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Office of Policy Development and Research

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research (PD&R) supports the Department's efforts to help create cohesive, economically healthy communities. PD&R is responsible for maintaining current information on housing needs, market conditions, and existing programs, as well as conducting research on priority housing and community development issues. PD&R provides reliable and objective data and analysis to help inform policy decisions, and it is committed to involving a greater diversity of perspectives, methods, and researchers in HUD research.

The mission of HUD’s Office of Policy Development and Research is to improve life in American communities by building evidence to inform and strengthen housing and community development policy and practice and accelerate progress on HUD’s priorities. To accomplish its mission, PD&R:

  • Provides reliable, objective, and current information on housing and community development needs and market conditions
  • Conducts rigorous research that helps fill key evidence gaps and evaluates HUD policies and programs, and identifies emerging challenges and opportunities
  • Supports innovation in building technologies and housing and community development policies
  • Manages and leverages HUD’s data assets to support evidence-based and data-driven policy and program improvements
  • Builds capacity in the housing and community development field by sharing knowledge, elevating best practices, and providing technical assistance
  • Provides policy advice and support to the HUD Secretary and program offices, and interacts with international counterparts to share knowledge worldwide

In 1978, PD&R established HUD User as an information source for housing and community development researchers, academics, policymakers, and the public. HUD User is the primary source for federal government reports and information on housing policy and programs, building technology, economic development, urban planning, and other housing-related topics. HUD User also creates and distributes a wide variety of useful information products and services. The HUD User Help Desk is staffed Monday through Friday from 8:30 to 5:00 Eastern time; the toll-free number is 1-800-245-2691. Publication requests and general inquiries can also be made by sending an email to helpdesk@huduser.gov.

Please visit HUD User to find more information, research, and data from HUD’s Office of Policy Development and Research.

 

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