|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Mortgage-relief spending is slow in Tenn.
Tennessee has been slow to match federal dollars with homeowners who need help paying their mortgages. Nearly two years after receiving more than $217 million from the federal government's Hardest Hit Fund, the state has spent only 13.3% of that money. State officials say many residents don't know about the assistance or are embarrassed to ask for help. Restrictions on eligibility have also limited participation. The Tennessean (Nashville) (tiered subscription model) (12/13)
Education and income inequality are intertwined in Mass.
Income inequality is rising in Massachusetts, a state known for its top-notch educational institutions and well-educated workforce. Changing labor-market dynamics contribute to the income gap, but experts say divergent educational opportunities among the wealthy and poor are deepening the income divide. Two communities in the state highlight the disparity. Some say expanding charter schools and school choice could help. The Atlantic online (12/19)
Walkability is key to cities' viability, author says
Cities that are pedestrian-friendly will be more competitive, says urban planner and author Jeff Speck. For example, he says, 77% of millennials want to live in urban cores, but they won't choose cities where they have to dodge traffic. Walkable cities often struggle with gentrification, but before worrying about that, city leaders should focus on achieving a balance of subsidized and market-rate housing, Speck says. U.S. News & World Report (12/13)
Call for housing research proposals
The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation has issued a request for housing research proposals as part of its How Housing Matters to Families and Communities program, a five-year, $25 million research initiative to deepen the literature on the effect that investments in housing have on social and economic outcomes, beyond shelter. In the 2012-2013 phase of this initiative, the foundation seeks to expand the body of empirical evidence on the difference that living in decent, stable and affordable housing makes in the lives of children, families and communities. Research abstracts are due by Jan. 11. For More Information: How Housing Matters to Families and Communities call for proposals How Housing Matters to Families and Communities research initiative MacArthur's housing grant-making
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
