The program requires that 40 percent of some federal funds be used to benefit historically disadvantaged communities.
In an article for Blavity, Jeanne Yacoubou outlines how the Biden administration’s Justice40 Initiative, which mandates that 40 percent of certain federal investments go to disadvantaged communities, has affected affordable housing and equity since its creation in 2021.
The program defines ‘disadvantaged’ communities as “those that are marginalized, underserved, and overburdened by pollution while underinvested in housing, transportation, water and wastewater infrastructure, and health care,” Yacoubou explains.
The Green and Resilient Retrofit Program has, so far, installed energy efficiency upgrades in roughly 2,000 multifamily homes occupied by low-income households.
As Yacoubou notes, “The future of the remaining Justice40 funds depends on the results of the 2024 presidential election. Donald Trump has vowed to eliminate all or most of the remaining funds of the IRA climate law calling it a ‘waste’ of money.” Meanwhile, 16 Republican governors want to keep the benefits of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), but called on President Biden to eliminate the environmental justice requirements.
FULL STORY: The Justice40 Initiative And Affordable, Sustainable Housing
Affordable Housing Renovations Halt Mid-Air Amidst DOGE Clawbacks
HUD may rescind over a billion dollars earmarked for green building upgrades.
HUD Resiliency Awards Target Affordable Multifamily Housing
The Green and Resilient Retrofit program aims to reduce vulnerability to climate challenges and improve energy efficiency in multifamily buildings.
Mapping Environmental Justice to Census Tracts
The Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool, version 1.0, is now available on the internet.
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.
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.
From Throughway to Public Space: Taking Back the American Street
How the Covid-19 pandemic taught us new ways to reclaim city streets from cars.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Ada County Highway District
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service