Issue #1: Government Funding Deadline – March 14th
Congress must pass an FY2025 appropriations bill to keep the government running and prevent a government shutdown. Right now, lawmakers are negotiating funding levels, and a potential full-year funding bill or a continuing resolution (CR). In the event of a CR, the White House has requested an increase for HUD’s rental assistance programs (PBRA and TBRA).
What’s at stake?
Flat funding under a CR would freeze HUD’s rental assistance programs (PBRA and HCV) at outdated levels, making it harder for owners to maintain operations and housing stability for residents.
A government shutdown would stall critical HUD operations, delaying funding allocations and the timely delivery of rental assistance.
There is bipartisan discussion of increasing agency funding, but no deal has been reached.
ACTION NEEDED: Meet with your Senators and Representatives and urge them to support full HUD funding increases to protect affordable housing programs. Use this factsheet: [Impacts of Inconsistent Funding on Affordable Housing Programs] to explain why a CR would harm communities.
Key Talking Points:
✅ Inconsistent funding creates instability—flat funding under a CR does not account for rising rental costs and could lead to financial risks for vulnerable residents.
✅ HUD’s and USDA-RD programs, including rental assistance programs (PBRA, TBRA, Section 521) must be fully funded to prevent shortfalls that force owners to defer property maintenance or opt out of affordable housing contracts.
✅ A government shutdown would disrupt property operations, delaying critical program funding, inspections, and contract renewals for affordable housing providers.
✅ Ask Lawmakers To: Support full funding for HUD and USDA-RD programs in the final FY2025 appropriations bills.
Issue #2: Tax Reform & Housing Credit (LIHTC) Advocacy
Congress is working on tax reform legislation that could impact the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program.
What’s at stake?
NAHMA and industry partners are working to include provisions that would expand and boost LIHTC.
Lawmakers need to hear from you about why including LIHTC provisions in the tax legislation is essential to preserving and increasing affordable housing supply.
ACTION NEEDED: Read the latest update: [ACTION Campaign’s March 2025 Newsletter: AHCIA Advocacy Strategies & Other Housing Credit News]. Invite your legislators to the Congressional Briefing & Reception on March 25 to educate them on the importance of LIHTC.
Talking Points: Check out the ACTION Advocacy Toolkit for national, state, and district fact sheets, as well as many other education and advocacy resources to aid your congressional outreach.
Issue #3: Impact of DOGE: Funding Freezes, Federal Agency Staff Reductions, & HUD Office Closures
The Administration is proposing a 50% reduction in the HUD workforce (similar for USDA), affecting field offices across the country. We are also aware of funding freezes for recent grant recipients in programs, like Section 202, 811, and Green Resilience and Retrofit Program (GRRP).
What’s at stake?
HUD has issued a Reduction in Force (RIF) notice for GS-13 and below employees in the Office of Field Policy and Management (FPM). Other HUD program offices will take similar action leading to large reductions in staff.
Some HUD offices may close permanently, leaving only a few regional and field offices open.
As a result, many activities tied to funding, transactions, and agency approvals could face significant delays due to staff shortages. HUD has not informed many of the Grant recipients that they recent awards are no longer available.
ACTION NEEDED:
Share financial & economic impacts of funding freezes with your lawmakers: If you have not received grant funding for GRRP and Section 202/811 awards, contact your lawmakers to educate them about how a DOGE-related funding freeze is impacting recipients of HUD’s GRRP and/or Section 202/811 program. The freeze is leading to development delays, jeopardizing closings, loss of tax credits, loss of private financing and local revenue, increased costs/expenses, and may lead to the loss of vital housing for vulnerable tenants. Provide Lawmakers and their staff with specific grant, property, and/or transaction-level details to emphasis the potential economic and financial loss in their district or state. Ask lawmakers to send a request to HUD about the status of your project(s)/funding award.
Engage local leaders and stakeholders: Directly or in partnership with other local stakeholders, educate federal, state, and local officials (governors, mayors, county administrators) on the important keeping HUD offices open. A leading tenant advocacy organization, the National Low Income Housing Coalition (NLIHC) is holding a March 10 Day of Action: Protect HUD, Protect Affordable Homes! They are asking “organizations and people all over the country are taking action to protect HUD and the affordable homes it makes possible.” Members are welcome to participate in the Day of Action. NAHMA has signed on the national letter to Congressional leaders.
Stay informed: For more information on a recent protest to HUD workforce reduction, please see Local News & Local News (both have pictures/video of the DC rally), Rep. Maxine Water’s Press Release, NPR, and Washington Examiner (has a response/tweets from HUD Secretary Turner).
How to Contact Your Lawmakers
Find your Representatives & Senators:
House of Representatives: Find Your Representative
Senate: Find Your Senators
Most Lawmakers have a meeting request page on their website.
Your Advocacy Matters!
We know this current environment may seem overwhelming, but your voice is powerful. Lawmakers need to hear from YOU—the housing practitioners who understand the real-world impact of these decisions.
Need help with talking points or have issues scheduling a meeting? Contact NAHMA’s Government Affairs team for support.