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March 31, 2011
Vol. 40, No. 7

• Government funded through April 8. • Congress pushes back on rural housing cuts. • GAO suggests improvements in farm labor housing program. • Donated manufactured homes for Native Americans eligible for Section 502 loans. • RD encourages local offices to partner for replacement of old mobile homes. • USDA secretary appoints minority advisory committee. • OMB requests comments on costs and benefits of regulations. • Rental housing data profiles for congressional districts updated. • Rural Voices features self-help successes. • Get the HAC News sooner – get it by email.

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March 16, 2011
Vol. 40, No. 6

• Another short-term CR expected • House votes to terminate mortgage assistance programs and NSP • Section 202 funds offered • USDA RD ends setasides of Section 502 loans for self-help • HUD reactivates Emergency Homeowners’ Loan Program, House votes to eliminate it • Revisions proposed for addressing manufactured home problem reports • Teleconferences set on Section 538 guarantee program • Comments sought on Fair Market Rents trend factor • National Housing Trust Fund FAQ revised • HAC publishes new fair housing analysis

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March 2, 2011
Vol. 40, No. 5

• FY11 spending continues until March 18 • IDA funding available • USDA seeks comments on draft action plan for tribal consultation and collaboration • HUD requests input on reviewing regulations • Interim rule revises PHAS • USDA offers claims process for Hispanic and women farmers and ranchers • GAO says duplication can be reduced in federal homelessness programs and others • USDA maps rural county characteristics • HUD launches new HOME TA website, including information on conference • Evidence summarized on economic impact of affordable housing • HAC updates foreclosure research • HAC examines manufactured home community conversion to resident ownership

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February 16, 2011
Vol. 40, No. 4

• Plan for remainder of FY11 and Administration budget for FY12 released - USDA rural housing - HUD housing • Mortgage originators at federally regulated lenders must register by July 29 • HUD proposes combining public housing modernization programs • Indian Housing Block Grant advances offered for FY11 • Administration issues housing finance reform report • Rural Voices magazine offers reflections on change

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February 2, 2011
Vol. 40, No. 3

• February is National African American History Month • Administration budget to be published February 14 • HUD offers funds for assisted living, service coordinators, and research • Materials on HUD Rural Innovation Fund NOFA posted on HAC’s site • HUD proposes protections for sexual orientation and gender identity • FHFA requests alternatives to credit ratings for GSE oversight • RD provides guidance on Section 515 properties funded between 1979 and 1989 • Capital Needs Assessment guidelines updated • HUD reports worst case needs increased 20% from 2007 to 2009 • Online map shows poverty rates for congressional districts • Study analyzes HPRP, suggests improvements • Missed the last HAC News?

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January 19, 2011
Vol. 40, No. 2

• House committee considers rolling back FY 2011 spending to FY 2008 levels • EPA offers grants to build capacity to address children’s environmental health • USDA OIG criticizes Section 502 guarantee program • Homelessness and doubled up living increased from 2008 to 2009 • USDA multifamily properties may adopt non-smoking policies • Report says permanently affordable housing can also help build assets • Housing Counseling 101 podcast offered • Website covers Recovery Act impact in Indian Country • Successful affordable housing communications described • HUD offers email lists and a new blog

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January 5, 2011
Vol. 40, No. 1

• 112th Congress begins work on January 5 • Changes in Section 202 and 811 become law • HUD sets February 23 deadline for Rural Innovation Fund applications • HUD issues research NOFAs • Final rule issued for Section 538 continuous guarantee • RD to hold calls on multifamily housing programs • Housing goals set for Federal Home Loan Banks • Comments sought on Federal Home Loan Bank membership • Diversity required for Fannie, Freddie, and FHLBs • White House Council for Community Solutions established • New publications provide NSP case studies • Art Collings Internship Fund established

Access a pdf version of this HAC News. • Appropriations bill withdrawn, FY11 spending still under consideration • New Markets Tax Credits extended • Emergency capital repair grants available for elderly projects • HUD requests comments on 202/811 processing • FHLBank community development lending rule final • Final rule provides CRA credit for supporting NSP projects • Interagency Appraisal and Evaluation Guidelines issued for federally regulated lenders • ACS data published for places under 20,000 • First 2010 Census data to be released December 21 • 2009 federal spending data available for counties • National Rural Housing Conference presentations online • HAC study examines possible reasons for decline in direct Section 502 loans to very low-income borrowers • Season’s greetings!

Access a pdf version of this HAC News. • Continuing Resolution in effect until December 18 • Rural Innovation Fund NOFA released with 60-day application period • Fair Housing Initiatives Program funds offered • Capital Magnet Fund interim rule issued • President to sign bill settling Black farmers and Native American trust land suits • USICH seeks comments on improvements for veterans to access benefits • Agencies searching for models linking services and housing for homeless families • HUD website offers housing and economic data • Nonmetro counties with outmigration may be poor or prosperous, USDA reports • HAC announces 2010 award recipients • Art Collings Internship Fund established<

Access a pdf version of this HAC News. • November is National Native American Heritage Month • November 14-20 is National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week • New Congress means significantly different key players for housing • Future of 2011 appropriations unclear • Preservation Revolving Loan Fund NOFA publishedHUD offers FSS and ROSS funds • Funds available for Native CDFIs • National Housing Trust Fund regulations proposed • Rural Economic Development Energy Efficiency effort launched • Rural child poverty rates as high as 55.8%, Carsey Institute reports • Joint Center considers future of Low Income Housing Tax Credit • Lending information scarce for rural areas, HAC reports • Prepare for the conference on Twitter!

Access a pdf version of this HAC News. • HUD corrects rural counties list for Continuum of Care NOFA • NSP3 information published • HUD offers SNAPS-TA funding • Capital Fund Education and Training Community Facilities Program NOFA released • Final rule allows public housing capital funds for financing • FEMA requests comments on disaster housing guide • HUD finalizes Violence Against Women Act regulation • Guidance offered on FHA and Protecting Tenants at Foreclosure Act • USDA calculates jobs impacted by housing spending • GAO finds problems in affirmatively furthering fair housing • Rural CHDOs’ challenges and opportunities described in Rural Voices magazine • Register by November 1 to get early bird rates for HAC’s 2010 National Rural Housing Conference

Access a pdf version of this HAC News. • Senate committee approves Section 202 and 811 bills • CRA reform legislation introduced • YouthBuild funds available • CDFI Program 2011 round opens • HUD offers family unification vouchers • HUD requests input on proposed Section 202 and 811 legislation • Section 8 Renewal Policy Guide Book revisions available • USDA obligated 85% of Section 502 direct funds available in FY 2010 • Non-homeownership factors may explain benefits to children, researchers find • Case studies highlight livability and transit in rural places • GAO reviews ways of distributing CDBG funds • Register by November 1 to get early bird rates for HAC’s 2010 National Rural Housing Conference!

Access a pdf version of this HAC News. • September 15-October 15 is Hispanic Heritage Month • Fiscal year 2011 begins with continuing resolution • USDA committing Section 502 direct loans without appraisals through September 30 • Rural Community Development Initiative funds available • HUD offers funds for Continuum of Care, housing counseling training • Lead Hazard Reduction Demo Grant NOFA corrected, deadline extended • HUD asks Choice Neighborhoods Grant applicants for advance notice • Final Fair Market Rents set for FY11 • Revised DDA notice published • Rural poverty increased in 2009 • Data on nonmetro job loss and migration analyzed • Register by November 1 for HAC’s 2010 National Rural Housing Conference

Access a pdf version of this HAC News. • Congress returns, CR expected • RD now processing applications for Section 502 guaranteed loans • Bryan Hooper becomes RD Deputy Administrator for Multi-Family Housing • HUD designates Difficult Development Areas for Low Income Housing Tax Credit • RD notice addresses lead-based paint regs compliance • Guidance offered on Section 502 direct loan interest rates • Affordable housing goals finalized for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac • New manual covers rights of RD homeowners and applicants • Housing for reentering prisoners described • Report examines trends in data on elderly • States use ARRA funds to retrofit multifamily housing • Foreclosures impact health • Website offers HMDA data help • Get the HAC News sooner – get it by email

Access a pdf version of this HAC News. • Senate committees consider Indian housing issues • HUD releases NOFAs for Indian CDBG, Section 202 demo, and others • RD to process Section 502 guarantee applications after mid-September • RD offers options to reduce foreclosures for Section 502 guaranteed homes • Rural voucher NOFA corrected • RD issues energy conservation requirement • Ethical conduct rules for RD employees amended • Census proposes revised criteria for defining urban/rural areas • HUD requests comments on MAHRA eligibility date • Neighborhood Stabilization Program recapture information published • 2010 data on RD multifamily tenants released • NCH seeks comments on 2010 Census homeless count • Registration now open for HAC’s 2010 National Rural Housing Conference!

Access a pdf version of this HAC News. • Additional Section 502 guaranteed funds provided for FY 2010 • OMB issues 2010 Circular A-133 Compliance Supplement • Davis-Bacon guidance for Section 502 reissued • Guidance provided on processing Section 514/516 and 533 applications • RD changes guidance for Section 515 or 514 design/build or construction management • Information released on Section 502 guaranteed REO • RD’s income limits may differ from HUD’s • FHFA considers creating ombudsman • Putting Smart Growth to Work in Rural Communities • GAO reports on rural homelessness • Annual data show progress on children’s well-being stalled • HAC seeks nominations for rural housing awards

Access a pdf version of this HAC News. • HUD funding bills advance • Preservation bill passes committee • HUD issues housing counseling NOFA • FY 2011 Fair Market Rents proposed • USDA confirms manufactured housing energy standards

Access a pdf version of this HAC News. • Senate Committee supports USDA rural housing programs for 2011 • HUD FY 2011 funding bills move forward • Banking reform act becomes law with housing provisions • HUD issues guidelines for state and local agencies’ subsidy layering reviews • Revisions proposed to HUD Code for manufactured housing • Unnumbered Letters give USDA multifamily housing guidance

Access a pdf version of this HAC News. • HUD, USDA spending bills for FY 2011 approved by House Subcommittees • Financial reform bill finalized • Sustainable Communities Regional Planning Grant NOFA released • 2009 American Housing Survey data available • Varying definitions of homelessness complicate services and data, GAO finds • HAC testifies at Rural Development Forum on Self Help Housing • HAC seeks nominations for rural housing awards • SAVE THE DATE FOR HAC’S NATIONAL RURAL HOUSING CONFERENCE 2010!

Access a pdf version of this HAC News. • HUD/DOT planning grants offered • RD extends eligibility for Section 538 continuous guarantee demo • HUD considers simplifying procedure for completing new manufactured homes on site • Rules set for new water/waste disposal program • Proposal would give CRA credit for NSP activities • Comments invited on CRA regulations • Comments sought on National Energy Rating Program for Homes • National homelessness plan released • State of the nation’s housing is mixed, says annual study • Green building symposium materials available online • Rural Voices magazine features green building • HAC seeks nominations for rural housing awards

Access a pdf version of this HAC News. • June is National Homeownership Month • Senate considering Extender/Jobs Bill with housing provisions • Additional funding for Section 502 guarantees still pending • HUD releases General Section for FY10 NOFAs • Section 514/516 application limit will be $3 million • Rule finalized on using AHP funds for refinancing • GSE goals proposed for rural housing, manufactured housing, and preservation • Housing goals to be established for FHLBs • Fair housing agreement reached for Texas disaster survivors • Tenants in foreclosed homes still being forced out, study finds • GAO reports federal reimbursement of nonprofits’ indirect costs is inconsistent

Access a pdf version of this HAC News. • Many housing provisions pending in supplemental appropriations and jobs bills • House panel hears pros and cons on HUD rental changes • Comments due June 14 on next Farm Bill • In 2007, 1.05 million nonmetro renters had worst case housing needs • Congressional Caucus on Homelessness launched •National Housing Trust and Enterprise offer green preservation mini-loans • Section 533 HPG notice corrected • “Pre-notice” for Choice Neighborhoods funding issued • USDA RD considers changes to Section 502 guarantee program •Census requests comments on new poverty measure • HUD reduces use of Section 8 income limits hold-harmless policy • Black-white wealth gap quadruples from 1984 to 2007, researchers report

Access a pdf version of this HAC News. • Bill to provide 502 guarantee funds introduced in Senate • House passes manufactured housing replacement bill • Administration to hold rural summit on June 3 • Funds available for Section 514/516 farmworker housing • RD offers Section 538 continuous guarantee demo • EPA amends lead paint rule • USDA studies guaranteed and direct lending • Developing in rural towns mitigates transportation cost impacts • Websites warn homeowners about loan scams • Delinquency and foreclosure lower in community land trusts • NLIHC publishes 2010 Advocates’ Guide • USDA RD updates website

Access a pdf version of this HAC News. • House moves to add 502 guarantee funds • Committee approves GREEN Act • Section 533 HPG funds available • Continuum of Care application registration opens • HUD proposes new definition of “homeless • RD addresses self-help appraisals. • Some dates changed for USDA self-help forums • USDA Section 515 buyers and sellers conferences scheduled for May-July • RD provides guidance on new RESPA requirements • Input sought on reform of housing finance system • National Housing Trust Fund campaign collects nationwide support • Affordable housing still out of reach nationwide • 2010 Census participation rates may be lower in rural places • Data show inequalities for Latino children

Access a pdf version of this HAC News. • April is Fair Housing Month • Funds for Section 515 new construction and Section 521 Rental Assistance offered • Section 542 vouchers available for prepaid Section 515 properties • New Markets Tax Credits available • HUD requests notice from potential Sustainable Communities Grant applicants • HUD Section 8 vouchers offered for non-elderly persons with disabilities • RD addresses environmental justice • RD confirms treatment of Tax Credit Exchange • Online homeowner education approved for RD buyers • NSP definitions changed • New details available on Transforming Rental Assistance initiative • Website lists state and local protections for tenants in foreclosure • SAVE THE DATE FOR HAC’S NATIONAL RURAL HOUSING CONFERENCE 2010

Access a pdf version of this HAC News. • Art Collings passed away March 23 • Preservation bill under consideration • USDA offers funds to relend for water and wastewater • Lists posted of multifamily properties eligible for weatherization • Section 502 packaging demonstration launched • Tribes believe NAHASDA has helped improve housing, GAO finds • HUD releases three studies of homelessness • HUD’s Transforming Rental Assistance initiative taking shape • Homeownership unaffordable for many in metro areas despite housing cost drops