THE WEEK IN HOUSING
RECENT NEWS & UPDATES FROM MINNESOTA NAHRO

This member update highlights recent HUD postings and State of the Nation’s Housing Report 2020. Plus check out these upcoming events in December. 

State of the Nation’s Housing Report Released – COVID Impact

The Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies released the latest State of the Nation’s Housing report. which analyses how the pandemic and other factors have further exacerbated our nation’s failure to provide enough affordable housing for those in need. The report shows what many NAHRO members see on the ground and in their communities:

• the economic fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic has amplified the rental affordability crisis
• federal funding has fallen far short of even holding the line on supporting cost-burdened families in need
• the disproportionate impact on renter households of color. In late September, 23 percent of Black, 20 percent of Hispanic, and 19 percent of Asian renters were behind on their rent, compared to 10 percent of white renters.

Read the full report here along with interactive maps, fact sheets and state specific breakdowns. 

ICYMI: Recent HUD Updates & Postings

There are a few noteworthy HUD so below is a quick list to help you keep track of them all.  

• New Guidance for Conducting Remote Video Inspections 
• HUD Extends Deadline to Apply for CARES Act HAP Funding to March 2021 

Senate T-HUD Bill Released (excerpted from NAHRO Monitor)

Earlier this month, the Senate released its FY21 Transportation-HUD bill, proposing funding levels for HUD that are $1.5 billion more than FY 2020, but less than the robust bill approved by the House in July. Overall, the bill provides $48.782 billion in funding for HUD.

The Senate bill proposes small increases or level funding for most programs, while making moderate cuts to the Public Housing Operating Fund and the Community Development Block Grant program. The Housing Choice Voucher program received modest increases with the exception of new homelessness vouchers, which were included in the House bill, but excluded in this bill. Choice Neighborhoods is the biggest loser. Time is short to work through these issues; the current continuing resolution expires on Friday, December 11.  Here are a few highlights: 

• Public Housing Capital Fund: $2.765 billion ($105 million more than FY 2020, $157 million less than the House)
• Public Housing Operating Fund: $4.492 billion ($105 million less than FY 2020, $415 million less than the House)
• Choice Neighborhoods: $100 million ($75 million less than FY 2020, $150 million less than the House)
• Section 8 Housing Assistance Payment Renewals: $22.891 billion ($1.389 billion more than FY 2020, $39 million more than the House)
• Ongoing Administrative Fees: $2.130 billion ($183 million more than FY 2020, $5 million more than the House)
• Self-Sufficiency: $155 million (FSS: $105 million; ROSS: $35 million; and Jobs Plus: $15 million) ($25 million more than FY 2020, same as the House)

Use this link to read the full NAHRO In Depth Analysis 

December Events with Minnesota NAHRO

Mark your calendar for these upcoming events. 

• How HRAs Are Responding to COVID – Back to Basics: Friday December 4th at 11am
• Minnesota NAHRO Awards & Annual Meeting, Monday December 14th at 1pm