NLIHC to Hold AFFH Webinar on August 29

As previously reported, HUD has published long-awaited proposed regulations to establish a more effective approach to jurisdictions’ statutory obligation to affirmatively further fair housing (see Memo, 7/19). NLIHC will also host a webinar on the proposed regulations on August 29 at 1 pm ET. The 90-minute webinar will summarize key components, point out strong points as well as shortcomings, and offer suggested improvements. There will be plenty of time for questions. Presenting on the webinar will be NLIHC Regulatory Director Ed Gramlich and National Fair Housing Alliance Special Project Director Debby Goldberg. Major features of the propose rule include:

  • Replacing the current Analysis of Impediments (AI), which currently has no format or standards, with a standardized Assessment of Fair Housing (AFH).
  • Providing comprehensive, nationally uniform data from HUD.
  • Incorporating language in the Consolidated Plan (ConPlan) and PHA Plan regulations that directly ties those plans’ priority setting, commitment of resources, and specific activities into the AFH.
  • Requiring the AFH to be submitted to HUD for review and approval well in advance of preparing a ConPlan or PHA Plan so that the AFH informs the priorities, strategies, and future activities covered by those plans. AIs were not submitted to or reviewed by HUD.

NLIHC has prepared two outlines of the proposed changes. The longer version is more comprehensive and contains regulatory citations; the shorter version omits secondary issues and does not have citations. Comments on the proposed rule are due September 17, 2013. Advocates are urged to submit comments supporting HUD’s three-year effort while also offering suggestions for making further improvements. A sample letter is forthcoming from NLIHC.Register for the August 29 webinar at: http://bit.ly/1cQmIkyView NLIHCs full summary of the proposed AFFH rule at: http://bit.ly/13SOA6nView NLIHC's brief outline of the proposed AFFH rule at: http://bit.ly/18Vv07zThe proposed rule is at: http://1.usa.gov/198azaB