Oregon enacted the first statewide rent control law in the nation in February, providing low-income renters with important protections. The state has seen a dramatic rise in rents with the tech boom and has been hit hard by the affordable housing crisis. Supporters say it will help address skyrocketing housing costs and slow the epidemic … Continue reading Oregon First in Nation with Statewide Rent Control
New legislation proposes carbon monoxide detectors in HUD units
By Chris Holden on March 26th, 2019In response to recent deaths of two Public Housing residents, lawmakers are now proposing legislation requiring carbon monoxide (CO) detectors for all major HUD rental assistance programs. Senator Kamala Harris (D-CA) introduced legislation in March, requiring CO detectors in all units funded through the main HUD rental assistance programs. In announcing the Safe Housing for … Continue reading New legislation proposes carbon monoxide detectors in HUD units
Trump FY20 Budget Disastrous for Affordable Housing (Again)
By Chris Holden on March 19th, 2019President Trump released the first part of his FY 2020 budget, and it proposes disastrous cuts to critical affordable housing programs. The White House is proposing $9.6 billion in cuts to HUD programs, a massive 18% decrease from FY 2019 funding. The administration also proposes eliminating all direct housing programs at USDA. Similar to last … Continue reading Trump FY20 Budget Disastrous for Affordable Housing (Again)
HUD Disarray Slows Carson’s Signature Initiative
By Chris Holden on March 4th, 2019HUD Secretary Ben Carson has touted his initiative to create EnVision Centers around the country, which links Public Housing residents to services that promote self-sufficiency. But in the nine months since the demonstration was announced not a single center has opened. The program’s delay is the latest indication of management issues at HUD. There have … Continue reading HUD Disarray Slows Carson’s Signature Initiative
Trump signs budget deal with increased affordable housing funds
By Chris Holden on February 19th, 2019With bipartisan support, the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives approved funding last week to keep the government open through September 30, 2019, the end of federal Fiscal Year 2019. HUD and USDA affordable housing programs received increases over FY 2018 funding levels, rejecting the huge affordable housing cuts proposed by the Trump Administration. President Trump … Continue reading Trump signs budget deal with increased affordable housing funds
