September 24, 2015

• Earlier this week, Senate Democrats unveiled a wide-ranging energy bill that lays out a plan for cleaner energy use and increased investments in renewables. According to Enterprise’s Kenny Marable, the bill includes provisions that many see as potential amendments to the broader bipartisan Energy Policy Modernization Act, which passed out of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources committee in late July. The Energy Policy Modernization Act also includes language authorizing a multifamily energy and water conservation demonstration that passed the House in July. Learn more about the provisions included in this latest legislation that aim to bring more energy efficiency to multifamily housing and renewable energy to low-income communities in Enterprise’s blog post. (http://blog.enterprisecommunity.com/2015/09/energy-released-senate)

• Last week, the Federal Transit Authority (FTA) awarded nearly $20 million in grants to 21 communities nationwide through its Transit Oriented Development (TOD) Planning Grant Pilot Program. Among other eligible uses, the funds can be used to support grantees’ efforts to preserve and expand access to affordable housing near transit and increase mobility for low-income families. According to Enterprise’s Kenny Marable and Michael Spotts, a number of grantees will use the funds to proactively support equitable TOD (eTOD). Learn more about the grant program and its recipients in Enterprise’s blog post. (http://blog.enterprisecommunity.com/2015/09/announces-development-planning

• Smart Growth America has announced that applications are now being accepted for its 2016 free technical assistance workshops. In these workshops, expert staff work with communities and show how development strategies can help achieve their goals. Applications are due Wednesday, October 21. Learn more about the workshops and apply here. (http://www.smartgrowthamerica.org/technical-assistance/free-annual-workshopshttp://)

• Reportedly, Minnesota Housing Finance Agency Commissioner Mary Tingerthal has been appointed to the Federal Reserve Board’s new advisory council, which will offer input on how federal monetary policy affects low- and middle-income consumers. The Community Advisory Council will meet twice per year and offer insights on affordability, vacancy rates, housing disparities and other related issues. (SFGate, September 22)

• According to the National Association of Realtors, sales of previously owned U.S. homes declined 4.8 percent in August, the biggest drop in seven months. These home sales account for over 90 percent of the residential market. Stuart Hoffman of PNC Financial Services Group suggests that home sales are being held back by limited housing inventory. (Bloomberg, September 21