Section 3 Certification

Benefit of becoming certified

Section 3 is triggered when HUD funding is used for projects involving housing construction, rehabilitation, or other public construction. Section 3 certified workers and businesses receive preference in employment, training, and contracting on Section 3 projects.

How to become Section 3 certified

Individuals must meet at least one of the following criteria and submit a Section 3 Worker Self-Certification form:

  • The worker's income for the previous or annualized calendar year is below the income limit established by HUD (current income limit for 2022 is $43,900); or
  • The worker is employed by a Section 3 business; or
  • The worker is a YouthBuild participant.

Businesses must meet at least one of the following criteria and submit the Section 3 Business Certification form and required documentation:

  • The business is at least 51% owned and controlled by low- or very low-income persons; or
  • The business is at least 51% owned and controlled by current public housing residents, or residents who currently live in Section 8-assisted housing; or
  • Over 75% of the labor hours performed for the business over the prior three-month period were performed by Section 3 workers.

Completed certification forms and related documentation may be emailed to Section3@nola.gov. After all necessary documentation is received, the Section 3 worker or business will be emailed confirmation of their certification.