HAC News Formats. pdf

March 1, 2018
Vol. 47, No. 5

Opportunity Zone deadlines nearing • Grants available for TA to purchasers of maturing mortgage 515 properties • CDFI Funds offered, including for CDFIs serving Native American communities • Small grants available to connect arts and community development • HUD seeks tribal input on revising Section 184 regs • Members named to new congressional committee on budget and appropriations process • Planning underway for Housing Week of Action • CFPB requests input on feedback • USDA launches opioid resources page • Review of Kerner report data shows some improvements, some declines for African Americans over 50 years • New center seeks to connect homelessness research to practice • Materials from HAC’s budget webinar posted online • RD approves a third national online homeownership education provider • HAC to host American Indian Housing Symposium: Brainstorming New Strategies for Systemic Housing Challenges, Rapid City, SD, May 2-3

HAC News Formats. pdf

February 16, 2018
Vol. 47, No. 4

Federal funding deal lifts spending caps, takes government through March 23 • Administration releases FY19 budget proposal • Administration proposes Rural Infrastructure Program • HUD offers Youth Homeless Demonstration Program, includes rural setaside • CFPB seeks comment on reducing burden of its enforcement • Allocations, waivers, and more published for CDBG-DR grantees • FHFA issues housing goals for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac • Perdue testifies on rural economy • Glendenning to head RHS single-family programs • Scorecard links poverty to policy, not poor choices

HAC News Formats. pdf

February 1, 2018
Vol. 47, No. 3

February is African American History Month • Housing not included in State of the Union address • FY19 budget to be released this month • Latest continuing resolution ends February 8 • New Opportunity Zones program created by Tax Cuts and Jobs Act • Carson pledges to increase resources to rural America • IRS urges hurricane survivors to consider EITC • HUD considers changes to manufactured housing rules • RD multifamily housing financial reporting requirements clarified • RD offers guidance on using design/build and construction management proposals • Census Bureau not updating questions on race and ethnicity • HUD invites comments on new reporting system for IHBG recipients • House passes bill to exempt more lenders from HMDA • Gil Gonzalez named RD Chief of Staff • Native American Creative Placemaking published by HAC • Native CDFIs have high demand, need more resources, says survey • HAC releases report on USDA rural housing program activity in FY17 • Webinars offered on financing Farm Labor Housing with USDA Section 514/516 funding

HAC News Formats. pdf

January 18, 2018
Vol. 47, No. 2

Government shutdown or another CR are both possibilities • Rural Prosperity Task Force report issued • Trump signs Executive Order on rural broadband, House members introduce bills • HUD suspends fair housing rule, requests comments • House passes expansion of Family Self-Sufficiency program • Guidance offered on using Section 538 for Section 515 preservation • RD updates information on Capital Needs Assessment for rental properties • USDA RD single-family loan limits revised for some states • Affordable housing linked to opioid addiction recovery • Interactive map shows debt by county • MacArthur explains why educators, health professionals, and those focused on economic mobility should care about housing • HUD offers Secretary’s Award for Healthy Homes • Shonterria Charleston named HAC’s Director of Training and Technical Assistance • Three webinars offered on financing Farm Labor Housing with USDA Section 514/516 funding • HUD sets webinar on Manufactured Home Dispute Resolution Program

HAC News Formats. pdf

January 4, 2018
Vol. 47, No.1

Appropriations process continues • Final tax law preserves LIHTC, lowers mortgage interest deduction • RHS Chief of Staff becomes Acting Administrator • Court rules in favor of Small Area FMRs • USDA RD offers Section 538 rental loan guarantees • HUD withdraws proposed rule for Rural Housing Stability program • Fannie and Freddie set final Duty to Serve plans, FHFA issues evaluation guidance • Interagency Task Force on Agriculture and Rural Prosperity submitted final report • Youth homelessness different in rural areas, says new study • Three webinars offered on financing Farm Labor Housing with USDA Section 514/516 funding

HAC News Formats. pdf

December 14, 2017
Vol. 46, No. 25

Tax bill differences reportedly resolved • Continuing resolution takes funding to December 22 • USDA announces RHS Chief of Staff • Rental housing study emphasizes cost-burden issues • Homeless rate increases in high-cost areas, rural data remains unclear • VA cancels diversion of HUD-VASH funding • HUD to launch EnVision Centers to test collaboration for economic mobility • Significant affordability gap remains for people with disabilities and SSI income • Deadlines compiled for hurricane survivors • HAC issues disaster guide supplement for southern California wildfires • HUD seeks comments on suspension of Small Area FMRs • Input requested on FSS performance measurement system • HUD streamlines administration and income verifications

HAC News Formats. pdf

December 4, 2017
Vol. 46, No. 24

Tax bills will move to conference committee • Another continuing resolution expected for federal funding • USDA RD hires Chief Innovation Officer • Rural lending increases, denial rates and high-cost loans remain higher for minorities • Changes in mortgage interest deduction would have little rural impact • Violence Against Women Act information offered for managers and residents of assisted rentals • Two-thirds of Puerto Ricans requesting disaster aid live in neighborhoods with poverty over 40% • Population fell in small, remote nonmetro counties, 2010-2015, and grew in larger ones • Report suggests LIHTC contributes to public health

HAC News Formats. pdf

November 17, 2017
Vol. 46, No. 23

November is Native American Heritage Month • Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac approved for LIHTC equity investments • House and Senate tax bills advance • House passes flood insurance bill • USDA announces Rural Development state directors • CFPB director Cordray resigns • VA offers per diem assistance • Input requested on free access to credit scores • Section 504 handbook revised • Annual Adjustment Factors released for FY18 • Fannie and Freddie met most affordable housing goals in 2016 • 40,000-120,000 HUD Housing Choice Vouchers could be unfunded in FY18 • Research shows federal housing assistance widespread but insufficient -- NEED CAPITAL FOR YOUR AFFORDABLE HOUSING PROJECT? --

HAC News Formats. pdf

November 6, 2017
Vol. 46, No. 22

Tax plan proposed in House would cut mortgage interest deduction • USDA begins periodic review of rural areas • RHS names new deputy for multi-family • VA offers transitional housing funds and amends regs on homeless veterans • CDFI Bond Guarantee Program accepting applications • Lead exposure strategy input sought by HUD • USDA multifamily financial reporting requirements revised • USDA RD extends foreclosure moratoriums for Section 502 guaranteed loans in disaster areas • HUD sets operating cost adjustment factors • House Financial Services chair Hensarling to leave Congress • Senate hearing addresses cost and coverage of 2020 Census • November 11-19 is Hunger & Homeless Awareness Week • Maine case studies address rural seniors’ housing • “Meeting Native American Housing Needs” subject of Rural Voices • HAC offers symposium on Affordable Housing Solutions for Rural Veterans

HAC News Formats. pdf

October 23, 2017
Vol. 46, No. 21

David Lipsetz named next HAC Executive Director • Senate passes budget resolution • Disaster relief passes House • Carson testifies before House committee • USDA used all FY17 funding for Section 502 direct • Report finds large majority of distressed counties are rural • Social scientists consider “Rural Poverty in America.” • Mortgage interest deduction drives inequality and the racial wealth gap, report says • New tool measures neighborhood opportunity • HAC publishes disaster guide supplement for California fires • USDA-RD releases Customer Service Information Guide

HAC News Formats. pdf

October 5, 2017
Vol. 46, No. 20

Tax proposal would keep LIHTC • House and Senate budget resolutions moving forward • New initiative to combat sexual harassment in housing • HUD sets expedited review for PHAs and TDHEs in hurricane-affected places • Brief examines differences between affluent and less affluent nonmetro counties • Bipartisan approach for Appalachia set forth in paper • National Housing Preservation Database updated • Health care workers cannot afford homes in many metro areas • UPCOMING HAC EVENTS • NEED CAPITAL FOR YOUR AFFORDABLE HOUSING PROJECT?

HAC News Formats. pdf

September 21, 2017
Vol. 46, No. 19

September 15-October 15 is Hispanic Heritage Month • Federal funding deadlines extended to December 8 • USDA-RD creates Innovation Center, requests comments • Patenaude confirmed for HUD, others nominated • USDA RD lists relief available to those affected by Hurricanes Harvey and Irma • FEMA housing vouchers available for REO properties • RHS accepting preapplications for the Multifamily Preservation and Revitalization program • FY18 Fair Market Rents posted • McConnell and Rogers introduce bills to reform and move Appalachian Regional Commission • Regulators propose updates to CRA and HMDA regulations • HUD sets DDAs and QCTs for FY18 • GAO reports on USDA Rental Assistance shortfalls • U.S. Census Bureau releases 2016 income and poverty data • HAC publishes disaster guide supplement for recent hurricanes • HAC announces Section 502 Packaging Training for Nonprofit Housing Developers • Veterans Aging Summit set

HAC News Formats. pdf

August 31, 2017
Vol. 46, No. 18

Information available for Hurricane Harvey survivors • Congress faces busy September • HUD announces RAD expansion • HUD offers ROSS and Choice Neighborhoods funds • House and Senate committee reports disagree on ACS • Disaster preparedness toolkit released for homeless service providers • Nominations sought for HUD Secretary’s Opportunity and Empowerment Award • Need capital for your affordable housing project? • HAC offers September training on single-family development and 502 packaging

HAC News Formats. pdf

August 17, 2017
Vol. 46, No. 17

Worst case housing needs increased, HUD reports • List of tribes for Cobell land buy-back program reduced • HUD suspends Small Area FMR rule requirement • Funds offered for Fair Housing and Family Self-Sufficiency programs • USDA RD offers to extend conditional commitments for preservation debt deferrals • Farias and Rackleff confirmed for HUD posts • Fair housing data guide published for local advocates and planners, webinar scheduled • Rural Voices looks at creative placemaking

HAC News Formats. pdf

August 3, 2017
Vol. 46, No. 16

Senate committee approves FY18 HUD funding bill • HUD nominations advance • Administration infrastructure group created • Section 514/516 Farm Labor Housing preapplications due September 11 • USDA accepting applications for rural broadband funding • VA proposes changes to Homeless Providers Grant and Per Diem Program • USDA to consider new online homeownership education courses • Rural manufactured housing pilots expanding • HUD accepting manufactured housing recommendations • Final rule issued on GSEs’ inclusion of minorities and women • Senate committee hearing focuses on LIHTC • Studies consider impact of mortgage interest deduction reform

HAC News Formats. pdf

July 20, 2017
Vol. 46, No. 15

 

USDA RD leader encourages full use of 502 direct funds • USDA funding moves to Senate • House takes up HUD funding bill • House leaders proposes budget resolution • Congressional committee holds field hearing on NAHASDA • USDA requests comments on improving its regulations • Comment on new HUD veterans rehab and modification pilot • Committee reviews HUD nominations • Programs, including housing, help children succeed, report says

HAC News Formats. pdf

July 7, 2017
Vol. 46, No. 14

House subcommittee marks up USDA funding bill • HUD markup set for July 11 • Funding for 2020 Census falls short in House spending bill • FY18-20 housing goals proposed for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac • National Week of Action on housing set for July 22-29 • Research finds housing discrimination against same-sex couples and transgender individuals • HAC webinar: “An Introduction to Proposal Writing for Nonprofits”

HAC News Formats. pdf

June 22, 2017
Vol. 46, No. 13

Anne Hazlett named to lead USDA Rural Development • Administration’s rural task force holds first meeting, requests comments • House passes Financial CHOICE Act • Trump nominates Farias and Rackleff for HUD posts, Otting for OCC • Patenaude nomination moves forward • Cost burden worsens, Harvard reports, and high-poverty areas growing on metro fringes • USDA issues two Administrative Notices about self-help organizations • Hatch requests feedback on tax reform • FEMA asks for input on regulations • HAC sums up rural housing programs’ performance in FY16 • Coalition forms to combat neighborhood hate activity • HAC SEEKS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

HAC News Formats. pdf

June 8, 2017
Vol. 46, No. 12

June is National Homeownership Month • June is also National Healthy Homes Month • Senate and House members question Carson on HUD budget proposal • Patenaude confirmation hearing held • Data show impact of proposed HUD funding cuts in many places • House begins debate on CHOICE Act to repeal parts of Dodd-Frank Act • Housing still not affordable at minimum wage • Section 533 HPG applications due July 17 • HUD proposes changes to FMR calculations • New exam for certified housing counselors available August 1 • USDA provides guidance on refinancing Section 538 loans • Federal regulators suggest ways to address shortage of appraisers • HUD assistance is associated with better access to health care • State TANF decisions correlate with race • HAC SEEKS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR.

HAC News Formats. pdf

May 26, 2017

Vol. 46, No. 11

Administration’s FY18 USDA budget would eliminate many rural housing programs • USDA proposes reorganization with substantial change to Rural Development • Budget proposes to eliminate significant HUD programs and others • USDA offers Community Facilities Technical Assistance and Training grants • HUD requests input on reducing regulations and costs • Public invited to suggest Executive Branch improvements • Clarifications issued for allowable expenses in RD multifamily properties • Webinar planned on HUD’s Manufactured Home Dispute Resolution Program • REGISTER TO KEEP YOUR HAC NEWS SUBSCRIPTION ACTIVE

HAC News Formats. pdf

May 11, 2017
Vol. 46, No. 10

Final FY17 spending agreement supports USDA and HUD housing • Trump’s signing statement singles out Native American Housing Block Grants • FY18 funding process uncertain • Duty to Serve plans released for comment • USDA RD publishes FY17 voucher notice • New Markets Tax Credit allocations available • USDA to continue stakeholder calls on multifamily housing • HUD reopens Moving to Work comment period • Farmworkers are now older and less likely to migrate, research shows • Rural Voices considers “Action for a Rapidly Changing Rural America • REGISTER TO KEEP YOUR HAC NEWS SUBSCRIPTION ACTIVE

HAC News Formats. pdf

April 28, 2017
Vol. 46, No. 9

FY17 continuing resolution extended for one week • Sonny Perdue sworn in at USDA • Trump order requires reducing federal regulations • Trump creates Agriculture and Rural Task Force • Patenaude and Rackleff nominated for HUD • HUD postpones Small Building Risk Sharing Initiative • FY17 income limits released • GAO issues report on federal programs • Annual NLIHC Advocates’ Guide published • Affordable housing manual offers tools • HAC supports Native American housing • NHLP webinar will cover rural rental housing preservation

HAC News Formats. pdf

April 13, 2017
Vol. 46, No. 8

April is National Fair Housing Month • Congress on recess, faces spending decisions • Housing will be in infrastructure proposal, Carson tells NLIHC group • Grants available for Lead and Healthy Homes Technical Studies • OMB issues second memo about cutting regulations • Funding cuts estimated for states, counties, and cities • Guidance issued for Section 523 self-help grants extensions, final evaluations, and applications • HUD offers technical assistance to CoCs seeking to end veteran homelessness • RD addresses documentation on credit availability for Community Facilities programs • Rural impact report illustrates nonprofits’ successes • Online USDA rural housing data described, updated • Housing Trust Fund state plans described and allocations revised • Report recommends ways to reduce racial/ethnic divide in homeownership • Web tool shows how green infrastructure protects against climate threats • Rural placemaking grantees announced

HAC News Formats. pdf

March 30, 2017
Vol. 46, No. 7

Committee holds hearing, supports Perdue for USDA • Administration proposes FY17 cuts, targets include USDA RA • Senate committee requests proposals for economic growth legislation • RD continues two-tier income pilot for single-family programs • Impact of eliminating Delta and Appalachian regional bodies quantified • Nonmetro counties lost jobs in 2016 • 14% of U.S. children live in areas of concentrated poverty, rates highest for black and Native American kids • Nominations open for site manager and maintenance person recognitions • Housing events planned nationwide for Saturday, April 1

HAC News Formats. pdf

March 16, 2017
Vol. 46, No. 6

Administration’s FY18 budget outline released • Trump orders plan for reorganizing executive branch agencies • Indian CDBG funds available • Pilot to increase nonprofit preservation of Section 515 properties took effect March 1 • HUD withdraws comment requests for LGBTQ youth and gender nonconforming people • Congressional committee reviews National Flood Insurance Program • Report makes case for increased federal investments in affordable housing • Research finds large shifts in income for many, and associated financial strain • Upcoming Webinars on the Federal Budget

HAC News Formats. pdf

February 2, 2017
Vol. 46, No. 5

Trump FY18 budget outline expected March 16 • Senate approves Ben Carson as HUD Secretary • Task forces forming to consider reducing regulations • CDFI funds offered, including for CDFIs serving Native American communities • Comments sought on standards for federal data on race and ethnicity • Research shows severity of affordable housing shortage for lowest-income renters • New data on U.S. farmworkers published • HUD offers Manufactured Home Dispute Resolution Program • Duty to Serve overview video posted • Webinar, March 6: "How President Trump’s First Budget Could Impact Affordable Housing"