The agency’s proposal would streamline and modernize its largest affordable housing grant program, which will award $1.3 billion in FY 2024.

New rules from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) modernize the HOME Investment Partnership Program (HOME). According to a HUD press release, “The proposed rule would streamline program requirements for states and localities, better align HOME funding with other federal housing resources, reduce administrative burden for communities and housing developers, improve assistance and protections for renters, strengthen the use of HOME for homeownership activities, and encourage green and climate resilient building practices.”
The program, the largest federal block grant for affordable housing, funds down payment assistance and closing costs, new housing construction, rehabilitation of existing housing, and some tenant-based rental assistance. “These updates would improve the ability of participating jurisdictions who receive HOME to implement funding more effectively and efficiently – making it easier for States and localities to use HOME to support low-income renters, homeowners, and homebuyers.”
The rule proposes simplifying requirements for homeownership and establishing a Blueprint for a Renters Bill of Rights. “The update would also expand opportunities for nonprofit organizations and developers who use HOME funding to create and retain renter or homeowner activities in their neighborhoods, such as revised requirements for community housing development organizations and community land trusts.” The rule also addresses incentives for green building and energy efficiency.

New Florida Law Curbs HOA Power
The legislation seeks to cut down on ‘absurd’ citations for low-level violations.

New Tennessee Law Allows No-Cost Incentives for Affordable Housing
Local governments in the Volunteer State can now offer developers incentives like increased density, lower parking requirements, and priority permitting for affordable housing projects.

Planners’ Complicity in Excessive Traffic Deaths
Professor Wes Marshall’s provocatively-titled new book, "Killed by a Traffic Engineer," has stimulated fierce debates. Are his criticisms justified? Let’s examine the degree that traffic engineers contribute to avoidable traffic deaths.

Study: Housing Crisis is About Affordability, not Supply
New research shows that there is no overall shortage of housing units, but all U.S. metropolitan areas face a severe lack of affordable units for low-income renters.

Are Race-Based Lawsuits Affecting Community Lenders?
Shelterforce spoke with community lending leaders and experts about the current mood across the sector. What, if anything, are organizations doing to avoid becoming the next target of conservative activists?

New Park Promotes Community and Connectivity in Lewisville, Texas
The city of Lewisville just celebrated the opening of Glory Park/Parque la Gloria, helping to improve park access and the quality of life for residents.
City of Madera
City of Santa Clarita
Borough of Carlisle
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Colorado Energy Office
Pima County Community College District
City of Piedmont, CA
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