School integration guidance for ESSA implementation: The National Coalition on School Diversity (NCSD) has asked the Department of Education to provide guidance to states on school integration planning under the new Congressional re-authorization of Title I, the "Every Student Succeeds Act" - see the NCSD's comments here.
Conforming PHA Plans to the AFFH mandates: PRRAC urged HUD this week to update the annual and five-year "Public Housing Agency Plan" requirements to align with the new Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing Rule, so that PHAs can be held accountable for their progress in achieving identified fair housing goals.
Housing mobility in the 2017 President's budget: Last week OMB Director Shaun Donovan unveiled a preview of part of the President's budget, a $15 million dollar fund to support up to ten regional housing mobility programs. While this is a very small amount of money in relation to the need, it is important acknowledgment by the Obama Administration of the proven value of housing mobility for families and children. We hope that this budget proposal is eventually adopted in the final 2017 budget, and that the proposed funds will also be used to expand existing programs. Here's an excerpt from last week's press release:
Increase Access to Neighborhoods of High Opportunity:
The President's Budget will include a $15 million mobility counseling pilot to help families that receive housing assistance through the Department of Housing and Urban Development move to, and stay in, safer neighborhoods with stronger schools and better access to jobs. These investments will be distributed to about 10 regional housing program sites with participating Public Housing Authorities and/or private non-profits over a three-year period. A portion of the funding will also support an evaluation to measure the impact of the counseling pilot to inform future policymaking and program design.
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