Multifamily Housing Program (MHP)

The Multifamily Finance Super Notice of Funding Availability (Super NOFA) administered by the California Department of Housing and Community Development represents a coordinated effort to deploy multiple affordable housing funding programs through a unified application process. Established under state legislation to improve access and efficiency, this funding opportunity focuses specifically on the Multifamily Housing Program Gap Funding initiative. The program is designed to address financing shortfalls in affordable housing developments that have already received prior state support but are unable to proceed due to remaining capital gaps. The department’s broader mission emphasizes equitable access to housing, prioritizing developments that serve extremely low-income households while advancing health, climate, and long-term housing stability outcomes. This funding round makes approximately 240 million dollars available in the form of low-interest, long-term deferred payment loans. These funds are intended to support new construction, rehabilitation, and preservation of multifamily rental housing for lower-income populations. The funding specifically targets projects that are construction-ready yet stalled due to insufficient capital, particularly those awaiting tax-exempt bond financing and 4 percent federal low-income housing tax credits. Funds may be used only for eligible project costs as defined in program guidelines, and they cannot replace or supplant previously committed public funding sources. Additionally, program rules limit total funding from this source to no more than 60 percent of total development costs, and establish competitive scoring incentives for cost efficiency. Eligibility is restricted to multifamily rental housing projects that have already received at least one qualifying award from specified state housing programs and have not yet commenced construction. Projects must demonstrate that prior awards remain active and valid, maintain site control, and show readiness to proceed. Applicants must commit to applying in the next available tax credit and bond financing cycle and must not have already secured those financing components. Certain project types, such as those funded under rapid deployment programs requiring immediate construction, are excluded. Applicants must also demonstrate that all existing financing commitments remain intact and that the project is fully funded aside from the requested gap funding. The application process is streamlined to reduce duplication of previously reviewed materials. Applicants submit through an online portal using standardized forms, including updated financial documents such as development budgets, operating projections, and unit mix details. While prior documentation may be certified rather than resubmitted, any changes must be disclosed and supported with updated materials. Applications are evaluated based on a structured scoring system that prioritizes serving the lowest-income households, readiness to proceed, funding efficiency, and cost containment. Projects must meet minimum scoring thresholds to be considered for funding. The application window opens on May 4 and closes on June 5, with submissions required electronically by 4:00 p.m. Pacific Time on the deadline date. Awards are anticipated to be announced in August. Applicants may submit appeals if their applications are deemed incomplete or fail to meet threshold requirements, though appeals are limited to the applicant’s own submission and must be filed within five business days of notification. Following award announcements, successful applicants must enter into formal agreements with the department and provide required documentation within specified timelines to finalize funding. Program oversight includes compliance with state and federal regulations related to housing development, labor standards, and fair housing laws. Additional requirements may include relocation planning, environmental compliance, and adherence to preservation statutes. The department reserves the right to modify program provisions or funding availability and requires applicants to ensure compatibility between this funding and other financial sources. Overall, the program reflects a strategic effort to accelerate the development of affordable housing by addressing financial barriers in projects that are otherwise ready to move forward.

Focus on demonstrating readiness to proceed, maintaining strong financing commitments, and minimizing per-unit funding requests to maximize scoring competitiveness