Federal Update
Updated state and Congressional district fact sheets ACTION
The ACTION campaign has released updated fact sheets on the impact of the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (Housing Credit). The fact sheets also include information on the affordable housing needs by state and congressional district.
HUD Releases FY2018 Fair Market Rents and Methodology Change
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced 2018 fair market rents (FMRs). The FMRs are effective Oct. 2. HUD invites comments regarding the FMRs through Oct. 1.
State Update
2018 QAP Public Hearing
The 2018 QAP Public Hearing will be held at NCHFA’s office on Thursday, September 14, 2017 at 2pm. An audio-only webinar will be offered as an alternative to attending the hearing. To register for the webinar, click here.
SIGTARP Report Released
The Special Inspector General of the Troubled Asset Relief Program (SIGTARP) released a report alleging “wasteful and unnecessary” expenses charged to the Hardest Hit Funds intended to aid struggling homeowners. The report covered $3 million in questionable expenses from 18 states.This included $107,578 in questionable expenses from the North Carolina Housing Finance Agency out of nearly $700 million. $53,712 of the contested expenses were spent on training for Housing Counselors who were on the front lines of foreclosure prevention. SIGTARP claimed, however, that even though housing counselors were crucial to the work, the money should have come from other program dollars. Over the life of the Hardest Hit Fund, the NCHFA was able to assist more than 25,000 North Carolina families in a time of incredible crisis.
Local Update
Real Households of New Hanover County
Tomorrow, an affordable housing home tour is being hosted by the Cape Fear Housing Coalition in downtown Wilmington from 2-5PM. For more information, visit the Cape Fear Housing Coalition’s Facebook page.
Charlotte Special Housing Meeting
On August 28th, Charlotte City Council held a special council meeting to discuss their affordable housing needs. A given by staff revealed a deficit of over 21,000 units for very & extremely low incomes households. A few council members found these results to be extremely shocking and are committed to having more intentional conversations on solving this issue.
Chatham County Affordable Housing Advisory Committee
In August, the Chatham County Board of Commissioners approved the formation of a new Affordable Housing Advisory Committee. The county needs applicants for the committee, which will make recommendations to improve affordable housing resources in the county.To view an online application form and a map of County Commissioner Districts click here. The deadline for applications is 5pm on Sept. 18, 2017.
Asheville Poverty Forum
On September 28th and 29th, Pisgah Legal Services will hold their seventh annual poverty forum to draw attention to the plight of people living in poverty in Western North Carolina. The event will focus on having a community conversation about affordable housing issues in Western North Carolina and how we can work together to bring about change. To register for this event click here.
Reports
Enterprise Community Partners: CREATING EQUITABLE STUDENT OUTCOMES: How Housing and Education Policy are Intertwined
Urban Institute: Housing Finance at a Glance: A Monthly Chartbook, August 2017
