Donovan Speaks at NAHRO Legislative Conference

Shaun Donovan, Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development, (HUD) told an audience of housing officials that the country is “thirsty for change” and pledged HUD’s support in terms of funding and organizational resources to get the job done.

Donovan spoke a to approximately 1,000 delegates attending the legislative conference of the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO) in Washington, DC.

Donovan recounted the lemonade stand his son and friends started to support Obama campaign. The name of the stand was “Thirsty for Change” He stated that the country is “thirsty for change” and that the department has new leadership and is creating dynamic partnerships that will focus attention and resources to address the current crisis the nation is in.

He reiterated the President’s remarks that the current crisis provides a tremendous opportunity for change. He said it was an unprecedented opportunity and admonished those in attendance not to waste opportunity.

He said there are short term efforts underway which amount to a three-legged stool: stimulate economic recovery, develop and implement a housing plan and a financial plan. He said HUD’s response has been swift and effective and is focused on investments in communities and promoting energy efficiency and green jobs.

Donovan said HUD is partnering with other federal agencies and will look for local agencies to work across multi-jurisdictional boundaries to stem the impact of foreclosures and create more affordable housing. He said the country must bring back buyers into the housing market. He said there is a new partnership with Congress which supports making Section 8 housing vouchers more efficient and effective.

He stressed the need for accountability at federal, state and local levels saying there must be more transparency, funds need to be spent properly and providers must be accountable to the president and the public. He said funds must be used to help communities and are making a difference in people’s lives. The programs must be evaluated with these objectives in mind, he said.

He said long term we must make quality housing available for all Americans and create livable and sustainable communities. He plans to reinvigorate the fair housing missions of HUD to ensure fair housing and equal opportunity; create a new office of sustainability led by the Deputy Secretary; and, initiate regulatory reforms to identify what works and eliminate what is not working. (As reported by D. Taylor)

Urban Institute Summarizes Elements of Stimulus Bill

The Urban Institute has a brief summary of elements of the stimulus bill on its web site. Of particular interest to local governments are the summaries for the
New Market Tax Credits, homeless and affordable housing program, public housing, and small businesses.

Interesting Reads

Cities Once Immune Now Suffering in Recession
By Barbara Kiviat
Time Magazine

Affordable-Housing Efforts in NYC Could Spread Nationwide
By Robin Shulman
The Washington Post

Watchdog group calls for investigation of Adolfo Carrion, Bronx pres. tapped as Obama's urban czar
By Greg B. Smith
The New York Daily News

Adolfo, the urban legend: House tale of Obama city czar Carrion demands probe
Editorial
The New York Daily News

More Need, Less Help
As South Carolina's job losses mount, agencies and charities are stymied by budget cuts and politics
By Amy Goldstein
The Washington Post

Rise in foreclosures 'a shock'
February saw an unexpected jump in foreclosure filings as the weak economy puts more pressure on borrowers.
By Les Christie
CNNMoney.com

U.S. to Toughen Its Stance On Trade
By Anthony Faiola
The Washington Post

Obama’s Budget Faces Test Among Party Barons
By Jackie Calmes and Carl Hulse
The New York Times

Public Transit Ridership Rises To Highest Level in 52 Years
4% Increase Comes Despite Job Losses, Plunging Gas Prices
By Lena H. Sun
The Washington Post

Perv Group puts 10G “Hit” on Andy
By Fredric U. Dicker
The New York Post