https://banking.senate.gov (click Hearings).

HUD RELEASES NOFAS FOR INDIAN CDBG, SECTION 202 DEMO, AND OTHERS. For details on these and lead hazard programs, the new Choice Neighborhoods Initiative, HOPE VI, Sustainable Communities Planning Grants, and university and college programs, visit https://portal.hud.gov/portal/page/portal/HUD/program_offices/administration/grants/fundsavail or https://ruralhome.org or contact a HUD office.

RD TO PROCESS SECTION 502 GUARANTEE APPLICATIONS AFTER MID-SEPTEMBER. An August 23 letter to participating lenders explains that by then RD expects to finish temporary changes in its electronic system to accommodate the new fees (see HAC News, 8/18/10). Fee waivers for low- and very low-income borrowers will not be offered “at this time,” but funds for Section 502 direct loans remain available. For details, contact an RD office.

RD OFFERS OPTIONS TO REDUCE FORECLOSURES FOR SECTION 502 GUARANTEED HOMES. Effective September 24, lenders will be allowed to extend loans for up to 40 years and to advance funds on behalf of borrowers to bring defaulted loans current. RD will reimburse lenders for eligible advances. See Federal Register, 8/26/10 or https://www.rurdev.usda.gov/RD_NOFAs.html. Contact Stuart Walden, RD, 202-690-4507, stuart.walden@wdc.usda.gov.

RURAL VOUCHER NOFA CORRECTED. RD clarifies what documentation is required for proof of citizenship and corrects a hyperlink. See Federal Register, 8/25/10 or https://www.rurdev.usda.gov/RD_NOFAs.html. Contact Stephanie B.M. White, RD, 202-720-1615.

RD ISSUES ENERGY CONSERVATION REQUIREMENT. An Unnumbered Letter dated August 17, 2010 says that beginning January 1, 2011, management plans for Section 514 or 515 properties must include energy conservation measures. It includes tips for managers and residents, originally published by HUD, and lists potential funding sources. ULs are available at https://www.rurdev.usda.gov/RD_UnnumberedList.html or from RD offices.

ETHICAL CONDUCT RULES FOR RD EMPLOYEES AMENDED. New restrictions on financial interests and more extensive prior approval requirements are added. The changes are effective August 20, with time for employees to divest themselves of certain types of financial interests. Comments are due September 20. See Federal Register, 8/20/10 or https://www.regulations.gov. Contact Michael M. Edwards, RD, 202-720-2251.

CENSUS PROPOSES REVISED CRITERIA FOR DEFINING URBAN/RURAL AREAS. Changes would be based on the 2010 Census results. Comments are due Nov. 22. See Federal Register, 8/24/10 or https://www.regulations.gov. Contact Vincent Osier, Census, vincent.osier@census.gov, 301-763-9039.

HUD REQUESTS COMMENTS ON MAHRA ELIGIBILITY DATE. Comments are due Oct. 26 on HUD’s determination of when a multifamily property covered by the Multifamily and Assisted Housing Reform and Affordability Act is eligible for restructuring. See Federal Register, 8/27/10 or https://www.regulations.gov. Contact Theodore Toon, HUD, 202-708-0001.

NEIGHBORHOOD STABILIZATION PROGRAM RECAPTURE INFORMATION PUBLISHED. A HUD notice describes NSP recapture and reallocation processes. See Federal Register, 8/27/10 or https://hudnsphelp.info/index.cfm. Contact Stanley Gimont, HUD, 202-708-3587.

2010 DATA ON RD MULTIFAMILY TENANTS RELEASED. RD’s annual fair housing occupancy report shows little change in the characteristics of Section 515 and 514/516 tenants. Average incomes rose about 2%, to $11,364 for all tenants and $9,388 for tenants with Section 521 Rental Assistance. Obtain the report at https://www.rurdev.usda.gov/SupportDocuments/ulaugust10.pdf or from RD offices.

NCH SEEKS COMMENTS ON 2010 CENSUS HOMELESS COUNT. The National Coalition for the Homeless asks social service agencies, local governments, and others to take a brief survey at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/NCHCensusSurvey by September 30. Results will be used to develop recommendations for the 2020 Census.

REGISTRATION NOW OPEN FOR HAC’S 2010 NATIONAL RURAL HOUSING CONFERENCE! “A Place to Live: Rural Housing in a Changing Landscape” will be held December 1-3 in Washington, DC. Brochures have been mailed to past attendees and others. Limited scholarships are available for nonprofits. Rates go up after November 1. Visit https://ruralhome.org or contact staff at HACconference2010@ruralhome.org or 202-842-8600 ext. 137.