How can I acquire an award of Project-based Section 8 Vouchers for the affordable housing development I am planning?

June 26, 2025

The Oakland Housing Authority (OHA) generally utilizes the City of Oakland’s NOFA process as the first step in the competitive selection process required for awarding Section 8 Project-Based Vouchers (PBV).  OHA’s general guidelines for allocating PBVs are:

• A minimum of 10-units in a project, up to a maximum 25% of the total number of units in the project.
• Only 1 to 4 -bedroom unit sizes are eligible to be awarded PB assistance in this offering.
• Projects with 40 or more units may request up to ten (10) additional “exception units” above the 25% project cap.
• Projects that are less than 40 units in size may request “exception units” for the project to qualify but must still comply with the 10-unit minimum project award. Qualifying “exception units” are designated units at the project that will be reserved for elderly, disabled, or households receiving supportive services.