In February, USDA requested comments on opportunities, challenges, and emerging areas in statistical data, analysis, and research produced by some of its offices, including the Economic Research Service (ERS). The department said the information it collects will help inform USDA as it considers future program direction, new initiatives, and potential funding opportunities.

HAC submitted a response to USDA emphasizing the following points, focusing on ERS because its work covers rural housing and community development.

• ERS is an immensely valuable institution and resource for rural America.
• USDA should invest more in housing data and research.
• ERS should expand its relationship with Rural Development and specifically the Rural Housing Service to provide increased and better data on housing resources the agency administers.
• USDA should provide more publicly available data to help inform strategies to address the “maturing mortgage crisis” within the Section 515 Rural Rental Housing Loan Program – especially data on why properties left the portfolio.
• Data on properties and residents that are leaving the USDA Section 515 rental stock is vital to preservation efforts.
• More detailed data on the ownership structure of USDA Section 515 properties would enhance production and preservation efforts for this key housing resource.
• The Housing Assistance Council increasingly utilizes sub-county data for analyses when available.
• ERS should continue its research and provide data on philanthropic investments to rural America.
• USDA should coordinate with the Department of Labor and other federal agencies and institutions to develop much-needed data resources that inform an understanding of how agricultural workers obtain and access housing.
• USDA should report Section 502 Direct Loan activity to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council through the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act.
• USDA should work with HUD and the Census Bureau to put “rural” back into the American Housing Survey.