Making housing affordable for all North Dakotans has been the mission of the North Dakota Housing Finance Agency (NDHFA) for almost 30 years.  In addition to offering a variety of affordable mortgage options, the Agency ensures the continued availability of suitable rental housing for low-income households and focuses on providing for the housing needs of rural communities.

NDHFA’s popular FirstHome™ program has made it possible for more than 35,000 low- to moderate-income households to achieve homeownership using reduced interest rate mortgages, and down payment and closing cost assistance.

“North Dakota Housing’s homeownership programs are promoted and accessed through a network of lending and real estate partners. We rely heavily on these partners to deliver our message,” said Mike Anderson, NDHFA executive director.

Honorably discharged veterans, elderly, disabled and single parent households, and new and returning North Dakotans are able to enjoy similar financial benefits when they purchase a home using the agency’s programs.

NDHFA’s property management division is charged with providing safe, accessible and affordable rental options for low-income citizens.

“Our compliance staff is dedicated to making sure that the subsidized housing units we oversee are decent, safe and sanitary,” says Anderson. “One of their biggest priorities is to provide property owners/managers with training and technical assistance regarding federal government regulations.”

More than 4,000 North Dakota families live in privately owned properties for which NDHFA provides regulatory oversight and administers US Department of Housing and Urban Development rental subsidies.

The Agency also administers federal housing tax credits for the development or rehabilitation of income-qualified rental units; there are approximately 5,000 units statewide. Agency staff makes certain that those property owners comply with Internal Revenue Service regulations.

In 2007, North Dakota Housing began focusing work on the state’s housing future by offering services to rural communities.

“During the 60th legislative session, North Dakota Housing was granted broader authority to assist communities in addressing unmet housing needs,” said Anderson. “The change allows the agency to provide financial assistance for land development and loan guarantees.”

NDHFA staff and key housing partners also formed a Statewide Technical Assistance Team (STAT) that helps rural communities struggling to address unmet housing needs.  Common issues are a lack of suitable housing for an aging population or appropriate housing for a growing workforce, particularly in energy corridor communities.

The STAT members encourage community leaders to formulate strategies to address their housing needs and guide them through the development process. The program goal is to bring the technical assistance and financial resources to the community, acting as a one-stop shop.

The NDHFA has made a significant mark on the state’s affordable housing industry since it was formed in 1982. The employees work hard to achieve the Agency’s mission, and they look forward to a future that continues to provide affordable housing opportunities for North Dakota citizens.