HAC News: October 25, 2018

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HAC News Formats. pdf

October 25, 2018
Vol. 47, No. 22

EARLY BIRD RATE ENDS OCTOBER 31 FOR 2018 HAC RURAL HOUSING CONFERENCE• Comments on USDA income banding proposal due October 30, HAC posts draft response • Proposed regulations released for Opportunity Zones • HUD reports homelessness fell in cities over past ten years, increased in suburban and rural areas • Indian Community Development Block Grant funds available • Information from HAC’s Community Reinvestment Act webinar posted • USDA used all Section 502 direct funding in FY 2018, Section 504 fell short • Water infrastructure bill becomes law • Census data guide the targeting of over $30 billion in federal funds per year for rural areas • New poll shows rural optimism, mixed with concern for jobs and the opioid epidemic • Changes proposed for H-2A temporary farmworker visa forms • Economic growth is uneven within rural and urban places, not just between rural and urban, researcher notes •Framing the conversation helps build support for affordable housing • Interactive maps show who’s most impacted by Hurricane Florence • Almost one-quarter of housing tax credit units may lose affordability by 2030, says new report • Housing tax credit target area designations released

HAC News Formats. pdf

October 25, 2018
Vol. 47, No. 22

EARLY BIRD RATE ENDS OCTOBER 31 FOR 2018 HAC RURAL HOUSING CONFERENCE.
Register now for the conference, to be held December 4-7 at the Capital Hilton in Washington, DC. HUD Secretary Ben Carson is confirmed as one of the keynote speakers.

Comments on USDA income banding proposal due October 30, HAC posts draft response.
On August 31 USDA published a proposed rule for its single-family housing direct loan and grant programs that would adopt a two-tier income limit structure, revise the methodology to determine area loan limits and make other changes. The proposed change to the income limit structure is intended to minimize the observed disconnect between minimum wages and the low median income in many areas. The proposed change to the methodology is intended to streamline the process and improve the reliability of the data set used to establish the area loan limits. HAC agrees that these are desirable goals, but HAC’s draft comment letter expresses concern that the proposed solutions will divert limited program resources to applicants with much higher incomes. HAC strongly urges USDA to take positive steps to assure the program continues to serve those who are most in need.

Proposed regulations released for Opportunity Zones.
The IRS’s proposed regulations and other guidance were released on October 19, explaining how individuals, corporations and others can delay or eliminate capital gains taxes by investing in Qualified Opportunity Funds that undertake development in designated Opportunity Zones. Comments will be due 60 days after publication in the Federal Register, which has not yet been scheduled. The IRS will hold a public hearing on the proposal on January 10, 2019. For more information, contact Erika C. Reigle, IRS, 202-317-7006.

HUD reports homelessness fell in cities over past ten years, increased in suburban and rural areas.
The first part of HUD’s 2017 Annual Homeless Assessment Report, released in December, focused on people who were homeless on a single night in January 2017. The just-released second part presents nationwide data on those who were homeless at any time during fiscal year 2017. It includes figures for rural (nonmetropolitan) areas, usually combining them with numbers for suburbs. From 2007 to 2017, the share of people experiencing homelessness decreased in principal cities from 76.9% to 72.5% and increased in suburban and rural areas from 23.1% to 27.5%, while the shares of population and poverty population did not change.

Indian Community Development Block Grant funds available.
Tribal governments and tribal organizations can apply by January 7, 2019 for HUD ICDBG grants to provide housing, living environments, or economic opportunities primarily for low- and moderate-income people. For more information, contact HUD staff.

Information from HAC’s Community Reinvestment Act webinar posted.
A recording and slides from HAC’s October 24 webinar on “Proposed Changes to CRA – What Does it Mean for Rural America?” is posted online. Comments on the proposed CRA changes are due to the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency by November 19.

USDA used all Section 502 direct funding in FY 2018, Section 504 fell short.
USDA obligated about $1.1 billion for 7,199 Section 502 direct loans, up from $999.99 million (7,187 loans) last year. Obligations to very low-income borrowers accounted for 33% of that total, less than last year’s 38%. Only 71% of the $28 million available for Section 504 homeowner repair loans was used, along with 94% of the $30 million for Section 504 grants; there were 206 fewer loans than in FY17 and 178 fewer grants. On the multifamily side, USDA obligated the entire $1.35 billion available for 268,514 Section 521 Rental Assistance units. Last year, it funded 302,451 units ($1.37 billion). There were also 6,353 rural housing vouchers totaling $26.7 million in FY18, compared to last year’s 5,609 vouchers representing $22.0 million. More information is provided in HAC’s obligation report, and a more detailed HAC report on FY18 performance is forthcoming.

Water infrastructure bill becomes law.
On October 23, President Trump signed into law the bipartisan Water Infrastructure Act of 2018. Intended to provide safe drinking water for communities across the country, the act includes new programs with specific priorities benefiting rural Americans.

Census data guide the targeting of over $30 billion in federal funds per year for rural areas.
The annual total for all 320 census-guided federal assistance programs – including those that are not specifically rural – was $850 billion in FY16, according to George Washington University’s Institute of Public Policy, which presented findings and other details to the Congressional Rural Caucus on October 11. For more information, contact Prof. Andrew Reamer, GWU, 202-994-7866.

New poll shows rural optimism, mixed with concern for jobs and the opioid epidemic.
According to a new poll from National Public Radio, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, rural Americans are largely concerned about opioids and economic conditions in their communities, but are optimistic overall. Eight in 10 said they feel their lives are turning out either as expected, or better. Nationally 25% of rural residents cited drug addiction/abuse as the biggest problem facing their community, compared to 21% who cited economic concerns.

Changes proposed for H-2A temporary farmworker visa forms.
The Department of Labor has suggested revisions to the forms and information employers submit to DOL for its determination whether U.S. farmworkers are available and whether conditions for U.S. workers would be affected by hiring workers from other countries through the temporary H-2A visa program. Comments are due in mid-December. For more information, contact William W. Thompson II, DOL, 202-513-7350.

Economic growth is uneven within rural and urban places, not just between rural and urban, researcher notes.
Rural America is not a monolithic entity mired in economic depression while urban/suburban areas are thriving, writes scholar Richard Florida in the first of a series of articles for CityLab. Other pieces in the series cover jobs, economic mobility, and wages, with future items on the urban-rural divide expected to cover population growth, college grads, and the knowledge-based creative class.

Framing the conversation helps build support for affordable housing.
Finding a Frame for Affordable Housing, by the FrameWorks Institute and Enterprise Community Partners, presents research findings and a companion piece, Piecing it Together: A Framing Playbook for Affordable Housing Advocates, illustrates ways for advocates to use these techniques in their communications. The authors recommend describing housing and development issues in terms of fairness.

Interactive maps show who’s most impacted by Hurricane Florence.
Maps for North and South Carolina, posted along with information about the need for civil legal aid after disasters, show where vulnerable groups such as children, people with disabilities, farmworkers and more live in the storm-affected parts of the states.

Almost one-quarter of housing tax credit units may lose affordability by 2030, says new report.
Balancing Priorities: Preservation and Neighborhood Opportunity in the Low Income Housing Tax Credit Program Beyond Year 30, published by the National Low Income Housing Coalition and the Public and Affordable Housing Research Corporation, reports that the Low Income Housing Tax Credit has financed about 3 million affordable rental housing units nationwide. Federal law requires most of them to remain affordable for at least 30 years, with some states extending the affordability period beyond that. Eleven percent of these properties, and 5.6% of the units, also have loans from USDA’s Section 515 program. Nationwide, almost 500,000 LIHTC units will reach the 30-year mark by 2030. Around the same time, unless preventive action is taken, rural places will also experience significant annual loss of Section 515 properties, as detailed in HAC’s recent report, Rental Housing for a 21st Century Rural America: A Platform for Preservation.

Housing tax credit target area designations released.
HUD has published its annual designations of Difficult Development Areas and Qualified Census Tracts for purposes of the Low Income Housing Tax Credit. For more information, contact Michael K. Hollar , HUD, 202-402-5878.

HAC offers Section 502 packaging training in December.
This three-day advanced course trains experienced participants to assist potential borrowers and work with RD staff, other nonprofits, and regional intermediaries to deliver successful Section 502 loan packages. The training will be held December 5-7 in Washington, DC (simultaneously with HAC’s conference). For more information, contact HAC staff , 404-892-4824.

Need capital for your affordable housing project?
HAC’s loan funds provide low interest rate loans to support single- and multifamily affordable housing projects for low-income rural residents throughout the U.S. and territories. Capital is available for all types of affordable and mixed-income housing projects, including preservation, farmworker, senior, and veteran housing. HAC loan funds can be used for pre-development, site acquisition, site development, and construction/rehabilitation. Contact HAC’s loan fund staff at hacloanfund@ruralhome.org, 202-842-8600.
Please note: HAC is not able to offer loans to individuals or families. Borrowers must be nonprofit or for-profit organizations or government entities (including tribes).

USDA Rural Development Obligations FY 18 – September

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The Housing Assistance Council (HAC) presents this month’s report on Fiscal Year 2018 USDA Rural Housing program obligations.

As of the end of September, USDA obligated 131,485 loans, loan guarantees, and grants totaling about $18.4 billion. This is about $2.2 million less than obligation levels from the same time last year when there were 149,860 loans, loan guarantees, and grants obligated totaling about $20.7 billion.

Single Family Housing Program Highlights

The Section 502 Guaranteed loan program, the largest of the Single Family Housing programs, obligated $16.8 billion (115,864 loan guarantees) down from $19.3 billion (134,071) at the same time last year.

For the Section 502 Direct program, there have been about $1.1 billion (7,199 loans), up from $999.99 million (7,187 loans) in loan obligations this time last year. Very low-income (VLI) loan obligations as a percentage of the total Section 502 Direct loan dollars was 32.8 percent, down from 38.1 percent this time last year.

The Section 504 Repair and Rehabilitation programs obligated 3,225 loans representing $19.8 million. There were fewer loans than this time last year (3,431 loans) but more dollars obligated ($19.6 million.) There were also $28.2 million (4,585 grants) obligated in the Section 504 grant program compared to $28.9 million (4,763 grants) at the same time last year.

USDA’s Section 523 Self Help Housing Grant program funded 45 grants and contracts totaling $34.8 million less than this time last year at this time when funding totaled $36.6 million.

USDA has also funded 14 credit sales representing $1,591,104.

Multifamily Housing Program Highlights

USDA’s Section 538 Multifamily Housing obligated 132 loan guarantees totaling $185.7 million, up from 106 loan guarantees ($177.0 million.) In the Section 515 Rural Rental Housing program, there were 35 loans totaling $42.6 million obligated compared to 31 loans totaling $35.0 million this time last year. There were also 186 MPR loans and 2 grants totaling $116.0 million and $251,260 respectively, compared to 33 loans ($26.8 million) and 3 grants ($102,561) this time last year.

USDA obligated funds for 268,514 rental assistance units under the Section 521 Rental Assistance program totaling $1.35 billion. This compares to about 302,451 units ($1.37 billion) obligated same time last year. There were also 6,353 Rural Housing Vouchers totaling $26.7 million compared to 5,609 vouchers representing $22.0 million this time last year.

In the Farm Labor Housing programs, 19 loans and 12 grants have been funded totaling $35.5 million and $17.2 million, respectively. Last year, there were 21 loans and 6 grants funded representing $34.9 million and $8.2 million.

There were also 143 Section 533 Housing Preservation grants totaling $10.8 million compared to 107 grants last year totaling $4.9 million.

Download the combined document.

* The Rural Housing Service (RHS) monthly obligation reports are produced by the Housing Assistance Council (HAC) 1025 Vermont Ave., NW, Suite 606, Washington, DC 20005. The monthly figures derive from HAC tabulations of USDA –RHS 205c, d, and f report data. For questions or comments about the obligation reports, please contact Michael Feinberg at 202-842-8600 or michael@ruralhome.org.

HAC News: October 12, 2018

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HAC News Formats. pdf

October 12, 2018
Vol. 47, No. 21

HUD SECRETARY TO SPEAK AT THE 2018 HAC RURAL HOUSING CONFERENCE • USDA will reallocate rental assistance that was held in reserve • New report on rural rental housing production released • HAC updates disaster guide and issues supplement for recent hurricanes • Public charge proposal would limit admission to U.S. for immigrants who have used assistance or may need it in the future • AmeriCorps grant competition open • Fannie Mae offers funds for innovative health and housing ideas • Data map shows social mobility for every census tract • USDA launches interactive data tool to help address opioid epidemic • Bi-partisan opioid response bill to become law • USDA moves to modernize homeownership programs’ field staff functions as staffing levels decline • Public input sought for modifications to Fannie Mae’s Duty to Serve plan • Research indicates rural families benefit from the Earned Income Tax Credit • USDA manufactured housing pilots expanding further • HAC webinar to cover proposed changes to Community Reinvestment Act

HAC News Formats. pdf

October 12, 2018
Vol. 47, No. 21

HUD SECRETARY TO SPEAK AT THE 2018 HAC RURAL HOUSING CONFERENCE.
Register now for the conference, to be held December 4-7 at the Capital Hilton in Washington, DC. HUD Secretary Ben Carson is confirmed as one of the keynote speakers.

USDA will reallocate rental assistance that was held in reserve.
Over 2,900 units of Section 521 Rental Assistance, which had been used in properties that left USDA’s portfolio during FY 2017 and 2018 and have been held in the Rural Housing Service Administrator’s reserve, are now being reallocated to the states where they were formerly used. USDA’s Unnumbered Letter (dated September 19, 2018) lists the number of units for each state. These units cannot be used as incentives for owners who want to prepay their USDA mortgages. For more information, contact a USDA RD State Office.

New report on rural rental housing production released.
HAC, in conjunction with the Urban Institute, published Rental Housing for a 21st Century Rural America: A Platform for Production. The report analyzes the demand for new affordable rental housing in rural places and suggests ways to increase funding and capacity to deliver new units. It acts as a companion piece to HAC’s Rental Housing for a 21st Century Rural America: A Platform for Preservation.

HAC updates disaster guide and issues supplement for recent hurricanes.
The full disaster guide provides updated contact lists and information on relevant organizations to contact after a disaster including FEMA, HUD and USDA, while a Florence-specific supplement provides more detailed information on short- and long-term resources to residents and communities affected by Florence in Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia and a supplement for Hurricane Michael covers Florida and other states. A recent GAO blog post and report explain how decisions about disaster declarations and individual assistance are made, along with recommendations.

Public charge proposal would limit admission to U.S. for immigrants who have used assistance or may need it in the future.
The Department of Homeland Security proposes to revise the standards used to determine whether noncitizens may become “public charges” who need government assistance and to require them “to demonstrate that they have not received, are not currently receiving, nor are likely to receive, public benefits.” Housing Choice Vouchers, project-based Section 8 and public housing are specifically mentioned. The changes would apply to those who are in the U.S. and want to adjust their status (for example, to obtain a green card), as well as to those wanting to enter the U.S. as nonimmigrants or immigrants. Comments are due December 10. For more information, contact Mark Phillips, DHS, 202-272-8377.

AmeriCorps grant competition open.
Nonprofits, tribes, local and state governments and institutions of higher education can compete for grants that will be used to engage AmeriCorps community service members. FY19 funding priorities are economic opportunity, education, prescription drug and opioid abuse, veterans and military families, rural intermediaries, public safety and faith-based organizations. Deadlines vary by state. For more information, contact Corporation for National and Community Service staff.

Fannie Mae offers funds for innovative health and housing ideas.
Applications are due November 1 for a new round of Fannie Mae’s Innovation Challenge, seeking innovative technologies, policies, practices and/or programs at the intersection of affordable housing and health and wellness. Public, private and nonprofit organizations, as well as individuals and teams, are eligible, with cross-sector teams encouraged.

Data map shows social mobility for every census tract.
A Harvard University team worked with the Census Bureau and Brown University to create a new tool, the Opportunity Atlas. Using data from Census and IRS, it shows average outcomes in adulthood of people who grew up in each census tract, including data on income, graduation, incarceration, and employment rates. It is the first dataset that provides such longitudinal information at a detailed neighborhood level.

USDA launches interactive data tool to help address opioid epidemic.
USDA Assistance Secretary Anne Hazlett has announced the creation of an opioid misuse Community Assessment Tool. It combines substance misuse data with socioeconomic, census and other public information to provide community leaders and policymakers with a more complete understanding of how to address the opioid epidemic on a local level. This tool was launched following President Trump’s declaration of October as National Substance Abuse Prevention Month.

Bi-partisan opioid response bill to become law.
Passed overwhelmingly by the Senate on October 3 and the House on September 28, H.R. 6 addresses the opioid crisis, which has hit hard in rural areas. Among the legislation’s many provisions are amendments to Medicare regulations and authorization of federal funding, to be distributed through states, to provide temporary housing for people in recovery. President Trump is expected to sign the bill into law.

USDA moves to modernize homeownership programs’ field staff functions as staffing levels decline.
Recognizing that RD’s overall staffing has been declining, an Unnumbered Letter (August 31, 2018) explains agency plans to standardize state staffing for the single-family housing programs. The letter also says that, because vacant positions cannot be filled, “core SFH functions in some states will be impacted, in some cases severely,” and promises more information about that impact soon. For more information, contact an RD State Office.

Public input sought for modifications to Fannie Mae’s Duty to Serve plan.
The Federal Housing Finance Agency asks for comments on four of 22 requests from Fannie Mae (none from Freddie Mac) tomodify its Underserved Markets Plan under the Duty to Serve program. The proposed changes relate to distressed properties, manufactured housing chattel loans, rural LIHTC properties and small financial institutions in rural areas. Comments are due November 2. For more information, contact FHFA staff.

Research indicates rural families benefit from the Earned Income Tax Credit.
A new research brief from the Carsey School of Public Policy highlights the Earned Income Tax Credit’s impact on families with children. EITC Continues to Reach Families in Poor Places shows that the share of people who file for the EITC who are also families with children is especially high in the poorest counties, many of which are nonmetropolitan. The researchers argue this data suggests that EITC can provide additional support for families in places where other services may not be readily available or accessible.

USDA manufactured housing pilots expanding further.
One pilot allows the Section 502 direct and guarantee programs to finance existing manufactured homes that are not already financed by USDA. The second reduces the required land lease term for energy-efficient homes in nonprofit communities. RD State Directors can ask for their states to be added to either pilot. For more information, contact an RD State Office.

HAC webinar to cover proposed changes to Community Reinvestment Act.
The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency recently issued a call for input on a proposed new framework to transform and modernize its Community Reinvestment Act rules. Join HAC on October 24 at 2:00 pm Eastern for an overview of the proposed changes and a discussion on how rural communities can weigh in. Registration is free.

HAC offers Section 502 packaging training courses in Nebraska and DC.
This three-day advanced course trains experienced participants to assist potential borrowers and work with RD staff, other nonprofits, and regional intermediaries to deliver successful Section 502 loan packages. The training will be held October 30-November 1 in Lincoln, NE and again December 5-7 in Washington, DC (simultaneously with HAC’s conference). For more information, contact HAC staff, 404-892-4824.

Need capital for your affordable housing project?
HAC’s loan funds provide low interest rate loans to support single- and multifamily affordable housing projects for low-income rural residents throughout the U.S. and territories. Capital is available for all types of affordable and mixed-income housing projects, including preservation, farmworker, senior, and veteran housing. HAC loan funds can be used for pre-development, site acquisition, site development, and construction/rehabilitation. Contact HAC’s loan fund staff at hacloanfund@ruralhome.org, 202-842-8600.
Please note: HAC is not able to offer loans to individuals or families. Borrowers must be nonprofit or for-profit organizations or government entities (including tribes).

Rental Housing for a 21stCentury Rural America

Rental Housing for a 21st Century Rural America: A Platform for Production

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In their new report, Rental Housing for a 21st Century Rural America: A Platform for Production, The Urban Institute examines the issue of maturing mortgages in USDA’s Section 515 rental housing portfolio. This report is a companion piece to HAC’s Platform for Preservation report, the report analyzes the demand for new affordable rental housing in rural places and suggests ways to increase funding and capacity to deliver new units.

HAC News: September 28, 2018

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HAC News Formats. pdf

September 28, 2018
Vol. 47, No. 20

HAC publishes rental housing preservation study • Housing programs funded to December 7 • Farm Bill may expire September 30 • Legislation would increase affordable housing, including rural and tribal housing • USDA extends some deadlines for rental preservation funding • Researchers look at connection between housing and health • Homeland Security to propose rule limiting admission to U.S. for noncitizens expected to use benefits • Rural Voices reviews “What Broadband Means for Rural America” • USDA offers new web resource for mortgage packagers and intermediaries • CFPB requests comments on data collection • September 15 through October 15 is National Hispanic Heritage Month

HAC News Formats. pdf

September 28, 2018
Vol. 47, No. 20

REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN FOR THE 2018 HAC RURAL HOUSING CONFERENCE!
The conference will be held December 4-7 at the Capital Hilton in Washington, DC.

HAC publishes rental housing preservation study.
Rental Housing for a 21st Century Rural America: A Platform for Preservation presents HAC’s comprehensive assessment of USDA’s multifamily housing investments. This multifaceted review considers not only the property characteristics, but also the tenant and market dynamics in which these properties exist. The ultimate goal of this project is to inform strategies that help preserve this integral housing resource for rural communities and residents. For more information, contact Lance George, HAC.

Housing programs funded to December 7.
Senate and House negotiators have not yet agreed on some non-housing aspects of the “minibus” bill that combines the USDA and Transportation-HUD appropriations measures with Interior-Environment and Financial Services. As a result, those departments will be funded through December 7 by a continuing resolution included in the appropriations bill for the Labor-HHS-Education and Defense departments.

Farm Bill may expire September 30.
The House and Senate have not yet worked out their differences on H.R. 2, the 2014 Farm Bill expiring September 30. Negotiations will continue, with or without a short-term reauthorization measure. Without one, Farm Bill programs such as SNAP (Food Stamps) and crop insurance can continue so long as they are funded in appropriations measures, but a number of smaller programs cannot. USDA’s rural housing programs are not impacted because they are not generally covered in Farm Bills. The 2014 Farm Bill did allow growing places to remain eligible for the rural housing programs until their populations reach 35,000; that provision made a permanent change in the statutory definition and does not expire if the Farm Bill expires.

Legislation would increase affordable housing, including rural and tribal housing.
The American Housing and Economic Mobility Act, introduced by Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) on September 26, would add funding to several existing housing programs. It would provide FY 2019 funding of $140 million for direct Section 502 loans, $28 million for Section 514 loans and $100 million for Section 516 grants, $180 million for Section 515 loans, $75 million for the Section 523 self-help program, and $2.5 billion for Indian Housing Block Grants, as well as $45 billion annually for ten years for the national Housing Trust Fund. Among its other provisions, the bill would also expand the Fair Housing Act to ban discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, and source of income; strengthen the Community Reinvestment Act; incentivize local governments to remove regulatory and zoning barriers that impact the private sector’s ability to develop rental housing for middle-income people; and create some new housing assistance efforts. The bill’s costs would be covered by reforms to the federal estate tax.

USDA extends some deadlines for rental preservation funding.
A funding notice for USDA’s Multifamily Preservation and Revitalization (MPR) program was published September 5, 2017, establishing deadlines in 2017 and 2018. A new notice extends them into 2019. It also makes the payment deferral-only option available to all owners, not just those with USDA mortgages maturing by 2023. For more information, contact Dean Greenwalt, USDA, 314-457-5933.

Researchers look at connection between housing and health.
Articles in the latest issue of HUD’s Cityscape periodical examine the health impact of interventions targeting specific aspects of housing, state and local efforts to bridge the divide between health and housing, and new evidence on the link.

Homeland Security to propose rule limiting admission to U.S. for noncitizens expected to use benefits.
The “public charge” rule has not yet been officially published in the Federal Register. When it is, the Department of Homeland Security announced, the public will have 60 days to submit comments.

Rural Voices reviews “What Broadband Means for Rural America.”
A new issue of HAC’s Rural Voices magazine explores how local rural housing organizations and local governments can help bring broadband to rural America, increasing the potential for innovation, educational opportunity, and economic growth.

USDA offers new web resource for mortgage packagers and intermediaries.
The new page includes resources for packaging Section 502 direct applications, handouts from past packaging trainings, information on upcoming training sessions, and USDA’s Loan Packaging Express newsletter.

CFPB requests comments on data collection.
A new report, Sources and Uses of Data at the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection, describes the CFPB’s data governance program as well as what data it collects, where the data come from, and how data are used and reused. The CFPB requests input on several subjects including the overall effectiveness and efficiency of its data collections, suggestions for change, ways to reduce reporting burden and ways to make data collections from financial institutions more effective and efficient. Comments are due in late December.

September 15 through October 15 is National Hispanic Heritage Month.

NEW! HAC offers Section 502 packaging training courses in Nebraska and DC.
This three-day advanced course trains experienced participants to assist potential borrowers and work with RD staff, other nonprofits, and regional intermediaries to deliver successful Section 502 loan packages. The training will be held October 30-November 1 in Lincoln, NE and again December 5-7 in Washington, DC (simultaneously with HAC’s conference). For more information, contact HAC staff, 404-892-4824.

Need capital for your affordable housing project?
HAC’s loan funds provide low interest rate loans to support single- and multifamily affordable housing projects for low-income rural residents throughout the U.S. and territories. Capital is available for all types of affordable and mixed-income housing projects, including preservation, farmworker, senior, and veteran housing. HAC loan funds can be used for pre-development, site acquisition, site development, and construction/rehabilitation. Contact HAC’s loan fund staff at hacloanfund@ruralhome.org, 202-842-8600.
Please note: HAC is not able to offer loans to individuals or families. Borrowers must be nonprofit or for-profit organizations or government entities (including tribes).

Rural Voices: What Broadband Means for Rural America

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What Broadband Means for Rural America

The internet has fundamentally changed the way we live our lives, influencing how we learn, work, and communicate. This edition of Rural Voices explores how local rural housing organizations and local governments can help bring broadband to rural America – increasing the potential for innovation, educational opportunity, and economic growth.

VIEW FROM WASHINGTON

Access to High-Speed Broadband Opens New Doors for Rural Communities
Senator Angus King

The federal government has the power and resources to expand rural broadband.

FEATURES

A Change in Mindset Opens a World of New Possibilities
by Dr. Roberto Gallardo

The Digital Age requires a new way to think about how we build communities.

Broadband Makes Rural Communities Stronger
by Dr. Kathleen Annette

Rural communities in Minnesota understand the value of broadband and strive to widen access.

Rural Maryland County Finds Multiple Ways to Expand Broadband
by Cheryl DeBerry

Garrett County becomes a model for connecting its residents to the internet.

Native Americans Create a Connected Future
by Katie Watson

Tribal members help themselves by building infrastructure and serving their communities with tribally run internet access.

Rural Broadband Expansion Creates Opportunities for All

Rural Voices sat down with Brendan Carr, Commissioner at the Federal Communications Commission, to learn more about the importance of broadband in rural areas, and how the FCC is working to provide access for more Americans no matter where they live.

What is Washington, DC, Doing About the Rural Digital Divide?
by Allie Bohm

Actions underway at the FCC and in Congress could improve or impede rural broadband access.

Public-Private Partnership Will Build Out Affordable Broadband in Rural America
by Sarah Tyree

The Universal Service Fund supports the deployment of broadband in rural areas where access costs are high.

INFOGRAPHIC

The Digital Divide in Rural America

The Digital Divide in Rural America The Digital Divide in Rural America

Rural Voices would like to hear what you have to say about one, or all, of these issues. Please comment on these stories by sending a tweet to #RuralVoices, discuss on the Rural Affordable Housing Group on LinkedIn, or on our Facebook page.

HAC News: September 13, 2018

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HAC News Formats. pdf

September 13, 2018
Vol. 47, No. 19

Congress still working on appropriations for FY19 and on Farm Bill • Rural homeownership funds on track to be fully used this fiscal year • Puerto Rican families’ hotel aid ends September 13 • U.S. poverty falls for third year in a row • USDA proposes making two-tier “income banding” permanent for homebuyers • FY19 Fair Market Rents posted •Grants offered for repairs to water and waste systems impacted by Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria • RUS to stop publishing funding notices in Federal Register • HUD to expedite waivers for public housing agencies in major disaster areas • USDA extends deadline for ERS and NIFA headquarters • Common platform suggested for some USDA loan guarantees • Report shows first homes financed by national Housing Trust Fund • States implementing Opportunity Zones, report says

HAC News Formats. pdf

September 13, 2018
Vol. 47, No. 19

REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN FOR THE 2018 HAC RURAL HOUSING CONFERENCE!
The conference will be held December 4-7 at the Capital Hilton in Washington, DC.

Congress still working on appropriations for FY19 and on Farm Bill.
Congress has divided appropriations bills for FY19, which begins October 1, into several “minibuses.” The USDA and Transportation-HUD measures are combined with the Interior Department’s bill, and the programs’ funding levels are still under discussion in conference committee. At press time it is not clear which bills may pass before the end of the month and which parts of the government may operate under continuing resolutions or, possibly, be shut down. If the Democrats win a majority in either the House or the Senate in the November elections, they are likely to make changes in FY19 appropriations. Congress is also working to finish negotiations on the Farm Bill because the current version expires September 30.

Rural homeownership funds on track to be fully used this fiscal year.
As of August 31, USDA has made 6,209 mortgages from its Section 502 direct program totaling about $945.6 billion, higher than the $911.7 billion obligated by the same date last year. It seems likely to use all available funds for this program by the end of FY18 on September 30, as it did last year. The proportion of Section 502 direct funds loaned to very low-income borrowers is currently 33.2%, below its 37.6% at this time last year and 38.1% at the end of last year.

Puerto Rican families’ hotel aid ends September 13.
A federal judge has allowed FEMA to end its Temporary Shelter Assistance program for Hurricane Maria evacuees who have been staying in hotels. The judge encouraged FEMA and others to work together to help find temporary housing. Agencies in New York, Florida, and Massachusetts are assisting those who need aid.

U.S. poverty falls for third year in a row.
Annual Census Bureau data on income, poverty, and health insurance show an official U.S. poverty rate of 12.3% in 2017, down from 12.7% in 2016. In nonmetro areas, poverty dropped from 15.8% in 2016 to 14.8% in 2017. National poverty rates for African-Americans and Hispanics remained higher than those of other races/ethnicities, at 21.2% and 18.3%, respectively.

USDA proposes making two-tier “income banding” permanent for homebuyers.
A proposed rule would make several changes to the Section 502 direct and guaranteed loans, including adopting a pilot that broadens eligibility and has been tested in select states since FY16. To qualify for a mortgage, a family with between one and four people would need to have an income below HUD’s four-person limit, and a family with between five and eight would need to fall below the eight-person amount. Comments are due October 30. For more information, contact Shannon Chase, RD, 515-305-0399.

FY19 Fair Market Rents posted.
HUD’s Fair Market Rents for FY19 will be effective on October 1 unless HUD receives requests by that date for reevaluation of specific area FMRs. For more information, contact local HUD program staff.

Grants offered for repairs to water and waste systems impacted by Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria.
The Rural Utilities Service has over $163 million to make grants for repairs to drinking water systems and sewer and solid waste disposal systems impacted by Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Texas and the territories of Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands. Applications will be accepted until funds are exhausted. Contact an RD state office.

RUS to stop publishing funding notices in Federal Register.
Effective immediately, USDA’s Rural Utilities Service will post Notices of Funds Availability only on grants.gov and on its own site. For more information, contact Michele Brooks, RD, 202-690-1078.

HUD to expedite waivers for public housing agencies in major disaster areas.
For the rest of calendar year 2018, HUD will use an expedited process to review requests from PHAs located in major disaster areas for waivers from HUD regulatory and/or administrative requirements. For more information, contact Shelia Bethea, HUD, 202-402-8120.

USDA extends deadline for ERS and NIFA headquarters.
October 15 is now the deadline for submissions of interest for new Economic Research Service and National Institute of Food and Agriculture headquarters. (See HAC News, 8/15/18.) For more information, contact Donald K. Bice, USDA, 202-720-3291.

Common platform suggested for some USDA loan guarantees.
RD proposes to create a “common platform” for making, servicing, and monitoring four (non-housing) guaranteed loan programs: the Community Program Guaranteed loan program, the Water and Waste Disposal Guaranteed loan program, the Business and Industry Guaranteed loan program, and the Rural Energy for America Program guaranteed loans. Comments are due October 22, 2018. Listening sessions are scheduled for several dates, ending September 20. To request government-to-government consultation, a tribe may contact RD’s Native American Coordinator, 720-544-2911. For other information, contact Michele Brooks, USDA, 202-690-1078.

Report shows first homes financed by national Housing Trust Fund.
Issued by the National Low Income Housing Coalition, Getting Started: First Homes Being Built with 2016 National Housing Trust Fund Awards summarizes information from 42 states that are using HTF money to build or preserve rental homes for extremely low-income households. States are prioritizing projects to serve people experiencing homelessness, people with disabilities, elderly individuals, veterans, and other special needs populations.

States implementing Opportunity Zones, report says.
CDFA Opportunity Zones Report: State of the States, an update from the Council of Development Finance Agencies, includes descriptions of several states’ outreach and planning strategies as they move forward with Opportunity Zones, a new financing vehicle created in the December tax law.

NEW! HAC offers Section 502 packaging training course in Nebraska, Oct. 30-Nov. 1.
This three-day advanced course trains experienced participants to assist potential borrowers and work with RD staff, other nonprofits, and regional intermediaries to deliver successful Section 502 loan packages. The registration fee is $500. The training will be held October 30-November 1 in Lincoln, NE. For more information, contact HAC staff, 404-892-4824.

Need capital for your affordable housing project?
HAC’s loan funds provide low interest rate loans to support single- and multifamily affordable housing projects for low-income rural residents throughout the U.S. and territories. Capital is available for all types of affordable and mixed-income housing projects, including preservation, farmworker, senior, and veteran housing. HAC loan funds can be used for pre-development, site acquisition, site development, and construction/rehabilitation. Contact HAC’s loan fund staff at hacloanfund@ruralhome.org, 202-842-8600.
Please note: HAC is not able to offer loans to individuals or families. Borrowers must be nonprofit or for-profit organizations or government entities (including tribes).

USDA Rural Development Obligations FY 18 – August

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The Housing Assistance Council (HAC) presents this month’s report on Fiscal Year 2018 USDA Rural Housing program obligations.

As of the end of August, USDA obligated 107,385 loans, loan guarantees, and grants totaling about $14.97 billion. This is about $1.73 billion less than obligation levels from the same time last year when there were 121,655 loans, loan guarantees, and grants obligated totaling about $16.71 billion.

Single Family Housing Program Highlights

The Section 502 Guaranteed loan program, the largest of the Single Family Housing programs, obligated $13.92 billion (95,949 loan guarantees) up from $15.71 billion (109,516) at the same time last year.

For the Section 502 Direct program, there have been over $822.2 million (5,426 loans), also down from $771.4 million (5,596 loans) in loan obligations this time last year. Very low-income (VLI) loan obligations as a percentage of the total Section 502 Direct loan dollars was 33.5 percent, down from 36.8 percent at the same time last year.

The Section 504 Repair and Rehabilitation programs obligated 2,386 loans representing $14.6 million. As in the other single family housing programs, loan volume was down from this time last year (2,605 loans representing $14.6 million.) There were also $21.1 million (3,428 grants) obligated in the Section 504 grant program compared to $22.8 million (3,774 grants) at the same time last year.

Obligations in the Mutual Self-Help program totaled 23 grants and contracts totaling $18 million compared to 26 grants and contracts totaling $20.3 million last year.

USDA has also funded 14 credit sales representing $1,591,104.

Multifamily Housing Program Highlights

USDA’s Section 538 Multifamily Housing obligated 98 loan guarantees totaling $125.3 million, up from 71 loan guarantees ($121.6 million.) In the Section 515 Rural Rental Housing program, there were 16 loans totaling $19.6 million obligated compared to 10 loans totaling $10.5 million this time last year. There were also 15 MPR loans and 2 grants totaling $10.5 million and $251,260 respectively, compared to 30 loans ($21.4 million) and 2 grants ($53,220) this time last year.

In the Farm Labor Housing program, there were 6 loans ($8.5 million) and 4 grants ($7.9 million) compared to 7 loans ($10.7 million) and no grants at this time last year. One Housing Preservation Grant has been obligated ($21,417) versus none last year.

USDA obligated funds for 193,148 rental assistance units under the Section 521 Rental Assistance program totaling $950.6 million. This compares to about 194,472 units ($1.093 billion) obligated same time last year. There were also 5,526 Rural Housing Vouchers totaling $23.2 million compared to 5,011 vouchers representing $19.8 million this time last year.

There were no other obligations for Multi-Family Housing programs in November.

Download the combined document.

* The Rural Housing Service (RHS) monthly obligation reports are produced by the Housing Assistance Council (HAC) 1025 Vermont Ave., NW, Suite 606, Washington, DC 20005. The monthly figures derive from HAC tabulations of USDA –RHS 205c, d, and f report data. For questions or comments about the obligation reports, please contact Michael Feinberg at 202-842-8600 or michael@ruralhome.org.

Rural America is Losing its Affordable Rental Housing

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Read more

HAC News: August 30, 2018

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HAC News Formats. pdf

August 30, 2018
Vol. 47, No. 18

Rental Housing for a 21st Century Rural America to be released by HAC on Sept. 6 • Community Reinvestment Act comments requested • Court dismisses fair housing challenge • USDA launches broadband web page • HAC sets webinar on veterans’ supportive housing for September 12 • State of Homelessness in America data online • Members sought by August 31 for new USDA Rural Workforce Innovation Network • USDA considers changes to interest cap and regulations for guaranteed loans • Census Bureau plans to reach hard-to-count groups in 2020 evaluated • Area Agencies on Aging develop services and programming tailored to rural clients • Senate committee narrowly approves Consumer Financial Protection Bureau nomination • Young people eligible for the FOCUS Climate Gap Year, deadline August 31

HAC News Formats. pdf

August 30, 2018
Vol. 47, No. 18

Rental Housing for a 21st Century Rural America to be released by HAC on Sept. 6.
The report, subtitled A Platform for Preservation, presents HAC’s examination of the loss of USDA-financed rural rental housing. HAC conducted a comprehensive assessment of USDA’s multifamily housing investments to better understand this issue and inform strategies that preserve this resource for rural communities and residents. Register for a live-streamed release event on September 6. For more information, contact Lance George, HAC.

Community Reinvestment Act comments requested.
On August 28 the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency issued a call for input on its regulations implementing the Community Reinvestment Act, which requires banks to help meet the credit needs of the communities they serve. OCC’s notice says it is building a new framework to transform or modernize its CRA rules. In the past the three agencies that regulate banks and thrifts have developed CRA regulations together, but for this change OCC is acting on its own. OCC is part of the Treasury Department, which released a report in April identifying possible CRA changes. Comments will be due in mid-November, 75 days after the notice is published in the Federal Register. For more information, contact Vonda J. Eanes, OCC, 202-649-5470. In 2015-2016, HAC conducted one of the few analyses of CRA specifically in rural America; the three resulting reports are available here, here, and here.

Court dismisses fair housing challenge.
On August 17 a federal judge dismissed a suit filed by the National Fair Housing Alliance, Texas Low Income Housing Information Service, and Texas Appleseed that challenged HUD’s withdrawal of the assessment tool intended to help local governments meet their obligations to affirmatively further fair housing. The judge ruled the plaintiffs did not prove they were harmed by the tool’s withdrawal, and therefore they lacked legal standing to challenge HUD’s action.

USDA launches broadband web page.
The new page offers information about existing USDA broadband programs and the e-Connectivity pilot program currently in development. It includes ways for internet service providers and users to share feedback.

HAC sets webinar on veterans’ supportive housing for September 12.
The first of two free webinars on the subject will provide an overview of the HUD-VASH program for veterans who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. Topics will include who is eligible for services and how to make a referral for a veteran to be assessed for admission, how HUD-VASH vouchers are allocated, and the difference between tenant-based and project-based HUD-VASH vouchers. Register online. For more information, contact HAC staff, 404-892-4824.

State of Homelessness in America data online.
Maps, charts, and narrative from the National Alliance to End Homelessness show trends in homelessness, homeless assistance, and at-risk populations at the national and state levels.

Members sought by August 31 for new USDA Rural Workforce Innovation Network.
USDA’s Rural Development Innovation Center invites organizations to join a national network of public-private partners to support rural workforce development and skills management. Email RD.Innovation@osec.usda.gov by August 31.

USDA considers changes to interest cap and regulations for guaranteed loans.
USDA requests comments by October 16 as it considers raising or eliminating the maximum allowable interest rate cap on Section 502 guaranteed loans. Comments are due October 22 on proposed changes to the Section 502 guaranteed regulation. For further information, contact Kate Jensen, USDA, 503-894-2382.

Census Bureau plans to reach hard-to-count groups in 2020 evaluated.
The Government Accountability Office reports the Census Bureau will use a variety of outreach strategies to reach people in hard-to-count groups such as minorities, rural residents, and homeless persons. 2020 Census: Actions Needed to Address Challenges to Enumerating Hard-to-Count Groups recommends administrative changes to improve Census Bureau efforts for 2020 and the future.

Area Agencies on Aging develop services and programming tailored to rural clients.
An issue brief from the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging reports that rural AAAs have smaller budgets and fewer staff than non-rural AAAs. There are no statistically significant differences in program offerings based on geography, though rural AAAs are less likely to provide some services, such as adult day care. Rural AAAs Structure and Services includes case examples of innovation by rural agencies, including home repair and housekeeping services that help seniors in rural Maine to age in place.

Senate committee narrowly approves Consumer Financial Protection Bureau nomination.
The Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee passed the nomination of Kathleen Kraninger to serve as director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau by a 13-12 party-line vote on August 23. Consideration by the full Senate has not yet been scheduled.

Young people eligible for the FOCUS Climate Gap Year, deadline August 31.
U.S. rural (and urban) young people can apply by August 31 for a FOCUS Climate Gap Year, “a hands-on leadership program for young people interested in exploring the world, and immersing themselves in climate impacts and solutions.”

HAC offers Section 502 packaging training in September.
This three-day advanced course trains experienced participants to assist potential borrowers and work with RD staff, other nonprofits, and regional intermediaries to deliver successful Section 502 loan packages. The registration fee is $750. The training will be held September 24-26 in Liverpool, NY. For more information, contact HAC staff, 404-892-4824.

Nominate local and national leaders for HAC awards by SEPTEMBER 14.
HAC is still accepting nominations for its 2018 Cochran/Collings National Service and Skip Jason Community Service Leadership Awards. The awards will be presented at the 2018 HAC Rural Housing Conference in December. Past awardees are listed on HAC’s site. Complete the online nomination form. For more information, contact Lilla Sutton, HAC, 202-842-8600.

Save the date for the 2018 HAC Rural Housing Conference!
The conference will be held December 4-7 at the Capital Hilton in Washington, DC. The HAC News will announce when conference registration opens and when the hotel room block is available for reservations.

Need capital for your affordable housing project?
HAC’s loan funds provide low interest rate loans to support single- and multifamily affordable housing projects for low-income rural residents throughout the U.S. and territories. Capital is available for all types of affordable and mixed-income housing projects, including preservation, farmworker, senior, and veteran housing. HAC loan funds can be used for pre-development, site acquisition, site development, and construction/rehabilitation. Contact HAC’s loan fund staff at hacloanfund@ruralhome.org, 202-842-8600.
Please note: HAC is not able to offer loans to individuals or families. Borrowers must be nonprofit or for-profit organizations or government entities (including tribes).

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