Opinion ID: 2819925
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Regulatory Backdrop

Text: The provision of public housing in the United States is authorized under 42 U.S.C. § 1437 and administered by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (“HUD”). 2 HUD carries out this duty in part by distributing funds to local public housing authorities (“PHAs”) that, in turn, manage housing projects. 3 The relationship between HUD and a PHA is governed by a standard written contract called an “annual contributions contract” or “ACC.” 4 Under an ACC, HUD agrees to provide funds for housing assistance payments and administrative fees and in exchange the PHA “agrees to administer the program in accordance with HUD regulations and requirements.” 5 A PHA may apply to HUD for authorization to demolish or dispose of a public housing project under 42 U.S.C. § 1437p. “[I]n cases where PHAs must demolish housing due to an emergency or natural disaster,” however, it “has been HUD’s practice, as reflected in the [standard form] ACC,” to allow demolition without prior authorization to ensure the health and safety of residents. 6 “If the PHA rebuilds less than all of the demolished structures or the project, the PHA shall submit a demolition application . . . within one year 1 42 U.S.C. § 1437 et seq. 2 See 24 C.F.R. § 970.1 et seq. 3 Id. at § 982.151(a)(1). 4 Id. 5 Id. 6 Public Housing Program: Demolition or Disposition of Public Housing Projects, and Conversion of Public Housing to Tenant-Based Assistance, 79 Fed. Reg. 62,250, 62,254, 62,265 (October 16, 2014) (to be codified at 24 C.F.R. § 970.33), also available at http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2014-10-16/pdf/2014-24068.pdf. 2 Case: 14-40955 Document: 00513127196 Page: 3 Date Filed: 07/23/2015 No. 14-40955 of such demolition to formalize and request official HUD approval for the action under [section 1437p].” 7