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) is proud to welcome Jody Cahoon Perez (Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribes) as our new Director of Finance starting in April 2026.

Jody brings deep financial expertise, lived experience, and Tribal housing leadership to this role at a critical moment for Indian Country housing. Her commitment to financial stewardship, accountability, and expanding opportunity will be a tremendous asset to our organization and the Tribal housing programs we serve.

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

The OMB Made in America Office has provided additional guidance to Federal Agencies regarding the applicability of BABA requirements to housing projects.

Consistent with Implementation Guidance on Application of Buy America Preference in Federal Financial Assistance Programs for Infrastructure (M-24-02), single family housing projects (buildings consisting of 1-4 dwelling units) are considered “private.” Accordingly, BABA requirements will not apply to HUD Federal Financial Assistance used to fund the construction, maintenance, alteration, or repair of such housing, as such projects are not properly classified as public infrastructure projects for purposes of BABA. However, BABA requirements will apply to projects involving the construction, maintenance, alteration, or repair of housing with 5 or more units (multifamily housing projects).

ONAP will issue additional guidance and update existing guidance for Tribal Recipients relating to BABA and housing projects soon. For now, ONAP encourages all Tribal Recipients to review PIH Notice 2024-35 closely and hold clarifying questions to ONAP staff. We are working on FAQs and will be updating BABA guidance soon to incorporate this new guidance from OMB.

SEMINOLE NATION, Hollywood, Fla. – At the close of the National American Indian Housing Council’s annual convention, newly elected Board Chairman Bobby Yandell announced that the U.S. House Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Subcommittee’s proposed budget would increase IHBG funding by 9% ($1.22 billion).

“We thank Rep. Tom Cole for his leadership to secure more funding for Native American housing programs that have long been underfunded,” said Chairman Yandell. “We’re off to a promising start in the budget process and our advocacy is paying off. But we need to keep the pressure on Congress for funding increases because our people need safe, quality homes.”

Yandell, Executive Director of Choctaw Nation Housing Authority, credited the leadership of Rep. Tom Cole of Oklahoma who chairs the House Appropriations Committee, for securing funding.

“I am very proud to announce that I, along with the help of Hawaii Senator Brian Schatz, was able to secure more than $1.34 billion for Native American housing programs and $150 million in discretionary appropriations for Tribal Transportation programs, as part of the six-bill appropriations package that passed both the House of Representatives and the Senate late last week,” said Rep. Cole in late March.

“These historic gains will work to address the pressing housing and transportation needs of Tribal communities, as well as increase the standard for this necessary funding in the future,” said Congressman Cole. “As a member of the Chickasaw Nation of Oklahoma, it will always be a priority of mine to ensure that the needs of Tribal communities are represented here in Washington, D.C., and I am very happy to have secured this essential funding.”

The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2024 was passed in March, appropriating $1.34 billion to Native American Programs. Included in that $1.34 billion was $1.11 billion made available for the Indian Housing Block Grant program, allocated using the formula under section 302 of NAHASDA.

On June 26, 2024, House Republicans on the Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development Appropriations Subcommittee released a proposal for FY25 funding, ahead of the markup June 27th. This proposal laid out $1.455 billion programs funded under NAHASDA, including $1.22 billion for the Indian Housing Block Grant program.

This would mean $110 million more dollars made available for funding operations, maintenance, and construction on Tribal lands. It also includes a $100,000 boost to the Section 184 loan program. The rest of the NAHASDA programs remain at level funding.

Yandell reminded Tribal housing leaders that their advocacy needs to remain strong through December while the budget is being negotiated. “This is a positive step in the right direction, but it’s not the end of the road,” he said. “It won’t be the end of the road until the federal budget is passed and it becomes a reality.”

For more information, contact Douglas Marconi, Sr. at dmarconi@naihc.net or (202) 454-0943.

Photo: NAIHC Board Chairman, Bobby Yandell

Photo Credit: Tammie Billey

Native American Leaders Call for Reauthorization of National Housing Bill at 50th Annual Convention – June 24 to 27, Seminole Hard Rock Hotel, Hollywood, Florida

WASHINGTON, D.C.  – The National American Indian Housing Council (NAIHC) celebrates “50 Years of Building Futures” at its 50th Annual Convention and Trade Show at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel in Hollywood, Florida from June 24 to June 27, 2024.

Executive Director Douglas Marconi, Sr. said Tribal leaders representing millions of Native Americans are urgently calling on Congress to reauthorize the Native American Housing Assistance and Self Determination Act of 1996 (NAHASDA) which expired in 2013. The law governs funding, operation and maintenance of thousands of homes nationwide for 574 Tribes.

Featured speakers on Tuesday include Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin, Jr. (460,000 citizens), and Tlingit & Haida President Richard Petersen who will speak about success stories, challenges in housing construction, and the need for increased funding to provide homes and infrastructure. Bob Gauthier, a key figure in the formation of NAHASDA who directed the Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribes housing for 20 years, opens the plenary Tuesday.

Tlingit & Haida President Richard Petersen

NAHASDA grants provide affordable housing that benefit low-income families living on Indian reservations and Alaska Native communities. The law expired in 2013, leaving Native housing entities to rely on year-to-year appropriations. The House plans to slash funding by 10% in FY 2025 for programs governed by the Committee on Appropriations’ Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development (THUD). These cuts will hurt Native American communities.

The subcommittee will review the FY25 THUD bill on June 27, with a full committee review scheduled for July 10, 2024. Tribal leaders nationwide continue to call for increased funding and reauthorization of NAHASDA to meet essential housing needs of millions of Native Americans.

The conference offers a wide variety of training sessions providing the latest information on tribal housing programs, including:

Aligning Housing with Community Needs

THVASH: 2015 To Present, What We Know Now

DOE Grants: Clean Energy Funds for Tribal Housing

Construction Cost Impact

Housing and Community Development

All Hazard Plans for Tribal Housing

Preparing Citizens for Homeownership Success

LIHTC to Homeownership

USDA Rural Development Homeownership and Repair Opportunities

Innovations in Housing

Title VI: The Misunderstood Loan Program

Using ARP Funds: Safe Housing Options for Survivors

The convention also offers networking opportunities to connect with Tribal housing professionals, community development stakeholders, and legal experts supporting Tribal housing initiatives. To register and see agenda, visit NAIHC’s official event page.

Please join as we reflect on 50 Years of Building Futures and paving the way for the next half-century of progress in Native American housing. More information will be coming this week. For media inquiries, please contact NAIHC Executive Director Douglas Marconi Sr. at dmarconi@naihc.net or (202) 454-0943.

Event: NeighborWorks Virtual Training Institute

Date: May 6 – 17, 2024

Questions about NeighborWorks’ Spring VTI? Contact Customer Response at nti@nw.org

Native American Loan Matrix (January)

Last Revised 2024 document for Loan Matrix.