Memo to Members

National HoUSed Call on Proposed Changes to Federal Grantmaking and the “21st Century ROAD to Housing Act”

Jun 29, 2026

By Sarita Kelkar, NLIHC Policy Intern 

On June 23, NLIHC hosted a national HoUSed campaign call focused on the Office of Management and Budget’s (OMB) proposed changes to federal grantmaking and the “21st Century ROAD to Housing Act.”  

NLIHC Senior Vice President of Policy David Gonzalez Rice began by mentioning NLIHC’s newly released 2025 National Renter Survey Report and introducing the speakers. Sarah Saadian, senior vice president of policy and campaigns at the National Council of Nonprofits, opened by discussing the proposed rule from OMB that would overhaul the federal grantmaking process. Saadian emphasized three main themes of the proposed changes: 1) establishes a new political process for how grantees are selected, 2) creates a constantly shifting environment to administer grants, and 3) bars federal funding for programs that address racial or social inequities. Saadian highlighted the heightened risk nonprofit grantees would face – both in choosing what to apply for and accepting federal resources – while centering the impact on communities.  

National Housing Law Project Chief Program Officer Deborah Thrope continued the conversation on the proposed OMB changes, specifically diving into how HUD grantees would be impacted. Naming tension between the rule and HUD’s rulemaking requirements, statutes, and mission, Thrope noted how the ensuing federal funding instability would threaten housing supply and preservation efforts and further tenants’ eviction risk. Saadian and Thrope closed their presentations with resources and ways to take action.  

Next, Nonprofit VOTE Executive Director Brian Miller offered insight into how the proposed OMB rule affects nonprofits’ civic voice. Miller drew attention to the rule’s voter registration provision, which prohibits the use of federal grant dollars for voter registration campaigns, drives, or related activities. Miller pointed out that although federal grantees can still use non-federal funds to engage in voter registration, confusion about the rule creates a chilling effect, discouraging nonprofits from doing this critical work. In conjunction with a provision barring the use of federal grant money for issue advocacy and public messaging, the proposed rule could impede nonprofits’ ability to practice community engagement due to caution and fear. Miller noted that the timing of the expected final rule overlaps with peak election activity.  

Lastly, NLIHC Senior Policy Analyst Libby O’Neill and Director of Disaster Recovery Noah Patton shared federal policy updates. O’Neill provided background on the bipartisan “21st Century ROAD to Housing Act,” describing its timeline over the last twelve months and noting that the Senate passed the bill on June 22. O’Neill named key issue areas and NLIHC’s priorities within the legislation, including the “Rural Housing Service Reform Act,” “Choice in Affordable Housing Act,” and “Reforming Disaster Recovery Act (RDRA).” O’Neill briefly spoke on pieces of the first two bills, while Patton expanded on the RDRA, which authorizes HUD’s Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) program for three years, and explained why permanent authorization matters. O’Neill concluded by noting what was not included in the housing package and next steps to learn more about the bill.  

Lindsay Duvall, NLIHC Manager of Member Engagement, closed the call by offering ways to engage in advocacy. A recording of the call, as well as the presentation slides, are now available. Register here for NLIHC’s next national HoUSed campaign call on July 14 from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm ET.  

NLIHC Updates 

  • Access NLIHC’s newly released 2025 National Renter Survey report here! Reach out to [email protected] with any questions.  

OMB Proposed Rule on Federal Grantmaking  

Policy Updates  

  • Learn more about each section of the “21st Century ROAD to Housing Act” here. 

  • Register for the DHRC Disaster Recovery Working Group with the next meeting on July 8 at 2:00 pm ET.  

Take Action with NLIHC

  • Explore ways to take action for housing justice here.  

  • Become an NLIHC member here.  

  • Contact your Field Team member at [email protected].  

NLIHC’s National HoUSed campaign calls take place on the second and last Tuesday of every month, from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm ET. Register for the series here and access NLIHC’s archive of HoUSed campaign recordings here.

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