The weight of the pandemic is hanging around millions of renters' necks.

"California’s back rent is projected to reach nearly $1.7 billion by the end of the year, or almost a fourth of the total rental debt nationwide," according to a new report by the Federal Reserve bank of Philadelphia, cited in an article by Jeff Collins.
"In all, nearly 240,000 renter households in the state have fallen behind on rent, with an average debt of $6,953 per household, the study by the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia found."
The report includes findings for the rest of the nation as well. In the entire country, rent debt is project to hit the eyepopping figure of $7.2 billion. "The Philadelphia Fed determined 1.34 million American households will owe an average of $5,400 apiece in unpaid rent," explains Collins.
An article by Davin Reed and Eileen Divringi wrote an article for the Federal Reserve in October to provide insight into the report's findings.
FULL STORY: Back rent in California nearing $1.7 billion, Fed study finds

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

USGS Water Science Centers Targeted for Closure
If their work is suspended, states could lose a valuable resource for monitoring, understanding, and managing water resources.

Driving Equity and Clean Air: California Invests in Greener School Transportation
California has awarded $500 million to fund 1,000 zero-emission school buses and chargers for educational agencies as part of its effort to reduce pollution, improve student health, and accelerate the transition to clean transportation.

Congress Moves to End Reconnecting Communities and Related Grants
The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee moved to rescind funding for the Neighborhood Equity and Access program, which funds highway removals, freeway caps, transit projects, pedestrian infrastructure, and more.
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