USDA Ditches DEI Rules in Rural Housing Funding Overhaul
Published Date: 4/2/2025
Notice
Summary
The USDA’s Rural Housing Service is updating its funding rules for two big housing programs by removing old priorities and diversity scoring rules to follow a new government order. This change affects anyone applying for these 2024 housing funds but don’t worry—if you already applied, you don’t have to apply again. The update keeps things fair and on track without changing the money available or deadlines.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
DEI and Priority Scoring Removed
If you apply for the USDA Rural Housing Service FY2024 multifamily funding opportunities named in this notice, references to the previous Administration’s key priorities and DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion)–related scoring criteria have been removed from how applications are scored. This change was made to comply with the Executive Order issued on January 20, 2025, and applies to the listed FY2024 Notices of Funding Availability.
No Reapplication Needed
If you already submitted an application for these FY2024 Rural Housing Service funding opportunities, you do not need to submit a new application; the notice explicitly confirms prior applicants need not reapply. This applies to the FY2024 notices amended in this action.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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