ND HB1496

Appropriates $20,000,000 from the general fund to the Department of Commerce for rural workforce housing grants during the biennium July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2025, designated as one-time funding.

Requires the Department of Commerce to develop grant guidelines including eligibility criteria, maximum award amounts, and reporting requirements.

Restricts grant eligibility to cities with populations under 5,000 people.

Permits grant funding for housing studies to identify workforce housing needs and blighted properties, purchasing blighted properties or vacant lots, removing hazards or structures, and providing up to $10,000 per business for repairs or improvements in mixed-use properties designated for rural workforce housing.