AHS Digest

/icons/ecblank.gif" border="0" alt="">

Here are the AHS Digest messages:


= = = = = = = = = = = =

From: "Vandenbroucke, David A" <David.A.Vandenbroucke@hud.gov> on 8/28/2008 3:05:48 PM
Subject: AHS 2007 National Data Released!

The public use microdata from the 2007 national American Housing Survey are
available for download from the HUD USER web site at
https://www.huduser.gov/portal/datasets/ahs.html .  Both the SAS and ASCII
versions are available, as is the SAS file flattener program for those of you
that want to combine all the files into one big one.  We will be adding the
usual documentation filesas they are completed.  While the codebook will not
be updated until the metropolitan data are released at the end of this
year, We do plan on posting a short document on the most important technical
changes.  A summary of the changes to the survey is listed below.
 

Dav Vandenbroucke
Senior Economist
U.S. Dept. HUD
david.a.vandenbroucke@hud.gov
202-402-5890

I disclaim any disclaimers.
 

ITEMS ADDED

Academic comparison to other area elementary schools. A question was added to
determine how the respondent believed their public elementary school compared
academically to the other public elementary schools in their area.

Safety equipment. A series of questions were added to determine the number of
homes with working smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, sprinkler systems,
and/or carbon monoxide detectors.

Down payment. A question was added to determine the percent of purchase price
that was used as a down payment. For detailed definitions of these items, see
Appendix A.

ITEMS MODIFIED

Special living. Additional types of services and assistance available to
residents (such as bathing and eating) were only asked of those who reported
that meals, transportation, or housekeeping were available.

Neighborhood conditions. The series of questions on neighborhood crime, odors,
and street noise or traffic was reduced. For each of these items we no longer
ask whether or not the condition is bothersome and, if yes, so bothersome that
they want to move.

Neighborhood shopping. We no longer ask if satisfactory neighborhood shopping
is available and the distance from home (less than 1 mile or 1 mile or more).
Instead, we ask if grocery or drug stores are within 15 minutes of the home
and, if yes, are they satisfactory.

Public transportation. Instead of asking if the household uses public
transportation weekly or less than weekly and the satisfaction level, we now
ask if the household uses it regularly for commuting to school or work and the
travel time to the nearest mode of transportation.

Selected physical problems. Modified to exclude hallways under severe and
moderate physical problems.

Income sources of families and primary individuals. We subdivided the combined
Interest/Dividend/Rental income question into separate income receipt items.
We also modified the other income to no longer include child support or
alimony.

Public elementary school. We no longer ask those who report an unsatisfactory
elementary school if they are so bothered they want to move.

Other heating equipment. We no longer ask for the type of fuel used for the
secondary sources of heating equipment, nor do we determine if the equipment
is a parallel or supplemental heat source.

ITEMS DROPPED

Fuels. The question regarding other house heating fuels was dropped.

Height and condition of building. For multiunit structures, the questions on
common stairways (and their condition) and light fixtures (and their working
order) were dropped. 


= = = = = = = = = = = =

From: "Vandenbroucke, David A" <David.A.Vandenbroucke@hud.gov> on 8/28/2008 3:21:57 PM
Subject: OT: AHS-Related Job Opening At HUD

The Housing and Demographic Analysis Division (HDAD) of the Office of Policy
Development and Research (PD&R) anticipates hiring an economist specializing
in public economics, urban and regional economics, applied microeconomics, or
statistical methods. PD&R analyzes urban and housing issues, evaluates HUD
programs, and conducts research on housing markets, subsidies, finance,
economic development, tax policy, and regulation. HDAD economists oversee
several Housing Market Surveys conducted by the Census, produce a quarterly
U.S. Housing Market Conditions report, and conduct research on various topics
related to housing. This responsibility includes working with major databases,
analysis of economic trends and agency policy, and preparation of reports for
Congress.  Applicants should have demonstrated research experience in one or
more of the listed fields, as well as strong quantitative, writing, and
computer skills.  HDAD is primarily interested in recent Ph.D.s, but will
consider all qualified candidates. Grade and salary will be commensurate with
education and experience and range between GS-11 and GS-13 ($58,206 to
$107,854). U.S.citizenship is required. Send expressions of interest to Edward
Szymanoski, Associate Deputy Assistant Secretary for Economic Affairs, Room
8204, U.S. Dept. of Housing & Urban Development, 451 Seventh St., SW,
Washington, DC 20410 (e-mail: Edward.J.Szymanoski@hud.gov).

The vacancy announcement (H08-DE-204639-DKz) for this position has been posted
on the OPM website.  All applications must be made according to the
directions posted with the official vacancy announcements on the OPM web
site:  http://jobsearch.usajobs.opm.gov/a9hud.asp.  To narrow your search of
job announcements within the Department of Housing and Urban Development,
select jobs located in “DC-Washington DC Metropolitan Area” from the Location
Search dropdown menu.

 

Here are some tips for ensuring that your application makes it through the
Human Resources office so the people that will make the hiring decision can
review it.

 

1.      The vacancy will be “open” until the date specified in the
announcement.  HUD’s Human Resources office must receive your application on
or before that date to be eligible for consideration. 

2.      Meticulously follow all instructions in the vacancy announcement. 
Send your application materials to the address indicated in the vacancy
announcement. 

3.      While not required, we strongly recommend the use of the standard
form O.F. 612 as your official application.  This form is available for
download from OPM at: http://www.opm.gov/Forms/pdf_fill/of612.pdf.

4.      If you use the O.F. 612, use an attachment to the form, if necessary,
to describe your previous accomplishments, experience, and education as it
relates to the position you are applying for.

5.      The vacancy announcement asks you to specifically respond to the
“Selective Placement Factors/Knowledge, Skills and Abilities.”  This is the
most important part of your employment application (aside from your name and
address).  Be very thorough in your responses.  In responding to each factor,
use the precise language from the vacancy announcement.  Your responses should
be much like those describing your relevant experience/education.  If a
particular project (like your dissertation) demonstrates a multiplicity of
knowledge and/or skills that are relevant to several factors, do not be afraid
to mention that project many times. 

6.      In describing your accomplishments, experience, skills, education,
and how they relate to the selective factors and quality ranking factors,
remember: Brevity is no virtue; and repetition is no vice!

Dav Vandenbroucke
Senior Economist
U.S. Dept. HUD
david.a.vandenbroucke@hud.gov
202-402-5890

I disclaim any disclaimers.



- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
To stop receiving the digest, send a message with DIGEST OFF in the subject.