NCSHA Blogs
HUD Allocates $1.988 Billion in Final Round of CDBG-CV Funds
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced on September 11 the third and final round of allocation of the $5 billion Congress provided in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act in supplemental Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding (CDBG-CV).
HUD Publishes CARES Act Guidance for Emergency Solutions Grants
On September 1, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) published a Notice announcing the allocation formula, amounts, and program requirements for the $3.96 billion in supplemental Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG) Program funding Congress provided in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act to help states and localities respond to the coronavirus pandemic (ESG-CV). The Notice also extends the waivers and flexibilities provided for ESG-CV funds to annual ESG funds for prior fiscal years so that grantees may use annual ESG resources as part of their coronavirus response.
CDC Temporarily Halts Evictions Nationwide
On September 1, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued an emergency public health order to temporarily halt most evictions to prevent the further spread of COVID-19.
HUD Publishes CARES Act Guidance for CDBG Program
On August 10, HUD published a Notice providing guidance on program rules, waivers, and alternative requirements allowed in accordance with the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act for the $5 billion in supplemental Community Development Block Grant funding Congress provided to help states and localities respond to the coronavirus pandemic (CDBG-CV). The Notice also provides flexibility and relief for annual formula CDBG grants for fiscal years (FY) 2019 and 2020, so that grantees may use regular yearly CDBG resources for those years as part of their coronavirus response.
Executive Order Directs Agencies to Consider Ways to Prevent Evictions, Foreclosures
On August 8, President Trump issued an Executive Order to address COVID-19-related challenges for renters and homeowners. The E.O. directs a number of federal agencies, including the Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Department of Treasury, to consider actions to prevent eviction and foreclosure. However, it does not include specific policy changes.
HUD Awards $74 Million to State Housing Agencies for Housing for Persons with Disabilities
HUD announced on August 3 it had awarded more than $74 million in Section 811 Supportive Housing for Persons with Disabilities grants to 12 state housing agencies, including 10 state housing finance agencies. The awards will provide project-based rental assistance to approximately 2,400 units for up to five years.
Senate Republicans Unveil Coronavirus Relief Plan, Setting Stage for Negotiations with House Democrats
On July 27, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) began releasing a series of bills that together constitute the Republicans’ proposal for the next coronavirus relief package. The approximately $1 trillion proposal is the result of lengthy negotiations with the White House and internal discussions among Senate Republicans, yet reportedly some Republican Senators may still not support the plan.
HUD Replaces Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing Rule with Preserving Community and Neighborhood Choice Rule
On July 23, HUD issued a new Preserving Community and Neighborhood Choice final rule, which repeals the 2015 Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing final rule and the 1994 Analysis of Impediments requirements, returning to HUD’s pre-1994 understanding of the 1968 Fair Housing Act’s obligation to affirmatively further fair housing. The Preserving Community and Neighborhood Choice rule requires HUD grantees to certify they will use HUD funds to take active steps to promote fair housing. HUD will deem sufficient a grantee’s certification so long as the grantee proposes to take any action above what is required by statute to promote the attributes of fair housing. The rule defines fair housing as “housing that, among other attributes is affordable, safe, decent, free of unlawful discrimination, and accessible under civil rights laws.” The final rule is not subject to public notice or comments and will be effective 30 days after its publication in the Federal Register.
NLIHC Report Finds Pandemic Further Increases Housing Instability Risk for Low-Wage Renters
On July 14, the National Low Income Housing Coalition (NLIHC) released "Out of Reach: The High Cost of Housing," its annual report documenting the gap between renters’ wages and the cost of rental housing across the nation. NLIHC’s 2020 report concludes that the economic downturn spurred by the coronavirus further increases the risk of housing instability for millions of low-wage renters who were struggling to make ends meet before the pandemic.
