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PHFA Thanks General Assembly, Governor and Others for Significant Investment in Housing in New State Budget for FY 2021-22
The Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency today expressed its appreciation to the state legislature, Governor Tom Wolf, and all the housing advocates who worked tirelessly to ensure that housing programs will receive substantial funding support in the new 2021-22 fiscal year budget, providing resources that are absolutely critical as recovery continues from the COVID pandemic. “We’re grateful to the General Assembly and the governor for making these significant investments in housing,” said PHFA Executive Director and CEO Robin Wiessmann.
RIHousing Launches Pilot Program during National Homeownership Month
RIHousing today announced the launch of a new pilot program that provides a pathway to sustainable homeownership for first-time buyers. RIHousing’s HomeSecure Grant program offers educational and financial resources to support new homeowners and is offered in conjunction with a RIHousing mortgage. The program features a robust financial literacy program via a network of partner agencies as well as access to an emergency fund reserve to assist borrowers in the first three years of owning a home.
Elected Officials and Partners Celebrate New Affordable Apartments in Smithfield
U.S. Senator Jack Reed, U.S. Congressman David Cicilline, Governor Daniel McKee, and Smithfield Town Manager Randy Rossi joined leaders from Smithfield Housing Authority, Coventry Housing Associates, RIHousing and funding and community partners today to celebrate the completion of new rental homes in Smithfield. “I’m proud to have been part of the public-private partnership that revitalized this former iron foundry site into beautiful, affordable homes.
Virginia Housing Announces $500,000 Grant to Fund 3D Home-Building Printer
Virginia Housing today announced a $500,000 Innovation Demonstration grant to the Virginia Center for Housing Research at Virginia Tech to secure a 3D modular construction printer to print the concrete walls on the first 3D-printed home for sale in Virginia. Alquist, a 3D printing construction firm, will be working directly with the VCHR to print the home’s exterior walls.
Governor Hogan Announces $25 Million Initiative to Revitalize Downtowns and Main Streets
Governor Larry Hogan today announced the launch of Project Restore, a $25 million economic recovery initiative that will provide financial incentives for small businesses and commercial developers to revitalize vacant retail and commercial space. The governor made the announcement in downtown Berlin during a five-day tour of the Eastern Shore. “Project Restore will help put more ‘open for business’ signs in storefront windows, create thousands of jobs, and transform neighborhoods and communities,” said Governor Hogan.
HUD Proposes to Reinstate 2013 Disparate Impact Rule
On June 25, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development issued a proposed rule to recodify the Discriminatory Effects Standard regulations (2013 Rule) — commonly referred to as the disparate impact rule or burden-shifting framework — that has been in place since 2013. Under the Trump Administration, in September 2020 HUD issued the final rule, titled “HUD’s Implementation of the Fair Housing Act’s Disparate Impact Standard” (2020 Rule), intended to replace the 2013 Rule. However, due to a preliminary injunction issued in a court case challenging the 2020 Rule prior to its effective date, the 2020 Rule never took effect; thus, the 2013 Rule remains in effect.
MassHousing Closes Approximately $19 Million in Financing for the Second Phase of the Transformative Enterprise Center in Downtown Brockton
MassHousing has closed on approximately $19 million in affordable and workforce housing financing to Trinity Financial, Inc., which is developing the 111-unit Phase Two of the Enterprise Center in Downtown Brockton for residents with a wide range of incomes. The MassHousing financing will allow Trinity Financial to complete the redevelopment of the Enterprise Block and deliver a total of 224 new rental homes to Brockton’s downtown. The project’s first phase opened in 2015.
NCSHA Statement on the Nomination of Julia Gordon and Appointment of Sandra L. Thompson
WASHINGTON, DC – The National Council of State Housing Agencies (NCSHA) commends President Biden for his nomination of Julia Gordon to serve as Assistant Secretary for Housing, Federal Housing...
Treasury’s Revised Emergency Rental Assistance Guidance Addresses NCSHA Recommendations on Bundling Assistance, Housing Stability Services
On June 24, the U.S. Department of the Treasury released updated Frequently Asked Questions for the Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) program addressing a number of issues, including recommendations NCSHA has made to more efficiently use ERA resources to help eligible low-income renters maintain stable housing and pay utilities. The guidance addresses both ERA 1, authorized by the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, and ERA 2, authorized by the American Rescue Plan, and explains differences between those two components of the program.
Sandra L. Thompson Announced as Acting Director of FHFA
Washington, D.C. – Yesterday, the White House appointed Sandra L. Thompson as the Acting Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) effective immediately.
Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development Issues First Sustainability Bonds in Agency’s History
Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development Secretary Kenneth C. Holt announced the issuance of the first ever ‘Sustainability Bonds’ to be sold by the department. The department’s bond-issuing entity, the Community Development Administration, issued approximately $13.6 million in Sustainability Bonds; proceeds of the bond sale will support energy efficient affordable housing in Frederick County.
Secretary Fudge Outlines HUD Actions to Address Reentry Housing Needs and Increase Public Safety
WASHINGTON – U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Marcia L. Fudge today outlined actions that the Department is taking to improve public safety by addressing the housing...
