Commission approves transfer of $396,752 bond cap to Nevada Rural Housing for homeownership programs

The commission approved resolution 2026-08 to transfer up to $396,752.11 of Lander County's private-activity bond cap to Nevada Rural Housing to support single-family homeownership programs, including down-payment assistance under the 'Rural Rocks' pilot.

John Heuser, director of finance for Nevada Rural Housing, described the agency's programs and reported that since 2006 Lander County residents have benefited from approximately $13 million in mortgage assistance and prior bond-cap transfers. He also explained the Rural Rocks program provides up to $20,000 in down-payment assistance and a potential 0.25 point rate reduction for qualifying essential-worker borrowers; Heuser said program parameters are being adjusted to broaden rural eligibility. The resolution passed by motion and voice vote.

Why it matters: The transfer leverages county bond cap for down-payment assistance and mortgage facilitation to increase rural homeownership opportunities. The board asked for clarification on eligibility and program mechanics, which the housing representative addressed during the briefing.

Next steps: County staff will execute the transfer paperwork with Nevada Rural Housing and monitor program implementation and outreach to eligible residents.