USDA Erases DEI Scoring from Rural Housing Bucks Overnight
Published Date: 4/2/2025
Notice
Summary
The USDA’s Rural Housing Service is updating its 2024 funding programs for multifamily housing by removing references to the previous Administration’s priorities and diversity scoring rules. This change follows a new Executive Order and means applicants won’t be judged on those old criteria. If you already applied, don’t worry—you don’t need to apply again, and the update takes effect April 2, 2025.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
DEI and Priority Scoring Removed
The USDA Rural Housing Service removed references to the prior Administration's RD Key Priorities and DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion)-related scoring criteria from two FY2024 multifamily housing funding notices (Notice of Funds Availability for the Multifamily Housing Preservation and Revitalization Demonstration Program and Section 515 Subsequent Loans for Preservation Activities (89 FR 79229) and the Consolidated Multifamily Housing Technical Assistance Grant Program NOFA (89 FR 76065)). Any discretionary points that had been available for meeting those Key Priorities will not be available or awarded. This amendment is effective April 2, 2025.
No Re-Application Required
If you already submitted an application to the two FY2024 multifamily housing funding opportunities covered by this amendment, you do not need to withdraw or submit a new or revised application; the agency will review your existing application consistent with this notice. This guidance is effective April 2, 2025.
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Department and Agencies
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