March 10, 2021
The American Rescue Plan Act, which Congress has passed and President Biden is expected to sign on March 12, will provide needed help to tens of millions of people, reduce high levels of hardship, help school districts address student learning loss, and bolster the economy.
The economy remains weak, the jobs recovery has lost momentum, and there are 9.5 million fewer jobs than in February of 2020. Black and Latino unemployment is 9.9 percent and 8.5 percent, respectively, well above the white unemployment rate of 5.6 percent which itself is too high. The economy won’t return to its full potential until 2025, the Congressional Budget Office projects; the number of people employed won’t return to pre-pandemic levels until 2024; and unemployment won’t fall below 4 percent until 2026.
Blacksburg to address affordable housing shortage with $1 million federal grant
Annual federal funding will go towards lower, middle income housing in town
Taj Simmons, Reporter
Tags:
BLACKSBURG, Va. – Blacksburg remains an in-demand place to live, but finding a home or rental in town has become a challenge due to a limited supply. The town hopes to remedy the situation with its annual round of Housing and Urban Development funding.
The town received $1,150,576 in grants from HUD for two programs: Community Development Block Grants and the HOME Investment Partnerships Program.
Assistant to the town manager Matt Hanratty oversees those projects and said the need is crucial for more lower-income and middle-income housing.
Governor Northam Announces Over $24 Million in Affordable and Special Needs Housing Loans
Posted by Staff | Mar 2, 2021 | News | |
RICHMOND Governor Ralph Northam today announced more than $24 million in Affordable and Special Needs Housing loans for 28 projects across the Commonwealth, creating or preserving 1,635 affordable housing units for low-income Virginians. The funding will help increase access to affordable housing, reduce homelessness, and provide permanent supportive housing options for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
“As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to create housing challenges in our Commonwealth and across the country, we are pleased to deploy this funding to support Virginians who are most in need,” said Governor Northam. “The Affordable Special Needs Housing program is a valuable resource for increasing the availability of safe, affordable, and sustainable housing for low-income Virginians, particularly those with spec