Areas of Expertise

HUD Entitlement Grant Programs: Jurisdictions that receive federal funding for housing must consistently evaluate their programs and submit the appropriate plans to HUD to remain in compliance and receive future funding. Civitas specializes in assisting jurisdictions with analyzing their programs and reporting their intentions and progress to HUD. Areas of expertise include completing Consolidated Plans, Analysis of Impediments to Housing Choice, Annual Action Plans, CAPERs, and the new Assessment of Fair Housing (including use of the new AFFH Data and Mapping Tool). We also provide updates or revamps for internal program policies and procedures and standard operating procedures for CDBG and HOME funded programs.

Staff Training and Ongoing Technical Assistance: Civitas specializes in working with local staff to train them on HUD related programs, and provides ongoing technical assistance with the programs. Our team can supplement short-handed staff or newly hired staff with minimal experience in these areas. This can include nationwide on-site visits and virtual training. In addition, Civitas has extensive experience working with non-profits and local governments in conducting HUD environmental reviews for housing projects.

Strategies and Solutions to Prevent and End Homelessness: Civitas is highly proficient in community program design, strategies, implementation, and compliance. Civitas works with numerous clients to provide CoC technical assistance, best practices training, and program compliance review. Our CoC expertise and strategies to address homeless are highly sought after and nationally respected.

Additional Areas of Expertise:

ONAP (Office of Native American Programs): Tribal governments receiving HUD funding through ONAP must manage housing, infrastructure, and planning efforts while remaining in compliance with federal requirements. Civitas provides specialized training and technical assistance to help tribes manage ONAP funding efficiently, ensure compliance, and develop sustainable housing and community development plans tailored to their unique cultural and geographic needs.

CPF/EDI (Capital Projects Fund / Economic Development Initiatives): Securing and managing CPF or EDI funds requires navigating complex infrastructure and economic development criteria. Civitas supports clients by identifying eligible projects, preparing funding applications, maintaining proper documentation, and ensuring full compliance with federal reporting requirements. We streamline the path from project planning to execution, particularly in underserved and economically distressed communities.

PHA (Public Housing Agency): Coordinating with PHAs to meet affordable housing needs is a critical part of HUD-funded planning processes. Civitas partners with jurisdictions to analyze local housing needs, develop data-driven strategies, and coordinate with PHAs in the preparation of Consolidated Plans and Annual Action Plans. We also assist in enhancing collaboration between agencies and ensuring plans align with HUDs objectives.

CoC (Continuum of Care): Navigating the Continuum of Care (CoC) program and e-snaps system can be challenging. Civitas brings deep expertise in preparing and submitting CoC applications, offering support in developing strategic plans to reduce homelessness. Our team provides technical assistance to ensure compliance, improve coordination among service providers, and strengthen local systems addressing housing instability.

Affordable Housing Underwriting: Evaluating the financial viability of affordable housing projects requires expert analysis. Civitas offers underwriting support tailored to meet HUDs affordability and compliance standards, including CFR 92.202. We help clients assess development costs, rental income, market trends, and subsidy structures to ensure long-term sustainability and successful funding approval.

NEPA (National Environmental Policy Act): Compliance with NEPA is essential for federally funded projects. Civitas assists clients in preparing Environmental Reviews, Environmental Assessments (EAs), and Environmental Impact Statements (EIS) to meet HUD and NEPA standards. We offer training and hands-on technical assistance to guide clients through documentation, public participation, and mitigation planning.

Davis-Bacon Act & Section 3: Ensuring compliance with Davis-Bacon and Section 3 requirements can be complex and labor-intensive. Civitas provides comprehensive consulting services, including wage monitoring, labor standards compliance, construction oversight, Section 3 outreach, and reporting support. We help clients implement effective local hiring practices while meeting all HUD labor and economic opportunity standards.

ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act): ARPA funding offers unique opportunities for recovery and development. Civitas assists jurisdictions in developing grant policies and procedures, monitoring procurement practices, and establishing systems for grant compliance and reporting. We support strategic deployment of ARPA funds to address housing stability, public health, and economic recovery goals.

PRICE Grant (Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness): Transitioning individuals from homelessness into permanent housing involves coordination across service systems. Civitas helps clients design PRICE-funded programs, navigate application processes, and implement supportive service models. Our expertise ensures projects align with HUD priorities while maximizing outcomes for vulnerable populations.

BABA (Build America, Buy America Act): Understanding and complying with BABA requirements is critical for federally funded infrastructure projects. Civitas offers tailored support to determine compliance thresholds, maintain procurement records, and develop internal procedures. We provide training and planning assistance to help clients meet domestic sourcing requirements and maintain eligibility for federal infrastructure funds.

Lead Hazards: Lead-based paint and lead hazards continue to pose serious health risks, particularly in older housing stock. Civitas assists jurisdictions in developing and implementing lead hazard control programs that comply with HUD guidelines and environmental regulations. Our services include program design, risk assessment coordination, compliance monitoring, and reporting. We also provide technical assistance and training to local staff and contractors to ensure safe and effective hazard remediation.

Older Adults Home Modification Program: The Older Adults Home Modification Program (OAHMP) supports aging in place by funding low-cost, high-impact home modifications. Civitas works with grantees to design and implement effective modification programs tailored to local needs. We assist in developing eligibility criteria, outreach strategies, contractor coordination, and compliance tracking. Our team ensures that program goals align with HUD standards while improving safety and accessibility for older adults.