Block Grants for Housing:
A Study of Local Experiences and Attitudes
RCED-83-21: Published: Dec 13, 1982. Publicly Released: Dec 13, 1982.
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This report is part of a study undertaken by GAO to provide information regarding housing assistance to lower income families under an overall housing block grant program. The report specifically describes: (1) the experiences of larger entitlement communities in providing housing assistance under the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program; (2) the views of local CDBG housing officials on the desirability and form of a new housing block grant; and (3) the design issues for a housing block grant.
GAO found that communities generally emphasized ownership assistance, although they reported that renters were in greater need of assistance, and that they primarily funded rehabilitation activities. Considering that CDBG program limitations prohibit the financing of new construction except under special circumstances, a significant number of communities financed construction activities. The survey showed that communities employed a wide variety of housing finance methods and targeted housing assistance mainly to lower income families. The questionnaire sent to CDBG officials revealed that the level of Federal funding for housing strongly influenced local officials' support for a housing block grant. A large majority of housing officials emphasized program objectives which would provide assistance to low- and moderate-income households living in substandard housing. They also indicated that Federal funding should be allocated to local governments, using an entitlement formula. Most officials favored consolidating Federal housing programs into a block grant to provide rental assistance, rehabilitation, and new construction. GAO concluded that block grants for housing would give local governments greater discretion and flexibility in designing and and implementing housing programs. GAO suggested that Federal technical assistance, innovative financing methods, and information needs might be required under a revised CDBG program.
Dec 16, 2020
Lead Paint in Housing:
HUD Has Not Identified High-Risk Project-Based Rental Assistance PropertiesGAO-21-55: Published: Dec 16, 2020. Publicly Released: Dec 16, 2020.
Dec 15, 2020
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Disaster Housing:
Improved Cost Data and Guidance Would Aid FEMA Activation DecisionsGAO-21-116: Published: Dec 15, 2020. Publicly Released: Dec 15, 2020.
Dec 8, 2020
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Troubled Asset Relief Program:
Treasury Continues Winding Down Housing ProgramsGAO-21-39: Published: Dec 8, 2020. Publicly Released: Dec 8, 2020.
Aug 13, 2020
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Homelessness:
Better HUD Oversight of Data Collection Could Improve Estimates of Homeless PopulationGAO-20-433: Published: Jul 14, 2020. Publicly Released: Aug 13, 2020.
Jul 29, 2020
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Crumbling Foundations:
Extent of Homes with Defective Concrete Is Not Fully Known and Federal Options to Aid Homeowners Are LimitedGAO-20-649: Published: Jul 29, 2020. Publicly Released: Jul 29, 2020.
Jul 27, 2020
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Housing:
Preliminary Analysis of Homeownership Trends for Nine CitiesGAO-20-544R: Published: Jun 25, 2020. Publicly Released: Jul 27, 2020.
Jun 26, 2020
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Rental Housing:
As More Households Rent, the Poorest Face Affordability and Housing Quality ChallengesGAO-20-427: Published: May 27, 2020. Publicly Released: Jun 26, 2020.
Apr 30, 2020
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Priority Open Recommendations:
Department of Housing and Urban DevelopmentGAO-20-500PR: Published: Apr 23, 2020. Publicly Released: Apr 30, 2020.
Mar 17, 2020
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Working Capital Fund:
HUD Could Improve Management to Better Achieve Efficiencies and Help Ensure Customer SatisfactionGAO-20-263: Published: Mar 17, 2020. Publicly Released: Mar 17, 2020.
Mar 3, 2020
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Military Housing:
Preliminary Recommendations to Strengthen DOD's Oversight and Monitoring of Privatized HousingGAO-20-471T: Published: Mar 3, 2020. Publicly Released: Mar 3, 2020.
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