§1437aaa–1 Planning Grants

Summary

The Secretary can give planning grants to help create homeownership programs. Each grant is normally no more than $200,000, though the Secretary can allow more for good cause. Grants can pay for nine kinds of planning work, including building resident management groups, training and technical help, feasibility studies, lead-based paint inspections (as required by section 4822(a)), early architectural and engineering work, tenant and homebuyer counseling, economic and job-training planning to help buyers become self-sufficient, security plans, and preparing an application for an implementation grant. Applicants must apply in the form the Secretary sets and include basic information: a description of the proposed activities, schedule, staff, and money requested; who the applicant is and its qualifications; which public housing projects and tenants are involved (including family size and income); a certification from the official responsible for the comprehensive housing affordability strategy under section 12705 that the activities fit the approved housing strategy (or, for the first 12 months after November 28, 1990, another approved State or local housing plan); and a promise to follow the Fair Housing Act, title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, section 794 of title 29, and the Age Discrimination Act of 1975 and to affirmatively further fair housing. The Secretary will set national selection rules that look at applicant qualifications, tenant interest, project suitability and affordability, geographic diversity, and other appropriate factors.