HUD Community Compass Technical Assistance

Overview

Following Hurricanes Irma and Maria, Puerto Rico needed expert assistance launching CDBG-DR programs with billions in federal funding. Meanwhile, Alaska’s City of Juneau faced catastrophic glacial flooding risks requiring immediate technical guidance. HUD also needed a standardized program manual for single-family new construction that all grantees could use.

Approach

Authored the draft Single-Family New Construction Program manual for HUD Community Compass, covering eligibility, environmental review, construction management, quality assurance, and closeout procedures. For Puerto Rico, drafted administrative policies, reviewed the Action Plan, performed procurement cost estimates, and assisted with program design. For Alaska, provided rapid technical guidance helping Juneau mitigate glacial flooding threats.

Results

• HUD standard created: Single-Family New Construction manual will become the national standard for disaster recovery construction programs
• Puerto Rico programs launched: Administrative framework and enhanced Action Plan received HUD approval
• Alaska catastrophic losses avoided: Technical guidance helped Juneau mitigate immediate flooding risks
• Best practices codified: Manual captures proven approaches from multiple states’ experiences for future grantees to adapt