Stakeholder Announcement: Rural Development Removes Harmful DEIA Scoring Criteria from Two Housing Programs

On April 2, 2025, Rural Development issued the following Stakeholder Announcement:

USDA Rural Development Removes Harmful DEIA Scoring Criteria from Two Housing Programs

WASHINGTON, April 2, 2025 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development has amended two program funding opportunities to remove harmful DEIA scoring criteria. The overhaul brings these programs into compliance with Executive Order 14151, Ending Radical And Wasteful Government DEI Programs And Preferencing, issued on January 20, 2025.

USDA Rural Development will not consider previous Administration DEIA-based “key priorities” and discretionary points while scoring applications submitted under the following programs: Multifamily Housing Preservation and Revitalization Program and the Multifamily Housing Technical Assistance Grant Program.

Applicants do not need to withdraw, submit a new or revised application, or supplement their application. The program will review the application consistent with this notice. Applicants may direct any questions related to the program funding opportunity to the “address” or “further contact information” provided in the original notice.

For additional information, see the April 2, 2025, Federal Register Notice.