburban and urban communities.
- View the list of Housing Preservation Program (HPP) funding applicants on Box
- View the list of Continuing Affordability (CA) funding applicants on Box
Applicants requesting $97.7 million, while $34 million is available
Applicants are requesting $97.7 million ($82.1 million for HPP and $15.6 million for CA), while Commerce has allocated $34.1 million for these programs ($24.1 million for HPP and $10 million for CA).
The state Legislature invested more than $728 million in the Washington State Housing Trust Fund in the 2025-2027 Capital Budget and 2026 Supplemental Budget, while Commerce will utilize an additional $13.9 million from HUD. This funding increases the capacity of our housing partners to deliver thousands of new affordable housing units across every part of the state. Read more about Washington’s affordable housing investment in the Biennial Investment Strategy.
Award decisions expected in June
Once awarded, these funds will allow local entities to preserve affordable housing to serve people most in need, prioritizing those who earn 30% or less of the area median income. Future residents may include people with intellectual or development disabilities, seniors, veterans, families with dependent children, people affected by substance use disorder, and community members impacted by structural forces such as poverty and racism. Specifically, preservation and continuing affordability funding helps keep residents in their homes as affordable housing properties age or are at risk of becoming market rate.
The Multifamily Housing Unit will carefully review applications to ensure the limited amount of available funding is awarded based on our commitment to equity and project readiness for capital construction. We expect to make award decisions in June.
Questions?
Email the application team at HTFApp@commerce.wa.gov.