New Updates on The Edge

Message from PD&R Leadership:
Getting to Know the Important Local Work of PD&R’s Field Economists
In the leadership message, general deputy assistant secretary for PD&R Todd Richardson discusses the 33 local field economists working in the Economic and Market Analysis Division. In addition to producing and updating the many housing market reports available through HUDUser.gov, the field economists fill several other roles, from collecting data for Comprehensive Market Analyses to advising local stakeholders or preparing congressional briefings.

Spotlight on PD&R Research:
Employment Growth in Fresno HMA Despite High Unemployment Rates
The most recent article in a series focusing on HUD's Comprehensive Housing Market Analyses examines the Fresno Housing Market Area (Fresno HMA). The single-county HMA has an estimated population of approximately 1.01 million, and as of 2019 tends to experience unemployment rates of higher than 7 percent because of a high reliance on seasonal agricultural work. The HMA has homeownership rates lower than the national average, with a balanced sales and tight rental market.

In Practice:
Supportive Housing in East Hollywood, Los Angeles, Aims To Blunt City’s Homelessness Crisis
Opened in 2019, the David T.C. Ho Family Building is the first of a two-phase affordable housing project called PATH Metro Villas in East Hollywood, Los Angeles, California. The five-story, $28.5 million building has 64 units for low-income households and households coming out of homelessness and is located within three blocks of the Vermont/Beverly station of the LA Metro, further enhancing affordability for tenants. The second phase of PATH Metro Villas is slated for completion in 2020.

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