Section 3 Resources

Section 3 is a Federal law that provides low and very low-income persons, and people living in public housing, training that allows them and their families to become financially self-sufficient and achieve upward mobility. Cemented in the HUD Act of 1968, it requires billions of designated federal contracting dollars to be set aside for training, jobs, and contracting opportunities for low, very low-income persons and public housing residents.

How Does Section 3 Work?

  • Section 3 applies to construction and rehabilitation projects with thresholds as low as $200,000.

  • 25% of the “total number of labor hours” worked by all workers on a Section 3 project must be by Section 3 workers, and calls for training.

  • Section 3 applies to ALL public housing capital, operating or development funds.

  • Agencies receiving Section 3 funds: DOE, HPD, Parks, DDC, SBS, DEP, OEM, Mayor’s Office of Housing Recovery & NYSHCR.

How You Can Help?

Join the call for a citywide Section 3 program that is comprehensive, enforced, and monitored. Spread the word to your community about the availability of Section 3 to move people out of conditions that breed crime, disease, and despair.