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: September 11, 2013

September 11, 2013/in HAC News

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September 11, 2013
Vol. 42, No. 18

• Continuing Resolution anticipated for federal funding • USDA temporarily speeds processing of applications for Section 502 direct loans • New housing counseling certification requirements proposed • RCDI NOFA contact information corrected • HUD changes HECM, requests comments on financial assessments • Comments sought on increasing fees for HUD Section 184 guaranteed loans • Poor housing quality tied to children’s problems • African-American housing and wealth studied • HAC launches expanded, updated Rural Data Portal and schedules webinar • 10,000 Friends of Rural America seeks to improve attention and respect

September 11, 2013
Vol. 42, No. 18

CONTINUING RESOLUTION ANTICIPATED FOR FEDERAL FUNDING. Congress is back in session this week and is expected to pass a short-term Continuing Resolution to begin FY14 on October 1. USDA rural housing and HUD programs will be continued at 2013 spending levels for the term of the CR, and could be further extended for the balance of 2014. This CR, like previous CRs in 2013, is likely to extend USDA’s current rural definition for all com-munities currently eligible for RD housing programs.

USDA TEMPORARILY SPEEDS PROCESSING OF APPLICATIONS FOR SECTION 502 DIRECT LOANS. To help obligate funds by the end of FY13 on September 30, a letter informs RD State Directors that loans may be approved and obligated subject to receipt of appraisals. Also, 502 direct loans for purchasers of homes with existing 502 direct loans will be treated as initial loans that will pay off the existing loans. Contact an RD office.

NEW HOUSING COUNSELING CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS PROPOSED. Implementing provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act, HUD suggests changes including creation of a system to certify individual counselors as well as counseling agencies. The proposal will be in the September 13 Federal Register and at https://www.regulations.gov, with comments due in 60 days. Contact Ruth Román, HUD, 202-708-0317.

RCDI NOFA CONTACT INFORMATION CORRECTED. RD’s August 14 funding notice for the Rural Community Development Initiative included errors in the addresses and phone numbers for RD state offices. A Federal Register notice to be published September 13 will make corrections. The deadline remains November 12.

HUD CHANGES HECM, REQUESTS COMMENTS ON FINANCIAL ASSESSMENTS. On September 3, 2013, Mortgagee Letter 2013-27 announced changes to the Home Equity Conversion Mortgage program. HUD seeks comments by October 5, 2013 on requirements for financial assessments, which evaluate borrowers’ ability to comply with mortgage requirements. Other new requirements will take effect September 30, 2013. Contact Karin Hill, HUD, 202-708-4308.

COMMENTS SOUGHT ON INCREASING FEES FOR HUD SECTION 184 GUARANTEED LOANS. HUD has written to tribal leaders requesting their feedback on increasing borrower fees to 1.5% of the loan amount from the current 1%. The higher amount would supplement congressional appropriations which, the letter says, will not be sufficient to meet program demand. Contact HUD staff, Section184Consultation@hud.gov.

POOR HOUSING QUALITY TIED TO CHILDREN’S PROBLEMS. A research brief published by the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation reports on a six-year study that examined how five housing characteristics – quality, stability, affordability, ownership, and receiving a subsidy – impacted education, emotional problems, and behavioral problems. Poor housing quality was the most consistent and strongest predictor of emotional and behav-ioral problems, and was also related to school performance for adolescents. “Cumulative residential instability” was also highly relevant. “Poor Housing Quality is Tied to Children’s Emotional and Behavioral Problems” concludes that housing assistance programs are important and suggests stronger local housing codes and enforcement could help as well.

AFRICAN-AMERICAN HOUSING AND WEALTH STUDIED. The State of Housing in Black America 2013, published by the National Association of Real Estate Brokers, reports that black homeownership rates began to decline before the recession began in 2007, and the recession resulted in significant loss of wealth. Recommendations include redesigning the housing finance system with a focus on borrowers, ensuring adequate credit for rental housing development, and establishing a housing and community infrastructure bank.

HAC LAUNCHES EXPANDED, UPDATED RURAL DATA PORTAL AND SCHEDULES WEBINAR. The portal, online at www.ruraldataportal.org, is an easy-to-use resource with over 350 data indicators providing essential information on the social, economic, and housing characteristics of communities in the U.S. – including not only rural places, but the nation, states, and suburban and urban areas also. Most of the information comes from HAC tabulations of the 2010 Census, the American Community Survey, and Home Mortgage Disclosure Act data. Join HAC for a webinar overview on Wednesday, September 18.

10,000 FRIENDS OF RURAL AMERICA SEEKS TO IMPROVE ATTENTION AND RESPECT. The movement, sponsored by a coalition of 25 rural nonprofits and supporters, including HAC, is designed to mobilize individuals and organizations willing to speak up for the real Rural America. To learn more and join, visit 10000friends .ruralamerica.org/stand_up/.

HAC News: August 28, 2013

August 28, 2013/in HAC News

HAC News Formats. pdf

August 28, 2013
Vol. 42, No. 17

• USDA maps potentially ineligible places • NAHASDA expires September 30 unless renewed • Krysta Harden becomes USDA Deputy Secretary • Section 504 loan funds remain • Farm Labor Housing preservation eligible for Section 538 guaranteed loans • Continuum of Care registration in e-snaps is open • Section 502 packaging regs proposed • USDA addresses compliance with lead-based paint rules • RD staff receive guidance on prepayment incentives and more • FHFA seeks ways to reduce Fannie and Freddie’s multifamily presence • HUD reports “dramatic increases” in worst case housing needs from 2009 to 2011 • Census Bureau tool provides basic data for congressional districts • Website demonstrates and explains income inequality • IRS compiles documents needed throughout life cycle of 501(c)(3) nonprofit • HAC News e-mail subscribers get more and faster news

August 28, 2013
Vol. 42, No. 17

USDA MAPS POTENTIALLY INELIGIBLE PLACES. Application of 2010 Census data to area eligibility determinations for the rural housing programs was delayed until October 1 by the FY13 USDA appropriations bill (see HAC News, 3/21/13). Congress, which returns to work September 9, could extend the date again. In the meantime, USDA has posted “future eligible areas” maps and has sent notices to stakeholders; a reminder from the Section 502 guaranteed program office, containing links to additional information released earlier this year, is posted on HAC’s site.

NAHASDA EXPIRES SEPTEMBER 30 UNLESS RENEWED. S. 1352 has been introduced in the Senate to reauthorize and amend the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act, which in 1996 combined numerous housing programs into the Indian Housing Block Grant. A webcast and testimony from a Senate Committee on Indian Affairs hearing in July are available online. No bill has been introduced in the House yet.

KRYSTA HARDEN BECOMES USDA DEPUTY SECRETARY. Confirmed for this position by the Senate on August 1, Harden has served in other roles at USDA since 2009.

SECTION 504 LOAN FUNDS REMAIN. USDA still has considerable funding available in every state for Section 504 home repair loans (see HAC News, 8/1/13). Funds not obligated by September 30 will be lost. To learn more or to apply, contact a local RD office. Please do not request information from HAC.

FARM LABOR HOUSING PRESERVATION ELIGIBLE FOR SECTION 538 GUARANTEED LOANS. The NOFA issued in May (see HAC News,5/22/13) referred to new construction and to Section 515 preservation. A notice to be published in the Federal Register on August 29 adds Section 514/516 Farm Labor Housing. Applications are considered on a rolling basis. Contact a USDA RD state office or Tammy Daniels, RD, 202-720-0021.

CONTINUUM OF CARE REGISTRATION IN E-SNAPS IS OPEN. CoCs must register by September 23 in order to apply later for HUD homeless program funds. Questions can be submitted online.

SECTION 502 PACKAGING REGS PROPOSED. Comments are due October 22 on USDA RD’s proposal to create a program, based on the pilot operating for the last few years, allowing nonprofit agency staff to prepare applications for Section 502 direct loans. Contact Brooke Baumann, USDA, 202-690-4250.

USDA ADDRESSES COMPLIANCE WITH LEAD-BASED PAINT RULES. Administrative Notice 4721 (AN) provides updated guidance for RD staff on compliance with HUD and EPA regulations on lead-based paint. Contact a USDA RD state office.

RD STAFF RECEIVE GUIDANCE ON PREPAYMENT INCENTIVES AND MORE. An Unnumbered Letter dated June 12, 2013 provides information on prepayment incentives and transfers. The letter says issues related to prepayment versus final payment, application of payments, and loans that have reached their natural maturity date will be addressed in a separate document. Contact a USDA RD state office.

FHFA SEEKS WAYS TO REDUCE FANNIE AND FREDDIE’S MULTIFAMILY PRESENCE. The Federal Housing Finance Agency requests comments by October 8 on ways to reduce Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac’s presence in the multifamily housing finance market and support the use of private capital. FHFA lists possibilities and asks questions.

HUD REPORTS “DRAMATIC INCREASES” IN WORST CASE HOUSING NEEDS FROM 2009 TO 2011. Households with worst case needs are renters with very low incomes, no housing assistance, and severe rent burdens and/or severely inadequate housing. In its latest biennial report on the subject, HUD says increases cut across demographic groups, household types, and regions and are due to substantial increases in rental housing demand and weakening incomes that increase competition for already-scarce affordable units. There are now approximately two very low-income households with worst case needs for every very low-income household with rental assistance.

CENSUS BUREAU TOOL PROVIDES BASIC DATA FOR CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICTS. My Congressional District uses American Community Survey data for quick access to demographics and housing numbers as well as others.

WEBSITE DEMONSTRATES AND EXPLAINS INCOME INEQUALITY. The Economic Policy Institute’s https://inequality.is uses graphics to show U.S. income differences currently and historically and explores solutions.

IRS COMPILES DOCUMENTS NEEDED THROUGHOUT LIFE CYCLE OF 501(C)(3) NONPROFIT. Explanations and links cover requirements from the IRS and other entities for tax-exempt nonprofits (called “public charities” by the IRS) from creation through annual filings through significant events including termination.

HAC NEWS E-MAIL SUBSCRIBERS GET MORE AND FASTER NEWS. Get the newsletter days before paper copies arrive, and updates when important news occurs between issues. Other e-mail options include publication notices, information about special initiatives, and USDA RD data.

HAC News: August 14, 2013

August 14, 2013/in HAC News

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

August 1, 2013/in HAC News

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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.

HAC News: July 17, 2013

July 17, 2013/in HAC News

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.

HAC News: July 3, 2013

July 3, 2013/in HAC News

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	0^d	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

June 21, 2013/in HAC News

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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.

HAC News: June 5, 2013

June 5, 2013/in HAC News

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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.

HAC News: May 22, 2013

May 22, 2013/in HAC News

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May 22, 2013
Vol. 42, No. 10

• Rural definition grandfathering provision included in Senate Farm Bill • Section 538 multifamily loan guarantees available • USDA working to cover Rental Assistance shortfall • Rural Housing Stability Assistance Program comment deadline extended • CFPB confirms its definition of rural • HUD publishes Annual Adjustment Factors • High homeownership rates lead to higher unemployment, research finds • People with disabilities receiving SSI can’t afford housing • HUD invites tribes/TDHEs to participate in online housing needs survey • Register now for training on Section 502 loan packaging • HAC to offer training on senior and veteran housing

May 22, 2013
Vol. 42, No. 10

RURAL DEFINITION GRANDFATHERING PROVISION INCLUDED IN SENATE FARM BILL. This week the Senate is considering S. 954, which includes an extension of current area eligibility for USDA housing programs through the 2020 Census and raises the population limit of grandfathered places to 35,000. Communities up to 50,000 would become eligible for non-housing programs. H.R. 1947, the Farm Bill passed by the House Agriculture Committee on May 15, does not address these issues.

SECTION 538 MULTIFAMILY LOAN GUARANTEES AVAILABLE. Loans must be for new construction or acquisition and rehab of affordable rural rental housing. Approved applications from prior years will be funded first. Lenders may submit NOFA responses through December 31. Conditional commitments will be issued before September 30 until FY13 funds are expended. The NOFA will be published in the Federal Register on May 23 and on RD’s site. Contact a USDA RD state office or Tammy Daniels, RD, 202-720-0021.

USDA WORKING TO COVER RENTAL ASSISTANCE SHORTFALL. USDA RD is taking steps to avoid displacing an estimated 15,000 tenants from 500-600 properties because of the anticipated gap in FY13 Section 521 RA funding (see HAC News, 5/1/13). An Unnumbered Letter issued May 1 requires all RA transfers to be approved by the national office rather than state offices. Contact Stephanie White, RD, 202-720-1615. RD will also use special servicing actions to enable owners to cover costs with reserve funds, defer mortgage payments temporarily, and the like, and will train employees over a four-week period starting in late May so that actions will be consistent nationwide.

RURAL HOUSING STABILITY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM COMMENT DEADLINE EXTENDED. Comments are now due July 1 on the RHSP proposed regulation published March 27, 2013 (see HAC News, 4/3/13). Comments on the definition of chronically homeless are still due May 28. Contact Ann Marie Oliva, HUD, 202-708-4300.

CFPB CONFIRMS ITS DEFINITION OF RURAL. Amendments issued on May 23, 2013 clarify how rural and underserved areas will be identified for Consumer Financial Protection Bureau mortgage-related regulations. The rural designation relies on the USDA Economic Research Service’s Urban Influence Codes. CFPB has posted a final list of rural and underserved counties for June-December, 2013. Contact Whitney Patross, CFPB, 202-435-7700.

HUD PUBLISHES ANNUAL ADJUSTMENT FACTORS. FY13 AAFs are used to change rents on Section 8 contract anniversaries. Contact Michael S. Dennis, HUD, 202-708-1380.

HIGH HOMEOWNERSHIP RATES LEAD TO HIGHER UNEMPLOYMENT, RESEARCH FINDS. A working paper published by the Peterson Institute for International Economics reports that states with increases in homeownership experience increases in unemployment as much as five years later. The authors write that owners are not disproportionately unemployed, but the housing market can produce negative externalities upon the labor market. Ownership leads to less labor mobility, greater commuting times, and – perhaps because of NIMBY reactions or zoning restricttions – fewer new businesses. Does High Home-Ownership Impair the Labor Market? and a related New York Times op-ed are available online.

PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES RECEIVING SSI CAN’T AFFORD HOUSING. Priced Out in 2012, a study by the Technical Assistance Collaborative and the Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities Housing Task Force, shows the national average rent for a modestly priced one-bedroom apartment is higher than the Supplemental Security Income payment of a person with a disability. TAC’s website offers data by metro areas and statewide nonmetro areas.

HUD INVITES TRIBES/TDHES TO PARTICIPATE IN ONLINE HOUSING NEEDS SURVEY. As part of its study of housing needs for Native Americans, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians, HUD is conducting an invitation-only online survey of some tribes and Tribally Designated Housing Entities (researchers are visiting others). Lists of invitees, information about the entire study, and more are posted online. Contact Jennifer Stoloff, HUD.

REGISTER NOW FOR TRAINING ON SECTION 502 LOAN PACKAGING. Join HAC June 18-20 in Knoxville, TN for “Section 502 Packaging Training for Nonprofit Developers” and learn how to assist potential borrowers and work in partnership with RD staff, other nonprofits, and regional intermediaries to deliver successful Section 502 loan packages. This course is intended for and specifically framed for those experienced in utilizing Section 502 and/or other affordable housing mortgage products. Contact Shonterria Charleston, HAC, 404-892-4824 ext. 27.

HAC TO OFFER TRAINING ON SENIOR AND VETERAN HOUSING. “Housing Seniors and Veterans in Rural America: Preservation, Development, and Services” will be held in Council Bluffs, IA on August 28-29. Details will be announced on HAC’s website and in the HAC News and emailed to the Rural Senior Housing and Rural Veterans Housing stakeholder lists. To become a stakeholder in either initiative, contact Janice Clark, HAC.

HAC News: May 1, 2013

May 1, 2013/in HAC News

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May 1, 2013
Vol. 42, No. 9

• Sequestration, funding cuts to impact rural Rental Assistance and RD employees • Rep. Mel Watt nominated to head FHFA • Senate committee holds hearing on Native American housing • Senate bill would continue area eligibility for rural housing programs • HUD to close and consolidate some field offices • CFPB proposes amendments to some final mortgage rules • Fair housing guidance addresses design and construction, assistance animals • USDA RD, others will continue efforts to address Indian Country water/wastewater needs • Oglala Sioux “take the reservation to Washington.” • Market impact of changing mortgage interest deduction not clear, UI reports • 2013 Advocates’ Guide to Housing and Community Development Policy available • HAC offers webinar on home repair for rural seniors

May 1, 2013
Vol. 42, No. 9

SEQUESTRATION, FUNDING CUTS TO IMPACT RURAL RENTAL ASSISTANCE AND RD EMPLOYEES. FY13 was discussed at two hearings on USDA’s FY14 budget request held in April by the House Appropriations Committee’s Agriculture Subcommittee. On April 16, USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack said that FY13 funding will fall short for 15,000 RA households while the $1.015 billion requested by the Administration would allow renewal of all expiring contracts in FY14. In response to questioning, he also stated that RD and Farm Service Agency employees could be furloughed for up to ten days. On April 24, responding to a question, Acting Under Secretary for RD Doug O’Brien said the FY14 budget did not include enough RA funding to make up for the FY13 shortfall. Rep. Sam Farr (D-CA) asked why USDA does not work through housing authorities in places where they exist, and expressed frustration at delays in issuing regulations that would allow nonprofits to package loan applications.

REP. MEL WATT NOMINATED TO HEAD FHFA. On May 1 President Obama nominated Rep. Melvin Watt (D-NC) as director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency. Watt has been a member of Congress since 1992 and a member of the Financial Services Committee, which oversees housing programs.

SENATE BILL WOULD CONTINUE AREA ELIGIBILITY FOR RURAL HOUSING PROGRAMS. S. 766, introduced April 18 by Sen. Tim Johnson (D-SD), is similar to H.R. 858, which was introduced February 27 (see HAC News, 3/6/13) by Rep. Jeff Fortenberry (R-NE). Both would revise the rural housing programs’ definition of “rural” to extend grandfathering of currently eligible places through the 2020 Census. The House bill would retain current law ending grandfathering if a place reaches 25,000 population; the Senate bill would increase that limit to 35,000.

HUD TO CLOSE AND CONSOLIDATE SOME FIELD OFFICES. Sixteen of HUD’s 80 field offices will close by early FY14, leaving at least one HUD office in each state. HUD’s Office of Multifamily Housing Programs will consolidate 50 offices into five Multifamily Hubs and five satellite offices by the end of 2015. Positions and workloads will be changed as well. Affected employees will be offered early retirements, buyouts, or relocation.

CFPB PROPOSES AMENDMENTS TO SOME FINAL MORTGAGE RULES. On May 2 the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau will propose changes to Real Estate Settlement Procedure Act and Truth In Lending Act regulations finalized in January 2013. The amendments relate to state laws, the small servicer exemption from certain servicing rules, and Qualified Mortgages. Comments will be due in 30 days. Contact Whitney Patross, CFPB, 202-435-7700.

FAIR HOUSING GUIDANCE ADDRESSES DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION, ASSISTANCE ANIMALS. The Departments of Justice and HUD have released new guidance on the Fair Housing Act’s requirements for design and construction of multifamily housing. HUD also issued a notice reaffirming that housing providers must make reasonable accommodations for people with assistance animals. Contacting HUD’s Fair Housing Office, 800-669-9777.

USDA RD, OTHERS WILL CONTINUE EFFORTS TO ADDRESS INDIAN COUNTRY WATER/WASTEWATER NEEDS. A new Memorandum of Understanding among EPA, HHS, HUD, the Department of the Interior, and USDA agrees to continue federal coordination in delivering water infrastructure, wastewater infrastructure and solid waste management services to tribal communities. Contact Jacki Ponti, USDA, 202-690-2670.

OGLALA SIOUX “TAKE THE RESERVATION TO WASHINGTON.” In April, the Trail of Hope for Indian Housing initiative trucked the façade of an aging, overcrowded house from Pine Ridge, SD to Washington, DC and held a rally near the U.S. Capitol to show Congress the state of Indian housing in tribal communities.

MARKET IMPACT OF CHANGING MORTGAGE INTEREST DEDUCTION NOT CLEAR, UI REPORTS. “How Would Reforming the Mortgage Interest Deduction Affect the Housing Market?”summarizes past research and a roundtable hosted by the Urban Institute. It concludes that “the best available evidence predicts far less dire effects [than some forecasts anticipate], and some reforms to the MID could actually bolster the housing market recovery.” UI plans to conduct additional research.

2013 ADVOCATES’ GUIDE TO HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT POLICY AVAILABLE. The National Low Income Housing Coalition’s annual guide covers programs and policies and provides advocacy tools. It is free online or can be ordered from Christina Sin, NLIHC, christina@nlihc.org, 202-662-1530 ext. 224.

HAC OFFERS WEBINAR ON HOME REPAIR FOR RURAL SENIORS. Save the date! Aging in Place will be held on June 19 at 3:00 Eastern time. Topics will include using the USDA Section 504 grant program and leveraging weatherization dollars. Details and registration information will be posted at www.ruralhome.org when available. Contact Janice Clark, HAC, janice@ruralhome.org.

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