New Updates on The Edge

Featured Story

In Practice:
Grassroots Community Development Creating New Housing, Education, and Wellness Opportunities in Birmingham
The Woodlawn neighborhood in the city of Birmingham, Alabama, has experienced substantial outmigration over the past few decades, resulting in a concentration of properties that are dilapidated and lack utilities. In response, national nonprofit Purpose Built Communities and Woodlawn United, a coalition of local nonprofits, have undertaken community revitalization projects that improve housing, education, and wellness. One such effort is the Park at Wood Station, a 64-unit affordable housing development that opened in spring 2016.

Policy Update:
Housing, Inclusion, and Public Safety
Neighborhood conditions influence public safety, and the planning subfield of crime prevention through environmental design has developed a substantial amount of research on ways that design elements can reduce crime. Public safety is also enhanced by effective policing strategies and when all people, particularly disconnected youth and formerly incarcerated individuals, are incorporated into the social and economic life of the community.

Trending:
Demystifying HUD’s CHMA Reports: An Interview with Kevin Kane
HUD’s Comprehensive Housing Market Analysis (CHMA) reports, which are written by PD&R’s Economic and Market Analysis Division, provide insight into local economic and housing market conditions for metropolitan areas throughout the nation. Kevin Kane, PD&R’s Chief Housing Market Analyst, describes the data and information included in each CHMA report and highlights how the reports help HUD fulfill its mission to create strong, sustainable, inclusive communities and quality affordable homes for all.