- Details
- By Chez Oxendine
- Real Estate
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced $220 million in funding opportunities for two major tribal housing and community development programs the Trump administration’s fiscal 2026 budget targeted for elimination.
HUD said it opened applications for the Indian Community Development Block Grant program, which receives $70 million to support housing, infrastructure, and economic development projects in tribal communities. HUD also said it would open the Indian Housing Block Grant Competitive program, which receives $150 million and funds affordable housing construction, rehabilitation, and acquisition for low-income Native families.
HUD Secretary Scott Turner made the announcement following a meeting with the department’s Tribal Intergovernmental Advisory Committee, or TIAC.
“In my travels to Indian Country, I have seen great innovation — but also great need — in Tribal communities,” Turner said in a statement. “I am encouraged by the impact Tribes are making to address housing needs.”
The ICDBG program offers competitive “Single Purpose” grants, as well as “Imminent Threat” grants to address urgent health or safety issues. The program has $70 million available for the single purpose grants, and $5 million for the imminent threat grants. Awards will range from $500,000 to $2 million per project, with roughly 50 grants expected to be distributed. The funding is intended to support housing, infrastructure, and economic development initiatives that primarily benefit low- and moderate-income tribal members.
The IHBG Competitive program will make roughly $150 million available for projects that expand affordable housing stock, improve existing units, or acquire housing to meet community needs. Awards will range from $500,000 to $7.5 million, with a 60-month performance period. HUD said priority will be given to projects addressing homelessness, overcrowding, or substandard living conditions.
In March, Tribal Business News reported that both programs appeared on a list of proposed cuts in the administration’s fiscal 2026 budget request, alongside other tribal housing initiatives. Congress later rejected those cuts in their own budget proposals.
Applications for the ICDBG program are due under timelines set in HUD’s Notice of Funding Opportunity, while IHBG Competitive applications must be submitted by Jan. 15, 2026.
