Latest news with #HCD
Business Wire
14-07-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Miami-Dade Bets on Tech to Make Housing More Accessible to Residents
MIAMI--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Today, Miami-Dade Innovation Authority (MDIA) launched its sixth Public Innovation Challenge in collaboration with the Miami-Dade County Department of Housing & Community Development (HCD), the Office of Innovation & Economic Development (OIED), and Miami Homes For All, to identify bold, tech-driven solutions to improve how residents access affordable housing. This challenge invites local and global early-to-growth stage companies to submit innovative solutions that use data and technology to streamline resident placement and improve the efficacy of resident engagement efforts. Starting today, the challenge will run until . MDIA, in partnership with HCD, will select at least three technology companies, providing each with $100,000 in funding to test and validate their solutions with HCD. Interested companies should submit their proposals through the official challenge website: 'Housing, shelter, one's place of abode, is not only a basic human need, but a critical metric of quality of life. The scale and urgency of our affordable housing crisis in Miami-Dade demands forward-thinking, tech-enabled solutions that meet residents where they are,' said Leigh-Ann Buchanan, President and CEO of MDIA. 'This sixth Public Innovation Challenge empowers innovators to help Miami-Dade County pilot practical tools that make it easier for residents to navigate housing options, access support, and secure stable housing. By focusing on real-world implementation, we're helping HCD lead the way in transforming how public housing services are delivered, ensuring that more residents can get the housing support they need, precisely when they need it.' 'Innovation is key to tackling the housing crisis in our community and delivering practical solutions to our residents. By partnering with MDIA and embracing creative, tech-driven approaches to housing, we are opening the door for more families to access stable and affordable housing faster and with fewer barriers," said Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. 'We are committed to transforming government services and ensuring every resident has the opportunity to thrive, and this challenge is an important step towards that goal.' The Public Innovation Challenge invites companies to pilot tools that improve resident engagement, eliminate bottlenecks in the placement process, reduce administrative burden, and enhance the efficiency and responsiveness of resident engagement efforts, ease resource navigation, and support housing site planning. Specifically, the challenge seeks pilot ready solutions focused on several priority areas and eligible technologies: Navigation: user-friendly platforms that help residents explore available housing options, check eligibility, and access financial assistance; community engagement platforms that encourage public input. Optimization: digital tools that make it easier to submit applications, while reducing manual processing time, elicit resident feedback, and provide real-time updates without added staff burden; and systems that improve how residents are matched with available units and reduce vacancy turnaround times. Mapping: planning and mapping tools that assist the County in identifying new affordable housing sites. "Our goal is to make the housing process more efficient, more responsive, and more resident-focused," said Nathan Kogon, Director of Miami-Dade County HCD. "Through this challenge, we're seeking tools that not only streamline the placement process but also empower residents with better information, faster access, and real-time updates—ultimately helping us serve more families, more effectively." The challenge reflects Miami-Dade County's commitment to modernizing how it delivers housing support—starting with removing the friction points that delay access and overwhelm existing capacity. The initiative also aligns with Mayor Levine Cava's Building Blocks for Housing Affordability and WISE305 agendas by advancing efficient, resident-centered service delivery. 'We're thrilled that this public innovation challenge will accelerate access to affordable housing for thousands of everyday Miamians. When 1 in 3 Miami-Dade households are earning less than $35,000 per year, our community is really struggling to make ends meet. Reducing time and red tape will make a major difference," said Annie Lord, Executive Director of Miami Homes For All. Miami-Dade County manages more than 6,500 public housing units but faces a growing demand for support. Per research by Miami Homes For All, the county has a current shortfall of over 90,000 affordable units for households earning below 80% of the area median income. Since its 2023 launch, MDIA has launched five public challenges in collaboration with Miami-Dade County, through which it has deployed $1 million in funding and attracted more than 440 startups, from 55 different countries, amassing a company pipeline network which collectively represents $6.5 billion in revenue and $1 billion in funding raised. Recognized by the International Economic Development Council, Nasdaq and Harvard Business School, MDIA aims to create a replicable model for municipalities across the United States. Interested companies should submit their proposals through the official challenge website: About Miami-Dade Innovation Authority (MDIA) MDIA bridges gaps between private innovators and the public sector to fast-track the procurement of technology and innovation solutions that enable municipalities to more effectively and efficiently address pressing issues that impact resident quality of life in cities. Through its signature Public Innovation Challenge, it identifies, invests in, and supports early-to-growth stage companies to pilot, test, and validate their technology in collaboration with the economic engines and local government. For more information, review our overview deck: HCD manages more than 6,500 public housing apartments and provides financial help through the federal Section 8 program to more than 19,000 families. Our support services include assisted living facilities for the elderly and self-sufficiency programs for our tenants. We rely on federal and state grant programs to fund our programs. We work closely with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) on our public housing and, with the State of Florida, on the development of affordable housing. For additional details about HCD, please visit
The Hill
09-07-2025
- Business
- The Hill
Newsom to devote $101 million to jumpstart rebuilding efforts after LA fires
California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) announced $101 million in new funding designated to help rebuild multifamily rental affordable housing in areas of Los Angeles that were destroyed six months ago by the wildfires. The California Department of Housing and Community Development (HUD) is releasing the funding through an existing program with the goal of 'expediting and expanding opportunities to build affordable housing for low-income residents,' according to Tomiquia Moss, secretary of the California Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency. 'Los Angeles has taken significant steps to rebuild after January's fires, but the devastation is significant and there remains a long road ahead. Thousands of families – from Pacific Palisades to Altadena to Malibu – are still displaced and we owe it to them to help,' Newsom said in a statement Tuesday. 'The funding we're announcing today will accelerate the development of affordable multifamily rental housing so that those rebuilding their lives after this tragedy have access to a safe, affordable place to come home to,' he added. Affordable housing developers can use a single application to apply to multiple funding programs through HCD's Multifamily Finance Super NOFA (MFSN). HCD previously announced a $382 million MFSN for affordable multifamily rental housing throughout the state, and a separate $50 million designated for a tribal MFSN. The latest 'MFSN-LA Disaster NOFA,' announced Tuesday, is dedicated to LA fire recovery. HCD's press release stated that it would prioritize applications for projects located near wildfire burn areas, ready to begin construction immediately, and include a resident preference for households displaced by the Los Angeles County wildfires. 'By prioritizing affordable housing projects that are ready to go, these funds will accelerate household stability, climate and health outcomes in communities,' Moss said. HCD Director Gustavo Velasquez praised the department's efforts, saying it 'has taken a program built on efficiency and further refined it specifically to help the Los Angeles region rebuild from unimaginable tragedy.' 'Our team has gone above and beyond to ensure this program is designed to provide housing stability for fire-displaced families as quickly as possible,' Velasquez added. The announcement on Tuesday comes one day after Newsom marked six months since the Eaton and Palisades wildfires and called for billions in federal funding to help the state's recovery.
CBS News
25-06-2025
- Politics
- CBS News
State sends City of Turlock letter over lack of shelter funding
The battle over funding for Turlock's We Care emergency men's shelter has triggered a deeper crisis: one that could cost the city millions in state money. The California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) says Turlock's refusal to allocate even a single dollar that would have unlocked nearly $270,000 in state funding for We Care points to a much bigger issue. In a letter to the city, HCD warns that Turlock's entire housing plan has been out of compliance since December 2023 and unless the city takes action, it risks steep fines, lawsuits and the loss of affordable housing funds. Mayor Amy Bublak defends the council's decision, saying the funding was tied to requests like 24-hour restrooms at the shelter and came down to accountability. "It just looked like a little bit of a threat, that that dollar was going to be what keeps them coming after you," Bublak told CBS13. "And that, to me, makes no sense." Bublak says the city is working on meeting housing requirements but argues the attention on Turlock has gone too far. "It just seems odd that the town of 73,000 — and they're hammering on us about this," she said. "We'll get it done. We're working on it." HCD has given Turlock until July 3 to respond with a plan, or face consequences that could include fines up to $100,000 a month and legal action from the state.
CBS News
10-06-2025
- General
- CBS News
Miami-Dade housing agency accepting online-only Section 8 applications through June 20
Miami-Dade County Housing and Community Development began accepting online applications for its Section 8 Project-Based Voucher (PBV) site-based waitlists on Monday, June 9, the agency announced. According to HCD, the application period will run through Friday, June 20, at 11:59 p.m. Online-only application process They said applications will be accepted online only at: and must be submitted within the open period. Authorities said paper applications will not be available or accepted. The application will be available in English, Spanish and Creole and assistance will be available at designated locations listed on HCD's website or by calling 311, from June 9 to June 20, Monday through Friday, between 9:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Eligibility and preferences The waitlists include multiple developments that serve various populations including the elderly, disabled individuals, formerly homeless residents and tenant-based voucher holders. Applicants must meet HUD income limits and property designations such as family, elderly, or disabled status. Only one application per household will be allowed. Multiple submissions or false information will result in disqualification. HCD will notify selected applicants directly; no other form of notification will be provided. Here are the details:
CBS News
10-06-2025
- Business
- CBS News
Miami-Dade housing agency to accept online-only Section 8 applications starting June 9
Miami-Dade County Housing and Community Development will begin accepting online applications for its Section 8 Project-Based Voucher (PBV) site-based waitlists starting June 9, 2025, the agency announced. According to HCD, the application period will run from Monday, June 9, at 8 a.m. through Friday, June 20, at 11:59 p.m. Online-only application process They said applications will be accepted online only at: and must be submitted within the open period. Authorities said paper applications will not be available or accepted. The application will be available in English, Spanish and Creole and assistance will be available at designated locations listed on HCD's website or by calling 311, from June 9 to June 20, Monday through Friday, between 9:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Eligibility and preferences The waitlists include multiple developments that serve various populations including the elderly, disabled individuals, formerly homeless residents and tenant-based voucher holders. Applicants must meet HUD income limits and property designations such as family, elderly, or disabled status. Only one application per household will be allowed. Multiple submissions or false information will result in disqualification. HCD will notify selected applicants directly; no other form of notification will be provided. Here are the details:
