The City of Gainesville is seeking eligible applicants to participate in the ConnectFree Program to develop and/or rehabilitate affordable rental housing projects.The purpose of the ConnectFree Program for Affordable Rental Housing Projects is to provide financial assistance for the cost of extension and connection to Gainesville Regional Utilities (GRU) water and wastewater systems to eligible properties located within the GRU service area.
If funds are available, the city proposes to fund local government contributions to affordable rental housing projects that intend to apply to the Florida Housing Finance Corporation for financial assistance through the following programs:
• 9% Low Income Housing Tax Credits (RFA 2026-201, Local Government Area of Opportunity Goal); and
• State Apartment Incentive Loans (RFA 2026-205, SAIL).
Consistent with City Resolution Number 2023-806, the ConnectFree Program provides financial assistance for the development and/or rehabilitation of affordable rental housing projects that utilize the 9% Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) Program, the State Apartment Incentive Loans (SAIL) Program, and other similar programs. To be eligible for financial assistance through the ConnectFree Program, an affordable housing project must meet certain program criteria such as providing rental housing units to low-income households (as defined by the Unites States Department of Housing and Urban Development) and demonstrating financial capacity to develop and manage the rental housing projects. Other eligibility criteria may apply, as determined by the City of Gainesville.
Please use the links below to find further information (including Lobbyist Registration), LGOA & SAIL application and Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA).