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Jonathan Wolfson is the chief legal officer and policy director at the Cicero Institute. He led the Policy Office at the US Department of Labor and was an official at the Department of Housing and Urban Development. This transcript has been edited for length and clarity.
Housing
HUD offers disaster aid to New Hampshire storm victims
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has announced the implementation of federal disaster assistance for New Hampshire following severe storms and flooding from April 3 to April 5, 2024. President Biden issued a major disaster declaration for Belknap, Carroll, Rockingham, and Sullivan Counties.
Housing
HUD charges multiple entities with racial bias over Denver home appraisal
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced today that it has charged multiple entities with housing discrimination for issuing a biased appraisal and then denying a refinance loan application in Denver, Colorado. HUD’s Charge against the appraiser, Maksym Mykhailyna; appraisal company, Maverick Appraisal Group; appraisal management company, Solidifi U.S. Inc.; and lender, Rocket Mortgage, LLC, alleges that the appraiser issued a discriminatory appraisal that undervalued a Black homeowner’s property on the basis of her race. The Charge further alleges...
Housing
HUD allocates $100 million for electrical infrastructure in U.S. Virgin Islands
This week, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced the release of $100 million in Community Development Block Grant – Mitigation funds to the U.S. Virgin Islands. The funds are available for the purchase of fuel storage infrastructure benefitting the Islands, streamlining the fuel delivery process, and increasing energy security and resilience on the Islands.
Housing
HUD announces settlement with The Appraisal Foundation over alleged discriminatory practices
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced today a historic Conciliation Agreement with The Appraisal Foundation (TAF). TAF is responsible for setting standards and qualifications for real estate appraisers and providing voluntary guidance for industry valuation professionals. This agreement resolves a Secretary-initiated complaint against TAF, alleging discriminatory barriers preventing qualified Black individuals and other persons of color from entering the appraisal profession on the basis of race, in violation of the Fair Housing Act.
Housing
HUD announces new participants in ConnectHomeUSA initiative
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has announced the selection of 97 communities to participate in the ConnectHomeUSA (CHUSA) initiative. This program aims to provide training and technical assistance to help communities access affordable internet, devices, and digital skills training. The chosen communities have demonstrated a commitment to bridging the digital divide for HUD-assisted residents.
Housing
Federal aid initiated for Texas hurricane recovery
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has announced the implementation of federal disaster assistance for Texas, following Hurricane Beryl's impact from July 5 to July 9, 2024. This measure is intended to supplement state, tribal, and local recovery efforts in the affected areas.
Housing
HUD seeks feedback on revised FHA defect taxonomy for loan reviews
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) have released a revised version of their proposed FHA Defect Taxonomy for Servicing Loan Reviews, seeking stakeholder feedback. The updated proposal aims to provide clearer guidance to mortgage servicers regarding FHA’s servicing loan review process, the assessment of errors or non-compliance with mortgage servicing policies, and potential actions in cases of servicer error or non-compliance.
Housing
HUD awards over $30 million to support economic mobility for public housing residents
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced the allocation of over $30 million to 14 Public Housing Agencies (PHAs) across 12 states, aimed at increasing earned income and improving economic mobility for families through the Jobs Plus program. Richard Monocchio, HUD’s Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Public and Indian Housing, made the announcement in Jacksonville, FL.
Housing
FEMA-HUD collaboration enhances state planning for disaster-related housing recovery
Today, FEMA, in partnership with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), published the Pre-Disaster Housing Planning Initiative Report to promote collaborative approaches to disaster housing recovery challenges and bolster state planning for housing recovery before disasters occur.
Housing
HUD expands aid under FHA's updated rehabilitation mortgage insurance program
The newly updated Federal Housing Administration Program will assist families looking for affordable financing to repair, purchase, or rehabilitate single-family homes.
Housing
HUD allocates funds to aid families in securing housing with vouchers
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced $1.5 million in Housing Mobility-Related Services Planning awards to 25 Public Housing Agencies (PHAs) across 14 states. These funds are intended to help PHAs implement programs that assist families using Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV) in finding housing in better-resourced neighborhoods.
Housing
HUD offers aid after Minnesota storms cause significant damage
Federal aid supports state, tribal, and local recovery for June 2024 Minnesota storms and flooding.
Housing
HUD expands availability of translated mortgage documents
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced today that the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) has released translated versions of 19 single-family mortgage documents in Chinese, Korean, Spanish, Tagalog, and Vietnamese. These documents are intended to assist lenders, servicers, housing counselors, and other FHA program participants in explaining information related to FHA-insured mortgages to individuals with limited English proficiency before they sign the official English versions.
Housing
HUD approves settlement resolving disability discrimination claims against California housing providers
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced today the approval of a Conciliation Agreement involving Burbank Housing Management Corporation, Burbank Housing Development Corporation, BHDC Parkwood Apartments, LLC, Oak Ridge Apartments Associates LP, and James Perez. The agreement requires the respondents to pay $41,500 in compensation to the complainant. This settlement resolves allegations that the respondents violated Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Fair Housing Act by discriminating against tenants with disabilities.
Housing
Federal aid announced for Iowa storm victims
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has announced the implementation of federal disaster assistance for Iowa, following severe storms, flooding, straight-line winds, and tornadoes that began on June 16, 2024. President Biden has issued a major disaster declaration for Clay, Emmet, Lyon, Plymouth, and Sioux Counties.
Housing
HUD launches initiatives supporting LGBTQI+ Americans during Pride Month
During Pride Month, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has launched new resources and research aimed at supporting LGBTQI+ Americans. This initiative is a collaborative effort among HUD’s Offices of Community Planning and Development, Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity, Public and Indian Housing, Housing, and Policy Development and Research.
Housing
HUD allocates $26 million for national efforts against HIV epidemic
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has awarded $26 million in funding through the Housing Interventions to End the HIV Epidemic program. This initiative will benefit 11 communities nationwide, providing housing assistance and supportive services for eligible individuals and families, as well as coordination and planning activities, grants management, and administration. The announcement was made by HUD Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Community Planning and Development Marion McFadden alongside local leaders from Volunteers of America in Los...
Housing
New residential home sales decline in May 2024
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the U.S. Census Bureau have released new residential sales statistics for May 2024.
Housing
Biden-Harris administration announces major grants for affordable housing initiatives
Vice President Harris and Acting Secretary Todman announced funding for communities to eliminate barriers to building housing, production, and launch innovative strategies to address local housing needs.
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