Applicants requesting far more than is available
The Washington State Department of Commerce received nine applications from community-based organizations and nonprofit housing assistance organizations in response to a funding notice released in February (HOME and NHTF NOFA #MHU-2026-01). Commerce only has $3.6 million to award.
The funding opportunities were from the federal government’s National Housing Trust Fund (NHTF) and HOME Rental Development program.
The application deadline was March 16. Applications came from rural, suburban and urban communities.
Applicants are requesting $13.2 million, while Commerce has allocated only $3.6 million in public funds for the first round of federal funding in 2026. If fully funded, the nine applications propose to create or preserve more than 440 units of affordable housing throughout Washington.
The Washington Legislature invested more than $405 million in the Washington State Housing Trust Fund in the 2025-27 Capital Budget, while Commerce will receive 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 April
Once awarded, funds will allow local entities to develop affordable housing to serve people most in need, prioritizing those who earn 30% or less of the area median income. Future residents could 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.
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.
Questions?
Email the application team at HTFApp@commerce.wa.gov.