HUD Releases NOFA for the Community Challenge Planning Grant

HUD recently released the NOFA for the Community Challenge Planning Grant. With $40 million in available funding, the Community Challenge Planning Grant Program will foster reform and reduce barriers to achieving affordable, economically vital, and sustainable communities. While part of HUD's Sustainable Communities Initiative, the grant differs from the Regional Planning grant because it focuses on individual jurisdictions and increased localized planning. The funding opportunity also supports the development of affordable housing through the development and adoption of inclusionary zoning ordinances. It's important to note that all awards will be made in the form of cooperative agreements.

Eligible applicants include state and local governments, including U.S. territories, tribal governments, transit agencies, port authorities, metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs), other political subdivisions of State or local governments, and multi-state or multijurisdictional groupings. In addition, all eligible applicants must provide 20 percent of the requested funding amount in leveraged resources in cash and/or verified in-kind contributions or a combination of these sources.

Applications for this exciting opportunity are due August 23, 2010. Click here to view the application.