Housing News

Federal Policy Recommendations for 2009Prepared by Citizens’ Housing and Planning Association

The Expiring Use report, prepared by CEDAC, uses the most current data available from HUD and MassHousing, based on updates from mid-October 2008. Full Expiring Use Report Report End Notes

From the Wall Street Journal - Fannie Mae is finalizing a national policy that will allow tenants to remain in their homes even if their landlord goes into foreclosure - a landmark decision for tenants. The policy will be in effect Jan. 9, Fannie Mae said Sunday, and reflects growing pressure on the mortgage company from a legal-aid group that threatened to sue over recent evictions. The company said it will also ensure its current holiday moratorium on new evictions is being followed until the new policy takes effect.

NY Times article Announcing Shaun Donovan as HUD Secretary

From the U.S. Census Bureau - For the past several years the Census Bureau has released data products from the American Community Survey (ACS) in the form of 1-year estimates. These estimates were based on data collected in a single calendar year and describe the average characteristics for that specific year. For example, the 2006 ACS estimates generally describe the average social, economic, demographic, and housing characteristics for calendar year 2006. Beginning in December 2008, the Census Bureau introduces ACS multiyear estimates, specifically 3-year estimates.

New England Housing Network Conference Resource Material Page

GENERAL RESOURCES:

From MassBenchmarks: Massachusetts Economy Entering Recession, Third Quarter Growth Revised Downward, Tough Times Ahead The Massachusetts economy grew at an annual rate of 0.2 percent between September and October and was up 1.2 percent from October of last year according to the MassBenchmarks Current Economic Index. The current index is normalized to 100 in July 1987 and is calibrated to grow at the same rate as Massachusetts real gross state product over the 1978–2003 period.