Federal updates
- The deadline for Congress to pass the FY22 budget is this Friday. Appropriators are expected to release the $1.5 trillion omnibus bill sometime today (Tuesday) and plan for a vote in the House on Wednesday. In addition to tying the twelve annual spending bills together into one massive omnibus, lawmakers are negotiating additional COVID-19 aid and assistance for Ukraine that is expected to move with the spending package. Both chambers need to pass it by Friday to avoid a government shutdown.
Housing organizations will be on the lookout for a remedy to recent Treasury guidance that limited the way State Fiscal Recovery Funds (FRF) could be used for LIHTC. The fix is expected to be included in the FY22 spending package.
- During last week’s State of the Union address, President Biden called for increased affordable housing investments, “so many families are living paycheck to paycheck, struggling to keep up with the rising cost of food, gas, housing, and so much more. My plan includes more affordable housing.”
State updates
- The U.S. Supreme Court has decided not to block state court-ordered congressional districting plans in NC (and Pennsylvania). The justices are allowing maps selected by each state’s Supreme Court to be in effect for the 2022 elections: Court rejects GOP redistricting plans in NC, Pennsylvania | Associated Press
- Wake County is launching the Lease 2 Home program, which will increase the number of affordable rental homes by providing financial incentives to landlords. The County plans to invest $1.1 million to start the program: New Wake County program to match landlords, renters who need affordable homes | CBS 17
- Buncombe County leaders are seeking resident input about the future of the Ferry Road project. The county’s goal is to use the 137 acres for affordable housing and recreation. Staff have posted a survey to collect input from the public: Share your thoughts on Buncombe County’s plans for Ferry Road land | MY40
- Love Chatham is gearing up to launch an emergency housing initiative offering temporary shelter to those experiencing homelessness in Chatham County. The initiative would temporarily house people inside participating churches and other facilities on a rotating basis: Love Chatham Hopes to Launch Emergency Housing Initiative in Spring | Chapelboro.com
- In Gaston County, zoning regulations have previously prevented tiny homes from being built. A recent zoning change will create the opportunity to establish tiny home communities: Rezoning in Gaston County creates opportunities for tiny homes | WCNC
- During a city council session focused on affordable housing last week, Winston-Salem Mayor Allen Joines set a goal to develop 750 affordable housing units each year for the next several years: Triad cities push for increase in affordable housing production | Fox 8
Reports/articles/events
- Virtual event: Harvard University Joint Center for Housing Studies presents Fixer-Upper: How to Repair America’s Broken Housing Systems on Friday 3/18 @ 12:15 PM
- Virtual and in-person event: Harvard University Joint Center for Housing Studies presents Bringing Digitalization Home: How Can Technology Address Housing Challenges? 3/24-26
- Here’s One Way States Are Boosting Affordable Housing | Pew Charitable Trust
- Federal Legislation Could Tackle the Racial Gap in Home Appraisals | CityLab
- How Cities Are Resisting State Efforts To Increase Density | Planetizen
- See the counties where your generation can afford the median home | CBS 17
- Investors are squeezing out middle-class homebuyers in Charlotte | Charlotte Observer
- A.M.Y. (Watauga, Avery, Mitchell, Yancey Counties) Community Action is Accepting Applications for Urgent Home Repair Program | HCPress
