Rural communities face unique challenges when dealing with the affordable housing crisis. Because development does not generally occur at a large scales in rural areas, construction costs are often higher in rural communities compared to urban areas, which reduces the incentives for private investment. Additionally, a lack of access to credit in many rural areas limits funding for maintenance of existing units.
NLIHC works with our state and national partners to advocate for increased funding for USDA and HUD programs, particularly those that provide funding to non-profits that support the creation of affordable housing.
Memo to Members and Partners Articles
Senators Tina Smith (D-MN) and Mike Rounds (R-SD) introduced the “Rural Housing Service Reform Act of 2023” (S.1389) in the U.S. Senate. The bill would aim to improve the housing programs administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Housing Service (RHS) through several reforms,…
The U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs will hold a hearing, “Rural Housing Legislation,” on Tuesday, May 2, at 2:45 pm ET. Witnesses will include Anne Mavity, executive director of the Minnesota Housing Partnership and NLIHC board member; Natalie Maxwell, managing attorney…
NLIHC joined a letter led by the National Rural Housing Coalition in support of increased appropriations for federal rural housing and water sewer programs administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The letter outlines the clear need for affordable housing in rural communities and…
NLIHC joined the National Housing Law Project (NHLP) and the Housing Assistance Council (HAC) in submitting a letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Rural Housing Service regarding its efforts to improve tenant communication procedures in the Rural Housing Voucher program (Section…