HUD released its latest CHAS (Comprehensive Housing Affordability Strategy) data on May 14. Both five-year (2006-2010) and three-year (2008-2010) data are newly available from HUD, allowing analysts and advocates to examine local trends in housing needs and problems. CHAS data are used by state and local governments in their consolidated planning processes. The five-year data are available at the state level down to split census tracts. The three-year data are available for states, counties, minor civil divisions, and places. All CHAS tables have been updated with the more extensive five-year data, except for a table on disability status, which was limited to the three-year data. Users can download the raw data files (from 2006-2008, 2005-2009, 2006-2010, and 2008-2010) and import them into such software as SPSS, STATA, or Excel. HUD also created tools to help grantees with their Consolidated Plans, including the eCon Planning Suite and CDP Maps pre-loaded with CHAS data.To download the new data, visit: http://bit.ly/ig5ci7 Members of NLIHC who would like assistance in using the data should contact Megan Bolton, Research Director, at [email protected].