HAC News: August 14, 2013

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HAC News Formats. pdf

August 14, 2013
Vol. 42, No. 16

• President announces housing policy • Treviño departs RHS for HUD • USDA offers Section 514/516 Farm Labor Housing funds • Rural Community Development Initiative funds available • Some details available on relief for owners with Sec. 521 Rental Assistance shortfall • Regulations proposed for Section 542 vouchers • Section 533 HPG NOFA corrected • VAWA Reauthorization Act covers some USDA and HUD programs and LIHTC • RD addresses legal residence status of applicants for Section 502 guarantees • FY14 Fair Market Rents proposed • Appraisal exceptions proposed for high-risk mortgages • LIHTC has important impact in rural communities, study says • Manufactured housing in metro areas studied • Hunger and housing examined in Rural Voices


August 14, 2013
Vol. 42, No. 16

PRESIDENT ANNOUNCES HOUSING POLICY. The Administration’s approach focuses on private sector financing, winding down Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, and homeownership, while acknowledging the need for affordable rental housing. It mentions direct government loans for homeownership and rental housing: “The government should continue to provide direct loan or loan guarantee/insurance for certain underserved borrowers and communities through the FHA, VA, and USDA.” It also recognizes the need for credit in underserved communities.

TREVIÑO DEPARTS RHS FOR HUD. Tammye Treviño has left her position as Administrator of the Rural Housing Service to become Regional Director of HUD’s Region VI, based in Texas. Richard Davis, who has worked in RHS’s national office for a number of years, will serve as Acting Administrator.

USDA OFFERS SECTION 514/516 FARM LABOR HOUSING FUNDS. Preapplications for off-farm projects are due September 13. New Rental Assistance and operating assistance are available. Contact a USDA RD state office.

RURAL COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE FUNDS AVAILABLE. Intermediaries can apply by November 12 for grants to provide capacity building assistance related to housing, community facilities, or community and economic development. Contact a USDA RD state office.

SOME DETAILS AVAILABLE ON RELIEF FOR OWNERS WITH SEC. 521 RENTAL ASSISTANCE SHORTFALL. A letter to owners of 900 Section 515 and 514/516 properties that may not have RA contracts renewed in September (see HAC News, 8/1/13), a list of the properties, and a slide presentation used in training USDA staff to develop “RA Relief Plans” with owners are posted on HAC’s website.

REGULATIONS PROPOSED FOR SECTION 542 VOUCHERS. In many respects the proposed rule would continue operating the program, which assists tenants of Section 515 properties that have been prepaid or foreclosed, in the same way as the NOFAs that have governed it since 2006. It would make some changes as well. Comments are due October 15. HAC will post its comments online before that date. Contact Leslie Strauss, HAC, 202-842-8600.

SECTION 533 HPG NOFA CORRECTED. A notice makes minor corrections to the NOFA (see HAC News, 6/21/13), although the deadline was August 2. Contact Bonnie Edwards-Jackson, USDA, 202-690-0759.

VAWA REAUTHORIZATION ACT COVERS SOME USDA AND HUD PROGRAMS AND LIHTC. HUD requests comments by October 7 as it develops changes in regulations to apply the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013 to HOME, Sections 202 and 811, homeless programs, and others now covered by changes enacted in March 2013. Contact HUD program staff for more information. The notice does not include the Low Income Housing Tax Credit and USDA Sections 515, 514/516, 533, and 538, all also now covered by VAWA’s tenant protections.

RD ADDRESSES LEGAL RESIDENCE STATUS OF APPLICANTS FOR SECTION 502 GUARANTEES. Administrative Notice 4723 describes the RD staff process to verify homebuyers’ status. Contact Joaquin Tremols, RD, 202-720-1452.

FY14 FAIR MARKET RENTS PROPOSED. Comments are due September 4 on HUD’s FMRs for the year starting October 1, 2013. Contact HUD USER, 800-245-2691.

APPRAISAL EXCEPTIONS PROPOSED FOR HIGH-RISK MORTGAGES. The Federal Reserve Board, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, and other regulatory agencies request comments by September 9 on proposed exemptions from regulations that require appraisals for “higher-risk mortgages.” Transactions secured by manufactured homes (not land) would be exempt, as would streamlined refinancings and transactions of $25,000 or less. Contact Lorna Neill or Mandie Aubrey, Federal Reserve, 202-452-3667.

LIHTC HAS IMPORTANT IMPACT IN RURAL COMMUNITIES, STUDY SAYS. The Low Income Housing Tax Credit: Overcoming Barriers to Affordable Housing in Rural America, published by Rapoza Associates, reports that the credit has helped preserve and develop over 270,000 rental units in 7,600 rural properties. Nonprofits have produced 19% of rural tax credit units over the program’s history, and 23% from 2006 to 2010. The report recommends that Congress retain the credit as it undertakes comprehensive tax reform.

MANUFACTURED HOUSING IN METRO AREAS STUDIED. Manufactured Housing as a Metropolitan Housing Solution, a new report from CFED’s I’M HOME initiative, summarizes data on manufactured homes and their residents in 10 metro areas, including the Lower Rio Grande Valley where many colonias are located. Data snapshots provide details for each metro area, including maps showing manufactured home locations by census tract.

HUNGER AND HOUSING EXAMINED IN RURAL VOICES. Stories in the summer issue of HAC’s quarterly magazine describe initiatives in a number of rural places. A map shows food insecurity by county. One print subscription per organization is free from Dan Stern, HAC, 202-842-8600.

HAC News: August 1, 2013

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HAC News Formats. pdf

August 1, 2013
Vol. 42, No. 15

• House pulls HUD funding bill, Senate version stalls • House committee passes housing finance reform bill • USDA informs owners about Rental Assistance shortfall in September • USDA encourages use of Section 504 loans • New Markets Tax Credits offered, Rural CDE definition changed • HOME final rule published • CFPB amends some mortgage rules • Map shows part of sequestration’s impact on housing • Study finds housing discrimination against Latinos • Most HUD-assisted renters are elderly, disabled, or attached to the labor market • Bipartisan Policy Center Housing Commission to hold regional forums • Register now for training on seniors and veterans housing


August 1, 2013
Vol. 42, No. 15

HOUSE PULLS HUD FUNDING BILL, SENATE VERSION STALLS. The House began considering H.R. 2610, but leadership removed it from the floor on July 31 when it became clear there were not enough votes to pass it. The Senate also began discussing its bill, S. 1243, but on August 1 an effort to end debate and take a vote failed. Floor consideration of USDA funding bills has not been scheduled. Congress will be in recess for the month of August.

HOUSE COMMITTEE PASSES HOUSING FINANCE REFORM BILL. H.R. 2767, the Protecting American Taxpayers and Homebuyers (PATH) Act, approved by the Financial Services Committee on July 24, could be considered by the full House after August recess. Focusing on private finance, it would eliminate Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and the Housing Trust Fund. A different bill, S. 1217, sponsored by Sens. Bob Corker (R-TN) and Mark Warner (D-VA), has not yet been marked up by the Senate Banking Committee.

USDA INFORMS OWNERS ABOUT RENTAL ASSISTANCE SHORTFALL IN SEPTEMBER. HAC has learned that on July 31 letters were mailed to owners of about 600 Section 515 and 514/516 properties with Section 521 Rental Assistance contracts that expire in September, explaining that because of a shortage of FY13 RA funding, due in part to sequestration, those RA contracts cannot be renewed until FY14 begins in October. (See HAC News, 5/1/13 and 5/22/13.)To fill the funding gap, owners can defer payments of interest or principal to USDA, use funds in project reserve accounts, or obtain loans from other sources. The letters say they may not raise rents or evict tenants. A sample letter and a list of properties affected should be posted on USDA RD’s website soon.

USDA ENCOURAGES USE OF SECTION 504 LOANS. USDA has over $14 million available for Section 504 loans, more than half the program’s FY13 appropriation. Loan funds not obligated by September 30 will be lost. All states will have access to loan funds, after RD pools and redistributes the unused funds. To learn more or to apply, contact a local RD office.

NEW MARKETS TAX CREDITS OFFERED, RURAL CDE DEFINITION CHANGED. The CDFI Fund will allocate NMTCs to Community Development Entities that will offer tax credits to investors providing private capital for economic and community development. Rural CDEs must receive allocations proportionate to the number of applicants that serve nonmetro areas. This year the definition of a Rural CDE is revised to require direct investments in three of the past five years rather than in all five. Deadline is September 18. Contact NMTC staff, 202-653-0421.

HOME FINAL RULE PUBLISHED. The final rule largely adopts the provisions in the proposed rule (see HAC News, 1/11/12); it also updates and adds definitions, modifies CHDO eligibility requirements, establishes deadlines, strengthens conflict of interest provisions, and clarifies language. Contact Virginia Sardone, HUD, 202-708-2684.

CFPB AMENDS SOME MORTGAGE RULES. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has issued changes to some of its January 2013 final mortgage rules. Contact Marta Tanenhaus, CFPB, 202-435-7700.

MAP SHOWS PART OF SEQUESTRATION’S IMPACT ON HOUSING. An interactive map on Bill Moyers’ website was compiled from news stories nationwide. Most refer to HUD programs in cities.

STUDY FINDS HOUSING DISCRIMINATION AGAINST LATINOS. In Puertas Cerradas: Housing Barriers for Hispanics, the National Council of La Raza and Equal Rights Center report that Latinos experienced at least one type of adverse, differential treatment in 42% of paired tests in three cities, and two or more types in 16% of tests.

MOST HUD-ASSISTED RENTERS ARE ELDERLY, DISABLED, OR ATTACHED TO THE LABOR MARKET. The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities reports that 88% of renters using housing choice vouchers, public housing, and project-based rental assistance in 2010 were “elderly, disabled, working (or had recently worked) or likely have access to work programs under the Temporary Assistance to Need Families (TANF) program.” Almost half of the other households included a preschool child or an individual with a disability.

BIPARTISAN POLICY CENTER HOUSING COMMISSION TO HOLD REGIONAL FORUMS. Free and open to the public, the events on August 13 in Dallas, August 22 in Ketcham, ID, and August 27 in Columbus, OH, will feature panels discussing issues including the state of the housing market, affordable rental housing, rural housing, and reform of the U.S mortgage system. Register online at https://bipartisanpolicy.org/events/upcoming.

REGISTER NOW FOR TRAINING ON SENIORS AND VETERANS HOUSING. HAC will host “Housing Seniors and Veterans in Rural America: Preservation, Development, and Services” in Council Bluffs, IA on August 28-29. Rep. Tom Latham (R-IA) will speak on August 28. Visit HAC’s website, www.ruralhome.org.

Publication Archive – Non-Digital

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Back to Reports and Manuals

Although most of HAC’s reports are available for download on the internet, there are a select few that only exist on paper. Please contact HAC for a print copy of these reports.

LIST OF HAC PRINT PUBLICATIONS (alphabetical by title)

Aspiring Homeowners Receive Assistance

Print copy: $4.00
Winter 1998-1999 issue of Rural Voices, HAC’s quarterly magazine.

Housing in the Rural Midwest

Print copy: $4.00
Summer 1999 issue of Rural Voices, HAC’s quarterly magazine.

Rental Housing in Rural Areas
Cost for print copy: $4.00
Fall 1999 issue of Rural Voices, HAC’s quarterly magazine.

[Rural Development’s] Rural Housing Service’s Section 502 Rural Homeownership Direct Loan Program: A Guide for Applicants
Print copy: $8.00
Explains requirements for the Section 502 direct loan program, which provides mortgage loans to low- and very low-income households purchasing homes in rural areas, and how to apply.
1999, 210 pages, ISBN 1-58064-008-7

[Rural Development’s] Rural Housing Service’s Section 504 Loan and Grant Program for Very Low-Income Homeowners: A Guide for Applicants
Print copy: $4.00
Explains requirements for the Section 504 loan and grant program, which provides home repair funds for very low-income homeowners in rural areas, and how to apply.
1999, 90 pages, ISBN 1-58064-009-5

[Rural Development’s] Rural Housing and Community Development Service Housing Preservation Grant Program: A Guide for Applicants
Print copy: $7.00
Explains requirements for the Section 533 grant program, which provides funds for repair and reconstruction of rural housing, and how to apply. Includes sample application.
1995, 170 pages, ISBN 1-58064-036-2

HAC News: July 17, 2013

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HAC News Formats. pdf

July 17, 2013
Vol. 42, No. 14

• Cordray confirmed as CFPB director • DeMarco faces litigation over National Housing Trust Fund • Senate Farm Bill includes rural housing definition extension, House does not • Border Community Capital Initiative funding offered • HUD proposes new Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing rule • OMB issues 2013 Circular A-133 Compliance Supplement • CFPB updates list of rural or underserved counties for 2014 • Origination fees increased for Section 502 refinance pilot • HUD data shows decline in public housing, increases in vouchers and tax credits • Two HUD studies find discrimination continues • 2013 Kids Count data show higher ratings for education, health, and poverty • Op-ed describes sequestration’s impacts on Pine Ridge • Bipartisan Policy Center Housing Commission to hold regional forums • Register now for training on seniors and veterans housing


July 17, 2013
Vol. 42, No. 14

CORDRAY CONFIRMED AS CFPB DIRECTOR. After resolution of a partisan stand-off, on July 16 the Senate confirmed Richard Cordray as director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

DEMARCO FACES LITIGATION OVER NATIONAL HOUSING TRUST FUND. The National Low Income Housing Coalition, the Right to the City Alliance, and several individuals filed suit on July 9 against Ed DeMarco, acting head of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, claiming he has violated the law by not requiring Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to finance the trust fund created by the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008.

SENATE FARM BILL INCLUDES RURAL HOUSING DEFINITION EXTENSION, HOUSE DOES NOT. All places currently eligible for USDA housing funds would remain eligible until the 2020 Census – so long as their populations remain below 35,000 – under Section 6202 of S. 954, passed by the Senate on June 10. H.R. 2642, passed by the House on July 11, is silent on the subject. A National Rural Housing Coalition petition is available online.

BORDER COMMUNITY CAPITAL INITIATIVE FUNDING OFFERED. Local nonprofits and tribes can apply by August 26 for funds to provide affordable housing, small business and community facilities to benefit colonias residents. Contact HUD’s Office of Rural Housing and Economic Development, 877-787-2526.

HUD PROPOSES NEW AFFIRMATIVELY FURTHERING FAIR HOUSING RULE. Comments will be due 60 days after Federal Register publication on July 19. Changes include HUD data, clarification of the AFFH process’s goals, and a new mechanism for HUD review and oversight. Contact Camille Acevedo, HUD, 202-708-1793.

OMB ISSUES 2013 CIRCULAR A-133 COMPLIANCE SUPPLEMENT. Comments are due October 31 on the annual supplement to this circular, which governs audits of states, nonprofits, and local organizations receiving federal funds. For more information contact a funding agency.

CFPB UPDATES LIST OF RURAL OR UNDERSERVED COUNTIES FOR 2014. The list is used for several different regulations. Some counties have been added and about 50 have been removed. Contact CFPB, 202-435-7700.

ORIGINATION FEES INCREASED FOR SECTION 502 REFINANCE PILOT. Administrative Notice 4720 (July 16, 2013) allows fees at 2% of the loan amount or $3,000, whichever is less, rather than the 1% previously permitted. Contact an RD office or Kristina Zehr, RD, 309-452-0830 ext. 111.

HUD DATA SHOWS DECLINE IN PUBLIC HOUSING, INCREASES IN VOUCHERS AND TAX CREDITS. HUD recently released its Picture of Subsidized Households data for 2009 through 2012. A National Low Income Housing Coalition analysis found that since 2009 the average median income of households living in subsidized housing has dropped. The number of public housing units fell nationwide, while the numbers of housing choice vouchers and Low Income Housing Tax Credit units increased. Voucher recipients and public housing residents had similar economic situations, but heads of voucher households were more likely to be single mothers and less likely to be elderly.

TWO HUD STUDIES FIND DISCRIMINATION CONTINUES. Housing Discrimination Against Racial and Ethnic Minorities 2012 reports that in paired tests conducted in metro areas, minorities were shown fewer homes or apartments than whites. An Estimate of Housing Discrimination Against Same-Sex Couples reports on the first study of its kind, also using paired testing in metro areas. Same-sex couples received significantly fewer responses to e-mail inquiries about advertised units than heterosexual couples.

2013 KIDS COUNT DATA SHOW HIGHER RATINGS FOR EDUCATION, HEALTH, AND POVERTY. Tracking 16 indicators of child well-being, the Annie E. Casey Foundation’s 2013 Kids Count Data Book reports that education and health continue to make gains although poverty rates are growing, as are disparities by income and family structure.

OP-ED DESCRIBES SEQUESTRATION’S IMPACTS ON PINE RIDGE. Former North Dakota Senator Byron Dorgan wrote in the New York Times on July 10 that funding cuts are reducing the already inadequate resources for housing, health care, and education on the reservation, and recommended tribes be exempt from sequestration.

BIPARTISAN POLICY CENTER HOUSING COMMISSION TO HOLD REGIONAL FORUMS. Free and open to the public, the events on August 13 in Dallas, August 22 in Ketcham, ID, and August 27 in Columbus, OH will feature panels discussing issues including the state of the housing market, affordable rental housing, rural housing, and reform of the U.S mortgage system. Register online at https://bipartisanpolicy.org/events/upcoming.

REGISTER NOW FOR TRAINING ON SENIORS AND VETERANS HOUSING. HAC will host “Housing Seniors and Veterans in Rural America: Preservation, Development, and Services” in Council Bluffs, IA on August 28-29. Rep. Tom Latham (R-IA) will speak on August 28. Visit HAC’s website, www.ruralhome.org.

Accounting & Financial Operations for Nonprofits in Rural Housing

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Accounting & Financial Operations for Nonprofits in Rural Housing
Print copy: $4.00
Provides an overview of critical accounting and financial areas for which nonprofits are responsible.
2nd ed. 2004, 42 pages, ISBN 1-58064-050-8

HAC News: July 3, 2013

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HAC News Formats. pdf

July 3, 2013
Vol. 42, No. 13

• Full Appropriations Committees report USDA and HUD funding bills • Household water well grants available • USDA offers Section 538 guarantees • Senior Preservation Assistance Contracts available for HUD elderly properties • Native Asset Building Initiative accepting applications • HUD seeks input on RAD changes • CFPB proposes mortgage rule changes • White House establishes Council on Native American Affairs • Housing market recovering, but not for all, report says • Register now for training on seniors and veterans housing


July 3, 2013
Vol. 42, No. 13

Full Appropriations Committees report USDA and HUD funding bills. For USDA’s housing programs, the Senate bill’s amounts equal or exceed the House levels (HAC News, 6/21/13) for every program, and they are significantly higher than the Administration’s budget requests for Section 502 direct and Section 523 self-help. The Administration threatened a veto of the House’s USDA funding bill, though it also stated appreciation for the level of Rental Assistance funding provided. t The Senate’s Transportation-HUD bill provides more funding for CDBG, HOME, and SHOP than the House bill or the Administration’s budget. t The House and Senate USDA bills both include language retaining “grandfathering” in FY14 for all places currently eligible for rural housing aid.

USDA Rural Devel. Prog.
(dollars in millions)

FY13
Approp.
(H.R. 933)a

FY14 Admin. Budget

FY14
House Bill
H.R. 2410

FY14
Senate Bill
S. 1244

502 Single Fam. Direct
(Self-Help Setaside)
(Teacher Setaside)

$900
(5)
0

$360
0
0

$820.2
0
0

$900
(5)
0

502 Single Family Guar.

24,000

24,000

24,000

24,000

504 VLI Repair Loans

28

26.3

25.4

26.3

504 VLI Repair Grants

29.5

25

18.6

28.7

515 Rental Hsg. Direct

31.3

28.4

28.4

28.4

514 Farm Labor Hsg.

20.8

23.5

23.9

23.9

516 Farm Labor Hsg.

7.1

14

8.2

8.3

521 Rental Assistance
(Preservation RA)
(New Cnstr. 515 RA)
(New Cnstr. 514/516 RA)

907.1
0
0
(3)

1,015
0
0
(3)

1,012
0
0
0

1,015
0
0
0

523 Self-Help TA

30

10

17.1

25

533 Hsg. Prsrv. Grants

3.6

0

0

3.5

538 Rental Hsg. Guar.

150

150

150

150

Rental Prsrv. Demo. (MPR)

17.8

20

17.3

20

Rental Prsrv. Revlg. Lns.

0

0

0

0

542 Rural Hsg. Vouchers

10

12.6

9.7

12.6

Rural Cmnty. Dev’t Init.

6.1

0

6

6
a. Figures do not include 5% sequester or 2.5% across the board cut.

HUD Program
(dollars in millions)

FY13 Final Approp.a

FY14 Admin. Budget

FY14
House Bill

FY14
Senate Bill
S. 1243

Cmty. Devel. Fund
CDBG
Sustainable Commun. Init.e
Rural Innovation Fund

3,308
2,948
0
0

3,143
2,798
0
0

1,697
1,637
0
0

3,295
3,150
75
0

HOME

1,000

950

700

1,000

Tenant-Based Rental Asstnce.
(Vets. Affairs Spptve. Hsg. Vchrs.)

18,939.4
(75)

19,989.2
(75)

18,610.6
(75)

19,592.2
(78)f

Project-Based Rental Asstnce.

9,339.7

9,872

9,450.7

10,772

Public Hsg. Capital Fund

1,886

2,000

1,500

2,000

Public Hsg. Operating Fund

4,262

4,600

4,262

4,600

Choice Neighbrhd. Initiative

120

400

0d

250

Housing Trust Fund

c

1,000

c

c

Native Amer. Hsg. Block Grant

650

650

600

675

Homeless Assistance Grants

2,033

2,381

2,088

2,261

Rural Hsg. Stability Prog.

b

5

b

b

Hsg. Opps. for Persons w/ AIDS

334

332

300

332

202 Hsg. for Elderly

377

400

375

400

811 Hsg. for Disabled

165

126

126

126

Fair Housing

70.8

71

55.8

70

Healthy Homes & Lead Haz. Cntl.

120

120

50

120

Self-Help Homeownshp. (SHOP)

13.5

10

10

13.5

Housing Counseling

45

55

35

55
a. Figures shown do not include 5% sequester.
b. Funded under Homeless Assistance Grants.
c. National Housing Trust Fund is “mandatory” funding, not discretionary, so does not need to be funded through appropriations legislation, although the Administration did include it in its budget request.
d. Bill would also rescind the entire $120 million FY13 appropriation.
e. Senate bill changes the Sustainable Communities Program to Integrated Planning and Investment Grants.
f. Includes $3 million for a pilot program allowing vouchers to be used on tribal lands to address Native American veterans’ homelessness.

HOUSEHOLD WATER WELL GRANTS AVAILABLE. Nonprofits can apply by July 26 for funds to lend to homeowners to construct or repair wells for existing homes. Contact Joyce M. Taylor, USDA RUS, 202-720-9589.

USDA OFFERS SECTION 538 GUARANTEES. RHS will guarantee loans for new construction or acquisition with rehab of multifamily housing. Applications finalized before September 30 will be eligible for FY13 funds. Contact an RD state office.

SENIOR PRESERVATION ASSISTANCE CONTRACTS AVAILABLE FOR HUD ELDERLY PROPERTIES. HUD will post a NOFA online on July 3 with a 60-day deadline to apply for SPRACs to preserve Section 202 properties and prevent tenant displacement. Contact Margaret Salazar, HUD, 202-708-0001.

NATIVE ASSET BUILDING INITIATIVE ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS. Tribes, Native nonprofits, Native CDFIs, and Native credit unions are eligible for Department of Health and Human Services funds to provide Individual Development Accounts and supportive services. Deadline is July 15. Contact Christina Clark, HHS, 202-401-5399.

HUD SEEKS INPUT ON RAD CHANGES. A July 2 Federal Register notice summarizes revisions to HUD’s Rental Assistance Demonstration and requests comments by August 1 on eligibility and selection criteria. A revised Program Notice is posted on HUD’s site. Contact HUD staff by email, rad@hud.gov.

CFPB PROPOSES MORTGAGE RULE CHANGES. Comments are due July 22 on amendments to some of the mortgage rules issued by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau in January 2013. Changes affect points and fees for manufactured home retailers and exemptions for lenders in rural or underserved areas. Contact Whitney Patross, CFPB, 202-435-7700.

WHITE HOUSE ESTABLISHES COUNCIL ON NATIVE AMERICAN AFFAIRS. Executive Order 13547, dated June 26, asserts U.S. policy on government-to-government relations and support for strong Native American communities. The new council includes USDA, HUD, and many other executive branch departments and agencies. It is charged with developing policy recommendations and coordinating engagements with tribes.

HOUSING MARKET RECOVERING, BUT NOT FOR ALL, REPORT SAYS. The annual State of the Nation’s Housing report, released on June 26 by the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University, describes signs of market recovery along with declining homeownership rates and an ever-increasing cost burden rate, particularly for those with low incomes.

REGISTER NOW FOR TRAINING ON SENIORS AND VETERANS HOUSING. HAC will host “Housing Seniors and Veterans in Rural America: Preservation, Development, and Services” in Council Bluffs, IA on August 28-29. Details are available on HAC’s website at www.ruralhome.org.

HAC News: June 21, 2013

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HAC News Formats. pdf

June 21, 2013
Vol. 42, No. 12

• House committee approves USDA FY14 funding and rural definition extension • Congress begins work on FY14 HUD appropriations • Section 533 Housing Preservation Grant funds offered • USDA has vouchers for tenants in prepaid Section 515 properties • HUD finalizes 202/811 rule changes • CFPB sets final ability-to-repay and Qualified Mortgage regulations • Deadlines announced for Section 515 setasides • CDFI Fund launches Bond Guarantee Program


June 21, 2013
Vol. 42, No. 12

HOUSE COMMITTEE APPROVES USDA FY14 FUNDING AND RURAL DEFINITION EXTENSION. On June 13 the House Appropriations Committee approved the rural housing funding levels reported in the HAC News, 6/5/13. The committee also adopted an amendment by Rep. Jeff Fortenberry (R-NE) that would maintain area eligibility for rural housing funds through the end of FY14. The Senate Appropriations Committee passed a funding bill on June 20 providing $1.015 billion for Section 521 Rental Assistance and $900 million for Section 502 direct loans. When the Senate’s dollar amounts for the other rural housing programs are released, HAC will post them on its website.

CONGRESS BEGINS WORK ON FY14 HUD APPROPRIATIONS. On June 19 the House Transportation-HUD Appropriations Subcommittee approved an FY14 funding bill that would maintain tenant rental assistance but impose large cuts on many other programs, including HOME and CDBG. The Senate subcommittee will consider its version of the bill on June 25.

HUD Program
(dollars in millions)

FY13 Final Approp.a

FY14 Admin. Budget

FY14 House Bill

Cmty. Devel. Fund (incl. CDBG)
Sustainable Commun. Init.
Rural Innovation Fund

3,328
0
0

3,143
0
0

1,696.8
0
0

HOME

1,000

950

700

Tenant-Based Rental Asstnce.
(Vets. Affairs Spptve. Hsg. Vchrs.)

18,939.4
(75)

19,989.2
(75)

18,610.6
(75)

Project-Based Rental Asstnce.

9,339.7

9,872

9,450.7

Public Hsg. Capital Fund

1,886

2,000

1,500

Public Hsg. Operating Fund

4,262

4,600

4,262

Choice Neighbrhd. Initiative

120

400

0d

Housing Trust Fund

0

1,000

0

Native Amer. Hsg. Block Grant

650

650

600

Homeless Assistance Grants

2,033

2,381

2,088

Rural Hsg. Stability Prog.

b

5

b

Hsg. Opps. for Persons w/ AIDS

334

332

300

202 Hsg. for Elderly

377

400

375

811 Hsg. for Disabled

165

126

126

Fair Housing

70.8

71

55.8

Healthy Homes & Lead Haz. Cntl.

120

120

50

Self-Help Homeownshp. (SHOP)c

13.5

10

10

Housing Counseling

45

55

35

a. Figures shown do not include 5% sequester. b. Funded under Homeless Assistance Grants. c. Funded separately before FY14 budget, and proposed in the FY14 budget to be funded via a set-aside of HOME funds. d. Bill would also rescind the entire id=”mce_marker”20 million FY13 appropriation.


SECTION 533 HOUSING PRESERVATION GRANT FUNDS OFFERED. Government entities and nonprofits must submit preapplications by August 2. Contact a local USDA RD office.

USDA HAS VOUCHERS FOR TENANTS IN PREPAID SECTION 515 PROPERTIES. Families must request vouchers within ten months after prepayment or foreclosure. Contact Stephanie B.M. White, 202-720-1615.

HUD FINALIZES 202/811 RULE CHANGES. The changes are intended to attract private capital by streamlining requirements for mixed-finance developments. Contact Aretha Williams, HUD, 202-708-3000.

CFPB SETS FINAL ABILITY-TO-REPAY AND QUALIFIED MORTGAGE REGULATIONS. The rule changes Truth in Lending Act regulations. Contact Jennifer B. Kozma or Eamonn K. Moran, CFPB, 202-435-7700.

DEADLINES ANNOUNCED FOR SECTION 515 SETASIDES. Funds not obligated for nonprofits and for underserved counties and colonias will be pooled. Contact Melinda Price, USDA, 614-255-2403.

CDFI FUND LAUNCHES BOND GUARANTEE PROGRAM. CDFIs, groups of CDFIs, or entities designated by CDFIs can apply to become Qualified Issuers and to be approved for guarantees. The program guarantees these bonds, and the CDFIs use the proceeds to make loans to other borrowers. Applications are due July 17. Contact CDFI Fund staff, 202-653-0421.

USDA Multi-Family Fair Housing Occupancy Report FY 2012

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USDA’s annual occupancy survey shows 2,135 fewer units and 1,254 fewer occupied units (households) in Section 515 and 514/516 properties in 2012 than 2011. There are 1,243 more households receiving Section 521 Rental Assistance and 931 fewer with rental aid from other sources. The number of cost burdened households dropped by 1,562.

HAC News: June 5, 2013

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HAC News Formats. pdf

June 5, 2013
Vol. 42, No. 11

• June is National Homeownership Month • House subcommittee approves FY14 USDA funding bill • OMB tells agencies to reduce budgets by 10% for FY15 • Kunesh named Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development • RD offers rental preservation loan funds to intermediaries • Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grants available • HUD proposes updates to FOIA regulations • HAC blogs about Metropollyanna • Oklahoma tornado disaster guide available from HAC • Rural Voices magazine examines 7 issues facing Rural America


June 5, 2013
Vol. 42, No. 11

JUNE IS NATIONAL HOMEOWNERSHIP MONTH. Agriculture Secretary Vilsack marked the occasion, as did housing administrator Tammye Treviño in South and North Dakota.

HOUSE SUBCOMMITTEE APPROVES FY14 USDA FUNDING BILL. The House Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee approved a bill on June 6. The full committee may consider it as early as next week. [tdborder][/tdborder]

USDA Rural Devel. Prog.
(dollars in millions)

FY13
Approp.
(H.R. 933)a

FY14 Admin. Budget

FY14 House Bill

502 Single Fam. Direct
(Self-Help Setaside)
(Teacher Setaside)

$900
(5)
0

$360
0
0

$820.2
0
0

502 Single Family Guar.

24,000

24,000

24,000

504 VLI Repair Loans

28

26.3

25.4

504 VLI Repair Grants

29.5

25

18.6

515 Rental Hsg. Direct

31.3

28.4

28.4

514 Farm Labor Hsg.

20.8

23.5

23.9

516 Farm Labor Hsg.

7.1

14

8.2

521 Rental Assistance
(Preservation RA)
(New Cnstr. 515 RA)
(New Cnstr. 514/516 RA)

907.1
0
0
(3)

1,015
0
0
(3)

1,012
0
0
0

523 Self-Help TA

30

10

17.1

533 Hsg. Prsrv. Grants

3.6

0

0

538 Rental Hsg. Guar.

150

150

150

Rental Prsrv. Demo. (MPR)

17.8

20

17.3

Rental Prsrv. Revlg. Lns.

0

0

0

542 Rural Hsg. Vouchers

10

12.6

9.7

Rural Cmnty. Dev’t Init.

6.1

0

6

a. Figures do not include 5% sequester or 2.5% across the board cut.

OMB TELLS AGENCIES TO REDUCE BUDGETS BY 10% FOR FY15. A May 29 memo instructs federal departments and agencies to develop FY15 budget requests at levels 10% below the amounts projected for FY15 in their FY14 budget requests, without using across-the-board cuts. These submissions are the first step in developing the Administration’s FY15 budget.

KUNESH NAMED DEPUTY UNDER SECRETARY FOR RURAL DEVELOPMENT. The appointment of Patrice Kunesh, of Standing Rock Lakota descent, was announced in a May 31 letter from Secretary Vilsack to tribal leaders.

RD OFFERS RENTAL PRESERVATION LOAN FUNDS TO INTERMEDIARIES. Apply by August 5 to administer and reloan Preservation Revolving Loan Fund monies. Contact Sherry Engel, USDA, 715-345-7677.

CHOICE NEIGHBORHOODS IMPLEMENTATION GRANTS AVAILABLE. PHAs, local governments, nonprofits, tribal entities, and for-profits applying jointly with a public entity can apply by September 10. Contact HUD staff.

ONE ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENT ELIMINATED FOR SECTION 515/8 PROPERTIES. HUD’s Notice H 2013-16 says annual statements must be provided to USDA only. Contact HUD, 202-402-2629.

HUD proposes updates to FOIA regulations. Comments are due July 30 on proposed changes to HUD’s regulations implementing the Freedom of Information Act. Contact Dolores W. Cole, HUD, 202-402-2671.

HAC BLOGS ABOUT METROPOLLYANNA. HAC’s latest post on Rooflines blog debunks the idea that everyone will move to the city eventually and live happily ever after.

OKLAHOMA TORNADO DISASTER GUIDE AVAILABLE FROM HAC. A supplement provides Oklahoma specifics and general information is available in Picking Up the Pieces: Restoring Rural Housing and Communities After a Disaster. Print copies are free to people and organizations in the disaster area from Dan Stern, HAC, 202-842-8600.

RURAL VOICES MAGAZINE EXAMINES 7 ISSUES FACING RURAL AMERICA. The spring issue of HAC’s quarterly magazine reprints issue papers from the 2012 National Rural Housing Conference and summarizes participant discussions. One print subscription per organization is free from Dan Stern, HAC, 202-842-8600.

7 Issues Facing Rural America

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The Spring 2013 issue of Rural Voices focuses on 7 issues facing rural America, and conversations from the 2012 National Rural Housing Conference around those issues.

FEATURES

7 Issues Facing Rural America: Leading Rural Housing Forward
by the Housing Assistance Council

Saving USDA Rural Development and Its Programs
by Peter Carey, Self-Help Enterprises, Inc.

Rural Rental Housing Preservation
by Tom Bishop, Homestead Affordable Housing, Inc., and Leslie Strauss, HAC

Energy Efficiency Issues in Rural Affordable Housing
by Meghan Walsh, USDA Rural Development

Housing Options for Rural Seniors
by Gus Seelig, Vermont Housing and Conservation Board

Serving High Needs Areas and Vulnerable Populations
by Marty Miller, Office of Rural Farmworker Housing, Andy Saavedra, Mid South Delta LISC, and Leslie Strauss

Building a New Generation of Rural Housing Professionals and Leaders
by Gisela Salgado and Rob Weiner, California Rural Housing Coalition

Strategic Partnerships for Rural Nonprofits
by David Dangler, NeighborWorks Rural Initiative, and Tom Carew, FAHE

View from Washington

Sequestration Hurts and Disappointing FY14 Budget Doesn’t Heal
by The Housing Assistance Council

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Rural Voices would like to hear what you have to say about one, or all, of these issues. Please feel free to comment on this story at the Rural Affordable Housing Group on LinkedIn, or on our Facebook page.

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