On the debt ceiling deal I’m no expert, but like everyone I have a personal opinion. My focus is on the economic condition of the poor in this country and improving the quality and affordability of their homes and neighborhoods, I fear that domestic discretionary spending cuts mandated in the debt ceiling deal will disproportionately […]
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Tag Archives: Housing budget
Poll: Most think government should help homeowners in trouble
June 30, 2011 
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A new CBS News/ New York Times poll shows: Most Americans think home ownership is an important part of the American dream. About one-quarter thinks no one should receive subsidized home loans; one-quarter think everyone should; and another quarter thinks only low-income people should qualify. 45 percent would like to see government do more improving […]
Read more Low-income Americans will need to work into their eighties
June 11, 2011 1 Comment
Only by retiring at 75 years old would a majority of Americans in the lowest income quartile — defined as earning below $11,700 annually – have half a chance of not running out of money during retirement, a study by the Employee Benefit Research Institute finds.
Read moreTransforming rental assistance through the HUD budget
March 17, 2010 Comments Off
Earlier this year we commented on the proposed The 2011 Budget Request for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Affairs. Recently, the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities weighed in with their thoughts. The CBPP analysis highlights the Transforming Rental Assistance (TRA) initiative, a $350 million program to convert some 300,000 units (280,000 public […]
Read moreHUD 2011 Budget: Shifts in Emphasis
February 3, 2010 1 Comment
The 2011 Budget Request for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Affairs was released on February 1. According to an article in the Washington Post, the department will receive $41.5 billion for fiscal year 2011. This represents a 2 percent cut in funding from 2010. This “cut” may be somewhat misleading as some outlays […]
Read moreCan Texas handle the increase in homeless and low-income weatherization funds?
March 3, 2009 Comments Off
All of the money coming to Texas from the economic stimulus bill is a great thing. But as the size of the program begins to sink in there is reason to be concerned over the State’s ability to spend so much money so fast. Two of the programs that are causing the most concern by […]
Read moreWhat we mean by affordable housing: an open letter to Congress
February 10, 2009 Comments Off
In an open letter to Congress calling for more attention to affordable housing in the economic recovery bill, 547 housing advocates from across the country have made their case that the housing needs of the poor need to be included. The 16 Texas signers are: Advocacy Resource Center for Housing – McAllen, TX Association of […]
Read moreFlorida Housing Trust Fund raided to balance state budget
January 16, 2009 Comments Off
The Orlando Sentinel reports that the Florida Legislature raided the Florida Housing Trust Fund to cope with the state’s budget shortage. The Florida HTF is the largest and most successful state housing trust fund in the nation. The article is worth reading. Also worth reading is the profile of House Financial Services Committee Chair Barney […]
Read moreMajor funding for low income housing proposed in economic stimulus bill
January 15, 2009 Comments Off
In the next two weeks, Congress will be considering the American Recovery and Reinvestment Bill of 2009. Today, House Appropriations Chairman Obey released the details of the economic stimulus bill. The bill contains major new housing initiatives. By my calculation the bill contains $25.6 billion in low income housing and related funding. Below are the […]
Read moreAustin housers win funding victory
July 26, 2008 1 Comment
Austin housers won a major victory Thursday when the Austin City Council reversed city staff recommendations and rejected deep cuts in the city’s commitment to affordable housing. We began sounding the alarm about the staff proposed funding cuts on June 19 and reported on meetings between housers and top city staff on July 8. Thursday […]
Read moreTop 10 reasons to be a Texas low income housing optimist
July 13, 2008 Comments Off
I have put on my rose colored glasses and come up with the top ten reasons to be an optimist about low income housing in Texas. Watch the video blog to hear all the details or read the bare bones list below. 1. A National Housing Trust Fund may be established soon. 2. Chances have […]
Read moreAustin housers voice concerns over proposed city housing cuts
July 8, 2008 2 Comments
Leaders in Austin’s affordable housing community met July 1 the City of Austin’s new Chief of Staff, Anthony Snipes to voice objections to housing budget cuts we reported on earlier that have been proposed by the City’s Neighborhood Housing Department. Frank Fernandez (CPH); Cathy Echols (Livable City); Ruby Roa (CDC); Algie Williams (CDC); Michael Willard […]
Read moreCity of Austin staff proposes housing cuts of over $6 million
June 19, 2008 2 Comments
My colleague, Karen Paup stays up to date on all the Austin housing issues and she has pointed out an alarming change of direction at the City of Austin’s Neighborhood Housing Department. The City is cutting direct funding for housing low-income families, youth, elders, tenants and day care vouchers while beefing up consultants, studies and […]
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