NCSHA Blogs
FHFA Publishes Final GSE Affordable Housing Goals for 2018-2020
The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) February 6 published a final rule establishing the affordable housing goals for the government-sponsored enterprises (GSEs) Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac for years 2018 through 2020. The rule maintains most of the affordable single-family and multifamily housing goals and subgoals at the same levels from years 2015-2017.
Office of the Comptroller of the Currency to Consider Modifications to Community Reinvestment Act Regulations
On February 2, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) announced that within the next 30 days it will publish for public comment an advance notice of proposed rule-making to modify and improve regulations related to the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA). Specifically, Comptroller of the Currency Joseph Otting said he would like to provide greater simplification and clarity, including clear benchmarks by which to measure the success of financial institutions in meeting their obligations under CRA. The Treasury Department last year also announced its intention to draft recommendations for improvements to CRA. The Treasury recommendations are likely to come out sometime early this year.
S&P Global Releases Report, Holds Webinar on Housing Sector, HFAs
Yesterday afternoon, S&P Global Ratings held a webinar to discuss the U.S. Municipal Housing Sector 2018 Outlook it distributed a few days earlier.
Draft Housing Finance Reform Proposal Leaks
Earlier this week, a draft housing finance reform proposal being developed by Senators Bob Corker (R-TN) and Mark Warner (D-VA) began circulating in Washington. Corker’s and Warner’s offices confirmed the leaked draft’s authenticity but stressed that it does not reflect recent changes they have made to the legislation.
HUD Seeking Nominations for Secretary’s Award for Healthy Homes
Through the Office of Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes (OLHCHH), and in partnership with the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA), HUD is now accepting nominations for the HUD Secretary’s Award for Healthy Homes.
Congressional Leaders Announce Changes to Key Committee Rosters
In the wake of recent elections and resignations, House and Senate leaders have appointed new members to several congressional committees. An updated set of these key congressional committee rosters can be found here.
FHFA Strategic Plan for 2018-2022 Directs GSEs to Work with HFAs
The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) earlier today released its final Strategic Plan for 2018-2022. The plan outlines FHFA's goals and priorities for overseeing Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and the Federal Home Loan Banks (FHLBs).
Mayors and Business Leaders Launch Coalition to Combat Homelessness and Increase Investment in Affordable Housing
A bipartisan group of mayors and business leaders from around the country yesterday announced a new initiative to protect and expand current levels of federal spending for programs addressing the issues of affordable housing and homelessness.
Congress Passes New Stopgap Funding Bill, Ending Government Shutdown
On January 22, President Trump signed a new stopgap spending bill for Fiscal Year (FY) 2018, officially ending a three-day government shutdown. This Continuing Resolution (CR), which passed the House and Senate earlier in the day, is the fourth in a series of short-term spending bills since the 2018 fiscal year began in October. The CR funds federal programs, including HUD and USDA affordable housing programs, at FY 2017 levels; reauthorizes the National Flood Insurance Program through February 8; and funds the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) for six years.
Trump Infrastructure Plan Leaked Draft Emerges
Yesterday, a leaked draft outline of the Trump Administration’s infrastructure plan began circulating in Washington and beyond. One of the key planks of the plan includes enhancing private activity bonds (PABs), including removing the state PAB volume cap.
