The White House Blog: Urban Policy
Weekly Wrap Up: Egg Roll 2011
Posted by on April 29, 2011 at 5:58 PM EDTYour quick look at the week that was on WhiteHouse.gov.
Eggs, Actors, and Athletes: The First Family celebrated Easter by hosting the 133rd White House Easter Egg Roll on Monday. 30,000 people from all 50 states and the District of Columbia got to attend, and were welcomed by a day chock full of special events and activities. This year's theme was "Get Up and Go," in keeping with the First Lady's Let's Move! initiative.
Helping Storm Victims in the South: Violent storms struck a number of southern states this week, leaving hundreds dead and thousands more with devastated homes and communities. The President directed recovery efforts from the White House, and traveled to Alabama with the First Lady to meet with families and recovery leaders. Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano was in St. Louis to survey the damage done to the airport and city. FEMA posted online resources for helping recovery workers and victims.
Learn more about Economy, Education, Energy & Environment, Family, Homeland Security, Rural, Technology, Urban Policy, Additional IssuesAn Historic Meeting at the White House with Memphis Sanitation Workers
Posted by on April 29, 2011 at 2:04 PM EDTCivil rights, economic and social justice, the rights of workers to bargain collectively...the air here at the White House was thick with these sentiments today.
They were brought to us by eight of the surviving members of the 1968 Memphis Sanitation Strike, who came to the White House today for the first time in their lives.
President Barack Obama talks with participants from the 1968 Memphis sanitation strike, an iconic campaign in civil rights and labor rights history, during a meeting in the Map Room of the White House, April 29, 2011. (Official White House Photo by Lawrence Jackson)
If that long-ago strike sticks out in your mind, it’s because Dr. Martin Luther King went to Memphis to support the almost entirely African-American sanitation workforce as they struck for union recognition, better pay, safer working conditions, and, fundamentally, respect.
It was there, on April 3, that Dr. King delivered his “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop” speech.
And it was there, on April 4, when that amazing man was taken from us.
Please, if you do nothing else today, read (or reread) that speech. Read it to yourself, to your partner, to your parents and to your kids. You would be hard-pressed to find another document that so perfectly weaves together the beautiful yet all too fragile fabric of the historical struggle for basic human rights.
United Streetcar Putting Americans to Work, Putting America in Position to Win The Future
Posted by on April 12, 2011 at 9:22 AM EDTEd. note: This was originally posted on the Department of Transportation blog.
When you watch our latest video, "Transporting America: United Streetcar," you'll see the next generation of transportation. You'll see transit investments from the Department of Transportation helping people get where they need to go without breaking the bank. And you'll see a company out-innovating and out-building its foreign competition while creating jobs for American workers.
The streetcars rolling through Portland, Oregon, are helping commuters beat the rising cost of refueling their cars and vans and trucks. And, as rising gas prices take a bigger bite out of family budgets, other communities are looking to ease that bite through similar transportation options.
As commuter Jim Winkle says in the video, "It's made a huge difference."
Weekly Wrap Up: America's Energy Future
Posted by on April 8, 2011 at 7:02 PM EDTYour quick look at the week that was on WhiteHouse.gov.
America's Secure Energy Future: President Obama continued his focus on building a clean energy economy with events throughout the week. He toured a shipping facility in Maryland with Energy Secretary Chu and Transportation Secretary LaHood to highlight his Green Fleet Initiative, then traveled to Philadelphia for a town hall at Gamesa Technology, a wind turbine manufacturer. Back at the White House, Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar sat down with students to discuss development of clean, American-made energy sources. The Department of Energy blogged about Philadelphia's efforts to install energy efficient lighting.
Learn more about Defense, Economy, Education, Energy & Environment, Family, Fiscal Responsibility, Foreign Policy, Homeland Security, Rural, Seniors & Social Security, Service, Taxes, Technology, Urban Policy, Veterans, Women, Additional IssuesWhat You Missed: Open for Questions on Energy Security with Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar
Posted by on April 7, 2011 at 10:57 AM EDTOn Wednesday, Interior Secretary Ken Salazar and the White House's Kalpen Modi hosted a live chat on President Obama's Blueprint for a Secure Energy Future. Secretary Salazar took questions from viewers online, on Facebook, and college students from around the country who attended the event at the White House.
Check out the video and use the links below to jump to your favorite questions.
Investing in Stronger Cities and Stronger Regions for a Stronger America
Posted by on March 30, 2011 at 12:22 PM EDTTuesday, I spoke to the National Urban League to celebrate their long running dedication to the idea that economic empowerment can elevate underserved urban communities. I also discussed how the President’s vision for how America can win the future means making sure all our neighborhoods, cities and regions – and the men, women and children who live in them -- are well-equipped for the 21st century. Economic growth needs to be inclusive and the opportunities for upward mobility should be widely shared. Through this Administration’s new place-based approach, we are making smart investments and encouraging smart planning as demonstrated by the Partnership for Sustainable Communities; we are helping create communities where people want to live and do business with efforts like the Neighborhood Revitalization Initiative; and we are strategically investing in our future through place-based efforts like the Regional Innovation Clusters Initiative.
The President has said that strong cities are the building blocks of strong regions, and strong regions are essential for a strong America. The investments that we’ve made to strengthen our economy, revitalize our communities, and strengthen our education system will leave our country – and all her citizens -- standing on stronger ground than ever before.
To read the full remarks, please click here.
Melody Barnes is Director of the Domestic Policy Council.Learn more about Urban PolicyWinning the Future in America’s Cities and Metropolitan Areas
Posted by on March 1, 2011 at 1:16 PM EDTThe President’s Budget recognizes that, to win the future, we must make a strong commitment to strategically invest in our Nation’s regions, cities, and neighborhoods – indeed, it is hard to imagine out-innovating, out-educating, and out-building our global competitors and creating the jobs and industries of tomorrow without strong and economically vibrant cities and regions. At the same time, we recognize that the federal investments we make in pursuit of winning the future must be inclusive of all families and communities, so that the opportunities we create are widely shared.
Learn more about Urban PolicyRon Sims’ Story: Providing Homes & Creating Opportunities for Future Generation
Posted by on February 9, 2011 at 7:25 PM EDTEditor's Note: This post is a part of the Celebrating Black History Month series, which highlight the work of African Americans who are contributing to the President's goals for winning the future.
As every American knows, who we are is deeply influenced by how we grew up – and the influences that shaped us. I grew up in Spokane, Washington, which is in the eastern part of the state, and had the opportunity to attend what is now known as Central Washington University. My parents were engaged in the community, and in the weight of things, I am James and Lydia Sims’ son through and through. My
values, my expressions, and what I care for are all reflective of that. I was one of those lucky children who experienced lots of love, and the benefit of good parenting – and it’s why I feel so strongly about giving future generations of kids the good homes and quality opportunities they need.And at HUD, I’m in a position to help do that. As Deputy Secretary, I see myself as clearing obstacles out of the way to let our talented staff do their jobs and affect change, particularly in traditionally underserved communities. Through the Federal Housing Administration, for example, we help responsible first-time homebuyers get access to a mortgage. For families who can’t afford a loan, HUD’s multifamily, tenant-based programs help them rent affordable housing. Our homelessness programs provide shelter and supportive services to those who don’t otherwise have a roof over their heads. A big part of our mission is helping what the Baptist tradition calls “the least, the last, and the lost.”
Our employees embody that determination to make a difference. And under the leadership President Obama and Secretary Donovan, our mission has expanded still further. We’re no longer just a housing agency – we’re engaged in comprehensive community development to help rebuild so many areas harmed by the economic crisis.
Learn more about Economy, Urban PolicyUrban Update: Aligning Federal Rental Housing Policy
Posted by on February 1, 2011 at 6:00 PM EDTThe White House’s Domestic Policy Council (DPC) established an interagency Rental Policy Working Group in early 2010 to respond to the need for better coordination of Federal rental policy. The White House hosted two gatherings in July 2010 to solicit suggestions for improved rental policy coordination from affordable rental housing developers and managers and from State and local officials. These stakeholders identified many issue areas where administrative changes could increase overall programmatic efficiency and reduce the burdens on the public. The objective was to seek better alignment of rental policy among three agencies that have significant affordable housing programs (Department of Housing and Urban Development, Department of Agriculture and Department of the Treasury) in order to reduce costs and paperwork obligations for property owners, developers, managers, and State and local governments. The meetings explored a broad range of issues and ideas. The notes from those meetings are available here.
The Rental Policy Working Group and alignment leaders assembled interagency teams to consider the recommendations provided by participants in the July gatherings. They tasked the teams to survey current policy and, in consultation with State and local agencies and stakeholder groups, to find opportunities for greater Federal alignment. The areas that were identified as in particular need of Federal coordination included physical inspections, operating budgets and financial reporting, and appraisals and market studies. The teams are also working on capital needs assessment, energy efficiency, compliance, subsidy layering, and tenant income definition.
Many of the issues raised at the July gatherings reflect the simple fact that much Federal funding to support affordable rental housing flows through programs administered separately by the three Federal Departments. Each Department receives funds based on its Department’s appropriations and each Department administers programs authorized by their respective legislative committees. This decentralized administration of rental housing policy has generally been good for the rental housing field, as different programs respond to different needs and draw on the different strengths of the agencies that administer them. It is also true; however, that separate programs and budget streams have created, over time, some inconsistencies and needless overlaps in administrative requirements. As developers and owners of affordable housing become more sophisticated, they increasingly rely on multi-layered finance and subsidy structures, which are supported by multiple Federal programs. These multiple sources of support bring with them overlapping certifications, reporting, and other duplications that can cause unnecessary complexity and cost. In keeping with the Administration’s efforts to identify and use less burdensome tools for achieving policy ends, the interagency Rental Policy Working Group will be seeking ways to align the various rental housing programs with each other and within their own Departments.
Derek Douglas is the Special Assistant to the President for Urban Policy in the Domestic Policy Council.
Learn more about Urban Policy12/17/2010 WH Urban Affairs Newsletter
Posted by on December 29, 2010 at 2:19 PM EDTTop News
President Obama Signs Tax Relief and Unemployment Insurance Bill into Law: President Obama took action this Friday to secure vital tax relief and investments for American workers that will create jobs and accelerate economic growth. Surrounded by Democrats and Republicans, the President signed the Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act into law. The bill ensures that 7 million Americans will not lose unemployment benefits and that working families will not face over $3,000 in new taxes. The package protects American workers with an extension of middle class tax cuts, a full year of emergency unemployment insurance benefits, and a $120 billion payroll tax cut. The package moves to spur growth by also extending the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), the Child Tax Credit (CTC), and the American Opportunity Tax Credit.
HHS Announces an Additional $670 Million to Help Keep the Heat On: Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius today announced the availability of more than $670 million to states to help low income families with their heating bills this winter. These funds represent additional grants to states under the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). LIHEAP helps eligible families pay the costs of heating and insulating their homes in the winter, and cooling their homes in the summer. HHS is releasing this additional allocation of LIHEAP funds now to ensure that states have resources available to support their energy assistance programs as the weather turns colder.
Obama Administration Convenes Environmental Leaders at Historic White House Environmental Justice Forum Featuring Five Cabinet Secretaries: Five Cabinet secretaries and senior officials from a wide range of federal agencies and offices participated in the first White House Forum on Environmental Justice today, illustrating the Obama administration’s commitment to ensuring all Americans have strong federal protection from environmental and health hazards. Five Cabinet secretaries and senior officials from a wide range of federal agencies and offices participated in the first White House Forum on Environmental Justice today, illustrating the Obama administration’s commitment to ensuring all Americans have strong federal protection from environmental and health hazards.
Department of Energy Finalizes Loan Guarantee to Support World's Largest Wind Project: Energy Secretary Steven Chu today announced that a partial loan guarantee for a $1.3 billion loan has been finalized to support the world's largest wind farm. The loan will finance the Caithness Shepherds Flat project, an 845-megawatt wind generation facility located in eastern Oregon. Once completed, the project will sell 100 percent of the power and renewable energy credits generated to Southern California Edison under 20-year fixed price power purchase agreements. The Department of Energy, through the Loan Programs Office, has issued loan guarantees or offered conditional commitments for loan guarantees to support 16 clean energy projects totaling nearly $16.5 billion.
HUD to Investigate Allegations that Mortgage Lenders Discriminate Against African American and Latino Loan Seekers: The Department of Housing and Urban Development announced that it is launching multiple investigations to determine if mortgage lenders illegally deny qualified African American and Latino borrowers’ access to credit. The investigations are in response to 22 complaints the National Community Reinvestment Coalition (NCRC) filed with HUD alleging that the particular home lending practices deny FHA-insured loans to African Americans and Latinos with credit scores as high as 640. People who believe they are the victims of housing discrimination should contact HUD.
Features
The States Step Up: Bruce Katz and Amy Liu of the Brookings Metropolitan Program discuss how states can deliver a new economy: In January, 37 state governors, many of them new, will take office facing daunting economic and budget challenges. Bruce Katz, Jennifer Bradley and Amy Liu say that these governors must look to the economic power of their metropolitan areas and the tools—like infrastructure banks and regional business plans—to maximize these areas.
Funding Opportunities
NEW EDA’s Planning and Local Technical Assistance Programs - Deadline Rolling: EDA’s Planning and Local Technical Assistance Programs are two of the agency’s six assistance programs. Under the Planning Program, EDA provides assistance to eligible districts, cities, and states to create regional economic development plans in order to stimulate and guide the economic development efforts of a community or region. EDA’s Local Technical Assistance Program helps eligible recipients fill the knowledge and information gaps that may prevent leaders in the public and nonprofit sectors in economically distressed regions from making optimal decisions on local economic development issues.
Choice Neighborhood Planning and Implementation Grants - Deadline Dec 7th: The Department of Housing and Urban Development announced $65 million in competitive Choice Neighborhoods pilot grants for redevelopment of both public and other HUD-assisted housing properties. The program also widens the traditional pool of eligible applicants by allowing local governments, nonprofits and for-profit developers that submit joint applications with a public entity to apply. HUD anticipates funding 12-15 Planning Grants with a maximum award of $250,000 each and approximately 2-4 implementation grants at a maximum of $31 million each.
Capital Fund Education and Training Community Facilities Program - Deadline Jan 14: The Department of Housing and Urban Development announced today that it is offering $35 million to public housing authorities to develop facilities that will provide early childhood and adult education, and/or job training programs for public housing residents. The maximum grant award for the Capitol Fund Education and Training Community Facilities Program (CFCF) is $5 million.
NEW SBA Community Advantage Initiative Opens 7(a) Loan Program To CDFIs - Deadline March 15: In an effort to expand access to capital for small businesses and entrepreneurs in underserved communities across the nation, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has announced the creation of a new loan initiative named Community Advantage. This new program will increase the number of lower-dollar loans into these underserved communities by allowing Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs), and other mission-focused lenders, to originate SBA 7(a) loans up to $250,000.
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