New national registry and proposed policy changes to stimulate North Dakota economy by connecting low-income residents and qualified businesses with HUD-funded contracting opportunities
DENVER – April 7, 2015 – (RealEstateRama) — In an effort to help low-income residents in North Dakota find jobs, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) recently announced the launch of a National Section 3 Business Registry that directs jobs and training to low-income workers and connects businesses that hire them with HUD-funded contracting opportunities. The registry would increase opportunities for businesses that hire local public housing residents for HUD-funded projects.
“This business registry will connect hard-working folks and small businesses in North Dakota, giving them new tools to secure a more prosperous future,” said HUD’s North Dakota Field Office Director Joel Manske. “It’s a win-win situation for North Dakota residents who are looking for training and job opportunities as well as for businesses that hire them.”
The registry is a searchable online database that local housing authorities, government agencies, and contractors can use to find firms that are self-certified as employing at least 30 percent of public housing residents or low-income workers.
In North Dakota more than $13.3 million is potentially available to eligible Section 3 businessesthrough local entitlements awarded annually by HUD in Fargo, Bismarck, Grand Fork’s and the State of North Dakota’s CDBG/HOME programs of $11.3 million. Additionally, some public housing authorities in these communities as well as Minot receive federal funding in excess of $2 million that are also eligible.
In conjunction with the Business registry, North Dakota small businesses can also use BusinessUSA, a joint project between HUD and the Small Business Administration (SBA) that will allow HUD grantees, including Section 3 Businesses and small contractors to search for and bid on local HUD-funded contracts posted by HUD grantees.
HUD’s Rocky Mountain Region’s Administrator, Rick Garcia added: “These separate efforts can be tied together to support small and eligible Section 3 businesses across our region. HUD would like to encourage small businesses to use these tools to increase jobs and contracting opportunities.”
Section 3 of the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968 promotes employment, training, and contracting opportunities to low-income residents who live in communities where HUD funds are spent. Since 1994, the Section 3 program has been governed by an interim regulation. For the first time in 20 years, HUD is proposing a new rule that would expand opportunities for public housing residents and low-income workers. Comment on the proposed rule that seeks to strengthen Section 3.
To register a business, search the database of local self-certified Section 3 businesses, or to learn more about HUD’s National Section 3 Business Registry, please visit: www.hud.gov/sec3biz. For more information about the Section 3 program, please visit www.hud.gov/Section3.
For answers to Frequently Asked Questions on Section 3.
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HUD’s mission is to create strong, sustainable, inclusive communities and quality affordable homes for all. HUD is working to strengthen the housing market to bolster the economy and protect consumers; meet the need for quality affordable rental homes: utilize housing as a platform for improving quality of life; build inclusive and sustainable communities free from discrimination; and transform the way HUD does business. More information about HUD and its programs is available at www.hud.gov and espanol.hud.gov. You can also follow HUD on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or sign up for news alerts on HUD’s Email List.