The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act Is Now Law: What It Means for Tribal Housing

What the new law means for Tribal housing – and why congress must still pass the NAHASDA Modernization Act (H.R. 8092 / S. 4276)

What Happened

On July 11, 2026, the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act became law. After the Senate passed the final bipartisan package 85-5 on June 22 and the House followed 358-32 on June 23, the bill was presented to the President on June 29. The President declined to sign it, and under Article I, Section 7 of the Constitution the bill automatically became law at the stroke of midnight when the ten-day window expired. It is widely described as the most comprehensive federal housing legislation enacted in decades.

What the New Law Does

The law is a broad housing reform package with more than 45 provisions aimed at increasing housing supply and lowering costs nationwide. Major elements include streamlined environmental reviews for housing projects, incentives for local zoning and land-use reform, expanded support for manufactured housing, restrictions on large institutional investors purchasing single-family homes, a three-year authorization of the CDBG Disaster Recovery program, and new pilot programs such as Whole-Home Repairs.

Where Tribal Communities Appear in the Law

The law includes Tribal communities in several places-but mostly as definitional mentions and as eligible participants within broader housing programs, not through a dedicated Tribal housing title or a NAHASDA reauthorization or modernization, even though NAHASDA is the primary federal law governing Tribal housing programs. Key Tribal references include:

Overall, the law includes Tribal communities in four main ways: (1) eligibility-Tribes, TDHEs, Tribal governments, Tribal organizations, and DHHL are eligible or recognized in selected programs; (2) program coordination-several sections require or encourage coordination with Tribal programs or consideration of Tribal areas; (3) administrative recognition-the law references BIA documentation, trust land leaseholds, NAHASDA definitions, and Tribal environmental review authority; and (4) indirect Native homeownership references-Section 184 and 184A loans are included in housing counseling and foreclosure mitigation provisions.

What the Law Does Not Do

Recognizing Tribes as eligible participants in several programs is a positive step. But the new law does not fully address the unique legal and administrative challenges Tribal communities face, which will limit how much many Tribes can actually benefit. Specifically, the law:

• Contains no standalone Tribal housing title;

• Includes no NAHASDA reauthorization or modernization; and

• Fails to recognize that HUD’s Indian housing programs (IHBG and ICDBG) operate on fundamentally different statutory and regulatory frameworks than the programs being reformed throughout the law.

Meanwhile, Native American communities continue to experience some of the most severe housing shortages, overcrowding, infrastructure deficiencies, and unmet housing needs in the United States.

What Members Should Watch

As HUD begins implementation, NAIHC encourages Tribes and TDHEs to monitor the provisions where Tribal eligibility is clearest: PRICE Act set-asides for Tribes, TDHEs, and DHHL (Sec. 304); subrecipient eligibility under the new Whole-Home Repairs pilot (Sec. 202), which will still require future appropriations before funding flows; the option for Tribes to assume HUD environmental review responsibilities (Sec. 205); and Tribal eligibility in disaster recovery (Sec. 504). NAIHC will provide guidance and updates to members as HUD issues implementing rules and notices.

The Path Forward: Help Pass the NAHASDA Modernization Act

For more than 30 years, NAHASDA has been the foundation of federal Tribal housing policy. Tribal housing providers, Tribal leaders, and bipartisan Members of Congress have developed targeted reforms to strengthen program administration, improve housing development tools, reduce regulatory barriers, and expand housing opportunities in Indian Country. With the ROAD to Housing Act now law-without Tribal housing provisions at its core-Congress’s work is not finished.

NAIHC urges Congress to advance the bipartisan NAHASDA Modernization Act of 2026 (H.R. 8092 / S. 4276), introduced by Representatives Troy Downing (R-MT) and Janelle Bynum (D-OR) and Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Brian Schatz (D-HI). These bills contain long-sought Tribal housing reforms developed in consultation with Tribal Nations, TDHEs, housing practitioners, and federal partners.

Take action:

Contact your congressional delegation and urge them to cosponsor and pass

H.R. 8092 and S. 4276. Tribal Nations deserve a meaningful seat at the table-and Tribal housing must not be left behind. You can also power NAIHC’s advocacy by contributing to the Modernize NAHASDA Now campaign: naihc.betterworld.org/campaigns/modernize-nahasda-now

Last week, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R.1299, the “21st Century ROAD to Housing Act,” a sweeping housing package intended to expand housing supply, modernize federal housing programs, and address affordability challenges nationwide.

While the legislation includes several provisions that recognize Tribal eligibility and participation, the bill ultimately does not include meaningful improvements for Native American housing programs or modernization of the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act (NAHASDA).

NAHASDA is the foundational federal statute through which HUD administers housing assistance to Tribal Nations — serving as the Native equivalent of the public housing authority system that supports non-Native communities across the country. Without its modernization, Tribal housing programs are operating under rules written nearly two decades ago while the rest of federal housing policy moves forward.

For Tribal housing advocates, the legislation represents both progress and a reminder that Indian Country continues to operate under outdated statutory authorities while broader federal housing programs benefit from modernization efforts.

Support NAIHC’s efforts to ensure Tribal Nations are not left out of this once-in-a-generation housing overhaul. Chip in today: Donate to Modernize NAHASDA Now

Key Takeaways for Tribal Housing Programs in H.R. 1299

H.R. 1299 contains several targeted provisions that include Tribal Nations and Tribally Designated Housing Entities (TDHEs) as eligible participants:

Whole-Home Repairs Program

One of the most significant Tribal-inclusive provisions within the bill is the creation of a Whole-Home Repairs Program. Under this section, Indian Tribes and TDHEs are explicitly identified as eligible entities that may partner with grantees to administer housing repair and rehabilitation activities as subrecipients.

Importantly, the eligible entities provisions formally reference the NAHASDA definitions of both “Indian Tribe” and “Tribally Designated Housing Entity” under 25 U.S.C. § 4103, reinforcing Tribal eligibility within the program structure.

Manufactured Home Community Revitalization Program

The legislation also establishes a Manufactured Home Community Revitalization Program that includes Indian Tribes among the eligible applicants for competitive grant funding.

In addition to general eligibility, the bill authorizes the HUD to establish set-asides specifically for Tribal Nations and TDHEs. Eligible applicants also include state and local governments, resident-owned communities, nonprofit organizations, and Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs).

Tribal Environmental Review Authority Expansion

The bill expands Tribal authority related to environmental review responsibilities under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).

Specifically, the legislation amends federal law to add “Indian tribe” alongside states and units of local government as entities eligible to assume environmental review obligations. This provision is viewed as a meaningful regulatory streamlining measure that could help accelerate Tribal housing development timelines and reduce administrative burdens.

Housing Counseling Provisions

The legislation updates HUD housing counseling performance standards and oversight authorities. Tribes and TDHEs providing housing counseling services related to Section 184 guaranteed mortgages could be impacted by updated HUD review and compliance requirements.

What Is Missing?

Despite including a few Tribal-inclusive provisions, the House-passed legislation does not reauthorize NAHASDA, modernize the Indian Housing Block Grant (IHBG), or directly reform the Section 184 Loan Guarantee Program — omissions that Tribal housing advocates continue to identify as major gaps in the broader federal housing package.

NAHASDA has not been reauthorized since 2013, and the law itself has not undergone any changes since 2008. Meanwhile, Tribal housing programs continue to face escalating construction costs, infrastructure limitations, environmental review burdens, workforce shortages, supply chain disruptions, and severe overcrowding conditions across Indian Country.

Senate Consideration of the 21st Century Road to Housing Act

In response to these concerns, the National American Indian Housing Council (NAIHC) publicly welcomed bipartisan Senate efforts led by Senate Committee on Indian Affairs Chair Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Vice Chair Senator Brian Schatz (D-HI), and Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK) that sought to incorporate Tribal housing priorities into the Senate’s version of the 21^st Century Road to Housing Act.

The proposed amendments to the 21st Century Road to Housing Act in the Senate included:

• Allowing Tribes to raise income eligibility ceilings up to 120% of Area Median Income (AMI), while maintaining the majority of assistance for families below 80% AMI;
• Streamlining environmental reviews by allowing Tribes to rely on HUD environmental review approvals when NAHASDA or ICDBG funding serves as the primary financing source; (Consensus Support from NAIHC Board of Directors)
• Providing Tribal Nations and rural communities flexibility from certain Build America, Buy America (BABA) requirements due to unique supply chain and cost challenges in remote areas. (Consensus Support from NAIHC Board of Directors)

Chair Murkowski and Vice Chair Schatz emphasized that these proposed amendments represented practical and bipartisan solutions designed to help Tribal communities access the same modernized housing tools and efficiencies being extended to other federal housing programs.

However, Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee Chair Senator Tim Scott (R-SC) and Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) ultimately rejected inclusion of the Tribal housing provisions requested by Chair Murkowski and Vice Chair Schatz during negotiations surrounding the 21st Century Housing Act

The decision has increased concerns across Indian Country that Tribal housing programs are being redlined out during what lawmakers have described as a “once-in-a-generation” federal housing overhaul.

As NAIHC noted during Senate consideration of the package:

“Tribal housing cannot be left out of a once-in-a-generation overhaul. If you’re not at the table, you’re on the menu.” – Rudy Soto, NAIHC Executive Director

Native communities continue to experience some of the most severe housing conditions in the nation, including overcrowding rates estimated at nearly eight times the national average and a documented need for at least 68,000 additional housing units to relieve overcrowding and replace inadequate homes.

For Tribal housing advocates, the 21st Century Housing Act underscores both the importance and urgency of advancing standalone NAHASDA modernization legislation to ensure Tribal Nations are fully included in the future of federal housing policy.

NAIHC Continues Advocacy for NAHASDA Modernization

At the same time Congress advances broader national housing reform efforts, the National American Indian Housing Council (NAIHC) continues leading bipartisan advocacy efforts to ensure Tribal housing programs are not left behind.

Earlier this year, bipartisan congressional champions introduced standalone NAHASDA modernization legislation in both the House and Senate:

• H.R. 8092 — introduced by Representatives Troy Downing (R-MT) and Janelle Bynum (D-OR), with strong bipartisan momentum demonstrated through cosponsorship support from 27 Republicans and 18 Democrats representing 32 states across the country. See full list of cosponsors here
• S. 4276 — introduced by Senate Committee on Indian Affairs Chair Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Vice Chair Brian Schatz (D-HI) with additional bipartisan support from: Steve Daines (R-MT), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ)

The legislation seeks to:

• Reauthorize and modernize NAHASDA;
• Strengthen Tribal self-determination and flexibility;
• Improve and modernize Section 184 and 184A Loan Guarantee Programs;
• Streamline environmental review processes;
• Reduce administrative burdens and outdated regulatory barriers.

As Congress continues to work on21st Century Road to Housing Act, NAIHC remains actively engaged with key House and Senate offices, committee staff, Tribal organization leaders, and national housing partners to advocate for the inclusion of Tribal housing priorities in any final housing reform package.

Bottom Line

The House-passed 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act provides several important footholds for Tribal participation, particularly through:

• Whole-home repair programs,
• Manufactured housing revitalization grants,
• Expanded environmental review authority.

However, H.R. 1299 falls short of the Tribal housing modernization long needed by Indian Country.

Now is the time to stand with Tribal housing advocates and help ensure Native communities are fully included in the future of federal housing policy. Your contribution supports NAIHC’s advocacy, outreach, and national efforts to advance Tribal housing modernization.

Click here to contribute to the Modernize NAHASDA Now

The House Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies (THUD) Appropriations Subcommittee recently released legislation for Fiscal Year 2027 which proposes increased funding for HUD Tribal programs, including an increase of $46 million or 4 percent over the FY 2026 enacted level for the Indian Housing Block Grant (IHBG).

The FY2027 House proposal reflects continued bipartisan support for Tribal housing and community development investments while prioritizing formula funding stability, Tribal veteran housing assistance, and infrastructure-related community development programs.

At the same time, regrettably the proposal reduces funding for IHBG Competitive Grants and Native Hawaiian Housing Block Grants, while maintaining historically strong overall Tribal housing funding levels.

KEY PROPOSED FUNDING LEVELS

• $1.157 billion for IHBG Formula Grants — an increase of $46 million over FY2026
• $125 million for IHBG Competitive Grants — a decrease of $25 million
• $100 million for the ICDBG Program — an increase of $25 million
• $10 million for Tribal HUD-VASH as a dedicated line item
• $7 million for Training and Technical Assistance
• $1 million for Title VI Loan Guarantee subsidy authority
• $60 million in Title VI guarantee authority — an increase of $10 million
• $1 million for Section 184 credit subsidy
• $1.8 billion in Section 184 loan guarantee authority
• $15 million for the Native Hawaiian Housing Block Grant Program

“NAIHC appreciates the continued bipartisan recognition from Congress that Tribal housing investments are foundational to the health, stability, and economic future of Native communities. These investments help address severe housing shortages, overcrowding, infrastructure gaps, and barriers to homeownership while strengthening self-determination and economic opportunity across Indian Country.”

— Rudy Soto, Executive Director, National American Indian Housing Council

NAIHC will continue engaging with congressional leaders, Tribal Nations, housing practitioners, and federal housing partners throughout the appropriations process while simultaneously advocating for passage of bipartisan NAHASDA modernization legislation in the 119th Congress.

MEDIA CONTACT
National American Indian Housing Council – press@naihc.net
Website: www.naihc.net

WASHINGTON, DC – The National American Indian Housing Council (NAIHC) is actively monitoring federal budget developments that have significant implications for Tribal housing programs nationwide.

This past week, NAIHC attended key hearings before the House and Senate Appropriations Committees, where Scott Turner, Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), testified on the White House’s proposed Fiscal Year 2027 budget.

Proposed Cuts Raise Concern

The President’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 budget proposal includes steep reductions to Indian Housing programs. The request includes:

$872 million for the Indian Housing Block Grant (IHBG) out of $887 million total funding for Native American Programs, which represents a ~36% decrease from the FY26 enacted level of $1.355 billion

The Indian Community Development Block Grant (ICDBG) – Imminent Threat (IT) is funded at $5 million in FY27, compared to a broader ICDBG program in FY26 representing a substantial reduction in overall ICDBG funding scope and likely a majority cut to the program.

$10 million for Tribal HUD-VASH, which appears to be roughly consistent with prior targeted funding levels.

The Native Hawaiian Housing Block Grant (NHHBG) is funded at $22.3 million in FY26 and is eliminated entirely in FY27.

Finally, the Title VI Loan Guarantee program, which received approximately $1 million in credit subsidy in FY26, receives no new subsidy funding in FY27, representing a 100% reduction in new credit subsidy authority, though limited activity may continue using carryover funds.

Overall, the FY27 request reflects a significant contraction in Native housing funding, driven primarily by a roughly one-third reduction to IHBG and full elimination of Native Hawaiian housing funding.

Strong Response from Congress

Despite the proposed cuts, important news emerged during the hearings—particularly in the House Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies (THUD) Subcommittee.

Tom Cole, Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, made clear in his exchange with Secretary Turner that cuts to Indian Housing programs will not happen.

Chairman Cole’s remarks send a powerful bipartisan signal that Congress—especially appropriators—recognize the importance of maintaining (at minimum) current funding levels for Tribal housing.

NAIHC Advocacy in Action

NAIHC’s presence at these hearings underscores our commitment to ensuring that Tribal housing voices are heard at the highest levels of government. We continue to:
Advocate for robust and sustained funding for IHBG and related housing programs
Work closely with Congressional champions to protect Tribal housing programs
Push for NAHASDA reauthorization and modernization to ensure long-term stability and flexibility

What This Means for You

While the Administration’s proposed budget is concerning, Congress holds the power of the purse—and early signals indicate strong support for protecting Tribal housing funding.

However, this is not the time to be complacent. NAIHC encourages all Tribal leaders, housing professionals, and partners to remain engaged and ready to advocate as the appropriations process unfolds.

Stay Engaged

We will continue to provide updates as Congress advances FY2027 funding decisions.

Together, we must ensure that Tribal Nations are not left behind in federal housing investments.

Downing, Bynum, Schatz, Murkowski Introduce Landmark Bill to Modernize the Native American Housing Assistance and Self Determination Act

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Representatives Troy Downing (R-MT) and Janelle Bynum (D-OR), alongside U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-HI), and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), introduced the NAHASDA Modernization Act of 2026. Two versions of the legislation have been introduced – one in the House and one in the Senate. While there are differences in the specific provisions included in each bill, the majority of the legislation is substantially aligned and focused on streamlining program administration and expanding tools to improve housing affordability in Indian Country. A section-by-section comparison of both versions is available on the NAIHC website.

Since its enactment on October 26, 1996, the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act (NAHASDA) has served as a cornerstone of federal housing policy in Indian Country. The law consolidated multiple federal housing programs into a streamlined block grant system, including the Indian Housing Block Grant and the Native Hawaiian Housing Block Grant, enabling Tribal Nations to design and implement housing solutions that meet their unique needs. NAHASDA was last authorized in 2008 and expired in 2013.

Tribal Trust Land Homeownership Act Passes House, Moves to President’s Desk

WASHINGTON, DC – The National American Indian Housing Council (NAIHC) applauds the U.S. House of Representatives for its strong bipartisan passage of the Tribal Trust Land Homeownership Act of 2025, led in the House by Representative Dusty Johnson (R-SD). The legislation passed the House on March 4, 2026, by a vote of 384–40, marking a major step toward improving access to homeownership for Native American families living on Tribal trust land.

The Senate previously approved the measure in December 2025, and with final passage in the House the bill now heads to the President’s desk to be signed into law.

NAIHC Statement on Absence of Tribal Provisions in the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act

As Congress undertakes a once‑in‑a‑generation overhaul of federal housing policy, the National American Indian Housing Council (NAIHC) urges lawmakers to ensure that Native American, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian communities are fully included in the Renewing Opportunity in the American Dream (ROAD) to Housing Act. A bipartisan, Senate‑advanced national housing package aimed at increasing supply and reducing regulatory barriers in federal housing programs. The ROAD to Housing Act (S.2651) has been described as the most significant housing supply legislation in decades and aims to modernize multiple federal housing programs to improve affordability across the nation.

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Native American Housing Assistance and Self‑Determination Act (NAHASDA). The foundational law that recognized Tribal Nations’ authority to design and manage housing programs based on local priorities. Yet NAHASDA has not been updated since 2008 nor reauthorized since 2013, leaving Tribal Nations bound by outdated requirements even as housing needs grow more severe.

To read the bill text, click here.

To read the section-by-section, click here.

The National American Indian Housing Council (NAIHC), the nation’s leading advocacy organization for Tribal housing, applauds the House in passing the Housing for the 21st Century Act. Passed on February 9th, the Act streamlines housing production and affordability by updating outdated programs, removing unnecessary federal requirements, increasing local flexibility, and allowing banks to more freely deploy funding.

For Tribal communities, the Act establishes a HUD pilot program to issue competitive grants to assist state, local, and Tribal governments with implementing regional housing planning and community development activities which sunsets in five years.

The National American Indian Housing Council (NAIHC), the nation’s leading advocacy organization for Tribal housing, applauds the Senate’s unanimous consent in passing the Tribal Trust Land Homeownership Act of 2025. Passed on December 11^th, the Act represents a significant step towards improving homeownership opportunities for Native and Tribal communities across Indian Country.

Introduced by U.S. Senator John Thune (R-SD), the bipartisan legislation would streamline the mortgage approval process for residential and business mortgages on Tribal trust land, enhancing homeownership opportunities for Native Americans.

“Affordable housing opportunities on tribal trust land can be hard to come by in South Dakota and across the nation due in part to the BIA’s challenging mortgage approval process. It can complicate lenders’ ability to provide financing to prospective homebuyers and participate in federal tribal housing programs,” said Thune. “I applaud the Senate’s passage of our bipartisan legislation, which would expedite this mortgage approval process and encourage more lenders to provide mortgages across Indian Country.”

Building Momentum for NAHASDA Reauthorization

On November 20, 2025, the Western Governors’ Association (WGA) passed Policy Resolution 2026-04, “Housing is Foundational to the Success of the West,” which calls on Congress to consider reauthorizing the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act (NAHASDA) and expanding direct funding options for Tribal housing entities to meet critical housing needs in Native communities.

Their support of reauthorization reflects the continued opportunities for potential collaboration between NAIHC and WGA. Earlier this year, NAIHC participated in a WGA webinar on Tribal housing challenges and opportunities, which strengthened dialogue on how western states and Tribal governments can collaborate to expand housing access.

Statement from NAIHC Executive Director Rudy Soto on the End of the Government Shutdown and Resumption of Tribal Housing Programs

The National American Indian Housing Council (NAIHC), the nation’s leading advocacy organization for Tribal housing, today welcomed the end of the federal government shutdown and the restoration of vital operations to Tribal housing programs across Indian Country.

“The reopening of the federal government restores access to critical housing resources for Tribal Nations and communities,” said Rudy Soto, NAIHC Executive Director. “While we recognize the difficult negotiations that accompany any budget process, the interruption of essential housing programs directly affects the well-being and stability of Native and Tribal families and communities.”

NAIHC Provides Federal Housing Updates to Tribal Leaders at the National Congress of American Indians’ (NCAI) Tribal Unity Impact Days.

Yesterday, NAIHC Executive Director, Rudy Soto, participated in a briefing for Tribal Leaders, hosted by NCAI as part of their Tribal Unity Impact Days. During this briefing, Executive Director Soto was joined by NCAI Policy Lead Matt Vogel and Capitol Hill Consulting Group Senior Vice President Alex Ortiz to provide the latest information and updates on NAHASDA reauthorization.

Other topics covered in this session included the Tribal Labor Sovereignty Act, the Tribal Tax and Investment Reform Act, FY26 appropriations, and an update from the Coalition for Tribal Sovereignty (CTS).

The National American Indian Housing Council (NAIHC) is pleased to share that the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD), Office of Public and Indian Housing, has officially announced two major funding opportunities critical to Tribal housing and community development efforts: the FY2025 Indian Housing Block Grant – Competitive (IHBG-COMP) and the FY2025 Indian Community Development Block Grant (ICDBG) program.

 Together, these opportunities represent more than $220 million in available funding to support essential housing infrastructure, economic development, and community revitalization efforts in Tribal communities nationwide.

 NAIHC Encourages Early Preparation

NAIHC urges all member Tribes and TDHEs to review the Notices of Funding Opportunity (NOFOs) carefully and begin preparing application materials well ahead of the submission deadlines. These programs are vital tools for addressing the unique housing and infrastructure needs across Indian Country.

 NAIHC remains committed to providing technical assistance and training opportunities to support members throughout the application process

August 20, 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NAIHC is excited to welcome Bailey Yazzie to our team as a fall finance intern. With a background in affordable housing finance, tribal development, and banking, Bailey will support the operations team at NAIHC. Welcome Bailey!

Bailey Yazzie (Diné) is a finance graduate student and emerging leader in Native economic and community development. Originally from Tolani Lake, Arizona, she holds a B.S. in Business Administration from Haskell Indian Nations University and is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Finance at Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business.

Bailey’s experience spans affordable housing finance, tribal development, and banking. She has interned at Travois, Inc., supporting Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) and New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) projects for tribal communities, and at Mid-America Bank, where she worked in real estate lending and compliance. Her career interests center on using financial tools to advance housing equity, sustainable infrastructure, and economic sovereignty across Indian Country.

She is a recipient of leadership awards from the Native American Finance Officers Association (NAFOA) and the Society of Government Employees, and she brings a values-driven approach rooted in observation, collaboration, and service to tribal nations.

August 5, 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NAIHC is honored to welcome Maria Danz to our team as our new Training & Technical Assistance Program Director. With 20+ years of experience with the development and management of Tribal and affordable housing, she brings a high level of knowledge and expertise to our organization. Welcome Maria!

Maria Danz (Couchiching First Nation) is the Training and Technical Assistance (T&TA) Program Director at the National American Indian Housing Council. She has over 20 years of experience with the development and management of tribal and affordable housing. Prior to joining NAIHC, she spent 14 years with HUD’s Office of Native American Programs (ONAP), including 12 years with the Northern Plains ONAP in Denver, CO and two years with ONAP headquarters, where she focused on the Indian Community Development Block Grant (ICDBG) and Tribal HUD Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (Tribal HUD-VASH) programs. From 2003 to 2011, she worked in the nonprofit field as an affordable housing developer in Duluth, MN, where she developed nearly 100 units of affordable housing, including one of the country’s first urban permanent supportive housing projects for Native American families. Her tribal affiliation is with Couchiching First Nation.

Yesterday, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced the finalized the FY25 IHBG formula allocations, with over $1.1 billion designated to support affordable housing development and services in Tribal communities. Tribes and Tribally designated housing entities (TDHEs) can now begin the process of accessing their allocation via the electronic Line of Credit Control System (eLOCCS).

This year’s overall funding level is consistent with FY24. Allocations will reflect updates based on Tribal census corrections, funding adjustments, and statutory provisions, including minimum funding levels, carry-over funds, and formula adjustments.

To access your funding for FY25:
Review your final allocation, available at ihbgformula.com
Submit or confirm approval of your FY25 Indian Housing Plan (IHP)

• Submit via the Grants Evaluation and Management System (GEMS)
• HUD must approve your IHP before funds become available in eLOCCS

Ensure your eLOCCS access is active

• Only after IHP approval will HUD authorize access to FY25 funds in eLOCCS

Request funds in eLOCCS

• Once authorized by HUD, drawdowns can begin.

Washington, D.C., April 14, 2025 — The National American Indian Housing Council (NAIHC) is pleased to commend President Trump and USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins for the appointment of T.W. Shannon as the Senior Advisor to the Secretary for Rural Prosperity at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). T.W. Shannon is an enrolled citizen of the Chickasaw Nation. This significant appointment brings a trusted ally and champion for rural and Tribal communities into a vital role at USDA.

“Mr. Shannon’s appointment is a meaningful and reassuring development for Indian Country. With critical programs housed within the USDA, such as the Rural Housing Service, that are essential to homeownership, self-help housing, and multifamily housing in Tribal communities, T.W. Shannon’s leadership will be instrumental,” stated NAIHC Executive Director Rudy Soto. “NAIHC is eager to work closely with USDA to deliver effective housing solutions that uplift and empower our Tribal communities.”

As a former Speaker of the Oklahoma House of Representatives and CEO of Chickasaw Community Bank, T.W. Shannon brings a wealth of experience in banking and economic development to this role. His background in public service and education as a Harvard Kennedy School Fellow and Rodel Fellow further underscores his commitment to fostering prosperity in rural and Tribal areas.

The NAIHC looks forward to working with T.W. Shannon in his new role and advancing the mission of supporting housing opportunities for Native Americans, Native Alaskans, and Native Hawaiians across the nation.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: LindaLee Retka LRETKA@naihc.net

Rudy Soto is the incoming Executive Director of the National American Indian Housing Council (NAIHC). Most recently, he held positions as a Presidential appointee at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). He served as Deputy Assistant Secretary for the USDA Office of External and Intergovernmental Affairs from 2023-2025. Prior to that, he served as USDA Rural Development State Director for Idaho, where he played a pivotal role in advancing economic development, expanding access to affordable and workforce housing, and strengthening infrastructure in rural and Tribal communities across the state.

Soto brings extensive experience in public service and Tribal advocacy, having previously served as a legislative staffer in the U.S. House of Representatives and worked with national Tribal organizations, including the Indian Gaming Association, the National Council of Urban Indian Health, and the National Indian Child Welfare Association.

A proud member of the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes of the Fort Hall Reservation and a veteran of the United States Army National Guard, Soto was born and raised in Nampa, Idaho. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Portland State University.

“It’s an incredible honor to serve as the Executive Director of the National American Indian Housing Council and to work alongside our dedicated board, staff, membership, and partners. The high cost of living and the housing unaffordability crisis remains one of the most pressing challenges facing all Americans and even more so, Native Americans, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians. I look forward to collaborating with Tribal partners, housing advocates, and policymakers—across both the federal executive and legislative branches—to achieve solutions that ensure safe, decent, affordable, and culturally appropriate housing for Native communities. We plan to be a dynamic force when it comes to advancing NAIHC’s advocacy efforts, expanding partnerships, and providing sustainable housing resources for current and future generations,” said Soto.

Bobby Yandell, NAIHC Board Chair, stated, “NAIHC is excited to welcome Rudy Soto as our Executive Director. Rudy brings a wealth of government experience as well as Housing knowledge that will serve him well in this role.”

The NAIHC is composed of 201 members representing 392 tribes and housing organizations. The organization advocates for housing opportunities and increased funding, provides conference events, training, and technical assistance for its members, and conducts research and informational services relating to Native housing issues and programs.

OLG INFO 2024-22– ONAP Provides Clarification on Accessory Dwelling Units for the Section 184 Indian Housing Loan Guarantee Program and Section 184A Native Hawaiian Housing Loan Guarantee Program

On October 18, 2024, the Office of Native American Programs (ONAP) issued Dear Lender Letter 2024-09 (DLL) titled “Accessory Dwelling Units”.

Dear Tribal Leader Letter – Deadline for Submitting Indian Housing Block Grant (IHBG) Interim Funding Requests in the Grants Evaluation and Management System (GEMS)

The Office of Native American Programs (ONAP) is accepting IHBG Formula Interim Funding Requests via GEMS until November 19th, 2024. This deadline provides time to process awards prior to the December 24, 2024, expiration of the Continuing Resolution (CR) under which all Federal agencies are currently operating.

The US Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Indian Health Service (IHS) have published a Dear Tribal Leader letter, extending the Tribal Consultation period seeking Tribes’ feedback and recommendations on how HUD and IHS programs can better address housing-related water and sewer infrastructure needs within Tribal communities.

Comments

The deadline for submitting comments on the HUD/IHS Housing-related Infrastructure for Tribal Communities Tribal Consultation has been extended from Saturday, November 9, 2024, until Wednesday, January 8, 2025. Please email your comments and recommendations to consultation@hud.gov andconsultation@ihs.gov. Use the SUBJECT LINE: HUD/IHS Housing-related Infrastructure for Tribal Communities.

Additionally, a virtual Tribal Consultation session will be held on Monday, December 16, 2024 at 1 pm Eastern. Please register to attend here, so that we can ensure you receive any advance consultation materials.

Join the Virtual Consultation Listening Session Using Webex Link:
https://intellor.webex.com/intellor/j.php?MTID=m656156ed93e02e1d7543d1777fe916b9

Join the Virtual Consultation Listening Session by Telephone: The dial-in telephone number is  (202) 735-3323. Use meeting access code number [6478445#]

We are thrilled to announce the launch of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary’s Award for Excellence in Tribal Communities. This prestigious award acknowledges innovative approaches, best practices, policies, and community engagement that make significant contributions to serving HUD-assisted Tribal residents.

Awards will be considered under the following priority areas: Community Development, New Housing Construction, Supporting Native Youth, and Honoring and Serving Native Veterans. HUD encourages Tribal Leaders and TDHE staff to submit nominations by February 28, 2025.

Learn more and apply here: HUD Secretary’s Award for Excellence in Tribal Communities.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) will be hosting a webinar on December 12, 2024, to provide an overview of radon, including what it is, what it does, how it is measured, and how to reduce exposure. Speakers will share resources, including funding opportunities, for Tribes to test and mitigate for radon. The webinar will feature speakers from U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Kansas State University Radon Program, Institute of Tribal Environmental Professionals (ITEP), and HUD. The webinar will be recorded and posted on Codetalk.

Background

Exposure to radon is the number one cause of lung cancer among non-smokers and overall, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer, responsible for approximately 21,000 lung cancer deaths every year. On January 11, 2024, HUD issued its Departmental Policy for addressing Radon in the Environmental Review Process. This policy requires consideration of radon for all HUD environmental reviews. The policy will go into effect for Tribes, Tribally Designated Housing Entities, and Department of Hawaiian Homelands in January 2026.

December 12, 2024

2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Eastern Standard Time

Registration Link