May 2025 Newsletter

From the Executive Director

May marks Affordable Housing Month; a time to raise awareness, reflect on past injustices, and recommit to building a future where everyone has a place to call home. Across the country and right here in Nevada, the need for affordable housing has reached a critical point. It’s not just a line item in a state budget or a concern for low-income families, this is an issue that affects every one of us.

A recent article by Next City reminds us of the stakes. Over the past 50 years, more than 150 predominantly Black neighborhoods across the U.S. have been lost to highway construction, disinvestment, and urban renewal policies. These were once vibrant communities, cultural, economic, and social hubs erased by decisions that prioritized infrastructure over people. Though this history may feel distant, its legacy is alive today in the housing challenges we face across Nevada.

In both our urban centers and rural towns, Nevadans are grappling with increasing rents, dwindling housing stock, and zoning barriers. Workers in essential roles from teachers to home health aides are being priced out of the communities they serve. Seniors face fixed incomes that can’t keep up with rising costs. Families are commuting longer distances, making difficult trade-offs, or falling into homelessness.

This is why at the Nevada Housing Coalition we are working to ensure that housing policy is people-centered and future-focused. Whether through legislative advocacy, public education, or collaboration with local governments and developers, we’re committed to solutions that reflect Nevada’s values: equity, resilience, and opportunity for all.

Affordable Housing Month is a reminder that the neighborhoods we protect and the ones we create will shape the future of our state. Let’s work together to ensure every Nevadan has a place to thrive.

-M. Page

 

DEADLINE: SUNDAY, JUNE 1ST

CALL FOR PROPOSALS: 

2025 Nevada Housing Conference

This Sunday, June 1st is the final deadline to submit a proposal for the 2025 Nevada Housing Conference taking place on October 15-16 at Circa Resort and Casino in Las Vegas. 

 

We invite all NHC members and stakeholders to submit their ideas for breakout or plenary sessions at this year's conference. We are seeking interactive and innovative formats, best practices, and diverse perspectives focusing on advancing affordable housing and addressing Nevada's most pressing inventory gaps. Click the button below for further instructions and to submit your proposal. 

 

We strive to host an event with a balanced and relevant curriculum. Please note that not all submission will be accommodated, but we will encourage collaboration on similar ideas submitted and will support session leaders on the development of proposed ideas to best meet the goals of this event. Questions can be directed to amanda.lakin@nvhousingcoalition.org.

 

Partner News

Request for Proposal for the Development of Affordable Housing

The City of Sparks, Community Services Department is seeking proposals for the development of affordable housing for households earning at or below 60% of the current Area Median Income (AMI) for Washoe County, Nevada, as published annually by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The parcel on which the affordable housing is to be constructed is owned by the City of Sparks and is addressed as 306 10th Street, Sparks, NV 89431, APN: 032-191-17. The property is deed restricted, requiring 100% of the units must be leased to households earning at or below 60% AMI.

 

The proposer may choose the type of housing to construct, demographics served (if applicable), unit size, amenities offered, etc. Upon final selection of the project and entity by the Sparks City Council and concurrence with the Nevada Housing Division, the selected entity will be required to enter into a Development Agreement with the City of Sparks, to include the transfer of the deed and ownership of the parcel and associated affordable housing requirements. Bids are due August 21, 2025.

 

Click here to see the RFP requirements and timeline. Questions can be directed to Amy Jones at ajones@cityofsparks.us or 775-353-2386. 

 

Notice of Revised Application Period: State Fiscal Year 2026 Grant Programs

The Nevada Housing Division has issued a notice of a revised timeline for the State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2026 grant application period. Typically opening in the spring, the application period is now expected to open in late summer 2025 and applies to the following grant programs:

  • Account for Affordable Housing (AAH)
  • Welfare Set Aside Program (WSAP)
  • Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG)
  • HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME)
  • National Housing Trust Fund (HTF)

Click here to read the full notice. 

 

NLIHC Names New President and CEO

The National Low Income Housing Coalition (NLIHC) recently named Renee M. Willis as their new President and Chief Executive Officer. Willis brings close to a decade of leadership and commitment to NLIHC's mission. She joined the organization in 2015 as Vice President for Field and Communications and later served as Senior Vice President for Racial Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion. Click here to read the full press release. 

 

Upcoming Events

Beyond the Front Door: A Cross-Sector Conversation on Housing Affordability in Nevada 

 

Wednesday, May 28th | 12pm

via Zoom

JD Klippenstein
Reno Housing Authority

Rae Lathrop
Desert Southwest Conference of the United Methodist Church

Eric Novak
Praxis Consulting Group LLC

Minjia Yan
Millennium Commercial Properties

Join us as we celebrate National Affordable Housing Month with a discussion focused on the broader landscape of housing affordability in Nevada. This cross-sector conversation will explore how affordable housing is deeply interconnected with other critical systems including transit, workforce development, healthcare, education, and small business.

 

We will hear from Minjia Yan of Millennium Commercial Properties who will recap the redevelopment strategy of Chinatown in Las Vegas and highlight the close intersection of housing affordability with transit and small business development. JD Klippenstein from Reno Housing Authority will discuss the role of healthcare in housing as it relates to supportive housing and working with Managed Care Organizations (MCOs). Eric Novak of Praxis Consulting Group LLC will provide an overview of various funding sources along with strategies for place-based housing, an initiative focused on improving the quality of life and access to opportunities for those living in affordable housing communities.

 

The session will be moderated by Rae Lathrop from the Desert Southwest Conference of the United Methodist Church and is ideal for anyone invested in the future of Nevada’s housing affordability.

 

Call for Home Build Volunteers: Build Homes. Build Hope. 

Habitat for Humanity Las Vegas is seeking volunteers who want to make a hands-on difference in the community. Volunteers will assist on Habitat's construction site to build strength, stability, and self-reliance for local families. No experience is needed. They will teach you everything you need to know. 

 

Volunteer Shifts Available:

Tuesday through Saturday | 7:00am - 2:00pm

 

Why Volunteer?

  • Work alongside future homeowners.
  • Learn new skills and grow your confidence.
  • Experience the joy of transforming lives.
  • Share your passion for giving back. 

Click here to sign up or to learn more. 

Resources

 

Member Moments

Oikos Development Celebrates Ribbon Cutting in Carson City

Last week, Oikos Development celebrated the ribbon cutting of Sierra Flats, a 160-unit project located in Carson City. The $55 million project consists of 40 units for seniors on a fixed income and 120 units for families. Sixteen of the family units are offered at market rate, while the remaining 104 are for those earning between 30-60% AMI. Amenities include a wellness center, fitness center, computer lab, EV charging stations, an outdoor playground, and barbeques. Oikos Development was intentional in the design of their project, wanting to create a place where residents can feel safe and well cared for. The units include vast amounts of natural light, modern fixtures, and uniquely themed common areas on each floor. Click here to read more about this new development. 

 

Clark County Increases Investment in Affordable Housing

Clark County has approved over $30 million to support the construction and operation of affordable housing for extremely low-income residents in Southern Nevada. The funding will go towards a variety of projects including:

  • A 50-unit development created for individuals transitioning from homelessness or at high risk of homelessness. This will be a partnership between George Gekakis, Inc. and HELP of Southern Nevada. 
  • A 50-unit development for extremely low-income individuals with chronic mental illness. This will be a partnership between Coordinated Living of Southern Nevada and Mojave Health and will include case management and psychiatric services. 
  • Building and rehab of one of Nevada's low-income assisted living facilities and additional support for a 144-unit project dedicated to serving youth aging out of foster care. These projects will be done by Nevada HAND. 

Outside of the $30 million investment, more than $8.9 million in HUD HOME funds will support the construction of 629 affordable rental units. Click here to read the full article on this investment. 

 

Nevada Rural Housing Releases Statewide Rural Housing Study

Nevada Rural Housing commissioned a study by the University of Nevada, Reno Extension to examine Nevada's 15 rural counties, along with rural areas of Clark and Washoe counties, to provide data on housing supply, affordability, and future needs. The study took place over 24 months, and reports were created for each county with information such as homeownership, rental affordability, and housing growth trends. A few of the findings include:

  • "Nearly 40% of renters in several rural counties are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of their income on rent."
  • "Rural homeowners are also spending over 30% of their income on housing, ranging from 5.1% of homeowners in Eureka County to 29.6% of homeowners in Storey County."
  • "Some communities face limited availability of workforce housing, creating barriers to economic growth and community stability."

The findings will help address the housing challenges in rural Nevada and inform housing planning, resource allocation, and policy priorities. Click here to read more about this report and here to read the full rural housing study. 

 

Malloy, Molly. (2025, May 14). Extension and Nevada Rural Housing release statewide rural housing study. Nevada Today. https://www.unr.edu/nevada-today/news/2025/rural-housing-study.

 

Reno Housing Authority and Brinshore Development Break Ground on 199-Unit Complex

The Reno Housing Authority (RHA) and Brinshore Development have broken ground on a 199-unit affordable housing complex that will serve residents between 20-80% AMI. The project, which is the largest in RHA's history, is made possible with $11 million in Home Means Nevada Initiative funds, a $3 million Gap Affordable Housing Program loan, and a $1 million HOME loan. Click here to read the full press release. 

 

Nevada Gets Closer to Solar-Powered Affordable Housing

The Nevada Clean Energy Fund (NCEF) is commending the Nevada Senate for the passage of AB458 to support solar-powered affordable housing. The bill, sponsored by Assemblymember Howard Watts, has bipartisan support and will give renters in all affordable housing access to the financial benefits of solar. The bill is heading back to the Assembly for a minor amendment, and then will head to Governor Lombardo's desk for signature.

“AB458 will expand cost-saving solar access to low-income Nevada households, support affordable housing, and create quality jobs in the state,” said Kirsten Stasio, CEO of the Nevada Clean Energy Fund. “It also unlocks the full potential of NCEF’s $156 million Nevada Solar for All program for the Nevadans who live in affordable housing. By signing AB458 into law, Governor Lombardo will prevent these low-income renters from being unfairly left out of this opportunity to reduce their utility bills.” Click here to read the full press release. 

 

NHC Members Recognized in Top 50 Affordable Housing Developers

Each year, Affordable Housing Finance releases their list of the top 50 affordable housing developers. These organizations completed nearly 36,000 new affordable homes in 2024 and started another 45,000, Congrats to the following NHC Members who made the list:

Click here to read the full list of developers.  

 

Partner
U.S. Bank

 

Nonprofit/Government
Nevada Housing Division

Contact Us:
info@nvhousingcoalition.org

 

Our Mission:
To promote the development and preservation of affordable housing for all Nevadans
through collaboration, education, and advocacy. 

 

nvhousingcoalition.org

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