Housing Action Fund

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The Ulster County Housing Action Fund (HAF) supports equitable and sustainable community development through the construction, development, revitalization, and preservation of affordable, workforce, and supportive housing.

In exchange for investment from the fund, the HAF requires the creation of healthy, energy-efficient, and climate-responsible housing units that serve households making up to 80% of Ulster County Area Median Income. (The precise income level varies by household size. For instance, $81,300 for a four-person household and $56,950 for a one-person household.)

The Fund prioritizes housing that serves the county’s most vulnerable populations. The Fund encourages innovative housing solutions, such as supportive housing, adaptive reuse of existing buildings for housing, tiny home communities, and accessory dwelling units.

 

How It Works

Here's how the Annual Funding Process works:

Step 1.Annual Funding Allocation

As part of the County budget process, the County Executive recommends how much money the fund should make available in the upcoming year. The Legislature approves the final amount when they adopt the budget. The amount cannot exceed 20% of the fund in any one year.

Step 2.Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA)

The County releases a Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA). This document outlines project criteria and available funding. This starts a 3-4 month competitive proposal process. 

Step 3.HPOC Review

The Housing Policy & Oversight Committee Members independently review and score proposals, then meet and determine final recommendations.

Step 4.County Executive Approval

The County Executive reviews HPOC recommendations and presents a project list to Legislature.

Step 5.County Legislature Approval

The County Legislature reviews the project list and approves final awards.

Step 6.Funds Awarded & Contract Process

Funds are awarded. Contracts are developed and signed with claw back provisions and spending timeline.

Step 7.Funds Released

Funds are released only after construction permits are issued.

Step 8.Long-Term Monitoring

Project owners/managers must report annually on progress and affordability.

 

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The Housing Policy and Oversight Committee (HPOC) oversees the administration of the fund. The HPOC is comprised ofhousing experts and professionals.

 

 

The HAF was seeded with $15 million from the County’s current excess fund balance. Since 2024, 25% of annual occupancy tax revenues are added to the fund each year.

 

On an annual basis, Ulster County releases a Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) and requests competitive proposals from affordable housing developers, nonprofit organizations, and individuals for housing projects that support the mission of the HAF.

 

The HAF supports a wide variety of housing and housing-related projects including:

  • affordable rentals
  • affordable homeownership
  • non-traditional housing
  • emergency housing
  • accessory dwelling units
  • infrastructure projects needed for affordable housing projects
  • small grants for projects to spark innovation in the housing sector.

Projects must use non-fossil fuel systems and appliances to help meet the County’s climate goals.

All projects that receive HAF funding are required to remain affordable (rent or sell units to households making 80% of Area Median Income or less) for a minimum of 50 years.

The housing fund model has been successfully implemented throughout the country and New York State. Dutchess, Westchester, and Tompkins County all have implemented versions of a housing trust fund. TheTompkins County Community Housing Development Fund(External link)has been in operation since 2009, providing approximately $6.8 million dollars to support thedevelopment of 875 affordable housing units(External link)with most units being placed in a community land trust.

Documents & More Info

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