New Updates on PD&R Edge

In Practice:
Preserving Affordable Housing in Gentrifying Omaha Neighborhood
In fall 2023, Omaha, Nebraska-based nonprofit inCOMMON, finished rehabilitating two century-old, historically designated buildings into affordable apartments in a neighborhood experiencing gentrification and rising housing prices. The development consists of 75 units serving low- and moderate-income households in two adjoining properties: Hanscom Apartments and Georgia Row Apartments. In addition to creating safe and affordable housing, inCOMMON’s preservation work furthers the organization’s neighborhood development goals. Read the article at https://www.huduser.gov/portal/pdredge/pdr-edge-inpractice-010924.html.

PD&R Leadership:
COP28 — Why HUD Attends the Annual Climate Conference
In the Leadership Message, Cindy Campbell, director of PD&R’s International and Philanthropic Affairs Division, discusses HUD’s recent participation in the COP28 international climate summit held in Dubai. HUD’s participation signals the significant role of the housing and construction sectors in global energy use. Reducing the climate impacts of housing is an important component of limiting the effects of climate change. Read the article at https://www.huduser.gov/portal/pdredge/pdr-edge-frm-asst-sec-010924.html.

Spotlight on PD&R Data:
Continued Economic Recovery and a Tight but Easing Home Sales Market in the Baltimore HMA
The Baltimore-Columbia-Towson Housing Market Area (Baltimore HMA) is showing continuing recovery from the economic impacts of the pandemic. Nonfarm payrolls in the Baltimore HMA increased during the 12 months ending May 2023, and the number of jobs is 5 percent higher than in 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic caused significant job losses. Current payrolls are 2 percent below prepandemic levels. The home sales market in the HMA is tight but easing, with an estimated vacancy rate of 1.5 percent as of June 1, 2023, down from 1.6 percent in April 2020. The overall rental market in the HMA is slightly soft, with an estimated 8.7 percent vacancy rate, up from 8.3 percent in April 2020. Read the article at https://www.huduser.gov/portal/pdredge/pdr-edge-spotlight-article-01092….

Trending:
The Potential of Advanced Modular Housing Design for Post-Disaster Housing
Natural disasters often create an acute and urgent need for affordable temporary housing units to accommodate displaced households as they and their communities recover. When a disaster strikes, the ability to supply temporary housing quickly is critical, especially for the most vulnerable households. A HUD-funded research team at the University of Florida recently developed blueprints for units called Advanced Modular Housing — rapidly deployable modular homes that are resilient, sustainable, affordable, and can be used as temporary or permanent housing. Read the article at https://www.huduser.gov/portal/pdredge/pdr-edge-trending-010924.html.

PD&R at 50:
History of the Economic and Market Analysis Division (EMAD): Part 2 — Rebuilding the Field Organization (1999–2023)
This PD&R at 50 article discusses efforts over the past 25 years to build the capacity of HUD’s field offices to produce housing market analyses. Efforts have included increased training, formal collaborations with other HUD initiatives, and continuous improvements to practices and policies. Read the article at https://www.huduser.gov/portal/pdredge/pdr-edge-pdrat50-010924.html.

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