Maya Brennan's Page

The Center for Community Progress is currently accepting proposals for sessions at their 2012 Reclaiming Vacant Properties conference. The theme is remaking America for the 21st century -- essentially focusing on revitalization in the context of national economic recovery and future directions for cities and towns. The conference will be in New Orleans from June 20 to 22,…See More

If you want to demonstrate the housing affordability challenges faced by local workers and the need for job creation efforts to be paired with affordable housing policies, take a look at the most recent edition of Paycheck to Paycheck.  The database compares wages and housing costs for 72 jobs in more than 200 metro areas.  An accompanying report highlights affordability challenges faced by the 5 largest jobs in the industry sector doing the most hiring. You can find Paycheck to Paycheck…See More

The proposed definition of qualified residential mortgages (QRM) that would be exempt from risk retention requirements is troubling to a lot of housing organizations and advocates.  Have you been following this?  Any thoughts on what the right approach is? It's especially troubling since it is doubtful that the QRM definition will only affect risk retention.  Is seems likely to be adopted in other venues to differentiate between good and bad mortgages -- and lead to perfectly sustainable loans…See More

PolicyLink and Citi Community Development are hosting a webinar on Tuesday, July 12 from 2:30 to 3:30 Eastern with speakers from Minneapolis, Portland, and Oakland to talk about best practices in using community land trusts for neighborhood stabilization. Seems like a solid line-up and something to add to your calendar! More information and registration details are at:…See More

NeighborWorks America and HUD recently launched a foreclosure prevention program aimed at helping homeowners with temporary mortgage affordability problems -- particularly those caused by situations such as job loss and medical issues. Eligible homeowners can qualify for an interest free loan which pays a portion of their monthly mortgage for up to two years, or up to $50,000, whichever comes first. Contact information for participating agencies, the Pre-Applicant Screening Worksheet and more…See More

Foreclosure-Response.org is looking for feedback to help guide the development of the site.  The site provides maps, data, and policy guidance related to neighborhood stabilization and foreclosure prevention with a focus on state and local policy.  If you have ever visited Foreclosure-Response.org, please take a few moments to share your opinions.  Click here to take the survey.  In appreciation, you'll be entered in a drawing…See More