CSG Justice Center’s Post

A new rule proposed by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) would reduce barriers to HUD-assisted housing. Here are more details: Under this new rule, people would no longer be automatically or categorically denied access or terminated from HUD-assisted housing—including public housing, Housing Choice Vouchers, and HUD multi-family housing—simply for having a criminal record. Instead, HUD is proposing that public housing agencies (PHAs) and owners of HUD-assisted multi-family housing be required, when making an admissions decision, to use an individualized assessment that only considers criminal records that are relevant to endangering the health and safety of staff and residents. They would also be required to fully consider any mitigating factors and circumstances. The proposed rule would continue to afford PHAs and assisted housing owners discretion, while also providing direction on adopting and implementing fair, effective, and comprehensive admissions and termination policies. HUD is accepting comments from all interested parties, including members of the public, to share their views and recommendations for improvement on this proposal. Comments may be submitted electronically by June 10, 2024 through www.regulations.gov. The proposed rule and additional information about how to leave a comment can be found at https://lnkd.in/e5RkYasc.

A new rule proposed by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) would reduce barriers to HUD-assisted housing. Here are more details: Under this new rule, people would no longer be automatically or categorically denied access or terminated from HUD-assisted housing—including public housing, Housing Choice Vouchers, and HUD multi-family housing—simply for having a criminal record. Instead, HUD is proposing that public housing agencies (PHAs) and owners of HUD-assisted multi-family housing be required, when making an admissions decision, to use an individualized assessment that only considers criminal records that are relevant to endangering the health and safety of staff and residents. They would also be required to fully consider any mitigating factors and circumstances. The proposed rule would continue to afford PHAs and assisted housing owners discretion, while also providing direction on adopting and implementing fair, effective, and comprehensive admissions and termination policies. HUD is accepting comments from all interested parties, including members of the public, to share their views and recommendations for improvement on this proposal. Comments may be submitted electronically by June 10, 2024 through www.regulations.gov. The proposed rule and additional information about how to leave a comment can be found at https://lnkd.in/e5RkYasc.

A new rule proposed by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) would reduce barriers to HUD-assisted housing. Here are more details: Under this new rule, people would no longer be automatically or categorically denied access or terminated from HUD-assisted housing—including public housing, Housing Choice Vouchers, and HUD multi-family housing—simply for having a criminal record. Instead, HUD is proposing that public housing agencies (PHAs) and owners of HUD-assisted multi-family housing be required, when making an admissions decision, to use an individualized assessment that only considers criminal records that are relevant to endangering the health and safety of staff and residents. They would also be required to fully consider any mitigating factors and circumstances. The proposed rule would continue to afford PHAs and assisted housing owners discretion, while also providing direction on adopting and implementing fair, effective, and comprehensive admissions and termination policies. HUD is accepting comments from all interested parties, including members of the public, to share their views and recommendations for improvement on this proposal. Comments may be submitted electronically by June 10, 2024 through www.regulations.gov. The proposed rule and additional information about how to leave a comment can be found at https://lnkd.in/e5RkYasc.

You could help shape a new study about alternative methods for calculating Area Median Income in Washington. Commerce’s Housing Division is collecting information from stakeholders about the benefits and drawbacks of the current AMI calculation method and potential impacts of changes on efforts to meet the state’s affordable housing needs. We want to hear from anyone whose life or work is impacted by AMI and associated income limits. This might include, but is not limited to: • Local planners • Housing assistance program managers • Service providers • Developers and managers of affordable housing • Advocates • Persons who’ve experience housing insecurity Complete the survey by Jan. 5, 2025: https://heyor.ca/z5kqtq Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gTQkUBVd

Today, HUD's Office of Policy, Development & Research issued a new report, "Rental Counseling and Evictions: Results from a Survey and Listening Session with Housing Counseling Providers." This report was developed in response to Congress’ request for information on the predominant causes of evictions, along with contributions from our Office of Housing Counseling team. Read the full report: https://lnkd.in/ezfqqyHh https://lnkd.in/etm-Avqu

SUPPORT HOUSING... EMBRACE THE SUCK ......Last night the City of Pleasanton, CA, City Council, unanimously upheld the "early denial" of a 148 unit townhome project. I have to highlight two of many, misinformed reasons; #1. Because they had just approved their 6th round housing element and their City didn't need to commit to any more housing. Hmmm? And, when will those units be available on the market if one started processing today? Maybe 2030. At least this one could have been 2026 :) #2. Because they had just approved some housing two weeks prior. What they failed to mention was, they HAD to approve it to comply with state housing laws; the vote was 1 against and 4 in favor (3 AYES were after many verbal complaints and apologies to their constituents). What a way to take credit for having no choice. A big thank you to my colleagues, friends and loved ones who took the time to show up and speak in support of housing by my side. Our voices weren't heeded but we cannot be deterred. Oh and BTW - there was NO community opposition. The denial was wholly a City Council choice. Hence..... EMBRACE THE SUCK..... time to regroup. The City Council Meetings are posted on Youtube should you want to observe it for yourself.

I wrote a letter for the Action Network letter campaign: Tell your representative: Bring the YIMBY Act to a vote! As of 2023, the United States underproduced housing by at least 3.9 million homes, driving up prices and pushing people out of their neighborhoods. Tens of millions of Americans struggle to keep a roof over their heads due to these extreme prices. Policies like exclusionary zoning and other restrictions have artificially prevented us from building enough homes for everyone in the US. The impacts of these policies only become more urgent as more and more people fall into homelessness and housing insecurity. The Yes In My Backyard (YIMBY) Act is a bipartisan bill aimed at increasing home construction. The bill identifies better zoning, reducing the number of unnecessary hearings, and faster permitting as some of the necessary strategies to end the housing shortage and achieve homes for all. The legislation also encourages cities and towns to eliminate discriminatory land use policies and remove barriers that prevent much-needed homes from being built around the country. Housing alone is the cause of one-third of the market basket for inflation. Passing the YIMBY Act would unlock millions of homes across the country by incentivizing cities and towns to reform their zoning laws and invest in the construction of homes at all income levels. Tell Congress that housing can’t wait. Tell them to bring the YIMBY Act to a vote! Can you join me and write a letter? Click here: https://lnkd.in/gVBaNxnS

Excited to see the Illinois Policy piece highlighting the Bipartisan Policy Center's work on accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and zoning laws. It's encouraging to see our efforts being used as examples of how regulatory reform can make housing more affordable for Illinois families. Check out the full report to learn more about these important issues and our ongoing work. https://lnkd.in/eJc94yFU

ICYMI: A new rule proposed by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) would reduce barriers to HUD-assisted housing. Under this new rule, people would no longer be automatically or categorically denied access or terminated from HUD-assisted housing. The proposed rule would continue to afford PHAs and assisted housing owners discretion, while also providing direction on adopting and implementing fair, effective, and comprehensive admissions and termination policies. HUD is accepting comments from all interested parties, including members of the public, to share their views and recommendations for improvement on this proposal. Today is the last day to submit comments electronically through www.regulations.gov. Read more about the proposed rule and additional information about how to leave a comment here: https://lnkd.in/e5RkYasc