HAC News Archives

If you need information on affordable rural housing and rural America in a quick, easy-to-digest format, you need the HAC News.

HAC News: February 22, 2012

February 22, 2012/in HAC News

HAC News Formats. pdf, mobi, epub

February 22, 2012
Vol. 41, No. 4

• Administration budget requests some increases, some reductions for housing in FY13 • HUD offers funds for fair housing, ROSS, FSS, planning, and TA • New rural jobs initiative announced • HUD provides guidance on HOME program’s resale and recapture requirements • Consumer Financial Protection Bureau seeks nominations for advisory board • Fewer units affordable for extremely low-income renters • Slower growth, increased diversity in U.S. nonmetro population reported

February 22, 2012
Vol. 41, No. 4

ADMINISTRATION BUDGET REQUESTS SOME INCREASES, SOME REDUCTIONS FOR HOUSING IN FY13. More details are posted on HAC’s website, http://ruralhome.org, including materials and audio from HAC’s February 21 budget webinar. Official budget documents are at https://www.omb.gov.

USDA Rural Devel. Program (dollars in millions)	FY11 Approp.^a	FY12 Final Approp.	FY13 Admin. Budget
502 Single Fam. Direct (Self-Help Setaside) (Teacher Setaside)	$1,121 — —	$900 — —	$652.8 (141) (67)
502 Single Family Guar.	24,000	24,000	24,000
504 VLI Repair Loans	23.4	10	28
504 VLI Repair Grants	34	29.5	28.2
515 Rental Hsg. Direct	69.5	64.5	0
514 Farm Labor Hsg.	25.7b	20.8	26
516 Farm Labor Hsg.	9.8b	7.1	8.9
521 Rental Assistance (Preservation RA) (New Constr. 515 RA) (New Constr. 514/516 RA)	955.6 0 (2.03) (3)	904.7 0 (1.5) (2.5)	907.1 0 0 (3)
523 Self-Help TA	37	30	10
533 Hsg. Prsrv. Grants	10	3.6	0
538 Rental Hsg. Guar.	30.9	130	150
Rental Prsrv. Demo. (MPR)	15	2	34.4
Rental Prsrv. Revlg. Lns.	1	0	0
542 Rural Hsg. Vouchers	14	11	12.6
Rural Cmnty. Dev’t Init.	5	3.6	8

^aFigures shown do not include 0.2% across the board reduction.

USDA: The Section 502 direct loan program would be cut to $653 million, and for the first time would include setasides for borrowers participating in Section 523 self-help housing and for teachers. Section 523 self-help would drop from $30 million to $10 million. Section 515 multifamily housing would be eliminated, with all new construc-tion using the Section 538 guarantee program and all rental preservation efforts moved into MPR. The Administration will propose legislation to authorize MPR. Again this year, the budget proposes to increase RCDI to $8 million for intermediary organizations to support regional economic development strategies.

HUD Program (dollars in millions)	FY11 Approp.^a	FY 12 Approp.	FY13 Admin. Budget
Cmty. Devel. Block Grants (Sustainable Commun. Init.) (Rural Innovation Fund)	3,508 (100) 0	3,308.1 0 0	3,143 (100) 0
HOME	1,610	1,000	1,000
Tenant-Based Rental Asstnce. (Vets. Affairs Spptve Hsg. Vchrs)	18,408 (50)	18,914.4 (75)	19,074.3 (75)
Project-Based Rental Asstnce.	9,257.4	9,339.7	8,700.4
Public Hsg. Capital Fund	2,044	1,875	2,070
Public Hsg. Operating Fund	4,626	3,961.9	4,524
Public Hsg. Revtlztn. (HOPE VI)	100	0	0
Choice Neighbrhd. Initiative	0	120	150
Housing Trust Fund	0	0	1,000
Native Amer. Hsg. Block Grant	650	650	650
Homeless Assistance Grants	1,905	1,901.2	2,231
Hsg. Opps. for Persons w/ AIDS	335	332	330
202 Hsg. for Elderly	400	374.6	475
811 Hsg. for Disabled	150	165	150
Fair Housing	72	70.8	68
Healthy Homes & Ld. Haz. Cntl.	120	120	120
Self-Help Homeownshp. (SHOP)	27	13.5	0
Housing Counseling	0	45	55

^aFigures shown do not include 0.2% across the board reduction.

HUD: The Administration again requests no funding for its Rural Innovation Fund initiative. It does propose to implement the Rural Housing Stability Assistance Program that was authorized in the 2009 HEARTH Act but is not yet operating; $5 million would go to nonprofits and local governments to aid people who are homeless or near homeless. (Visit https://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/hudprograms/rural-housing for a program description; program regulations have not yet been proposed.) HOME funding would remain at its $1 billion FY12 level and CDBG would be reduced. Savings are projected in project-based vouchers by reducing contract lengths. No funding is requested for SHOP. HUD tenants would be required to pay monthly rent of at least $75.

HUD OFFERS FUNDS FOR FAIR HOUSING, ROSS, FSS, PLANNING, AND TA. Apply for Choice Neighborhoods Demonstration Small Research Grants by March 13, One CPD Technical Assistance by March 15, Fair Housing programs by March 16, ROSS Service Coordinators Grants by March 27, Natural Experiments Grants by March 29, Choice Neighborhood Implementation Grants by April 10, and Housing Choice Voucher Family Self-Sufficiency Grants by April 24. Visit https://www.hud.gov/offices/adm/grants/fundsavail.cfm or https://www.grants.gov.

NEW RURAL JOBS INITIATIVE ANNOUNCED. The Rural Jobs Accelerator, one of three initiatives announced by the Obama Administration on February 21, will combine funding from USDA’s Rural Community Development Initiative, the Economic Development Administration, the Delta Regional Authority, and the Appalachian Regional Commission. Details have not yet been provided but a NOFA will be released in a few weeks, according to the notice at https://www.whitehouse.gov/administration/eop/rural-council.

HUD PROVIDES GUIDANCE ON HOME PROGRAM’S RESALE AND RECAPTURE REQUIREMENTS. CPD Notice 12-003 outlines these obligations for HOME-funded homebuyer projects and explains the impacts on the responsibilities of participating jurisdiction and HUD staff. Visit HUD’s list of CPD notices or contact a HUD office.

CONSUMER FINANCIAL PROTECTION BUREAU SEEKS NOMINATIONS FOR ADVISORY BOARD. Nominations are due March 31, according to a notice that will be published in the February 23 Federal Register. Contact Kimberly Miller, CFPB, 202-435-7451.

FEWER UNITS AFFORDABLE FOR EXTREMELY LOW-INCOME RENTERS. The National Low Income Housing Coalition reports there are now only 30 affordable and available housing units for every 100 extremely low-income renters in the U.S. “The Shrinking Supply of Affordable Housing,” a Housing Spotlight research brief, also includes data for each state and is posted at https://www.nlihc.org.

SLOWER GROWTH, INCREASED DIVERSITY IN U.S. NONMETRO POPULATION REPORTED. Fewer people moved to nonmetro areas between 2000 and 2010 than between 1990 and 2000, and population growth was greatest in high-amenity counties and places near metro areas, according to the Carsey Institute at the University of New Hampshire. Racial and ethnic minorities accounted for 83% of 2000-2010 rural population growth, although there are still few multi-ethnic nonmetro counties. Demographic changes do not alleviate persistent poverty, Carsey notes. “Rural Demographic Change in the New Century” is available at https://www.carseyinstitute.unh.edu/.

HAC News: February 8, 2012

February 8, 2012/in HAC News

HAC News Formats. pdf,

February 8, 2012
Vol. 41, No. 3

• Registration open for HAC’s federal budget webinar • House subcommittee moves housing bills forward • Refi plan for Section 502 borrowers announced • Section 538 rental housing guarantees offered • HUD issues equal access final rule • ESG recipients must amend action plans • USDA plans multifamily housing industry meetings • Official poverty guidelines for 2012 issued • Asset poverty increasing, says scorecard report • Toolkit offered for providing broadband to tenants • February is African American History Month • SAVE THE DATE! 2012 National Rural Housing Conference

February 8, 2012
Vol. 41, No. 3

REGISTRATION OPEN FOR HAC’S FEDERAL BUDGET WEBINAR. The February 21 presentation and Q&A will cover rural housing programs in the Administration’s budget. Visit http://ruralhome.org to register. HAC will also post budget information and analysis on its site when the budget is released February 13.

HOUSE SUBCOMMITTEE MOVES HOUSING BILLS FORWARD. On February 7 the House Financial Services Committee’s housing subcommittee approved the Affordable Housing and Self-Sufficiency Improvement Act, the most recent version of legislation to improve Section 8. Proposed amendments, including one to remove a $69.45 minimum rent for all tenants, were deferred for full committee consideration. Bills relating to FHA and to child homelessness were also passed. The bills and a recording of the markup are available at https://financialservices.house.gov/Calendar/?EventTypeID=311.

REFI PLAN FOR SECTION 502 BORROWERS ANNOUNCED. As part of the Obama Administration’s broader efforts to make refinancing possible for more homeowners, USDA is offering a pilot program in 19 states. Borrowers who are current on payments for their Section 502 direct or guaranteed loans may qualify for new guaranteed loans at lower interest rates without credit reports, appraisals, or property inspections. Upfront and annual fees apply. See Administrative Notice 4615 at https://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rd-an_list.html and USDA’s February 1 press release at https://www.rurdev.usda.gov. Contact an RD office.

SECTION 538 RENTAL HOUSING GUARANTEES OFFERED. USDA RD will guarantee loans for new construction, acquisition with rehabilitation, or preservation of affordable rental housing. It will commit funds first to approved applications from prior years, then to new applicants. See Federal Register, 2/6/12. Contact an RD state office.

HUD ISSUES EQUAL ACCESS FINAL RULE. The regulation, effective March 5, prohibits discrimination in HUD-funded housing on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity, or marital status. Complaints will be handled in the same way as claims of violations of other program rules, and some may also be actionable under the Fair Housing Act. A separate rule will address this topic for HUD’s Native American housing programs. See Federal Register, 1/26/12. Contact Kenneth J. Carroll, HUD, 202-708-2333.

ESG RECIPIENTS MUST AMEND ACTION PLANS. A HUD notice explains that to receive a second allocation of funding under the Emergency Solutions Grants program (which replaces Emergency Shelter Grants), each ESG recipient must submit a substantial amendment to its FY11 Con Plan Annual Action Plan by May 15, 2012. Other requirements are also explained. See Federal Register, 1/27/12, or https://www.hudhre.info. Submit questions at https://www.hudhre.info/index.cfm?do=viewHelpdesk.

USDA PLANS MULTIFAMILY HOUSING INDUSTRY MEETINGS. Teleconferences or webinars will be held at least four times in 2012. See Federal Register, 1/26/12. To register for notices, contact Timothy James, USDA, 202-720-1094, timothy.james@wdc.usda.gov. Those who registered previously do not need to register again.

OFFICIAL POVERTY GUIDELINES FOR 2012 ISSUED. The poverty line for a family of four in the continental U.S. is $23,050. Visit https://aspe.hhs.gov/poverty. Contact Kendall Swenson, HHS, 202-690-7507.

ASSET POVERTY INCREASING, SAYS SCORECARD REPORT. While the nationwide poverty rate for individuals was 15.1% in 2010, asset poverty – living without assets such as a home or car – was 27% and 43% were “liquid asset poor,” lacking savings that could pay living costs in an emergency. CFED’s Assets and Opportunity Scorecard includes data for each state and is free at https://assetsandopportunity.org/scorecard/. Contact scorecard@cfed.org.

TOOLKIT OFFERED FOR PROVIDING BROADBAND TO TENANTS. This online information from the Non-Profit Housing Association of Northern California assumes that broadband is available in an area and is intended to help those who maintain computers, equipment, and networks serving residents to address day-to-day challenges. Visit https://www.nonprofithousing.org/bbtoolkit/index.html.

FEBRUARY IS AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY MONTH. This year’s theme is “Black Women in American Culture and History,” says President Obama’s proclamation, https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions.

SAVE THE DATE! 2012 National Rural Housing Conference!
December 6-7 with pre-conference activities December 5
Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill, Washington, DC

HAC News: January 25, 2012

January 25, 2012/in HAC News

HAC News Formats. pdf

January 25, 2012
Vol. 41, No. 2

• Obama budget to be released Feb. 13, HAC plans webinar • USDA to recapture entire subsidy on foreclosures • Section 542 vouchers available • 2012 income limits for Section 502 direct and guarantee programs released • FHFA requests comments on energy upgrade funding • Updates announced for Hispanic and women farmers’ discrimination claims • GAO recommends improvements for homeless women veterans • National homeless population decreased slightly from 2009 to 2011, NAEH reports • Homeless children increased from 2007 to 2011, NCFH calculates • Administration activities to promote green building recommended • HAC research note shows population growing fastest in suburbs and exurbs

January 25. 2012
Vol. 41, No. 2

OBAMA BUDGET TO BE RELEASED FEB. 13, HAC PLANS WEBINAR. The budget release, originally scheduled for February 6, begins the process of setting federal spending levels for FY 2013. Check http://ruralhome.org and follow @ruralhome on Twitter to receive information as soon as it is available. Join HAC on Tuesday, February 21 at 2:00 p.m. Eastern time for a webinar presentation and Q&A about the budget’s possible impact on rural housing programs. Visit https://cc.readytalk.com/cc/s/showReg?udc=s1q5l8dybb38 to register.

USDA TO RECAPTURE ENTIRE SUBSIDY ON FORECLOSURES. A final rule clarifies that RHS will recapture the full subsidy on a Section 502 direct loan in the event of foreclosure or deed in lieu of foreclosure. See Federal Register, 1/24/12 or https://www.regulations.gov. Contact Brooke Baumann, RD, 202-720-1474.

SECTION 542 VOUCHERS AVAILABLE. These USDA vouchers are available only to low-income tenants of Section 515 multifamily properties where the loan has been prepaid or foreclosed after September 30, 2005. See Federal Register, 1/24/12. Contact an RD office or Stephanie B.M. White, RD, 202-720-1615.

2012 INCOME LIMITS FOR SECTION 502 DIRECT AND GUARANTEE PROGRAMS RELEASED. Visit https://eligibility.sc.egov.usda.gov or contact an RD office.

FHFA REQUESTS COMMENTS ON ENERGY UPGRADE FUNDING. Property Assessed Clean Energy programs in many states and localities finance energy efficient upgrades, and some impose liens that have priority over first mortgages. The Federal Housing Finance Agency requests opinions on steps to protect mortgages owned by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac from these liens. After FHFA’s notice is published in the January 26 Federal Register, visit https://www.fhfa.gov or https://www.regulations.gov. Contact Alfred M. Pollard, FHFA, 202-649-3050.

UPDATES ANNOUNCED FOR HISPANIC AND WOMEN FARMERS’ DISCRIMINATION CLAIMS. USDA offers a maximum cash recovery of $250,000 rather than the former $50,000 and says the new process provides a streamlined alternative to litigation for Hispanic and women farmers and ranchers who can prove USDA discrimination between 1981 and 2000. Visit the newsroom at https://www.usda.gov to read the announcement. To obtain a claims package, visit https://farmerclaims.gov or call 1-888-508-4429.

GAO RECOMMENDS IMPROVEMENTS FOR HOMELESS WOMEN VETERANS. The Government Accountability Office studied existing data on available services and recommended that VA and HUD should collaborate to collect data and plan services, VA should follow policies to refer people to shelters, VA should improve transitional housing services for homeless women veterans with children, and VA should evaluate gender-specific safety and security standards for its Homeless Providers Grant and Per Diem programs. Download Homeless Women Veterans: Actions Needed to Ensure Safe and Appropriate Housing (GAO 12-182) at https://www.gao.gov/assets/590/587334.pdf or purchase a hard copy from GAO, 1-866-801-7077.

NATIONAL HOMELESS POPULATION DECREASED SLIGHTLY FROM 2009 TO 2011, NAEH REPORTS. The National Alliance to End Homelessness credits the Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program for small declines in homelessness nationwide and in subpopulations such as families and chronically homeless people. It reports an increase in unsheltered people and in the homeless populations in 24 states and DC. The State of Homelessness in America 2012, which includes data for states and large metro areas but does not analyze rural homelessness separately, is free at https://www.endhomelessness.org.

HOMELESS CHILDREN INCREASED FROM 2007 TO 2011, NCFH CALCULATES. Using different data than NAEH, a new National Center on Family Homelessness reportdocuments the numbers and characteristics of homeless children in every state, risks for child homelessness, and state policy activities. America’s Youngest Outcasts 2010 is free at https://www.homelesschildrenamerica.org. Contact campaign@familyhomelessness.org.

ADMINISTRATION ACTIVITIES TO PROMOTE GREEN BUILDING RECOMMENDED. A report by the U.S. Green Building Council and partners summarizes executive branch actions taken since 2010 to promote green building and sustainability in housing and commercial buildings. It recommends additional steps that can be taken without the need for new legislation. Better Buildings Through Executive Action: Leveraging Existing Authorities to Promote Energy Efficiency and Sustainability in Multifamily, Residential and Commercial Buildings is posted at https://www.usgbc.org.

HAC RESEARCH NOTE SHOWS POPULATION GROWING FASTEST IN SUBURBS AND EXURBS. Analyzing 2010 Census data, HAC found rural population growth was fastest in the West and South, while the Midwest and parts of Central Appalachia, the South, and the Northeast lost residents. “Rural Research Note: Rural Population Change” is free at http://ruralhome.org or from Dan Stern, HAC, dan@ruralhome.org, 202-842-8600.

HAC News: January 11, 2012

January 11, 2012/in HAC News

HAC News Formats. pdf, mobi, epub

January 11, 2012
Vol. 41, No. 1

• USDA to close 43 local RD offices under new “blueprint” • HUD offers housing counseling training funds • Changes to HOME regulations proposed • RD adds square footage to “modest housing” determination • Food assistance can be included in Section 502 repayment income • Guidance on unliquidated multifamily housing obligations issued by RD • USDA seeks private investors for rural infrastructure • Comments invited on HMDA, SAFE, and RESPA rules • HUD guidebook addresses combining HOME and NSP • Proposals to align federal rental programs released • Federal Reserve recommends GSEs help stabilize housing market. • HUD reports on elderly households it assists • Affordable Rural Senior Housing addressed in new Rural Voices

January 11, 2012

Vol. 41, No. 1

USDA TO CLOSE 43 LOCAL RD OFFICES UNDER NEW “BLUEPRINT.” On January 9, USDA announced a “Blueprint for Stronger Service” to reduce costs while, the department says, providing better results for its customers. A total of 259 facilities will be closed, including 43 RD offices in 17 states. Visit http://ruralhome.org.

HUD OFFERS HOUSING COUNSELING TRAINING FUNDS. Nonprofits with housing counseling training experience should apply by February 7. See https://www.hud.gov/offices/adm/grants/fundsavail.cfm or https://www.grants.gov. Contact Gerard P. Donahoe, Jr., HUD, gerard.p.donahoe@hud.gov, 202-402-3951.

CHANGES TO HOME REGULATIONS PROPOSED. Comments are due February 14. See Federal Register, 12/16/11, or https://www.regulations.gov. Contact Virginia Sardone, HUD, 202-708-2684. HAC will post its comments at http://ruralhome.org as soon as possible. A National Low Income Housing Coalition summary is posted at https://www.nlihc.org/doc/NLIHC_Proposed_HOME_Reg_Summary_1-5-12.pdf and NLIHC will hold a briefing on January 23 at noon Eastern time; email policyintern@nlihc.org for call-in information.

RD ADDS SQUARE FOOTAGE TO “MODEST HOUSING” DETERMINATION. Because declining market values have allowed larger homes to fit under area loan limits, an Unnumbered Letter dated November 30, 2011 establishes square footage guidelines for Section 502 houses. State offices may not impose additional requirements. The UL is posted at http://ruralhome.org. Contact an RD office.

FOOD ASSISTANCE CAN BE INCLUDED IN SECTION 502 REPAYMENT INCOME. In September RD excluded special-purpose payments from the calculation of income a borrower can use to repay a Section 502 direct loan. A December 14, 2011 Unnumbered Letter allows Supplemental Assistance Nutrition Program (Food Stamps) income as up to 20% of total repayment income. The UL is posted at http://ruralhome.org. Contact an RD office.

GUIDANCE ON UNLIQUIDATED MULTIFAMILY HOUSING OBLIGATIONS ISSUED BY RD. An Unnumbered Letter dated December 7, 2011 says that Section 515 and off-farm 514/516 loans and grants must be fully liquidated within three years after obligation. The requirement for on-farm loans is two years. Visit https://www.rurdev.usda.gov/SupportDocuments/uldecember11.pdf. Contact an RD office.

USDA SEEKS PRIVATE INVESTORS FOR RURAL INFRASTRUCTURE. USDA asks potential investors to contact the department by January 26. It will consider a variety of investment structures to leverage its community facilities loan funds. See Federal Register, 12/27/11. Contact infrastructure.investments@osec.usda.gov.

COMMENTS INVITED ON HMDA, SAFE, AND RESPA RULES. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is republishing, without substantive changes, regulations implementing laws previously overseen by other agencies. These include the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act, Secure and Fair Enforcement for Mortgage Licensing Act, and Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act. For HMDA and SAFE, comments are due February 17 and the contact is Mitchell E. Hochberg, CFPB, 202-435-7700. For RESPA, comments are due February 21 and the contact is Joseph Devlin, CFPB, 202-435-7700. See Federal Register, 12/19/11 and 12/20/11, or https://www.regulations.gov.

HUD GUIDEBOOK ADDRESSES COMBINING HOME AND NSP. HOME and NSP: A Guide for Successfully and Effectively Combining Funding Sources explains how to comply with both the HOME and Neighborhood Stabilization Programs when using both, and is posted at https://hudnsphelp.info/media/resources/HOMEandNSP.pdf.

PROPOSALS TO ALIGN FEDERAL RENTAL PROGRAMS RELEASED. A working group of HUD, USDA, and others issued Federal Rental Alignment: Administrative Proposals, describing 10 initiatives to streamline requirements and processes across funding agencies. Visit https://www.huduser.org/portal/aff_rental_hsg/home.html.

FEDERAL RESERVE RECOMMENDS GSES HELP STABILIZE HOUSING MARKET. In a January 4 paper sent to congressional leaders, the Fed outlines directions policymakers might take, while cautioning that economic losses are inevitable. Visit https://www.federalreserve.gov/publications/other-reports/files/housing-white-paper-20120104.pdf.

HUD REPORTS ON ELDERLY HOUSEHOLDS IT ASSISTS. HUD-supported housing occupied primarily by the elderly retained residents until more advanced average ages than housing occupied primarily by non-elderly people. End of Participation in Assisted Housing: What Can We Learn About Aging in Place? is available at https://www.huduser.org/portal/publications/pubasst/locke_aging.html or from HUD User, 1-800-245-2691.

AFFORDABLE RURAL SENIOR HOUSING ADDRESSED IN NEW RURAL VOICES. In the winter issue of HAC’s quarterly magazine, local and national organizations focus on strategies for developing, rehabilitating, and preserving affordable senior housing in rural America. This and other issues of Rural Voices are free at https://www.ruralhome .org. One print subscription per organization is free from Dan Stern, HAC, 202-842-8600, dan@ruralhome.org.

HAC News: December 14, 2011

December 14, 2011/in HAC News

HAC News Formats. pdf

December 14, 2011
Vol. 40, No. 25

• HUD offers housing counseling funds • Section 202 Demonstration Pre-Development Grants available • Consumer Financial Protection Bureau requests suggestions for regulations • Rules issued for Emergency Solutions Grants, HMIS, and new definition of homeless • HUD releases FY12 median family income limits • Changes proposed to HUD’s wetlands and floodplains rules • Administration reports drop in homelessness • Report suggests how states can help seniors age in place • Nominations due January 6 for community reinvestment awards • HAC releases overview of nonprofits’ housing capacity in Delta • HAC examines rural affordable housing issues related to prisoner reentry • Season’s greetings!

December 14, 2011
Vol. 40, No. 25

HUD OFFERS HOUSING COUNSELING FUNDS. HUD-approved counseling agencies can apply by January 12. Visit https://www.grants.gov or https://www.hud.gov/offices/adm/grants/fundsavail.cfm. Contact a HUD homeownership center.

SECTION 202 DEMONSTRATION PRE-DEVELOPMENT GRANTS AVAILABLE. Appropriated in FY10, these grants can be used by those with FY10 Section 202 awards to cover architectural and engineering work, site control, and other planning related expenses that are eligible for Section 202 funding. Deadline is January 18. Visit https://www.grants.gov or https://www.hud.gov/offices/adm/grants/fundsavail.cfm. Contact Denise Taylor-Parker, HUD, 202-402-2892, denise.l.taylor-parker@hud.gov.

CONSUMER FINANCIAL PROTECTION BUREAU REQUESTS SUGGESTIONS FOR REGULATIONS. The CFPB is responsible for regulations originally written by other agencies, including rules for the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act, the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act, and the SAFE Mortgage Licensing Act. It requests specific suggestions by March 5 for ways to streamline “inherited” regulations and practical measures to make compliance easier. See Federal Register, 12/5/11 or https://www.regulations.gov. Contact Jane Gell, CFPB, 202-453-7700.

RULES ISSUED FOR EMERGENCY SOLUTIONS GRANTS, HMIS, AND NEW DEFINITION OF HOMELESS. The Homeless Emergency Assistance and Rapid Transition to Housing Act of 2009 (HEARTH Act) made numerous changes in HUD’s homeless programs. Rules for the Continuum of Care program and the Rural Housing Stability Assistance program have not yet been proposed. Comments on an interim rule for the Emergency Solutions Grants program, which replaces the Emergency Shelter Grants program, are due February 3. See Federal Register, 12/5/11, or https://www.regulations.gov. Regulations are proposed for Homeless Management Information Systems(HMIS), with comments due February 7. See Federal Register, 12/9/11, or https://www.regulations.gov. A final definition of homeless, broader than in the past, is effective January 4. See Federal Register, 12/5/11. All three regulations are also posted at https://www.hudhre.info. Contact Ann Marie Oliva, HUD, 202-708-4300.

HUD RELEASES FY12 MEDIAN FAMILY INCOME LIMITS. The limits and other materials are available at https://www.huduser.org/portal/datasets/il/il12/index.html. Contact a HUD office.

CHANGES PROPOSED TO HUD’S WETLANDS AND FLOODPLAINS RULES. Updated procedures would apply to HUD and to state, tribal, and local governments responsible for environmental reviews under HUD programs. Comments are due February 10. See Federal Register, 12/12/11, or https://www.regulations.gov. Contact Jerimiah Sanders, HUD, 202-402-4571, jerimiah.j.sanders@hud.gov.

ADMINISTRATION REPORTS DROP IN HOMELESSNESS. On a single night in January 2011, HUD states, 636,017 people were homeless, a reduction of 2.1% from January 2010 and 5.3% since 2007. The study report provides national data and figures for each Continuum of Care. HUD’s press release, with a link to the report, is posted at https://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/press/press_releases_media_advisories.

REPORT SUGGESTS HOW STATES CAN HELP SENIORS AGE IN PLACE. Aging in Place: A State Survey of Livability Policies and Practices, by the National Conference of State Legislatures and AARP, examines state policies on land use, transportation, and housing, including consideration of rural issues. Visit https://www.aarp.org/home-garden/livable-communities/info-11-2011/Aging-In-Place.html or contact AARP, 202-434-3890.

NOMINATIONS DUE JANUARY 6 FOR COMMUNITY REINVESTMENT AWARDS. The National Community Reinvestment Coalition will make several awards, including one for a rural nonprofit. Visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/2012ncrcawards. Contact Karen Taylor, NCRC, ktaylor@ncrc.org, 202-464-2716.

HAC RELEASES OVERVIEW OF NONPROFITS’ HOUSING CAPACITY IN DELTA. A new report provides a directory to Lower Mississippi Delta housing nonprofits and summarizes their programs, geographic service areas and gaps, and capacity strengths and weaknesses. Nonprofit Capacity in the Lower Mississippi Delta Region is free at http://ruralhome.org or $5.00 from Dan Stern, dan@ruralhome.org, 202-842-8600.

HAC EXAMINES RURAL AFFORDABLE HOUSING ISSUES RELATED TO PRISONER REENTRY. Rural Reentry: Housing Options and Obstacles for Ex-Offenders also reviews the regulations associated with housing formerly incarcerated persons, suggests resources, and makes recommendations. The report is free at http://ruralhome.org or $5.00 from Dan Stern, dan@ruralhome.org, 202-842-8600.

SEASON’S GREETINGS! HAC’s board and staff wish peace, happiness, and affordable housing to all!

HAC News: November 30, 2011

November 30, 2011/in HAC News

HAC News Formats. pdf

November 30, 2011
Vol. 40, No. 24

• HUD offers lead hazard funding • RD explains energy requirements for new construction • Uniform Appraisal Dataset adopted for Section 502 direct and guaranteed loans • RD will accept third-party initial inspections for single-family homes • Updated rural tenant data released • Research predicts increase in homelessness • HAC launches research series using 2010 Census data • New Rural Voices covers housing and water links • HAC examines supplemental poverty measure • Correction: FY12 funding not subject to deficit reduction actions

November 30, 2011
Vol. 40, No. 24

HUD OFFERS LEAD HAZARD FUNDING. Applications are due January 18 for both the Lead-Based Paint Hazard Control Grant Program and the Lead Hazard Reduction Demonstration Grant Program. Visit https://www.grants.gov or https://www.hud.gov/offices/adm/grants/fundsavail.cfm. Contact Michelle M. Miller, HUD, michelle.m.miller@hud.gov, 202-402-5769.

RD EXPLAINS ENERGY REQUIREMENTS FOR NEW CONSTRUCTION. Administrative Notice 4603 (October 28, 2011) states that USDA-funded new construction projects are now governed by the 2007 Energy Independence and Security Act’s standards for the efficiency of equipment and appliances in homes. These standards do not apply to manufactured homes, which remain subject to the HUD Code. ANs are posted at https://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rd-an_list.html. Contact William Downs, USDA, 202-720-1499, william.downs@wdc.usda.gov.

UNIFORM APPRAISAL DATASET ADOPTED FOR SECTION 502 DIRECT AND GUARANTEED LOANS. For appraisals completed on or after January 1, appraisers must use the new Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac UAD for both Section 502 programs. For UAD information visit https://www.efanniemae.com/sf/lqi/umdp/uad/index.jsp. RD’s AN 4601 (October 28, 2011) is at https://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rd-an_list.html. Contact an RD office.

RD WILL ACCEPT THIRD-PARTY INITIAL INSPECTIONS FOR SINGLE-FAMILY HOMES. For Section 502 direct loans and Section 504 loans and grants, through September 30, 2012 RD will accept qualified third-party inspectors’ inspections instead of requiring its own staff to visit properties, and will waive some site inspections. Environmental requirements must be met, and RD will conduct final inspections. Details are in an Unnumbered Letter dated October 27; visit https://www.rurdev.usda.gov/SupportDocuments/uloctober11.pdf or contact an RD office.

UPDATED RURAL TENANT DATA RELEASED. USDA’s annual occupancy report for Section 515 and 514/516 rentals states that from April 2010 to May 2011 the total number of Section 515 properties dropped by 270 (about 3,600 apartments) and the number of farmworker properties increased by six. Other data include tenant income, rent burden, gender, race/ethnicity, and more, nationwide and for each state. Find the Unnumbered Letter dated October 4 at https://www.rurdev.usda.gov/SupportDocuments/uloctober11.pdf or contact an RD office.

RESEARCH PREDICTS INCREASE IN HOMELESSNESS. The National Alliance to End Homelessness estimates that in the next three years U.S. homelessness could increase by 5%, and recommends continued investment in successful homelessness prevention and re-housing activities. “Increases in Homelessness on the Horizon” is free at https://www.endhomelessness.org. Contact NAEH, info@naeh.org, 202-638-1526.

HAC LAUNCHES RESEARCH SERIES USING 2010 CENSUS DATA. “Rurality in the United States” is the first in a series of Rural Research Notes presenting data and findings regarding social, economic, and housing characteristics of rural America based on the recently released 2010 Census and American Community Survey. Copies are free at http://ruralhome.org or from Dan Stern, HAC, dan@ruralhome.org, 202-842-8600.

NEW RURAL VOICES COVERS HOUSING AND WATER LINKS. Housing and Water: The Critical Connection is a joint fall 2011 issue of HAC’s quarterly magazine and the Rural Community Assistance Partnership’s Rural Matters magazine. It provides examples of successful projects that have improved opportunities for affordable housing and water and waste services for low-income rural families and communities. This and other issues of Rural Voices are free at http://ruralhome.org. One print subscription per organization is free from Dan Stern, HAC, 202-842-8600, dan@ruralhome.org.

HAC EXAMINES SUPPLEMENTAL POVERTY MEASURE. A new HAC research brief, “Supplemental Poverty Measure: Understanding the change in rural (nonmetro) poverty estimates,” examines a new Census Bureau calculation that attempts to address some of the limitations of the official poverty estimate measure, which was created in the 1960s and is used by an estimated 82 federal programs as a factor in allocating monies. The supplemental measure will not replace the official measure. It generated a national nonmetro poverty rate estimate of 12.8%, compared to the official rate of 16.6%, probably because of differences in housing costs. The research brief is free at http://ruralhome.org or from Dan Stern, HAC, dan@ruralhome.org, 202-842-8600.

CORRECTION: FY12 FUNDING NOT SUBJECT TO DEFICIT REDUCTION ACTIONS. The November 16 HAC News stated incorrectly that the recently enacted FY12 funding levels for USDA and HUD could be affected by the Super Committee’s actions or sequestration of funds resulting from its inaction. Any changes would take effect in FY13, not FY12. HAC apologizes for the confusion.

HAC News: November 16, 2011

November 17, 2011/in HAC News

HAC News Formats. pdf

November 16, 2011
Vol. 40, No. 223

• November is National Native American Heritage Month •Conference committee sets FY12 funding levels for USDA and HUD • CDFI Fund accepting applications • Changes proposed to NAHASDA regulations • HUD offers fair housing rule on discriminatory effect • HUD clarifies duplication of benefits for CDBG disaster grants • Deadline extended for HUD’s environmental justice strategy • Changes to Federal Home Loan Banks’ responsibilities suggested • Comments on New Markets Tax Credit sought • Materials posted from rural senior housing training

November 16, 2011
Vol. 40, No. 23

NOVEMBER IS NATIONAL NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH. President Obama’s proclamation is at https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/ presidential-actions.

CONFERENCE COMMITTEE SETS FY12 FUNDING LEVELS FOR USDA AND HUD. By November 18 the House and Senate are expected to pass, and President Obama to sign, a “minibus” that will fund USDA, HUD, and several other federal departments and agencies for the current fiscal year. It also includes a Continuing Resolution to carry the rest of the government through December 16. The funding levels in the bill could still be affected by deficit reduction actions of the Super Committee and Congress (see HAC News, 8/18/11). The conference report is posted at https://www.rules.house.gov/.

For USDA’s housing programs, the bill adopts most of the Senate’s amounts, higher than the House’s.

USDA Rural Devel. Program (dollars in millions)	FY11 Approp.a	FY12 Admin. Budget	FY12 Hse. (H.R. 2112)c	FY 12 Sen. App. Cmte. (H.R. 2112)	FY 12 Final Approp. (H.R. 2112)
502 Single Fam. Direct	$1,121	$211.4	$845.6	$900	$900
502 Single Family Guar.	24,000	24,000	24,000	24,000	24,000
504 VLI Repair Loans	23.4	0	0	10	10
504 VLI Repair Grants	34	11.5	32	27	29.5
515 Rental Hsg. Direct	69.5	95.2	58.6	64.5	64.5
514 Farm Labor Hsg.	25.7b	27	18.3	23.4	20.8
516 Farm Labor Hsg.	9.8b	9.8	6.2	8	7.1
521 Rental Assistance Preservation RA New Constr. 515 RA New Constr. 514/516 RA	955.6 0 (2.03) (3)	906.7 0 (3) (3)	890 0 (1.5) (2.5)	904.7 0 (2) (2)	904.7 0 (1.5) (2.5)
523 Self-Help TA	37	0	22	30	30
533 Hsg. Prsrv. Grants	10	0	0	7.3	3.6
538 Rental Hsg. Guar.	30.9	0	0	130	130
Rental Prsrv. Demo. (MPR)	15	0	0	2	2
Rental Prsrv. Revlg. Lns.	1	0	0	0	0
542 Rural Hsg. Vouchers	14	16	11	11	11
Rural Cmnty. Dev’t Init.	5	8.4	3	4.2	3.6

a. Figures shown do not include 0.2% across the board reduction.
b. Figures shown for Section 514 and 516 farm labor housing are the amounts offered in the FY11 NOFA.
c. Figures shown do not include 0.78% across the board reduction.

HUD programs underwent cuts in most areas, compared to 2011 levels, and some smaller programs were eliminated, including the Sustainable Communities Initiative and the Rural Innovation Fund. HOME, public housing, and SHOP suffered steep reductions.The bill provides funding for renewals of current Section 202 contracts, but eliminates funding for development of new Section 202 senior housing.

HUD Program (dollars in millions)	FY11 Approp.	FY12 Admin. Budget	FY12 House Bill	FY12 Senate Bill (S. 1596)	FY 12 Final Approp. (H.R. 2112)
Cmty. Devel. Block Grants Sustainable Commun. Init. Rural Innovation Fund	3,508 (100) 0	3,781 150 (25)	3,500 0 0	3,001 (90) 0	3,308.1 0 0
HOME	1,610	1,650	1,200	1,000	1,000
Tenant-Based Rental Asstnce. Vets. Affairs Spptve Hsg. Vchrs	18,408 (50)	19,223 (75)	18,467.9 (75)	18,872.4 (75)	18,914.4 (75)
Project-Based Rental Asstnce.	9,257.4	9,429	9,428.7	9,418.7	9,339.7
Transforming Rental Asstnce.	0	200	0	0	0
Public Hsg. Capital Fund	2,044	2,405	1,532.1	1,875	1,875
Public Hsg. Operating Fund	4,626	3,962	3,861.9	3,961.9	3,961.9
Public Hsg. Revtlztn. (HOPE VI)	100	0	0	0	0
Choice Neighbrhd. Initiative	0	250	0	120	120
Housing Trust Fund	0	1,000	0	0	0
Native Amer. Hsg. Block Grant	650	700	648.7	650	650
Homeless Assistance Grants	1,905	2,372	1,901.2	1,901.2	1,901.2
Hsg. Opps. for Persons w/ AIDS	335	335	334.3	330	332
202 Hsg. for Elderly	400	757	600	369.7	374.6
811 Hsg. for Disabled	150	196	196	150	165
Fair Housing	72	72	71.9	64.3	70.8
Healthy Homes & Ld. Haz. Cntl.	120	140	119.8	120	120
Self-Help Homeownshp. (SHOP)	27	0	15.9	17	13.5
Housing Counseling	0	88	0	60	45

a. New program proposed by the Administration.
c. Figures shown do not include 0.2% across the board reduction.

CDFI FUND ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS. Flexible Financial Assistance awards and capacity building Technical Assistance awards are available to certified and certifiable CDFIs (apply by January 11) and to Native American certified and certifiable CDFIs (apply by January 18). Visit https://www.cdfifund.gov or https://www.grants.gov. Contact CDFI Fund staff, 202-622-6355, cdfihelp@cdfi.treas.gov.

CHANGES PROPOSED TO NAHASDA REGULATIONS. The amendments would implement provisions of the 2008 NAHASDA reauthorization law for the Indian Housing Block Grant and Title VI Loan Guarantee programs. The proposed rule will be published in the Federal Register and at https://www.regulations.gov on November 18. Contact Rodger Boyd, HUD, 202-401-7914.

HUD OFFERS FAIR HOUSING RULE ON DISCRIMINATORY EFFECT. A proposed rule would establish uniform standards for determining when a housing practice with a discriminatory effect violates the Fair Housing Act, even without discriminatory intent. Comments are due January 17. See Federal Register, 11/16/11 or https://www.regulations.gov. Contact Jeanine Worden, HUD, 202-402-5188.

HUD CLARIFIES DUPLICATION OF BENEFITS FOR CDBG DISASTER GRANTS. See Federal Register, 11/16/11. Contact Scott Davis, HUD, 202-708-3587.

DEADLINE EXTENDED FOR HUD’S ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE STRATEGY. Comments are now due November 23. See HAC News, 10/12/11 and https://tinyurl.com/77rcxpz.

CHANGES TO FEDERAL HOME LOAN BANKS’ RESPONSIBILITIES SUGGESTED The Federal Housing Finance Agency proposes to require FHLBs to monitor their members’ compliance with CRA and first-time homebuyer requirements. Comments are due February 8. See Federal Register, 11/10/11 or https://www.regulations.gov. Contact Charles E. McLean, FHFA, 202-408-2537.

COMMENTS ON NEW MARKETS TAX CREDIT SOUGHT. The CDFI Fund invites comments and suggestions by February 6 about the mission, purpose and implementation of the NMTC program, including how low-income census tracts are identified and whether points should be awarded for serving rural markets. Visit https://www.cdfifund.gov. Contact CDFI Fund staff, cdfihelp@cdfi.treas.gov.

MATERIALS POSTED FROM RURAL SENIOR HOUSING TRAINING. Presentation materials from HAC’s November training, Housing Seniors in Rural America: Aging in Place in a Shifting Landscape, are available on HAC’s website, http://ruralhome.org.

HAC News: November 1, 2011

November 1, 2011/in HAC News

HAC News Formats. pdf, ePub, mobi

November 1, 2011
Vol. 40, No. 22

• Senate rejects efforts to further reduce rural housing and SHOP funds • House subcommittees set hearing on HOME fraud • Tenant Resource Network funds offered for specified HUD properties • USDA proposes FY12 fee for Section 502 guaranteed loans • HUD announces FY12 Difficult Development Areas and asks what FMRs to use • Proposed rule aims to increase Native American access to rural utilities programs • HUD revises handbook guidance on displacement caused by CDBG or HOME funds • Housing policy commission launched • 26% of rural children live in persistent poverty counties • Indian housing needs study updates online

November 1, 2011
Vol. 40, No. 22

SENATE REJECTS EFFORTS TO FURTHER REDUCE RURAL HOUSING AND SHOP FUNDS. On November 1 the Senate passed H.R. 2112, combining the USDA, Commerce/Justice, and Transportation/HUD FY12 appropriations bills, with the funding levels reported in HAC News, 9/28/11 (HUD) and 9/14/11 (USDA). There was no vote on an amendment from Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) that would have eliminated funding for HUD’s SHOP program. An amendment offered by Sen. Tom Coburn (R-OK) to cut USDA RD funding by 40% was defeated 85-13. The Senate did not consider a statement from the Obama Administration that requested increases in some HUD programs but asked that USDA rural housing programs be reduced to the Administration’s budget levels (see HAC News, 2/16/11), which would have reduced Section 502 direct loans by 80% and eliminated the Section 523 self-help program and rental preservation programs. The bill does cut CDBG, HOME, and other HUD programs, and eliminates HUD’s Rural Innovation Fund. It is expected to be considered soon by a House-Senate conference committee. Details and the Administration’s statement are on HAC’s site, http://ruralhome.org.

HOUSE SUBCOMMITTEES SET HEARING ON HOME FRAUD. Witnesses appearing on November 2 include people convicted of defrauding the HOME program, as well as HUD officials. Read testimony and watch the hearing live at https://financialservices.house.gov/Calendar/EventSingle.aspx?EventID=266369. HAC will post a summary afterwards at http://ruralhome.org.

TENANT RESOURCE NETWORK FUNDS OFFERED FOR SPECIFIED HUD PROPERTIES. Nonprofits with at least five years of tenant organizing experience can apply by December 6 to educate tenants and involve them in preservation of affordable units in specific properties listed in the NOFA. Visit https://www.hud.gov/offices/adm/grants/fundsavail.cfm or https://www.grants.gov. Contact Claire Trivedi, HUD, 202-708-3000.

USDA PROPOSES FY12 FEE FOR SECTION 502 GUARANTEED LOANS. To make the program self-supporting, RHS proposes to charge an annual fee of 0.3% of the outstanding principal balance, beginning with all loans obligated on or after October 1, 2011. (Legislation authorizes an annual fee of up to 0.5%.) The one-time guarantee fee is 2% for purchases and 1% for refinances. Deadline for comments is December 27. See Federal Register, 10/28/11 or https://www.regulations.gov. Contact Cathy Glover, RD, 202-720-1452, cathy.glover@wdc.usda.gov.

HUD ANNOUNCES FY12 DIFFICULT DEVELOPMENT AREAS AND ASKS WHAT FMRS TO USE. Designations of Qualified Census Tracts published October 6, 2009 remain in effect. HUD requests comments, due December 27, on whether it should use Small Area Fair Market Rents, rather than metropolitan-area FMRs, in future designations of metropolitan DDAs. See Federal Register, 10/27/11 or https://www.regulations.gov. Contact Michael K. Hollar, HUD, 202-402-5878, Michael.K.Hollar@hud.gov.

PROPOSED RULE AIMS TO INCREASE NATIVE AMERICAN ACCESS TO RURAL UTILITIES PROGRAMS. Substantially Underserved Trust Areas would be eligible for more flexible terms and waivers of requirements in USDA’s rural utilities programs. Comments are due 12/13/11. See Federal Register, 11/1/11 or https://www.regulations.gov. Contact Michele Brooks, Rural Utilities Service, 202-720-9542.

HUD REVISES HANDBOOK GUIDANCE ON DISPLACEMENT CAUSED BY CDBG OR HOME FUNDS. See Change 11 and Chapter 7 at https://www.hud.gov/offices/adm/hudclips/handbooks/cpdh/1378.0/index.cfm. The National Low Income Housing Coalition analyzes improvements and changes at https://www.nlihc.org/doc/Memo16-38.pdf. Contact a HUD office.

HOUSING POLICY COMMISSION LAUNCHED. The Bipartisan Policy Center’s Housing Commission is chaired by Christopher Bond, Henry Cisneros, Mel Martinez, and George Mitchell. It plans to study the entire housing sector and to issue “realistic and actionable policy recommendations” early in 2013. Visit https://www.bipartisanpolicy.org/projects/housing. Contact the Center, bipartisaninfo@bipartisanpolicy.org, 202-204-2400.

26% OF RURAL CHILDREN LIVE IN PERSISTENT POVERTY COUNTIES. A Carsey Institute research brief reports that 81% of counties with persistent child poverty are nonmetro, clustered in Appalachia, the Mississippi Delta, the Southeast, parts of the Southwest, and the Great Plains, and that policy often overlooks needy rural families. More Poor Kids in More Poor Places: Children Increasingly Live Where Poverty Persists is at https://carseyinstitute.unh.edu/CarseySearch/search.php?id=176. Contact carsey.communications@unh.edu, 603-862-2821.

INDIAN HOUSING NEEDS STUDY UPDATES ONLINE. Visit https://tinyurl.com/3ly2bpx for news about HUD’s Assessment of Native American, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Housing Needs, currently underway. Contact Jennifer Stoloff, HUD, jennifer.a.stoloff@hud.gov, 202-402-5723.

HAC News: October 13, 2011

October 13, 2011/in HAC News

HAC News Formats. pdf, ePub, mobi

October 13, 2011
Vol. 40, No. 21

• Government funded through November 18 • HUD offers two grant programs for Indian Country • AmeriCorps support available • HAC announces grant funding for rural senior housing • RD to conduct rent comparability studies for vouchers • Income calculations changed for Section 502 direct loans • Final 2012 Fair Market Rents published • HUD requests comments on environmental justice strategy • Comments invited on new interim PHAS scoring • Federal homelessness update published • Utility-funded energy efficiency programs can help multifamily housing • Affordability issues for seniors increasing, AARP reports

October 13, 2011
Vol. 40, No. 21

GOVERNMENT FUNDED THROUGH NOVEMBER 18. A continuing resolution keeps USDA and HUD housing programs at FY11 levels with a 1.5% across the board cut. The Senate may begin considering the USDA and Transportation-HUD FY12 appropriations bills this week. The full House has passed a USDA spending bill, but HUD’s bill has not moved beyond the subcommittee level there. See HAC News, 9/28/11 and 9/14/11. Bills are available at https://thomas.loc.gov/home/approp/app12.html.

HUD OFFERS TWO GRANT PROGRAMS FOR INDIAN COUNTRY.Tribes and tribal organizations can apply by January 4, 2012 for FY12 Indian Community Development Block Grants. Contact Roberta Youmans, HUD, 202-402-3316. A variety of entities can apply by November 15 for FY10 Sustainable Construction in Indian Country Small Grants to collect and disseminate information. Contact Mike Blanford, 202-402-5728. Visit https://www.grants.gov or https://www.hud.gov/offices/adm/grants/fundsavail.cfm.

AMERICORPS SUPPORT AVAILABLE.Nonprofits, institutions of higher education, sub-state government entities, tribes, labor organizations, partnerships, and intermediaries may apply and are encouraged to submit letters of intent by December 15; deadline is January 18. Visit https://www.americorps.gov/for_organizations/funding. Contact agency staff at americorpsgrants@cns.gov or 202-606-7508.

HAC ANNOUNCES GRANT FUNDING FOR RURAL SENIOR HOUSING.With support from The Atlantic Philanthropies, Rural Senior Housing Fund grants are available to build, preserve, or advocate for housing for low-income seniors (62 and older) living in rural areas. Deadline is December 15. A webinar for applicants will be held October 20. Visit http://ruralhome.org. Contact Janice Clark, HAC, janice@ruralhome.org, 202-842-8600 ext. 131.

RD TO CONDUCT RENT COMPARABILITY STUDIES FOR VOUCHERS. RD appraisers, rather than a contractor, will determine current market rents, which are used to calculate the value of vouchers offered to tenants in Section 515 properties when loans are prepaid or foreclosed. See Unnumbered Letter dated September 9, https://www.rurdev.usda.gov/SupportDocuments/ulseptember11.pdf. Contact Joan Atkinson, RD, 202-720-1609.

INCOME CALCULATIONS CHANGED FOR SECTION 502 DIRECT LOANS.A new RD notice makes numerous changes. Find Procedure Notice 415 at https://www.rurdev.usda.gov/regs/pn/pn451.html. Contact an RD office.

FINAL 2012 FAIR MARKET RENTS PUBLISHED. See Federal Register, 9/30/11, or https://www.huduser.org/portal/datasets/fmr.html.

HUD REQUESTS COMMENTS ON ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE STRATEGY. A draft four-year plan is intended to address environmental justice concerns and increase access to environmental benefits through HUD activities, as part of a larger executive branch effort (see HAC News, 8/18/11). Comments are due November 14. Visit https://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/program_offices/sustainable_housing_communities/HUD_Draft_Environmental_Justice_Strategy. Contact Kathryn Dykgraaf, HUD, 202-402-6731. Stakeholder listening sessions are scheduled in several places between October 24 and December 2. Visit https://www.epa.gov/compliance/ej/interagency/schedule.html. Contact Sherri White, EPA, white.sherri@epa.gov.

COMMENTS INVITED ON NEW INTERIM PHAS SCORING.A February interim rule (see HAC News, 3/2/11) for HUD’s Public Housing Assessment System is superseded by a notice implementing a point loss cap, changing some definitions, and describing inspection software. See Federal Register, 10/13/11, or https://www.regulations.gov. Contact Claudia Yarus, HUD, 202-475-8830.

FEDERAL HOMELESSNESS UPDATE PUBLISHED.The U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness’s 2011 Annual Update to Opening Doors: The Federal Strategic Plan to Prevent and End Homelessness reports that progress has been made in the first year of the Opening Doors effort. Visit https://www.usich.gov.

UTILITY-FUNDED ENERGY EFFICIENCY PROGRAMS CAN HELP MULTIFAMILY HOUSING.Noting that most states require such programs but the focus is typically on large commercial facilities or single-family homes, a National Housing Trust factsheet encourages their use for energy retrofits of multifamily properties. Visit https://www.nhtinc.org. Contact NHT, 202-333-8931.

AFFORDABILITY ISSUES FOR SENIORS INCREASING, AARP REPORTS.State Housing Profiles 2011 describes housing and demographic conditions for homeowners and renters age 50 and older. All data is for entire states, with no urban/rural breakdown. Nationally, among those age 50+ with incomes under $23,000, 96% of homeowners with mortgages pay more than 30% of their incomes for housing, as do 49% of homeowners without mortgages and 78% of renters. Visit https://www.aarp.org/statehousingprofiles. Contact Rodney Harrell, rharrell@aarp.org.

HAC News: September 28, 2011

September 28, 2011/in HAC News

HAC News Formats. PDF, Epub, Kindle

September 28, 2011
Vol. 40, No. 20

• September 15-October 15 is National Hispanic Heritage Month • House to consider continuing resolution options on Sept. 29 • Senate committee acts on HUD spending • Budget Control Act’s impact on HUD predicted • HUD posts general section for FY12 NOFAs • HUD offers multifamily energy innovation funds • HUD seeks feedback on healthy homes designation • Housing GSE regulations under review • Information available on Section 502 guarantee program fees • 500 places may lose eligibility for USDA housing programs, HAC estimates • Register for HAC’s senior housing symposium, Nov. 9-10, Seattle

September 28, 2011
Vol. 40, No. 20

SEPTEMBER 15-OCTOBER 15 IS NATIONAL HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH. President Obama’s declaration is posted at https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/proclamations.

HOUSE TO CONSIDER CONTINUING RESOLUTION OPTIONS ON SEPT. 29. The House will choose between two bills passed by the Senate to provide federal funding for the beginning of FY12. H.R. 2017 would fund the government through October 4 and H.R. 2608 through November 18. Both would fund USDA and HUD housing programs at FY11 levels with a 1.5% across the board cut. The bills are at https://thomas.loc.gov (search by bill number).

SENATE COMMITTEE ACTS ON HUD SPENDING. On September 21 the Senate Appropriations Committee approved a FY12 Transportation-HUD spending bill with substantial differences from the House subcommittee bill (see HAC News, 9/14/11). The Senate funded and the House did not fund housing counseling, Sustainable Communities, and Choice Neighborhoods. The Senate provided less funding for CDBG, HOME, Section 202, Section 811, fair housing, and HOPWA – but more for rental assistance vouchers, public housing capital and operating funds, and SHOP. The Rural Innovation Fund did not receive any funding in either bill. Further action on this and other appropriations bills is unclear. An omnibus package combining most of the bills is a likely possibility, with no further action taken on individual measures. The Senate report on S. 1596 is at https://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=112_cong_bills&docid=f:s1596pcs.txt.pdf.

HUD Program (dollars in millions)	FY10 Approp.	FY11 Approp.^b	FY12 Admin. Bdgt.	FY12 House Bill	FY12 Senate Bill
Cmty. Devel. Block Grants Sustainable Commun. Initiative Rural Innovation Fund	$4,450 (150) (25)	3,508 (100) 0	3,781 150 (25)	3,500 0 0	3,001 (90) 0
HOME	1,825	1,610	1,650	1,200	1,000
Tenant-Based Rental Asstnce. Vets. Affairs Spptve Hsg. Vchrs	18,184 (75)	18,408 (50)	19,223 (75)	18,467.9 (75)	18,872.4 (75)
Project-Based Rental Asstnce.	8,551.5	8,882	9,429	9,028.7	9,018.7
Transforming Rental Asstnce. ^a	–	0	200	0	0
Public Hsg. Capital Fund	2,500	2,044	2,405	1,532.1	1,875
Public Hsg. Operating Fund	4,775	4,626	3,962	3,861.9	3,961.9
Public Hsg. Revtlztn. (HOPE VI)	135	100	0	0	0
Choice Neighbrhd. Initiative	65	0	250	0	120
Housing Trust Fund	–	0	1,000	0	0
Native Amer. Hsg. Block Grant	700	650	700	648.7	650
Homeless Assistance Grants	1,865	1,905	2,372	1,901.2	1,901.2
Hsg. Opps. for Persons w/ AIDS	335	335	335	334.3	330
202 Hsg. for Elderly	825	400	757	600	369.7
811 Hsg. for Disabled	300	150	196	196	150
Fair Housing	72	72	72	71.9	64.3
Healthy Homes & Lead Haz. Cntl.	140	120	140	119.8	120
Self-Help Homeownshp. (SHOP)	27	27	0	15.9	17
Housing Counseling	87.5	0	88	0	60

a. New program proposed by the Administration. b. Figures shown do not include 0.2% across the board reduction.

BUDGET CONTROL ACT’S IMPACT ON HUD PREDICTED. Materials from a September 27 webinar by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities show future funding reductions for discretionary federal programs, including HUD housing, likely to occur under the recent deficit reduction legislation; visit https://www.cbpp.org/research/index.cfm?fa=topic&id=143. The Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction (“Super Committee”; see HAC News 8/18/11) now has a website at https://deficitreduction.senate.gov.

HUD POSTS GENERAL SECTION FOR FY12 NOFAs. NOFAs for individual funding programs will be published later. The general section applies to all. Visit https://www.hud.gov/offices/adm/grants/fundsavail.cfm or https://www.grants.gov. Contact HUD’s grants management office, 202-708-0667.

HUD OFFERS MULTIFAMILY ENERGY INNOVATION FUNDS. Applications are due October 20 for Multifamily Energy Pilot grants from an FY10 Energy Innovation Fund, intended to stimulate innovative, replicable approaches for increasing the energy efficiency of existing multifamily properties. Both categories – financing and applied research – require matching funds. Eligible applicants include nonprofits and for-profits with portfolios over 1,000 units, special purpose financing entities like housing trust funds, and CDFIs. Visit https://www.hud.gov/offices/adm/grants/nofa10/grpeif.cfm. Contact Theodore Toon, HUD, 202-708-0001.

HUD SEEKS FEEDBACK ON HEALTHY HOMES DESIGNATION. Comments are due October 14 on a proposal to designate communities as Safe and Healthy Homes Investment Partnerships providing multiple housing-based interventions and leveraging non-federal resources. These places would not receive direct funding, but might receive bonus points in future HUD NOFAs. See Federal Register, 9/14/11 or https://www.regulations.gov. Contact Jon L. Gant, HUD, 202-708-0310.

HOUSING GSE REGULATIONS UNDER REVIEW. The Federal Housing Finance Agency requests comments by November 22 on its plan to review regulations promulgated by its predecessors (HUD’s Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight, HUD’s GSE oversight team, and the Federal Housing Finance Board). Individual regulations will be published for comment as well. Visit https://www.fhfa.gov or https://www.regulations.gov. Contact Alfred M. Pollard, FHFA, alfred.pollard@fhfa.gov, 202-414-3788.

INFORMATION AVAILABLE ON SECTION 502 GUARANTEE PROGRAM FEES. New fees for the program begin October 1. Visit https://www.rdlist.sc.egov.usda.gov to sign up for emails and https://usdalinc.sc.egov.usda.gov/USDALincTrainingResourceLib.do to access documents, including frequently asked questions. Contact the national office guarantee division, 202-720-1452.

500 PLACES MAY LOSE ELIGIBILITY FOR USDA HOUSING PROGRAMS, HAC ESTIMATES. Analyzing recently released 2010 Census data, HAC calculated that 500 cities, towns, and villages could be reclassified as ineligible because their populations have grown. Future research will identify places that have lost population and could become newly eligible. Over 9 million people live in the potentially ineligible places (the report notes that not all would be eligible for housing aid, based on income or other program requirements). After the 1990 and 2000 censuses, legislation “grandfathered in” such places so they remained eligible; it is not known whether Congress will pass such a measure this year. The report, titled Estimating Potential Changes to USDA-RD’s Eligible Area Designations, lists of places, and an archived webinar presentation are available at http://ruralhome.org. Contact Lance George, HAC, lance@ruralhome.org, 202-842-8600.

REGISTER FOR HAC’S SENIOR HOUSING SYMPOSIUM, NOV. 9-10, SEATTLE. Housing Seniors in Rural America: Aging in Place in a Shifting Landscape will feature discussions on aging in place; resources for repairing, developing, and preserving rental and homeownership units; and examples of successful practices in the field of affordable senior rural housing. Register online at http://ruralhome.org or contact Dan Stern, HAC, registration@ruralhome.org.

HAC News: February 22, 2012

HAC News: February 8, 2012

HAC News: January 25, 2012

HAC News: January 11, 2012

HAC News: December 14, 2011

HAC News: November 30, 2011

HAC News: November 16, 2011

HAC News: November 1, 2011

HAC News: October 13, 2011

HAC News: September 28, 2011

GET THE HAC NEWS!

50 Years for Rural America