Newsroom
WHEDA Issues $156 Million Housing Revenue Bond
The Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA) has issued a $156 million Housing Revenue Bond to finance rental housing developments currently in its loan closing pipeline. The bond issuance is expected to help finance 10 developments that will provide more than 800 units of affordable and workforce rental housing in Fitchburg, Madison, Milwaukee, Oregon, Oshkosh, Sturgeon Bay and Wausau.
White House Announces Proposals to Reduce the Racial Wealth Gap
Earlier today, the Biden-Harris Administration announced a set of proposals designed to help narrow the racial wealth gap and reinvest in distressed communities, focusing on expanding access to homeownership and small business ownership. The administration says it will launch an interagency effort to address inequity in home appraisals and publish next week in the Federal Register a proposed rule on countering housing practices with discriminatory effects (disparate impact) and an interim proposed rule on Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing. The administration plan also includes using the federal government’s purchasing power to grow federal contracting with small disadvantaged businesses by 50 percent.
Florida Housing Finance Corporation Highlights Affordable Housing in Honor of National Homeownership Month
In honor of National Homeownership Month in June, the Florida Housing Finance Corporation (Florida Housing) is highlighting the importance of quality, affordable housing for all. Florida Housing understands that homeownership can significantly impact the lives of families, communities, and the local economy now more than ever. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, nearly 50% of all Floridians lived just one paycheck away from homelessness. As unemployment skyrocketed in 2020 and families experienced unprecedented financial strain, more than 57,300 evictions and 7,400 foreclosure suits were filed between March and December.
Biden Releases FY 2022 Budget, Proposes Increased Investments in Housing
Today, the Biden Administration submitted to Congress the president’s budget request for fiscal year (FY) 2022. The budget request totals $6 trillion, the largest increase in federal spending in decades. The Biden Administration seeks $68.7 billion for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and $27.8 billion for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), an increase of $9 billion (15 percent) and $3.6 billion (16 percent) over the FY 2021 enacted levels, respectively.
CalHFA’s National Mortgage Settlement Housing Counseling Program Web Page Updated With 1st Quarter Results
The California Housing Finance Agency is proud to announce that its National Mortgage Settlement (NMS) Housing Counseling Program partners have reported successful first quarter results, which can now be found on CalHFA’s website. As reported by CalHFA’s three HUD-approved Intermediaries, who oversee over 80 HUD-approved housing counseling agencies, nearly 5,000 California residents have received free, confidential counseling sessions.
Governor Cuomo Announces New $25 Million Legacy Cities Initiative to Eliminate Blight in Upstate New York
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the new $25 million Legacy Cities initiative, a targeted effort to eradicate vacant properties in concentrated neighborhoods across Upstate New York and transform blighted structures into newly renovated, move-in ready homes. The renovated homes will help expand affordable homeownership opportunities for low- and moderate-income residents, specifically first-time buyers and households of color.
White House Previews Housing Investment Proposals with Significant Increases for the Housing Credit, HOME, and Housing Trust Fund
Today, the White House released a fact sheet providing further detail on the housing investments it is proposing in the American Jobs Plan. In total, the administration is proposing $213 billion in direct housing funding and more than $100 billion in new and expanded tax credits to modernize existing and produce more than two million affordable and sustainable homes. The proposals include significant investments in NCSHA’s top housing priorities, including the Housing Credit, HOME, and Housing Trust Fund, and enactment of the Neighborhood Homes Investment Act.
Governor Hogan Announces Nearly $17 Million in Neighborhood Revitalization Awards
Governor Larry Hogan today announced nearly $17 million in awards for four state revitalization programs and one federal community development program administered by the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD). “These important programs enable Maryland to partner with local governments, nonprofits, and other stakeholders to support revitalization efforts that enhance the quality of communities and the quality of life for our citizens,” said Governor Hogan. “These partnerships and projects provide critical facilities and services while creating jobs and contributing to positive economic growth.”
RIHousing Funds Efforts to Bridge the Digital Divide
RIHousing today announced funding awards to support innovative and long-term sustainable projects to increase internet access for low- and moderate-income households across the state. The agency’s new “Bridging the Digital Divide” (“Digital Divide”) program provides financial resources to eligible organizations and municipalities in support of initiatives to bridge the digital divide. “While there are a number of initiatives to broaden access and remove barriers, there are still gaps in access to high-speed internet,” said Carol Ventura, Executive Director of RIHousing.
Florida Housing Finance Corporation Announces Winners of Statewide Art Contest: What Does Home Mean to You?
Today, Florida Housing announced the winners of their statewide art contest, inviting kids and teens age 5-18 to submit their visions on the theme: What does home mean to you? The contest aimed to increase awareness on the importance of having a safe and affordable place to call home, particularly leading up to National Homeownership Month in June. Florida Housing received more than 200 submissions from kids across the state who used their imaginations to illustrate beautiful designs showcasing what they notice most about their home life.
WHEDA Awarded Emergency Housing Vouchers By HUD
The Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority has been awarded 313 Emergency Housing Vouchers by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The Emergency Housing Vouchers target individuals and families experiencing or at risk of homelessness, survivors of domestic or sexual violence and victims of human trafficking. WHEDA will partner with a continuum of care agency to accept referrals for tenants who qualify for these vouchers. To assist in housing search efforts and the deployment of vouchers, WHEDA is asking property owners interested in accepting tenants with vouchers to complete a brief online form.
Georgia Department of Community Affairs Implements Policy Changes Expanding Eligibility of Rental Assistance Program
Since mid-March, the Georgia Department of Community Affairs has been administering rental assistance through the Georgia Rental Assistance Program (GRA) to individuals, families, and landlords whose finances have been negatively impacted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on evolving federal guidance, the Georgia Rental Assistance Program has expanded eligibility to include renter households that receive a monthly federal subsidy, such as a Housing Choice Voucher. Only the tenant portion of rent will be eligible for reimbursement and subject to existing program guidelines and limitations.
