I am new to HUD Section 8 and was wondering (1) How do I achieve 100% compliance with TRACS? and (2) How do I stay informed?

Your first question is a very difficult question to answer and there are many steps that would be involved in being compliant with TRACS requirements.  First, having software that has been tested and can submit the required information to TRACS without any errors is vital.  Second, having personnel that have been trained and have experience in affordable housing programs and are familiar with the HUD Occupancy Handbook 4350.3 as well as with the Monthly Activity Transmission (MAT) guide.  Third, you must have access to HUD's Secure Systems so you can review the certification submissions that are stored in TRACS.  When you submit your voucher for payment the units and tenants on it must match the units and tenants that are in TRACS.  If at least 90% of these certifications don't match you will not be paid.  You need to be able to see what is in TRACS so if there are units or tenants missing you can correct this.  Each one of these items has much more information that can be added to it but there is not enough space to list it all.  If you have these things you will be well on your way to being compliant with TRACS.  

To stay up to date with the latest information regarding TRACS and the industry you should regularly visit the HUD website.  The link is http://www.hud.gov/offices/hsg/mfh/trx/trxsum.cfm  You can view new documents as well as any announcements about TRACS.  There is also a discussion forum that you can sign up for where industry experts discuss day to day issues that occur in submitting to TRACS via HUD or a CA.  

I hope this helps explain what is required to be compliant with TRACS and how to stay up to date.  These are not exclusive by any means and it takes a constant effort to accomplish this.  Your peers in the industry are a great way to gain experience and knowledge.  Thank you.