The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) National Housing Trust Fund (NHTF) program complements existing federal, state and local efforts to build, preserve and rehabilitate affordable housing for families and individuals with the lowest incomes – those earning at or below 30 percent of the area median income (AMI).
Washington’s NHTF program
The Department of Commerce (Commerce) administers the NHTF program in Washington State.
- On January 30, 2015, HUD published an interim rule (FR-5246-I-03 and at 24 CFR Parts 91 and 93), which provided the guidelines for states to implement the NHTF program during the first year’s allocation.
- HUD plans to issue the NHTF Final Rule after states have had experience administering the program and are able to offer comments regarding the initial implementation.
Commerce’s NHTF program is governed by the Consolidated Plan and Action Plan.
Provide Feedback on the Consolidated Plan
Commerce is currently seeking feedback on the draft update to the 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan (PDF), which will guide distribution of federal housing funding in Washington over the next four years. The state’s Consolidated Plan seeks to benefit low-income households and areas, identify housing and community development needs, and set priorities and strategies to meet those needs.
What can you do?
- Submit a public comment via email before May 7, 2025 at 5pm.
- Attend a virtual public hearing on Thursday, April 10, 10-11am.
Learn more at the Consolidated Plan webpage.
Funding availability
Funds are awarded to non-profit organizations, housing authorities, and local and tribal governments through the state Housing Trust Fund (HTF) application process. For current funding opportunities, please visit the Funding Opportunities for Multifamily Rental Housing webpage.
Resources
Two handbooks are available for the HOME and National Housing Trust Fund programs administered by the Department of Commerce.
Commerce, working together with a federal programs consulting specialist, created handbooks for the two federal programs. The handbooks clarify program and compliance requirements for both the HOME and National Housing Trust Fund programs.
- Program Guidelines Handbook (PDF): provides insight on overall program intent, the application process, and financing terms.
- Rental Management Handbook (PDF): provides detail on compliance and reporting requirements, including an expansion of Compliance and Asset Management for the programs.