New Updates on The Edge

PD&R’s online magazine, The Edge, provides you with a snapshot view of our newly released research, periodicals, publications, news, and commentaries on housing and urban development issues. Stay informed on current topics and check back frequently, as our content is routinely updated.

Message from PD&R Leadership: The Census Phase 2 Household Pulse Survey and Rental Housing During the Pandemic

In the leadership message, general deputy assistant secretary for PD&R Todd Richardson discusses the current state of housing circumstances for U.S. renters and the recent release of the first dataset from Phase 2 of the Household Pulse Survey. The Household Pulse survey is an experimental, longitudinal survey designed to quickly capture information about household social and economic experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. The U.S. Census Bureau began collecting Household Pulse data in April 2020.

Featured: Local and State Strategies for Responding to the COVID-19 Housing Crisis

In July 2020, the philanthropic initiative What Works Cities and the public health law nonprofit ChangeLab Solutions held a two-part webinar series focused on housing stability during the COVID-19 pandemic. Over the course of the two sessions, the panelists examined the existing housing crisis, the pandemic’s projected housing-related impacts, and possible policy interventions at the state and local levels.

Trending: Changes in the U.S. Housing Stock and Rental Market Dynamics

In the Trending article, former director of PD&R’s Housing and Demographic Analysis division Shawn Bucholtz discusses the findings of the most recent Components of Inventory Change (CINCH) and Rental Market Dynamics reports. Both of these recent releases cover the changes in the U.S. housing stock between 2015 and 2017, and rely on data that HUD collected via the American Housing Survey. According to the CINCH report, the country gained 2.1 million housing units over this two-year period, primarily as the result of new construction.

In Practice: Riverview Terrace Navigates RAD Renovation To Continue Providing Affordable Housing to Low-Income Seniors in Westbrook, Maine

Re-opened in February 2019 after extensive renovations, Riverview Terrace and Larrabee Woods are affordable senior housing developments in the Portland suburb of Westbook, Maine. The two properties, both built by the small public housing agency Westbrook Housing prior to 1985, are the first developments in the state to have received a contract through HUD’s Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) program. Through RAD, Westbrook Housing was able to obtain the private capital investment required for the $7 million renovation.

Spotlight on PD&R Data: Census Household Pulse Survey: Key Phase 2 Findings

On September 9th, the U.S. Census Bureau announced the release of data collected during Part 2 of the experimental Household Pulse Survey. According to the most recent (Week 14) data, approximately 16.2 percent of U.S. renter households are behind on their rental payments. By comparison, approximately 9.32 percent of homeowner households with a mortgage are behind on their mortgage payments. Other topics addressed by the Pulse Survey include the prevalence of job loss due to COVID-19 and the number of households living in boats, recreational vehicles, or vans.

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