On April 24, 2024, HUD announced new actions helping support communities to increase resilience to extreme heat. For the first time in its history, HUD published a webpage on Extreme Heat that serves as a hub highlighting actions communities can take to prepare and respond to extreme heat events and available resources to help fund climate resilience projects. HUD also shared two new technical assistance products, an Extreme Heat Quick Guide, to help communities plan for extreme heat and identify mitigation strategies, and a webinar on Extreme Heat and Cold, focused on community resilience. In addition, HUD will hold a stakeholder briefing on extreme heat on May 23, 2024. 

HUD is partnering with over 20 Federal agencies to participate in the National Integrated Heat Health Information System to build awareness about the dangers of extreme heat and develop solutions to reduce the negative impacts of extreme heat on communities throughout the country.

Last week, HUD joined the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to announce a plan to map urban heat islands across 14 American communities. HUD also hosted a roundtable in Puerto Rico to highlight climate resilience funding opportunities in the region. Importantly, much of HUD’s work serving low-income families aligns with the Administration’s Justice40 Initiative ensuring historically marginalized communities benefit from Federal investment.

These actions represent only the first element of announcements to come on HUD’s actions to address extreme heat.

On April 1, 2024, HUD released the Fiscal Year 2024 Income Limits for Section 8 properties. The new income limits must be utilized when processing all Move In certifications effective April 1, 2024 and later. Please note that these limits do not affect the eligibility of households who are already receiving Section 8 assistance.

Please make sure you immediately update your TRACS software with the new limits. You can access the Income Limit documentation at:

HUD Income Limits

The SW-AHMA 2024 Spring Meeting will be held April 25-26 at the Embassy Suites, in Downtown Fort Worth. The Spring Meeting is ideal for Owners, Agents, Executive Level Management, and Supervisors.

Special Session Presenters Include: US Department of HUD, SHCC, and TDHCA.

For more information and details on how to register, click HERE

On November 30, 2023 HUD published “Notice of Certain Operating Cost Adjustment Factors for 2024“. The notice establishes Operating Cost Adjustment Factors (OCAFs) for Fiscal Year 2024. The new OCAFs are effective February 11, 2024.

View the Operating Cost Adjustment Factors for 2024 Notice Here

On October 18, 2023, HUD provided a Multifamily Disaster Preparedness Plan Template as a resource to help HUD-assisted Multifamily Owners and PHAs produce property specific plan(s) to protect resident life and safety during a disaster. Drawing upon best practices for disaster and evacuation planning, this template provides resources for users to learn more while considering their property’s needs.

HUD designed the template to guide users through the process of gathering relevant information and resident input, drafting a plan, and educating both staff and residents about the plan. Multifamily owners and PHAs will be prompted to consider the specific climate hazards faced by the property, as well as resident needs. Worksheets for an evacuation plan that incorporates safe egress route(s), evacuating residents with special needs, and clear communication of the evacuation plan and safety resources for all residents are included in the plan template.

The tool is organized under four essential elements to disaster planning:

1. Background, Staffing, and Coordination
2. Resident Protection and Safety
3. Building Protection
4. Business Continuity

Who Should Use the Multifamily Disaster Plan Template?

HUD-assisted Multifamily Owners, including PHAs, in collaboration with staff and residents. Note: While some HUD Multifamily-assistance programs require owners to have a disaster preparedness plan, it is a best practice for ALL Multifamily properties to have a plan for disasters.

View the Multifamily Disaster Preparedness Plan Template Here

HUD has announced that in the coming weeks, they will begin implementing DocuSign for contract renewals in Arkansas and Texas, becoming the 2nd region to roll out the DocuSign process. Once implemented, all documents for contract renewals will be sent and signed via DocuSign. It’s important to note that this implementation ONLY applies to contract renewals, and not rent adjustments.

What does this mean for Owners/Agents?

• This implementation requires every Owner/Agent to have an email address as DocuSign emails cannot be forwarded.

• During the renewal process, SHCC’s Contracts Department will verify individuals that need to review and sign documents.

• Contracts Staff will also reach out and obtain necessary emails/contact information for review and execution of contract documents.

This new process aims to streamline the contract renewal process and make it more efficient and secure for all parties involved.