Negotiations are underway on a scaled-back version of the Build Back Better Act. Recent reporting by CNN suggests that Democrats may abandon funding for the bill’s housing programs even though they have wide Democratic support. These critical programs are much less likely to pass if they are relegated to a separate bill.

Take Action!

• Your members of Congress need to hear from you about why housing and community development investments are critical to your community and must remain in any budget reconciliation package.

• Join more than 1,800 national, state, and local organizations by signing onto the HoUSed campaign’s national letter in support of historic investments in rental assistance, public housing, and the Housing Trust Fund in a reconciliation bill.

Treasury Expands Eligible Uses of Recovery Funds in Low-Income Communities  

The Treasury Department issued a final rule for State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) under the American Rescue Plan. SLFRF provides $350 billion to state, territorial, local, and tribal governments to assist in responding to the economic and public health impacts of COVID-19 and mitigate impacts on their communities, residents, and businesses. The final rule expands the enumerated list of eligible projects. Additions include: investments in neighborhoods to promote improved health outcomes; improvements to vacant and abandoned properties; housing vouchers and assistance relocating to neighborhoods with higher opportunity; and remediation of lead paint or other hazards. View the Treasury Department’s summary of the final rule. 

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Member News 
Housing Alliance of Pennsylvania Shares Annual Conference Presentations 

Shown left to right: presenter Kia Silver-Hodge of Enterprise Community Partners, Housing Alliance of Pennsylvania Executive Director Phyllis Chamberlain, and presenter Naomi Young of the Center for Regional Analysis 

The Housing Alliance of Pennsylvania held their 17th Annual Homes Within Reach Conference on December 1-3 in Hershey, Pennsylvania to share best practices and reconnect in person with their network. View the agenda and presentation slides for 32 sessions in five tracks: Affordable Housing, Blight, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, and Homelessness. Check out the in-person safety protocols for the conference.

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Funding & Job Opportunities