New Updates on The Edge

Message from PD&R Leadership:
Preparing for Hurricane Season
During the Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to November 30, even homes and communities some distance from the coast may be at risk of damage from high winds, heavy rains, and flooding. Elizabeth A. Cocke, Director of PD&R’s Affordable Housing Research and Technology Division, discusses hurricane preparedness and points to resources that Atlantic and Gulf Coast residents can use to protect their homes, families, and finances.

Spotlight on PD&R Data:
Trends in the Denver, Colorado Housing Market Area
The second article in a series focusing on HUD’s Comprehensive Housing Market Analyses (CHMAs) examines the Denver, Colorado housing market area (HMA). Located just east of the Rocky Mountains, the Denver HMA has been experiencing strong economic growth since 2010, with the highest percentage of growth occurring in the mining, logging, and construction sector. As of 2016, the market was meeting the demand for apartments, but falling short for other rental units and homes. Both economic growth and area housing demand are expected to remain strong.

In Practice:
Affordable Housing Opens near Transit in Denver, Colorado
In 2013, the nonprofit Urban Land Conservancy (ULC) purchased the Park Hill Village West site in northeast Denver using funds that included $3.7 million from the state’s Transit-Oriented Development Fund. ULC then sold 2.7 acres to Delwest Capital, which built the first project in the Village, the 156-unit Park Hill Station Apartments for low-income individuals and families. These units contribute to the 3,000-unit goal of the city’s 3x5 Initiative, adopted in 2013 to relieve Denver’s affordable housing shortage. When complete, the Village will include 350 mixed-income units.

Trending:
Information Science Trends
The 2017 Computers in Libraries conference, held March 28–30 in Arlington, Virginia, featured seminars focused on using technology to improve information skills. Several new information science topics and strategies were discussed, including the evolution of Google’s search engine, the advent of new and improved internet search platforms, and the various applications of the Raspberry Pi. The technology of information sciences is advancing rapidly, presenting many opportunities for libraries.

Please send your comments and suggestions to editor@huduser.gov.