HUD designated certain Los Angeles neighborhoods as Hot Zones for protection from possible predatory lending practices and also allocated resources to protect consumers from unscrupulous lenders.
The Federal Housing Administration (FHA), an agency within HUD, will employ newtechniques to detect possible predatory practices, provide stepped-up lender monitoring and enforcement, and provide relief to victims of predatory lending in the Los Angeles Hot Zone. Hot Zones are selected low-income neighborhoods where FHA has seen higher than normal foreclosure rates. Cuomo said that 21 zip codes in Los Angeles County were being targeted as Hot Zones. While the FHA insures nearly seven million homes nationwide, it has only a one-percent foreclosure rate. The FHAs Fraud Prevention Program is currently being tested in five Hot Zones around the country Los Angeles, Chicago, New York, Baltimore and Atlanta. The program is targeted in selectneighborhoods that exhibit a high default and claim rate.
Thanks to Abhijeet Chavan
FULL STORY: HUD No. 00-256

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.

California Invests Additional $5M in Electric School Buses
The state wants to electrify all of its school bus fleets by 2035.

Austin Launches $2M Homelessness Prevention Fund
A new grant program from the city’s Homeless Strategy Office will fund rental assistance and supportive services.

Alabama School Forestry Initiative Brings Trees to Schoolyards
Trees can improve physical and mental health for students and commnity members.
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.
Ada County Highway District
Clanton & Associates, Inc.
Jessamine County Fiscal Court
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