PD&R Edge Elist 03/12/2013

New on The Edge

Message from PD&R Senior Leadership:
Strong Cities, Strong Communities (SC2): Update from the Executive Director
In only 18 months, SC2 Community Solutions Teams have shown remarkable progress in helping the seven pilot cities move toward achieving their goals. Mark Linton, Executive Director of the White House Council on Strong Cities, Strong Communities, shares success stories from the field regarding these SC2 communities.

In Practice:
Massachusetts Addresses Issues with Social Innovation Financing
Government officials, nonprofit partners, and private-sector investors are pioneering the use of social innovation financing in an effort to transform the way social service programs are administered and financed in Massachusetts.

Policy Update:
Shared Equity Models Offer Sustainable Homeownership
In the wake of the housing market collapse, pathways to homeownership have been obstructed by tighter lending standards and declining household incomes. For low-income families seeking homeownership opportunities in this new economic climate, shared equity models offer many of the benefits of owning a home with less financial risk.

Statistical Reports:
Housing Scorecard February 2013
The February 2013 scorecard shows continued progress for the housing market across many key indicators, with home prices showing strong gains at year-end. Sales of new and existing homes are also strengthening. The Administration’s programs continue to encourage improved standards in the industry. Through December 2012 HOPE Now lenders have offered more than 3.4 million proprietary mortgage modifications to families and individuals.