Beyond Bricks and Sticks

A weekly digest of current trends in housing and community development. The discussion examines topics from infrastructure to community fabric.

HAND January Meeting: FHLBank Atlanta Affordable Housing Program

(RECAP: On January 22, Arthur Fleming, Senior VP/Director of the Community Investment Services and Joel Brockmann, Assistant VP/Rental Production Manager will provide an overview of the program, tips for submitting successful applications, scoring categories, underwriting guidelines and timelines for the funding process.)

http://www.handhousing.org/training-engagement/trainings-member-meetings-fy2015/

Study: Walkable Neighborhoods Lower Risk of Cognitive Decline in Older Adults

(RECAP: Researchers continue to verify the health benefits of walkable neighborhoods. Most recently researchers at Kansas University found benefits that communities can use to ensure the quality of life of aging residents.)

http://www.planetizen.com/node/72575

The Housing Credit is a Critical Tool for Reducing Veteran Homelessness

(RECAP: As we reflect on the needs of veterans today, it’s important to remember the Housing Credit’s critical role in increasing the supply of affordable housing to the men and women who have served.) 

http://www.rentalhousingaction.org/blog/the-housing-credit-is-a-critical-tool-for-reducing-veteran-homelessness

Urban Acupuncture Is Coming to America

(RECAP: Inspired by an idea that originated in 1970s Brazil, urban planners in America are increasingly thinking small scale to solve big problems.)

http://www.governing.com/columns/assessments/gov-urban-acupuncture.html

How Much Do Neighborhoods Influence Future Earnings?

(RECAP: The potential impact on lifetime earnings between growing up in a well-to-do neighborhood and a poor neighborhood is potentially larger than the difference between the earnings of the average college and high school graduate, according to a new study on social mobility.)

http://blogs.wsj.com/economics/2014/11/28/how-much-do-neighborhoods-influence-future-earnings/?mod=marketbeat&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+wsj%2Feconomics%2Ffeed+%28WSJ.com%3A+Real+Time+Economics+Blog%29

Opinions on Housing 

The views and opinions expressed in Opinions on Housing are solely those of the original authors, and do not necessarily represent those of VHDA, our stakeholders or any/all contributors to this blog.

How The Youngest Member Of Obama’s Cabinet Plans To Tackle The Homelessness Crisis

(RECAP: HUD Secretary Julian Castro explains why he will staunchly support the “Housing First” model, an innovative approach to provide free, stable housing to the homeless without first without first requiring that they be sober, drug-free or employed.)

http://thinkprogress.org/economy/2014/11/20/3594191/how-the-youngest-housing-secretary-in-us-history-plans-to-shake-up-dc/