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:
Consistent with city Resolution No. 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.
The city will accept application packets for ConnectFree funding for Affordable Rental Housing Projects beginning Monday, Aug. 17, 2026. All application packets must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. (local time), on Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2026. Late application packets will not be accepted. Application packets will be accepted only by email in the form of full color PDFs to mesadieumf@GainesvilleFL.gov. The city will not accept application packets submitted by mail or FAX. All attachment files must be properly titled and labeled.
In addition to the application packet, applicants must complete and submit the online project summary (JotForm) which can be accessed by clicking the following link below. This online form will be sent directly to the city. The city reserves the right to reject any and all applications. To request additional application forms, or if you have any questions, please contact Marie M. Mesadieu at 352-393-8619, or mesadieumf@GainesvilleFL.gov.
Funding awards may be subject to approval by the City Manager and are based on funding availability.