Texas Department of Housing & Community Affairs - Building Homes and Strengthening Communities

Program Services Announcements

COVID-19

Environmental Review Guidance due to COVID-19 restrictions on personal interactions. Due to the National Emergency Concerning the Novel Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Outbreak and restrictions on personal interactions, the Office of Environment and Energy (OEE) has issued new guidance on completing environmental reviews during this time. The following procedures as they pertain to TDHCA are as follows: Environmental Review – COVID-19 (DOCX)

HUD Section 3: COVID-19 FAQ (PDF). Fair Housing & Equal Opportunity, HUD COVID-19 Resources (hud.gov)

HUD Section 3: Final Rule 2020

HUD published the “Final Rule” (24 CFR 75 [formerly 24 CFR 135]) in the Federal Register 9/29/20, https://www.federalregister.gov/d/2020-19185. Section 3 “Goals” and “Benchmarks” changed from 30% of New Hires to 25% of total labor hours for all Section 3 workers and 5% of total hours for “Targeted Section 3 Workers” (a new designation). Although the Final Rule becomes effective November 30, 2020, compliance with the Final Rule will start with the first full fiscal year after July 1, 2021. For TDHCA and its awardees, this means September 1, 2021. This compliance will include reporting percentages of work hours prescribed in the Rule, among other new requirements.