New Updates on The Edge

Message from PD&R Leadership:
Philanthropic Efforts in Racial Equity
In the leadership message, director of PD&R’s International and Philanthropic Affairs Division Cynthia Campbell discusses the work that several philanthropic and community foundations have been doing to advance racial equity in the United States. Campbell provides information about major foundations' commitments towards grantmaking projects, fellowship programs, and trust funds, and highlights three community foundations.

Trending:
Centering Equity and Efficiency in Coronavirus Housing Responses
At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, as businesses closed and unemployment rose, local governments feared that widespread loss of income among low-wage renters would result in mass evictions. King County, Washington, responded to this crisis by launching its Eviction Prevention and Rental Assistance Program in August 2020. The $41 million program used federal, state, and local funds to pay owed rent of applicants facing eviction, prioritizing those most at risk and implementing measures to promote equity amongst applicants.

In Practice:
Revitalization Effort in Historic District Supports Rehabilitation of Old Wooden Mill
Big Chair Lofts is a 139-unit affordable apartment building near downtown Thomasville, North Carolina. The $22 million development was built from what was once Building L of Thomasville Furniture Industries, a historic wooden mill structure. In addition to a covered play area, two-story community room, and outdoor activity center, Big Chair Lofts’ amenities include a media room, fitness room, and a study hall.

Spotlight on PD&R Research:
A Balanced Housing Market and Strong Automotive Industry in the Greenville HMA
The most recent article in a series focusing on HUD’s Comprehensive Housing Market Analyses examines the Greenville Housing Market Area (HMA) in upstate South Carolina. This HMA, which is coterminous with the Greenville Metropolitan Statistical Area, includes 4 counties and has an estimated population of 936,100. The HMA experienced job losses due to the COVID-19 pandemic, though certain sectors, such as automotive manufacturing, are expected to expand over the next 3 years. The housing sales market is balanced.

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