Notice 26-09: 2026 Competitive Round Resources

2026 competitive round resources 

During the Pre-Round information session, the Department announced several resources available for the 2026 Competitive Round, including $30,000 per unit, up to $500,000 in LIHTC, and $50,000 per unit, up to $1,000,000 in Rental Housing Financing Program (RHFP) funds for projects applying through the Infill and Redevelopment Pool. 

Additionally, applicants applying through the general 9% competitive round may request up to $30,000 in LIHTC per unit, up to $1.5 million, OR $28,000 in LIHTC per unit, up to $2 million, and up to $2,500,000 in RHFP. For projects competing in the general pool in Allegany, Caroline, Dorchester, Garrett, Kent, Somerset, Washington, Wicomico, or Worcester Counties that are not otherwise Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) entitlement communities or HOME Participating Jurisdictions, these projects may request an additional $500,000 in HOME Funds. Projects requesting HOME funds must meet HOME eligibility requirements. 

Finally, existing rental housing program funds will be counted towards DHCD’s maximum RHFPs per project. Guidance on submitting waivers for these requirements is below. 

Infill and redevelopment pool: 

• LIHTC - $30,000 per LIHTC-restricted unit up to $500K 

• RHFP - $50K per unit up to $1M 

General pool: 

• LIHTC - $30,000 per LIHTC-restricted unit up to $1.5M OR $28,000 per unit up to $2M 

• RHFP (including PRHP) - $2.5M 

Additional funds for select non-entitlement counties:

LIHTC - $30,000 per LIHTC-restricted unit up to $1.5M OR $28,000 per unit up to $2M 

RHFP (including PRHP) - $2.5M + up to $500,000 HOME Funds 

Updated CDA form 202 

An updated version of the CDA Form 202 will be posted in the Multifamily Library the week of June 8, 2026 based on continued feedback. 

CDA loan assumption policy 

Loan assumptions for existing DHCD loans are generally not allowed in the 9% Round because they count towards the total Rental Housing Financing Program (RHFP) fund limits. Projects competing in the Infill and Redevelopment Pool or projects under forty (40) units may request a waiver of this policy under Section 3.7.1 of the Guide. Waiver requests must be submitted by the round waiver deadline and include the following documentation for DHCD review: 

• CDA form 202 for the proposed project
• Initial Regulatory Agreement
• A narrative including the following information: 
  • Amount of loan(s) 
  • Balance of loan(s)
  • Loan originally closed
  • Maturity date
  • Current AMI of units 
  • Proposed AMI of units
  • Loan payoff or partial payoff amount(s)
  • Acquisition costs and any payoffs associated with the transaction 

2026 pre-round information session presentation and competitive round FAQs 

The Department thanks everyone for continued feedback; the presentation from the Pre-Round Information Session - PDF - 423.45 KB held on May 28th and the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - PDF - 298.47 KB have been posted in the Multifamily Library on the Department’s website. Additional FAQs may be added as questions are received. Please continue to check the website for updates. 

If you have any questions, please email [email protected].