📘 Empower Local Growth: Section 3
Section 3 of the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968, commonly referred to as Section 3, requires recipients of HUD funding to, to the greatest extent possible, provide job training, employment, and contracting opportunities for low- and very low-income residents in connection with HUD-funded projects and activities in their neighborhoods.
🌟 PCHA’s Commitment
As a recipient of federal funds, the Pinellas County Housing Authority is fully committed to complying with Section 3 across all of its programs. Section 3 applies to:
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All projects and activities funded, in part or in whole, with PCHA federal funds ⚖️
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All subcontracts tied to Section 3–covered projects 🤝
👥 Who Benefits
Section 3 provides opportunities for low-income and very low-income residents of Pinellas County. Eligible residents and businesses may receive preference in hiring, training, and contracting opportunities when available, ensuring that HUD investments directly support the communities they are meant to serve.
🏢 Workshops & Training
To further this mission, PCHA hosts workshops designed to connect residents and businesses with Section 3 opportunities.
📍 Workshops are held at:
Pinellas County Housing Authority – Central Office
11479 Ulmerton Road
Largo, FL 33778
✨ By promoting fair access to jobs, training, and contracts, Section 3 helps ensure that HUD-funded projects don’t just build housing—they also build stronger, more resilient communities.
A Section 3 business concern is a business that meets at least one of the following criteria:
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51% or more ownership by Section 3 residents.
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At least 30% of permanent, full-time employees are Section 3 residents, or were Section 3 residents within three years of their first date of employment.
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Subcontracts more than 25% of the dollar value of all subcontracts to Section 3 business concerns that meet criteria (1) or (2).
Businesses certified by PCHA as Section 3 business concerns qualify to receive contracting preferences, similar to those that Section 3 residents receive for hiring and training.
Preference Order for Section 3 Business Concerns:
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Category 1: Business concerns that are 51% or more owned by residents of the community/area where the work is performed, or whose workforce includes at least 30% of these residents.
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Category 2: Local Youth Services in Pinellas County receiving Section 3 assistance.
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Category 3: Business concerns that are 51% or more owned by Section 3 residents, employ at least 30% Section 3 residents, or subcontract more than 25% of the award to Section 3 businesses.
Businesses seeking certification must:
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Complete and submit the Certification for Business Concerns Seeking Section 3 Preference in Contracting and Demonstrating Capability form.
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Provide proof of eligibility as outlined in the application.
📄 Application Information:
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Certifications are valid for two years.
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Previously certified businesses may submit an update to maintain certification if qualifications have not changed.
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Applications can be obtained by clicking here [insert link to form].
📬 Submit completed application packages to:
Pinellas County Housing Authority
11479 Ulmerton Road
Largo, FL 33778
📞 Questions? Contact:
Regina Booker – Resident Services & Programs Director
Phone: (727) 443-7684 x3125
Email: aclute@pinellashousing.com
✅ Section 3 Compliance Tips
To ensure compliance with Section 3 requirements, contractors and subcontractors must follow the guidelines below when hiring and training for HUD-funded projects.
👥 Hiring & Training Requirements
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Submit employee lists 📋 – Provide PCHA with a list of all positions needed to complete a project, including names of employees filling those positions and all other project-related staff.
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Post vacant positions 📢 – Advertise openings in the service area where the Section 3 project is located. Postings should include training/apprenticeship opportunities, job qualifications, where to apply, contact info, start date, work schedule, and rate of pay.
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Offer positions to Section 3 residents first 🏠 – To the greatest extent possible, make available vacant positions (including training and apprenticeship opportunities) to Section 3 residents in order of priority.
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Conduct aggressive outreach 📬 – Share employment and training opportunities through newspapers, direct mailings, job boards, and other outreach methods.
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Follow hiring guidelines for replacements 🔄 – If positions become vacant during a contract, repeat the steps above (posting, outreach, and offering positions to Section 3 residents).
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Submit compliance reports 📑 – Provide PCHA with all required reports documenting hiring and training activities.
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Correct non-compliance ⚠️ – If notified of a compliance issue, take corrective action within the allowable time period.
✨ By following these compliance tips, contractors not only meet federal requirements but also create meaningful opportunities for residents, helping HUD investments build stronger communities.