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Policy
The rules of the game—and the attitudes of the players—have an enormous effect on community development work at all levels. Here we look at some of the conversations about how to shift that policy for the better.
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How State Coalitions Are Advancing Community Ownership of Housing
In recent years, housing coalitions promoting community land trusts and real estate cooperatives have formed in multiple cities and states—and they are achieving results. Nonetheless, a lot of work is needed to achieve the policy changes these groups desire.
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States Use CARES Act Funds to Keep Renters Afloat, But It Won’t Be Enough
More than a dozen states are using Community Development Block Grant funding from the CARES Act to fund emergency rental and mortgage assistance programs.

Is a Subsidy for Single-Family Homes in Distressed Areas Closer to Becoming Reality?
The Neighborhood Homes Investment Act, which is targeted for census tracts with lower home prices, lower resident incomes, and elevated rates of poverty, is gaining bipartisan support.

Fair Housing Is Still the Law, Even if Trump Refuses to Enforce It
Repudiating the requirement to affirmatively further fair housing is another example of this administration’s race baiting and disregard for both the spirit and the letter of the law.

Massachusetts Strikes a Blow Against Exclusionary Zoning
Proposed state bill in Massachusetts boosts housing production, helps end exclusionary zoning.

Trump’s Empty Shell of a Promise to Renters
Diane Yentel slams President Trump’s latest executive order as “reckless and harmful.”

Densifying Suburbs Is the Better Path to Housing Affordability
Alan Mallach responds to critiques of his assessment of urban versus suburban upzoning.

We Need a Federal Housing Agency
Our politics have made an artificial divide between the public and the private sectors when it comes to housing. It’s time to do better.

Lasting Affordability Is the Path to Resilience
We now have a unique opportunity, generated by a combination of life-threatening conditions and focused political will stemming from the Black Lives Matter movement, to re-prioritize local housing policies and resources.

Don’t Just Defer Loans—Start Modifying Loans Now
We have learned how to successfully provide broad-based mortgage payment relief to millions of American households in need. There’s nothing to stop us this time around from doing it right.

Ilhan Omar Proposes Bill to Cancel Rent, Mortgage Payments During Pandemic
A bill announced today by Rep. Ilhan Omar would release tenants and homeowners from housing payments until the national emergency is lifted, and would make up the losses to landlords and lenders through a federal fund.

What Could a Joe Biden Presidency Accomplish on Affordable Housing?
Democratic presidential candidates made the housing crisis part of their platforms. What might a President Biden do to ease the shortage?

The Coronavirus Will Explode Achievement Gaps in Education
The achievement gap between low-income and other children is already equivalent to at least two years of schooling. Might the coronavirus shutdown expand that by another half year?
