HUDLines in Virginia

HUD WORKS FOR YOU...
*** The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) authorizes loan limit increases for FHA loans with credit approval in calendar year 2009. Will remain in effect until December 31, 2009. See Mortgagee Letter 2009-07 (2/24) *** HUD implements upfront Tenant Income Verification process effective March 30. Contact Nicole Faison, HUD, (202) 708-0744 ***

SEE FOR YOURSELF...
Want to know how HUD is doing its job? See the Citizen's Report on HUD's FY 2008 Performance & Accountability *** Also see a progress report on HUD's implementation of its Energy Strategy ***

KNOWING WHAT TO DO IS THE FIRST STEP...
*** Training March 25 & 26 on Part 58 Environmental Review Procedures for entities assuming HUD environmental responsibilities - register here *PLUS* Bonus training March 27 for Capital Fund, Replacement Housing Factor Fund, Housing Choice Voucher & other public housing programs subject to Part 58 environmental regulations - register here *** HUD Richmond hosting a symposium on SHP and S+C programs on April 8 - contact Jay Grant *** For experienced federal grantees - "Grants on Track" basic grant administration workshop April 1 & 2 in Richmond. Contact anne.davis *** HUD Richmond and Hampton Roads Community Housing Resource Board present "Fair Housing - It's Not an Option, It's the Law" Fair Housing Month Event in Norfolk on April 8, 10 am - 4pm - register here ***

BRIEF BRIEFS...
*** Earned Income Tax Credit/Child Tax Credit outreach info: Virginia Cash Campaign, Center on Budget & Policy Priorities, National Women's Law Center *** Statewide Tornado Drill scheduled for 3/17 *** Governor Kaine launches Stimulus.Virginia.Gov, web portal to give localities & citizens a voice in the distribution of Virginia's share of any federal funds from the ARRA *** USDA updates Economic Research Service's State Fact Sheets with 2007 figures for population, income, poverty, unemployment and agriculture characteristics *** Boomer Engagement: The Future Wave of Volunteerism - March 26, 9:00 am - 3:00 pm - Virginia Commonwealth University. ***

A GREEN NOTE...
*** In-Play Space: 2009 Green Spaces Competition Entries due 3/20/09. 2-year Challenge takes property at risk and designs sustainable outdoor space as a cultural, environmental and economic neighborhood amenity and environmental teaching tool. See their website or contact Megan Miller at (804) 288-2950 ***

BRIEF BRIEFS TO CHEER FOR...
*** HUD approves Neighborhood Stabilization Program plans for Fairfax Co. & Commonwealth of Virginia - will bring $41.5 million to help communities recover from the effects of high foreclosures and declining home values. *** Piedmont Housing Alliance launches $2.4 million renovation of Monticello Vista Apartments, home to some of Charlottesville's most vulnerable residents. For more info contact Peter Loach at (434) 817-2436 ext. 116 *** Cascades at Woods Corner to begin construction of 226 new market rate apartments in Virginia Beach *** Habitat for Humanity's ReStore in Winchester-Frederick Co. wins Regional Chamber of Commerce's "Greater Good-Small Business of the Year" Award for 2008 ***

BRIEF BRIEFS TO LOOK INTO...
*** Applications due March 25 for Special Needs Grant and Per Diem Capital Grant programs for homeless veterans - download from VA's Grant and Per Diem Program page at: www.va.gov/homeless or www.grants.gov Contact Chelsea Watson, VA, (877) 332-0334 *** HAC Rural Homelessness Capacity Building Grants deadline March 16, contact (877) 842-RHCB - Darren Favello *** Bank Enterprise Award Funds applications due March 13, New Markets Tax Credits applications due April 8. Apply by March 3 for Community Development Entity status - www.cdfifund.gov or contact (202) 622-6355, cdfihelp@cdfi.treas.gov *** Applications being accepted first-come, first-served for Emergency Capital Repair Program to make emergency repairs on eligible nonprofit-owned elderly (multifamily) housing. Contact G. Dewayne Kimbrough (202) 708-3000, ext. 4160 or see the grants.gov website ***