§12892 Planning grants

Summary

The Secretary can give planning grants to people or groups who want to set up homeownership programs. Each grant usually cannot be more than $200,000, but the Secretary may approve a larger amount for good cause. Grants can pay for things like finding eligible properties, training and technical help, feasibility studies, lead-based paint inspections (as required by section 4822(a)), early architectural and engineering work, homebuyer counseling, planning for job training and economic self-sufficiency, security plans, and preparing an application for an implementation grant. Applicants must apply in the form the Secretary requires and include at least: a request listing the activities, schedule, staff, and amount; a description of the applicant and its qualifications; identification of likely properties and the likely buyers (including family size and income); a certification from the official who files the comprehensive housing affordability strategy under section 12705 that the plan fits the approved State or local housing strategy (or, during the first 12 months after November 28, 1990, that it fits another existing State or local housing plan the Secretary accepts); and a promise to follow the Fair Housing Act, Title VI, Section 504, and the Age Discrimination Act and to affirmatively further fair housing. The Secretary will set national selection rules that look at applicant qualifications, interest, program potential and property availability, geographic diversity, and other suitable factors.