The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has allocated $5 million to Winston-Salem State University and Tennessee State University for the establishment of Research Centers of Excellence. These centers will focus on research projects addressing strategic interests related to housing, community development, economic development, or built environment challenges in underserved communities.
Acting Secretary Adrianne Todman emphasized the role of universities as "anchors in their respective communities" and highlighted the Biden-Harris Administration's commitment to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). "To build the knowledge and insights we need to drive housing policy, there’s no better place to look to than our nation’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities," she stated.
Todman announced these awards at Winston-Salem State University in North Carolina. This announcement comes after President Biden declared major disaster areas due to Hurricane Helene in several states including North Carolina, Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina. She expressed sympathy for those affected by the hurricane: “I am deeply saddened by the devastation and tragic loss of life caused by Hurricane Helene."
The new centers will address specific challenges impacting America's housing industry. Winston-Salem State University will focus on under-resourced rural communities with historically marginalized populations. Meanwhile, Tennessee State University will examine displacement issues from gentrifying neighborhoods in Greater Nashville and evaluate HUD’s Housing Choice Voucher program's effectiveness.
Solomon Greene, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy Development and Research at HUD, explained that the Center of Excellence program is intended to support evidence-based policymaking at various levels. “HUD is proud to forge new partnerships with HBCUs," he said.
This initiative expands HUD's efforts involving Minority Serving Institutions. In 2023, HUD awarded $10.5 million in grants to four Hispanic-Serving Institutions as part of its Research Centers of Excellence program. Previously, $11 million was granted to three other HBCUs: Howard University, North Carolina A&T University, and Texas Southern University.
