Resources, webinars, reports, and other information are provided to support Distressed Cities Technical Assistance (DCTA) recipients and smaller distressed communities recently impacted by a natural disaster. Each section features COVID-19 related information.
CDC Federal Order – Temporary Eviction Moratorium Extended through March 31, 2021
CDC Director has extended the expiration date of the CDC Order titled, "Temporary Halt in Residential Evictions to Prevent the Spread of COVID-19" (85 Fed. Reg. 55292, September 4, 2020). The new expiration date is March 31, 2021 unless extended, modified, or rescinded. Under this Order, a landlord, owner of a residential property, or other person with a legal right to pursue eviction or possessory action, shall not evict any covered person from any residential property in a jurisdiction to which this Order applies. In order for tenants to qualify for eviction moratorium protection, they must submit the Tenant Declaration form to their landlords. The renter must attest in the form that they cannot pay rent or find government assistance and that an eviction would likely render them homeless.
A report from the Congressional Research Service that summarizes the major individual and business tax provisions of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act
The Paycheck Protection Program Resumes January 11, 2021
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), in consultation with the U.S. Treasury Department, reopened its Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan portal on January 11, 2021. The PPP loan program provides a direct incentive for small businesses to keep their workers on the payroll. The portal provides details on the loan program, how to apply for a loan, and assistance for loan application preparation.
CDC COVID-19 Vaccine-Specific Information
The CDC unveiled a resource page for COVID-19 vaccine-specific information, including vaccination planning, vaccine safety, and FAQs.
CDC Updates Guidance on Expanded COVID-19 Testing
The CDC recently updated guidance on the appropriate use of testing for COVID-19 in light of additional testing capacity throughout the country and provided additional information on viral and antibody tests.
Community Development COVID-19 Resources
Tools and resources related to housing, finance, small business, workforce development, funding, and household financial stability curated by the St. Louis Fed and other organizations to provide assistance in the midst of the current pandemic
Contact Tracing – Get and Keep America Open: Supporting States, Tribes, Localities and Territories
A database of resources developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for developing and deploying contact tracers, including contact tracing workflow templates, case-investigation workflow templates, and frequently asked questions/answers about contact tracing
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19): Communication Resources
A CDC-sponsored resource designed to help public health professionals, health departments, community organizations, and healthcare systems and providers relay information about COVID-19. It includes guidance documents, public service announcements, a social media toolkit, images, videos, and more
COVID-19 Demographic and Economic Resources from the U.S. Census Bureau
An interactive data hub that includes COVID-19 resources providing users with demographic risk factor variables along with economic data on 20 key industries impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic
COVID-19 Economic Crisis: By State
Interactive graphics and statistics collected by the University of New Hampshire Carsey School of Public Policy
COVID-19 Healthcare Resource Roadmap
Developed by FEMA, this roadmap is designed to assist state, local, tribal, and territorial (SLTT) leaders and stakeholders with navigating some of the challenges, as well as the resources, associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, the Roadmap describes how supplemental appropriated funds, in particular funding authorized under the CARES Act, and certain ongoing annually funded federal programs, can be used to implement potential solutions.
The COVID-19 Pandemic and Rural America
An overview, from USDA Economic Research Service (ERS), on how the pandemic is affecting rural America, including the spread of cases and unemployment among the U.S. metro and non-metro populations and by ERS' county economic types
COVID-19, Race, and the Revolution
A weekly COVID-19 and Race commentary by PolicyLink that shines the light on the pandemic’s disproportionate toll on Black, Latinx, and Indigenous people and on bold solutions for equitable recovery and renewal
COVID-19 Response and Recovery Work
Information and resources from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation County Health Rankings and Roadmaps program to support COVID-19 response and recovery efforts, including a county-level data mapping project in collaboration with the University of Chicago, a special webinar series, featured COVID-19-curated What Works for Health strategies, and community stories
CRF Frequently Asked Questions
Updated Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF) guidance from the U.S. Department of Treasury provides clarification on items including using CRF dollars for public university student refunds, purchasing of equipment, real property acquisition, and small business support. The guidance also provides additional information on how counties can invest CRF funds toward the non-federal matching requirements under the Stafford Act and safely reopening schools.
EDA CARES Act Recovery Assistance
An overview of the $1.5 billion allocated to U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) under the CARES Act for economic development assistance programs
Framework for an Equitable COVID-19 Homelessness Response
Guidance from the National Alliance to End Homelessness on how homelessness systems can leverage CARES Act and approval of other funding sources (such as FEMA Public Assistance) to provide emergency protective measures and plan for longer-term recovery efforts
Guide to Federal Housing and Community Development Programs for Small Towns and Rural Areas
A guide by the Housing Assistance Council that provides brief descriptions on the uses of program funds and eligibility requirements for federal housing and development programs administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development (USDA-RD), HUD, and others, as well as contacts for further information about each program
HHS COVID-19 Federal Regulatory and Funding Flexibilities
Resources collected by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Healthcare Emergency Preparedness Information Gateway for healthcare decision-makers responding to COVID-19 workforce concerns
HHS COVID-19 State, Territorial, and Local Resources
Resources collected by the HHS Healthcare Emergency Preparedness Information Gateway for healthcare decision-makers responding to COVID-19 workforce concerns from a state, territorial, or local lens
HHS COVID-19 Workforce Virtual Toolkit
A virtual toolkit that provides resources for healthcare decision-makers responding to COVID-19 workforce concerns
HUD’s COVID-19 FAQs and Other Guidance for Grantees
FAQs and fact sheets for HUD grantees on COVID-19 related-topics
HUD’s COVID-19 FAQs and Policy Notices for Public Housing Agencies
FAQs and Policy Notices specifically for Public Housing Agencies on COVID-19 related-topics including the CARES Act Eviction Moratorium, a tenant flyer on the eviction moratorium, and other guidance
Information for Public Housing and Voucher Tenants on the Eviction Moratorium
A two-page flyer developed by The National Housing Law Project (NHLP) and the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO) for public housing and voucher residents that explains the CARES Act eviction moratorium. The flyer provides sample policies that public housing authorities (PHAs) can adopt for interim income recertifications, repayment plans, minimum rent, and hardship exemptions – all of which will be important after the eviction moratorium ends on July 24.
Innovation in Food Access Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic
Information from the University of New Hampshire Carsey School of Public Policy on ways government agencies can utilize innovation to ensure food access for vulnerable populations
Moratorium on Encampment Sweeps to Reduce Transmission of COVID-19
A resource guide by Homebase that provides recommendations and best practices related to modifying policies regarding the clearing of encampments during the COVID-19 pandemic
Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act (HR.266)
Detailed legislation that created the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Health Care Enhancement Act
Preparing to Reopen America’s Counties
Resources offered by the National Association of Counties (NACo) for counties preparing to reopen including examples of different approaches counties are taking, as well as links to the White House’s reopening plan and testing guidance, and the CDC’s reopening guidance
Quick Guide to CDBG Eligible Activities to Support Coronavirus and Other Infectious Disease Response
Information on implementing CDBG funds in a coordinated effort with local health authorities before undertaking any activity to support state or local pandemic response
Return to Play: COVID-19 Risk Assessment Tool
A cross-sports risk assessment guide, based on CDC guidelines and advice from subject-matter experts, by the Aspen Institute that reviews how various sports and recreational activities can be enjoyed while minimizing transmission or contraction of COVID-19
Rural COVID Research and Figures
A collection of real-time charts and reports developed by the University of North Carolina Cecil G. Sheps Center for Health Services Research documenting the impact of COVID-19 on rural areas, including tracking hot spots across the country, COVID-19 growth in rural counties, state rural hospital and community vulnerabilities, and more
Rural Housing and Coronavirus Resources - Housing Assistance Council
A resource list collected by the Housing Assistance Council (HAC) on the latest news on USDA policy, federal relief and stimulus funds, stakeholder recommendations, and more to help local rural organizations respond
Rural News Summary - Housing Assistance Council
National and local housing-related resources and information from a rural lens
SBA Issues Additional PPP Loan Forgiveness Guidance
The SBA has published additional guidance regarding the forgiveness of PPP loans. The new FAQs clarify previous SBA guidance, provisions of the CARES Act, and the PPP loan forgiveness application.
SBA and Treasury Announce Simpler PPP Forgiveness for Loans of $50,000 or Less
The SBA and the U.S. Treasury Department are working to simplify the forgiveness application process for Paycheck Protection Program loans of $50,000 or less. The changes are aimed at streamlining the PPP forgiveness process to provide financial and administrative relief to America's smallest businesses.
Summary of the efforts coordinated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and a list of alternative care sites across the country, which are facilities temporarily converted for healthcare use during a public health emergency to reduce the burden on hospitals and established medical facilities
Summary of resources and key service changes provided and implemented by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to assist rural communities impacted by COVID-19, including descriptions of opportunities for immediate relief within USDA’s various programs and services
U.S. Department of Labor | FFCRA
Information on the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) that requires certain employers to provide their employees with paid sick leave or expanded family and medical leave for specified reasons related to COVID-19
Effective dates: These provisions will apply from the effective date through December 31, 2020.
The CDC issued a series of recommendations on how to prepare for wildfires in the time of COVID-19. The center states that wildfire smoke can irritate your lungs, cause inflammation, affect your immune system, and make you more prone to lung infections, including COVID-19.
Access general COVID-19 resources and information from the following agencies and organizations:
HRSA, Office of Rural Health Policy
Council of Development Finance Agencies
Harvard Kennedy School (Public Sector)
Homebase (Resources for Homeless Service Providers)
National Association of Counties
National Indigenous Elder Justice Initiative
National Low Income Housing Coalition
University of Colorado Boulder Natural Hazards Center
University of New Hampshire Carsey School of Public Policy
Basically CDBG for States - Support to Implement State CDBG Programs
Training developed to guide and assist State CDBG grantees in the implementation of their programs and covers topics including: national objectives, eligible activities, administration, financial management, and other federal requirements
Overview of the CDBG Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) program, including a brief synopsis of the history of the program, a summary of the objectives of the program, the rules and requirements of the program, and a summary of the process for implementing disaster recovery activities. View the CDBG-DR page on the HUD Exchange for more information.
PolicyLink’s relaunched informative website includes new briefs, videos, and resources that examine the intersection of arts, culture, and equitable development and also shares how community development goals can be reached through the integration of arts and culture in partnership with non-arts organizations
HUD Community Resilience Toolkit
This toolkit is designed to assist communities in enhancing their resilience to climate-related natural hazard risks. Local governments can use the toolkit to identify natural hazard risks and resilience actions that can be integrated into existing programs.
HUD's disaster resources and partners with federal and state agencies to help implement disaster recovery assistance
ICDBG Information and Resources
Overview of and resources related to the Indian Community Development Block Grant (ICDBG) program, which provides eligible grantees with direct grants for use in developing viable Indian and Alaska Native Communities, including decent housing, a suitable living environment, and economic opportunities, primarily for low- and moderate-income persons
State CDBG Information and Resources
Overview of and resources related to the State CDBG program, which offers grants to non-entitlement areas (cities with a population less than 50,000 and counties with a population less than 200,000) for housing, community services, and job retention
Join the mailing list to receive HUD policy guidance, training opportunities, resources, critical deadlines, program support, and more.
Fundamentals of Economic Development Finance WebCourse
January 27 – 28, 2021, 12:00 – 5:00 PM EST
In this training event, hosted by CDFA, Toby Rittner, CDFA's President and CEO, along with experts from across the country, will discuss the variety of development finance tools available including bonds, tax credits, tax increment financing (TIF), federal financing programs, RLFs, Opportunity Zones, and access to capital lending resources.
Solutions for Housing Communications 2021
March 18, 2021, 11:00 AM – 4:30 PM EDT
The National Housing Conference will host an online convening of industry professionals to discuss messaging and marketing strategies to help advance affordable housing policy.
Virtual Housing Policy Forum 2021: A New Day
March 30 – 31, 2021, 1:00 – 5:00 PM EDT
Hosted by NLIHC, the forum will offer opportunities to engage with and learn from thought-leaders, policy experts, researchers, affordable housing practitioners, low-income residents, and leaders from Capitol Hill about the state of the affordable housing crisis in America and its solutions.
Responding to COVID-19 Webinar Series
Summer 2020
HUD's Responding to COVID-19 webinar series presents resources for small units of general local government (UGLGs) related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, the webinars provide digestible information on how small UGLGs may access public funding, data, and other resources made available due to the pandemic.
This webinar series consists of a total of six sessions spread across three topic areas. The topic areas are: housing, health, and economic development. The following recordings are posted:
Using State CDBG to Promote Economic Development Webinar
In this HUD webinar, presenters provide an overview of how to use State Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds to promote economic development.
E104: Grow with Google: Helping Jobseekers Kickstart Their Careers in High-Demand Fields
In December 2020, Workforce Central, the official podcast of the National Association of Workforce Boards, hosted Christian Michael, Program Manager for Grow with Google, to discuss the work that Google is doing to create opportunities for nontraditional talent to kickstart their career in high demand fields, including IT.
Enhancing Fiscal Resilience in a Disruptive Environment: What We’ve Learned and What’s Next
On December 18, 2020, NACo hosted a webinar where KPMG and county officials discussed different approaches to enhance resilience in light of shifting public health, economic, budgetary and community dynamics – and how the difficult lessons of 2020 can help counties navigate a still uncertain 2021 outlook.
NLIHC National Call: Coronavirus, Housing, and Homelessness
The NLIHC Disaster Housing Recovery Coalition holds a weekly national call entitled “Coronavirus, Housing, and Homelessness” that featured updates from national, state, and local advocates and service providers working to assist people experiencing homelessness, low-income households, and members of marginalized communities, all of whom are disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Recordings and slides from all past sessions are posted on the NLIHC website.
Several 2020 sessions are highlighted below:
Sustainability and the Path to Equity
On August 5, 2020, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation hosted a webinar to explore how communities, NGOs, and the private sector can work together to create a more sustainable economy that delivers environmental justice and creates opportunity for all.
CDFA-ARI Rural Finance Webinar Series: Access to Capital and Community Facilities
On July 8, 2020, the fourth and final installment of the CDFA Alliance for Rural Impact (ARI) Rural Finance Webinar Series discussed community facilities resources and other accessible capital for rural community development.
Rural Resilience: Hurricanes, Wildfire, and COVID-19
On June 24, 2020, the Rural Assembly and Daily Yonder held a webinar to share how disaster preparedness and response continues in communities dealing with wildfires, hurricanes, and extreme weather, all while also feeling the impacts of a pandemic. A video and transcript of the webinar are available.
Maximizing Value on Every Public Dollar During and After COVID-19
On June 24, 2020, NACo held a webinar focused on how counties can use liquidity analyses and data to maximize the value on current tax dollars and any CARES Act funding received and review ways to look under every stone for taxpayer benefit.
Local Strategies for Housing, Wealth, and Job Equity Webinar Series
On June 17 – July 20, 2020, the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia’s Reinventing Our Communities (ROC) Local hosted a series of 11 webinars which are now available online. The series examines local solutions to housing, job, and wealth equity challenges. Leading researchers and practitioners provide expertise for community leaders on topics that include rethinking zoning, supporting small businesses, upskilling and reskilling, and affordable housing preservation. These webinars can help you frame, contextualize, and organize around challenges in your community.
Childcare and COVID-19: Federal Resources and Best Practices for County Governments
On June 17, 2020, NACo held a webinar focused on the impacts of COVID-19 on access to safe and affordable childcare, and what counties are doing to maintain the current supply of childcare and sustain childcare businesses upon reopening. Federal resources for childcare services during COVID-19 and what counties can do to maximize these services and ensure safe, healthy learning environments for young children were outlined. A copy of the presentation slide show is available.
CDFA-ARI Rural Finance Webinar Series: Building the Road to Recovery
On June 10, 2020, the CDFA-ARI held their third installment in the Rural Finance Webinar Series. The webinar discussed the development finance tools that can support rural economies as they rebuild. A link to the recorded webinar, as well as the first two webinars held April 15 and May 6, can be requested by simply registering for the free webinar series.
The Health of Our Democracy: Voting During a Pandemic
On June 9, 2020, the Aspen Institute hosted a conversation on how states and local jurisdictions can execute a voting process that is secure, trusted, and safe.
How Community Development Organizations Change When They Embrace Arts and Culture
On May 13, 2020, Arts, Culture, and Community Development featured community-based organizations and the artists with whom they have partnered sharing stories and lessons learned from local strategies to build stronger connections with residents, create and enhance neighborhood identity and solidarity, and achieve better outcomes in local planning and policy. View PolicyLink’s brief, How Organizations Change When They Embrace Arts and Culture, that explores these themes and stories.
On May 12, 2020, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) collaborated to host a webinar that provided an overview of the rural health focused efforts by HHS and USDA and highlighted specific tools and resources to help combat COVID-19. This page provides the recording, audio transcript, and presentation slides.
OLHCHH and Partners: Healthy Homes COVID-19 Webinars
On May 4 – 6, 2020, HUD’s Office of Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes (OLHCHH) and the National Healthy Homes Partnership at the University of Missouri presented three webinars on COVID-19 mitigation and disinfecting strategies for multifamily and public housing developments. These webinars and related handouts were presented in cooperation with the Centers for Disease Control Waterborne Disease Branch (CDC WDB) and Washington State Department of Health.
Accessory Dwelling Units Webinar
On May 29, 2019, LISC hosted a webinar where two Rubinger Fellows spoke about how they’re leveraging Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) in their unique markets. Affordable housing is becoming increasingly hard to find throughout many growing cities around the country. ADUs offer an alternative to customary housing units, taking the form of basement apartments, living units above the garage, new detached units, or 'tiny houses' built in the backyard of an existing home.
Eviction Prevention Toolkit Webinar
On April 18, 2019, LISC hosted a webinar where Barbara Geries from Champlain Housing Trust and Harold Nassau from The Consortium for Housing Asset Management (CHAM) discussed the value of operating an Eviction Prevention Program (EPP), provided basic information about program structuring, and gave examples of existing programs.
2020 State of Black America: Unmasked
This report from the National Urban League, produced in partnership with the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Equity, found that African Americans, who are more likely than white Americans to live in crowded housing and work in essential jobs, are nearly three times as likely to contract the virus. Black Americans also are more likely to be uninsured than white Americans, to suffer from pre-existing conditions that increase risk of severe illness, and to receive less aggressive treatment, and as a result are nearly five times as likely to be hospitalized for and more than twice as likely to die from COVID-19.
Assessment of County Needs in Economic Recovery
A newly released analysis from NACo outlines the results of a county leader survey, four focus groups, and 15 interviews with county leaders on their experiences and needs to manage economic recovery related to the community impacts of COVID-19.
Budget Stress Tests Can Help States Manage the Pandemic’s Fiscal Impact
This article from Pew Charitable Trusts covers lessons from four states on how the analyses provide insights into shortfall scenarios, how the recession caused by the Coronavirus pandemic is clouding states' financial futures, and how stress tests can help leaders plan for what comes next.
This outline of three reports, developed by Housing Assistance Council and the Aspen Institute, breaks down the challenges that obscure the nation’s understanding of and attention to rural issues and progress, and how to work toward improvement.
Cascading Impact of COVID-19 on Microbusinesses
This report from Prosperity Now looks at why businesses owned by people of color, women, and immigrants were highly susceptible to an economic downturn prior to the pandemic. It also details how microbusinesses (businesses with zero to nine employees), which are historically the most vulnerable to financial shocks, have been severely impacted by the virtual stoppage of economic activity in the sectors of the economy where they are most represented – including the food service industry, retail, and accommodation services.
City Fiscal Conditions 2020 Report
This report from the National League of Cities finds that it will take years for municipal budgets in the United States to recover from the economic impacts of the Coronavirus. Based on a survey of 485 municipal finance officers, the City Fiscal Conditions 2020 report found that large majorities of respondents said their cities were less able to meet their fiscal obligations in FY 2020 (78 percent) and anticipate that things will be even worse in FY 2021 (87 percent), the highest percentage registered by the annual survey since the Great Recession. By comparison, only 24 percent of municipal finance officers surveyed in 2019 reported that their city would be less able to meet its fiscal obligations.
Colorado County Program Helps Local Businesses
Rather than see them go rogue against COVID-19 restrictions, Mesa County, CO and the Grand Junction Chamber of Commerce are working with local businesses to standardize safe operating procedures during the pandemic. More than 600 local businesses have pledged their commitment to following strict guidelines and the county’s groundwork over the last eight months is supporting the program as infections rise.
Comprehensive Analysis of COVID-19’s Impact on County Finances and Implications for the U.S. Economy
This report from NACo, published July 21, 2020, outlines that as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, county revenues are plummeting while costs are skyrocketing. NACo research finds the COVID-19 pandemic could lead to massive budgetary impacts for county governments and local taxpayers, with as much as $202 billion in lost revenue and increased expenditures through FY 2021.
Connecting Counties to Residents with Access Live
This article from NACo highlights a useful tool and the importance of local governments maintaining open communication with residents in their community. When it is not possible to meet for in-person town halls and other events, Access Live is a tool that allows government officials to virtually reach thousands of people at once, from the comfort and safety of their own homes. Access Live allows government officials to virtually reach thousands of people at once.
Consumers, Communities Struggled with Effect of Pandemic
The Federal Reserve's latest Consumer & Community Context features articles analyzing the response to the COVID-19 pandemic among consumers, communities, and community development organizations.
Coronavirus Pandemic Refugees and the Future of American Cities
The Kenan Institute of Private Enterprise from the UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School studied the impact of the Coronavirus on American cities. History informs us that some people, especially the wealthy, flee cities in response to pandemics and other major catastrophes. In past pandemics and crises, refugees have typically returned, remaining attracted to the social and cultural dynamism cities offer. However, the circumstances surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic raise questions about the future attractiveness of large cities as places to live and do business.
Counties Face Economic Recovery Challenges
NACo surveyed and interviewed county leaders across the country to assess how counties are recovering economically from the impacts of COVID-19. All the counties shared a need for funding and critical partnerships in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and concerns remain about loss of revenue and the capacity to serve their residents.
Counties Grapple with Fall COVID-19 Spike
NACo reports that counties in nearly half the country are battling a spike in COVID-19 cases, according to updates from the Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center.
Counties Turn to Apps, Alert Systems in Pandemic
NACo documented how county officials across the country are turning to technology to spread vital information and keep their residents informed. “With the ability to use apps — the sky’s the limit,” said Rich Collins, director of Emergency Services for Sarasota County, Florida, where officials launched a notification system and are using mobile applications to spread information during the COVID-19 outbreak.
County Economic Mobility Action Tracker
NACo and the Aspen Institute Financial Security Program have launched the County Economic Mobility Action Tracker to provide county leaders with resources for safeguarding residents’ financial security and economic mobility during COVID-19.
The COVID-19 Community Vulnerability Index (CCVI)
This index, developed by Surgo Foundation and featured as a CDC resource, identifies which communities may need the most support as Coronavirus takes hold. Mapped to U.S. Census tract, county, and state levels, the CCVI helps inform COVID-19 planning and mitigation at a granular level.
All 12 of the Federal Reserve Banks and the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System released the results of a survey of representatives of nonprofits, financial institutions, government agencies, and other community organizations that determines the pandemic’s impact on LMI communities. The survey reveals that the majority of organizations see COVID-19’s impacts on a range of issues, from employment and education to basic consumer needs and health, got modestly or significantly worse since August.
COVID-19 Crisis Management: Three Lessons County Officials Have Learned on the Front Lines
Zencity held an open discussion with county administrators from McHenry County, IL, Nevada County, CA, and Ottawa County, MI to discuss their personal experiences managing the pandemic.
COVID-19 Economic Crisis: By State
Carsey School Director Michael Ettlinger and Policy Analyst Jordan Hensley recently sat down for an interview with Carsey Research Assistant Professor Jessica Carson to discuss the latest data and updates of their weekly report.
The Philadelphia Federal Reserve Bank has released a series of briefs to identify those most at economic risk from COVID-19 and set a policy framework for a more equitable recovery.
COVID-19’s Impact on Multifamily and Affordable Housing
Multi-Housing News reports on how the Coronavirus has heightened inequality in the housing market, a crisis that the country will continue to experience even after the pandemic is over.
COVID-19 Inequality and American Well-Being
The results of a survey, conducted by the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis, reveal marked declines in American well-being, with significant demographic and geographic disparities, and little precaution against risk. The survey results led the author to conclude that place-based relief policies make less sense than targeting relief to hardest-hit individuals.
COVID-19 Reported Cases in Rural America
This Housing Assistance Council website reports on COVID-19 cases in rural areas across America. The site includes maps and charts looking at changes over time, comparing non-metro to metro cases, and examining rural per capita COVID-19 rates. This website is based on data collected by the New York Times.
Crisis Hits Minority Firms Hard
This article, from the Kansas City Federal Reserve Bank, provides an overview of the vulnerability of firms owned by minorities prior to the crisis and shares insights from organizations that work with minority firms on how these firms are being affected during the crisis.
Deadline Fuels CRF Money Uncertainty
This article in County News Now discusses how the December 30, 2020 deadline to use or lose CRF money is forcing county budget managers into a tight spot.
Emergency Rental Assistance Programs in Response to COVID-19
NLIHC released a Research Note that provides a descriptive analysis of more than 440 rental assistance programs created or expanded in response to COVID-19.
Experiences with the COVID-19 Outbreak Can Vary for Americans of Different Ages
Older Americans see the pandemic as a major health risk and younger adults mainly see a financial threat. The Pew Research Center looks at how experiences with the outbreak differ across the age spectrum.
Exploring a Skills-Based Approach to Occupational Mobility
This report, from the Federal Reserve Banks of Philadelphia and Cleveland, explores how the demand for labor is expected to shift in the post-pandemic economy, and how transferable skills could both pave the way for lower-wage workers to move up to higher-paying positions and help meet the talent needs of employers.
A survey of service coordinators working with older adults in publicly funded housing identified unique challenges faced in adapting to COVID-19. The survey, conducted by the Joint Center for Housing Studies (JCHS), found that disruptions to professional care may affect older residents’ physical and mental health.
Forced Automation by COVID-19? Early Trends from Current Population Survey Data
The Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia released new research, led by Lei Ding and Julieth Saenz Molina, that provides the first empirical analysis of the impact of COVID-19-induced automation on job losses.
The Fragile Financial Stability of Immigrant Households in Light of COVID-19
This brief, released by Prosperity Now, provides an overview of the structural barriers that have made low- to moderate-income immigrant households particularly vulnerable to the public health and economic crises precipitated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Framework for an Equitable COVID-19 Homelessness Response
With a racial justice and equity lens, the framework provides guidance to communities on how to use a wide range of federal funding sources, including CARES Act programs, strategically across key public health and economic recovery strategies to meet public health goals, increase housing stability, and prevent future increases in homelessness.
Providing access to data on the healthcare system from a wide range of sources to support data-driven COVID-19 response, Health and Human Services (HHS) provides a Coronavirus data hub that brings together information from federal, state, and local governments and the healthcare industry. The hub shares hospital capacity data at the national and state level, including inpatient beds occupied, inpatient beds occupied by COVID-19 patients, and ICU beds occupied.
How Counties are Working with Lyft to Expand Transportation Access
NACo shares examples of two counties, Cook County, IL and Essex County, NJ, that are collaborating with Lyft to expand transportation access to their residents.
How Digital Training Can Help States and Cities Build Their Public Health Workforce
This report by The Aspen Institute outlines how numerous states and cities are attempting to quickly build a corps of community health workers by utilizing digital training programs.
How Public Officials Can Use Data and Evidence to Make Strategic Budget Cuts
This issue brief from Pew Charitable Trusts warns that though state and county officials are facing unprecedented fiscal challenges, leaders should resist the temptation to make indiscriminate, across-the-board budget cuts. The brief describes useful, proven tools that policymakers can use to inform their spending decisions that will lead to better outcomes during the downturn.
The Impact of Coronavirus on Households Across America
The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, National Public Radio, and Robert Wood Johnson Foundation examine the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on U.S. households. The report covers health, economic, and work-related impacts and related issues such as broadband access. The analysis is broken up into five reports:
Impact of COVID-19 on Low- to Moderate-Income Communities
The Federal Reserve released a new report spotlighting the challenges low- to moderate-income (LMI) communities are facing across the nation.
In Historic First, Protests Spread to More than 3,000 Towns
The Daily Yonder reports on the rise in protests to end racism and police violence against people of color in rural communities.
The Inequities of Job Loss and Recovery Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic
The University of New Hampshire Carsey School of Public Policy published a brief that discusses the wide variations in unemployment and the level of job loss during the COVID-19 pandemic across the nation’s demographic groups that have historically suffered disparities in the workforce, including persons of color, women, and immigrants.
Integrating Equity in the Time of COVID-19
As communities across the country plan for the influx of money to flow into the homelessness response system, equity should be an important consideration throughout the planning and implementation of that funding. In order to identify and respond to gaps in current services and support, communities should consult and listen to those most impacted by the issues. This memo by Homebase provides guidance on some key considerations when integrating equity into service delivery and design and includes references to existing resources and helpful information.
Key Considerations for Counties in COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution
NACo published a brief highlighting the key considerations for counties as they work with states and other local jurisdictions to prepare their vaccine distribution plans. The brief includes a strategic overview of a recommended plan, developed in coordination with the CDC and the DoD, and an interim playbook for state, tribal, territorial, and local public health programs to begin operationalizing a vaccination response to COVID-19 within their respective jurisdictions.
Local Area Unemployment Statistics: An Economic Analysis of COVID‑19
New NACo research analyzes the impact of COVID-19 on the employment force of counties across the country. The August Bureau of Labor Statistics jobs report showed indicators that the U.S. economy was beginning a slow, unstable recovery process. Eighty-one percent of counties reported unemployment levels above the healthy level of unemployment. New NACo research takes a deeper dive into the latest employment statistics to explore how the pandemic is impacting different groups of counties in similar economic situations, ultimately highlighting the need for direct, flexible federal funding.
Measuring COVID-19's Impact on America’s County Workforce
NACo analyzed the economic and fiscal strain the pandemic has had on the nation’s counties, including the impact COVID-19 has had on county workers across the nation.
The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) announced on May 4, 2020 that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have created online multifamily property lookup tools to help renters find out if they are protected from evictions during the COVID-19 pandemic. The tools allow renters to determine if the property they live in is financed by one of the Government Sponsored Enterprises (GSEs) and thus included in the eviction moratorium under the CARES Act.
Municipal Revenues Steeply Decline in College Towns
This article from the Bond Buyer reports on how most students cleared out in March from the college towns around the nation that depend on them for their economic base, precipitating an economic dive that has been steeper than most other places around the nation. These thousands of college towns may be officially incorporated as cities, villages, or boroughs, but they all face common revenue shortfalls due to COVID-19 that range from a drastic drop in hotel occupancy taxes to a dramatic decline in water and sewer use.
Natural Disaster Planning Takes on Urgency During Pandemic
This article from NACo reports on natural disaster planning and how it takes on urgency during the pandemic. Hurricanes and wildfires often force residents into emergency congregate housing which is exactly the kind of situation counties are trying to avoid to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
New Tools for Effective Public Health Communication
Communicating about public health has never been more important and too many people do not understand what public health is or what public health professionals do. The de Beaumont Foundation and the Aspen Institute have launched the Public Health Reaching Across Sectors (PHRASES) website and tools to assist public health officials with research-based framing and communication strategies that can help build support, trust, and credibility.
Next Stimulus Needs to Help Us, Small Cities and Counties Say
The Daily Yonder reports that 95 percent of the nation’s counties got left out of the March stimulus package. Cities and counties are organizing to make sure they fare better with the next proposal.
Oakland County Lays Out Ambitious Economic Development Plan for COVID-19 Pandemic Recovery
Oakland County, Michigan has unveiled its economic plan to recover from the impact of the Coronavirus recession and revitalize its largest city. The strategic action plan is built around the strategies of stabilizing businesses impacted by the recession, policies that aid in business recovery, diversifying the county's industries, and ongoing implementation of those economic development efforts.
Pandemic-Related Economic Struggles Could Ultimately Increase Investment in Opportunity Zones
Novogradac reports that Opportunity Zone investing is expected to increase in a post-pandemic economic recovery phase that can start as early as this summer. The report outlines the potential opportunities and the sectors of business that are best positioned to benefit.
This Brookings article reports that “Rural Small Businesses on commercial corridors and main streets are better able to weather the pandemic than independent ones.” The NMSC and Brookings’s Bass Center for Transformative Placemaking have taken a more granular look at how place impacts small business survival. They have found that the pandemic is putting rural downtowns, many of which are still struggling to recover from the last recession, in an increasingly precarious economic position due to their heavy reliance on retail and restaurants, as well as their limited access to the capital and broadband infrastructure small businesses now need to survive.
The Baker Tilly Public Sector COVID-19 Recovery Assessment tool can help state and local government, utility, and school district leaders assess the current impact of the Coronavirus crisis on their entity and community, understand the level of preparedness for recovery in a possibly permanently altered environment, and identify potential risks an entity may need to mitigate.
This resource by the Institute of Education Sciences (IES) National Center for Rural School Mental Health compiles a set of resources for families, schools, teachers, and youth on a wide range of pandemic-related challenges.
Redlining and Neighborhood Health
This study from the National Community Reinvestment Coalition finds households living in historically redlined neighborhoods are seeing a relatively higher prevalence of COVID-19 in their communities. The study links the systemic effects of limited access to investment and other financial resources to poverty, reduced life expectancy, and chronic diseases, all of which are risk factors for poor outcomes from COVID-19.
Rural Healthcare Surge Readiness
This tool, developed by Rural Health’s COVID-19 Healthcare Resilience Working Group, provides critical resources for rural healthcare facilities to prepare for and respond to a COVID-19 surge.
Rural Home Prices Rise as People Consider Leaving Cities During Pandemic
This data from Realtor.com shows that homes in urban zip codes had a 19 percent increase in views compared to last year, while homes in suburban zip codes had a much larger 30 percent jump, and homes in rural zip codes saw a 34 percent increase in views.
Six Ways to Prevent Post-COVID Vacancy
An article in Shelterforce reports that while it may still be months until the community impacts of COVID-19 come into focus, there are ways to act now to minimize commercial and residential property deterioration and subsequent vacancy.
Spotlight: A Conversation with Oji Alexander, Executive Director of Home by Hand
Home by Hand Executive Director Oji Alexander shared with the National Housing Conference about how the organization and the people it serves are affected by COVID-19. Find out more about how this agile nonprofit quickly pivoted to serve the needs of its community in the wake of the pandemic.
State Execs Talk COVID-19 Impacts on Budgets, More
This article from NACo covers topics discussed during the National Council of County Association Executives - National Association of Counties 2020 Knowledge Management Forum, held virtually this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Top concerns emerging from the pandemic for state association representatives center on fiscal issues, public health, and workforce implications, according to a NACo survey of 24 state associations.
Stemming Evictions and Creating Future Housing Stability
This report from Prosperity Now shows that with the U.S. potentially on the verge of an immense eviction and homelessness crisis, it is imperative that policymakers act now. The brief provides a look at a series of policies that can support the economic well-being of vulnerable renters now and over the long-term.
Supporting American Indian & Alaskan Native Communities Combating COVID-19
The eHealth Initiative has released a report from a virtual roundtable panel on health disparities related to COVID-19 facing American Indian and Alaska Native communities. Authors discuss the Indian Health Service response to the pandemic and gaps in pandemic-related services, including telehealth access, underfunded and understaffed healthcare facilities, data quality and information access, cultural literacy, and behavioral health needs.
This tool from Cartegraph helps counties track COVID-19 data, expenses, and time to ease the process for applying for FEMA reimbursements.
Treasury’s OIG Releases CRF FAQs on Reporting and Recordkeeping
The U.S. Department of Treasury’s Office of Inspector General (OIG) released an updated FAQ document that contains modifications to the reporting requirements for the CRF. The changes comes after bipartisan organizations representing state and local governments, including NACo, shared concerns regarding additional reporting and record retention requirements for counties using CRF payments.
Unequal Distribution of COVID-19 Risk among Rural Residents by Race and Ethnicity
The Journal of Rural Health has published a study on the COVID-19 risk in rural communities by race and ethnicity. The paper highlights the different issues that influence the health outcomes of people of color and Indigenous people living in rural areas during COVID-19.
Using Technology to Optimize Leasing in an Age of Social Distancing
This report in Multifamily Executive tracks the trend, spurred by the COVID-19 pandemic, to adopt virtual leasing tools.
A special report by FitchRatings examines the way the COVID-19 pandemic has triggered a dramatic short-term economic and revenue growth shock for many U.S. states. The slowing labor market recovery, significantly reduced pandemic-related state and federal government transfers, and a resurging wave of Coronavirus infections and hospitalizations will slow the pace and challenge the durability of the economic recovery of many U.S. states.
Where States Get Their Money Will Shape Pandemic’s Fiscal Fallout
A special report by FitchRatings examines the way the COVID-19 pandemic has triggered a dramatic short-term economic and revenue growth shock for many U.S. states. The slowing labor market recovery, significantly reduced pandemic-related state and federal government transfers, and a resurging wave of Coronavirus infections and hospitalizations will slow the pace and challenge the durability of the economic recovery of many U.S. states.
Will Remote Work Change Central Business Districts?
This article in The Bond Buyer discusses the impacts of the open-ended work-from-home orders millions of Americans received from their employers and the apparent success of that model to date, which raises questions about the future commitment of corporations to basing their employees in cities or office buildings in general, and whether the work-from-home strategy could be a win-win situation.
11 Terms You Should Know to Better Understand Structural Racism
This glossary describes terms related to structural racism and terms used to promote racial equity analysis. This resource was created by the Aspen Institute Roundtable on Community Change, a group that worked with leading innovators to produce strong and reliable frameworks for successful and sustainable community change and development.
2020 FDIC Community Banking Study
In December 2020, the FDIC released a new large-scale study on the state of the nation’s community banks. The study documents the critical role community banks play in providing access to credit in several key areas of the U.S. economy, particularly through lending to support commercial real estate, small businesses, and agriculture.
Assess Capacity with SWOT Analysis
This tool guides you through a strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) analysis to collect and organize information to explore new opportunities, make decisions about new strategies, identify areas for change, and refine and redirect current efforts with new solutions. Factors include priority needs, market conditions, geographic targets, potential partners, and HUD resources.
Building Codes Save: A Nationwide Study of Loss Prevention
Culminating over 10 years of research, this FEMA publication highlights and reveals the high value of adopting and enforcing International Codes for hazard mitigation as a return on investment. A 12-page summary, Protecting Communities and Saving Money – The Case for Adopting Building Codes, as well as the full-study detailing this project—its methodology, results, and conclusions—are available on FEMA’s website.
The Case for Opportunity Zone Investments in Rural Areas
The Opportunity Zones allow investors to benefit from the initiative's capital gains tax breaks, to make money, accomplish multi-generational long-term financial planning and diversify their portfolios away from equities. The tool has been underutilized in rural areas, despite the potential these areas hold.
CDFIs and the Capital Markets: Tapping into Impact Investors
LISC conducted an analysis of the CDFI industry’s initial forays into the capital markets on a rated basis, and examined how CDFIs can expand their role as trusted intermediaries for capital investment in people and places where disparities in health, employment, wealth and financial security, and overall quality of life have stemmed from a lack of capital access.
Civic Assets for More Equitable Cities
The Urban Institute recently released a new report that draws out valuable lessons learned from Reimagining the Civic Commons, a philanthropy-funded national initiative focused on reviving shared civic assets—parks, libraries, plazas, recreational centers, and more—into places that have the power to foster engagement, equity, environmental sustainability, and economic development.
Disaster Help Desk for Business
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation is offering businesses and chambers a call in number 1-888-My-Biz-Help (888-692-4943) for direct support from disaster recovery experts as well as a digital contact via their help desk form.
The Economic Innovation Group released the Distressed Communities Index (DCI), a timely research project that maps community well-being across the country down to the zip code scale. The report is accompanied by a digital mapping interactive that allows users to explore all of the data included in the DCI across zip codes, counties, and congressional districts.
Randolph County Housing Authority (RCHA) and Homeownership Center partners with Highland Community Builders (HBC) and Rural LISC to launch their Digital Navigator program and a Financial Opportunity Center (FOC) to serve the residents of Randolph, Barbour, Tucker, Upshur, and Lewis counties in West Virginia.
Guidance on Adjusting Discretionary Incentive Programs to Support Small Business Recovery
How can economic development organizations modify their incentive programs to help struggling small businesses? To assist in sorting through the options, Smart Incentives has published a guide, prepared for the State Economic Development Executives Network with their partners at the Center for Regional Economic Competitiveness (CREC).
How Public Officials Can Use Data and Evidence to Make Strategic Budget Cuts
The Pew Charitable Trusts released new research on how state and county leaders can use evidence to make strategic budget cuts in the face of economic downturn. The research outlines four strategies, updating budget guidelines, assessing needs and analyzing program performance, using national clearinghouses, and adapting program delivery that can help government officials reduce spending while addressing increasing community needs.
How Small Towns and Cities Use Local Assets to Rebuild Economies
This study, commissioned by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), highlights successful strategies small cities and towns use to promote economic development. The study focuses on how these places emphasize existing assets and distinctive resources to complement a broad economic strategy.
How to Prepare for Natural Disasters: A Pre-Disaster Toolkit for Small- to Medium-Size Communities
Prepared by the U.S. EPA Urban Waters Federal Partnership, this toolkit is designed to help small- to medium-size communities jump-start their natural disaster planning process.
The Annie E. Casey Foundation recently released a new report of site-based work to dramatically reduce youth incarceration, especially for youth of color. Casey’s deep-end effort spans 12 demonstration sites across the United States. It employs intentional and data-driven strategies that move systems toward equity and specifically focus on youth of color. As a part of this work, sites engage community organizations and community members to increase opportunities for young people of color in their own neighborhoods.
Leveraging Development Finance Tools to Attract Opportunity Zone Investment
This guide, published by the U.S. EPA Office of Community Revitalization, provides an overview of various development finance tools and suggestions for how communities could use these tools to finance projects in Opportunity Zones.
Opportunity Starts at Home: Racial Inequities in Housing
The Opportunity Starts at Home multi-sector affordable homes campaign published a new fact sheet that explains how:
Out of Reach: The High Cost of Housing 2020
NLIHC’s annual report compares rents and wages nationally and in every state, county, and metropolitan area in the United States.
The Poverty Narrative: Understanding Disadvantage in Rural, Urban, and Suburban Places
One of seven video presentations, sponsored by Poverty Solutions at the University of Michigan, entitled the Poverty Narrative. The series is dedicated to a deeper understanding of poverty in the U.S. and Midwest. This video focuses on examining poverty as well as practices and factors that influence poverty in rural, urban, and suburban settings. Speakers discuss how journalists should consider historical context when reporting on poverty-related disparities.
The Racial Equity Index: A New Data Tool to Drive Local Efforts to Dismantle Structural Racism
This new index, from PolicyLink, reveals significant racial inequities even in the most prosperous cities and metros and provides data to help leaders develop targeted strategies for inclusive prosperity.
The Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute has published a report that features national, state, and county-level information on rural transit in the United States, and includes rural and urban comparisons on demographics and transportation.
Three Local Policy Innovations that Promote Inclusive, Equitable Mixed-Income Communities
This article in Shelterforce discusses how inclusion and equity in more American metropolitan areas is possible through innovations in local, regional, and state policies related to mixed-income communities.
Thoughtful Design Can Create High-Quality Affordable Multifamily Housing
In the culmination of a four-part series, this Brookings report examines strategies to save costs on three affordable housing building components: the exterior shell, interiors, and services. The analysis focuses on how innovation in design and construction can reduce the costs of multifamily housing without sacrifice. Affordable housing does not have to look cheap inside or out.
U.S. Climate Resilience Toolkit
These interactive tools can be used to help you understand and address your community’s climate risks.
Working with Them: Small-Scale Landlord Strategies for Avoiding Evictions
This article in Housing Policy details how small-scale landlords in Philadelphia avoid evictions in order to keep tenants in their homes and avert costs associated with evictions. In the article, in-depth interviews reveal that many landlords are willing to work with tenants to devise a payment plan, forgive late fees, or accept services in lieu of rent. Though these strategies vary among landlords, the research could inform eviction prevention policy to meet the needs of both tenants and small-scale landlords.
LISC | Rural Relief Small Business Grants
The grant program supports small business owners in rural locations across the United States. Rural communities are defined as having a population of 50,000 or less. Support is provided to small businesses and enterprises affected by COVID-19, especially those in underserved communities, including entrepreneurs of color and women- and veteran-owned businesses that often lack access to flexible, affordable capital.
Deadlines: February 2, 2021
The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation | Art Museum Futures Fund
As part of its emergency grantmaking in the face of the global COVID-19 crisis, The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation launched a new emergency grant program to support Midsized Art Museums.
Deadline: Applications accepted on an ongoing basis.
EDA | Public Works and Economic Adjustment Assistance Programs including CARES Act Funding
The EDA grants are awarded to entities to provide investments that support construction, non-construction, planning, technical assistance, and revolving loan fund projects. The grants are available to state or local government entities; Indian Tribes; institutions of higher education; and nonprofit organizations.
Deadline: Applications accepted on an ongoing basis.
Federal Reserve | Main Street Lending Program
In response to the financial strain on small businesses resulting from the COVID-19 crisis, the Federal Reserve has introduced the Main Street Lending Program (MSLP) to support lending to small and medium-sized businesses and nonprofit organizations that were in sound financial condition before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
What You Need to Know About the Federal Reserve’s Main Street Lending Program.
Deadline: Applications accepted on an ongoing basis.
William Caspar Graustein Memorial Fund |COVID-19 Response Grants
The William Caspar Graustein Memorial Fund is offering immediate support to communities in Connecticut responding to current events related to COVID-19. Support could include crisis response that addresses the physical, social, and emotional well-being and safety of those most affected by racism and poverty.
Deadline: Applications accepted on an ongoing basis.
Department of Homeland Security | Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities
The grant supports pre-disaster mitigation activities such as:
Deadline: January 29, 2021
USDA | Community Food Projects Competitive Grant Program
Grants may be used to plan or implement food projects designed to meet the needs of low-income individuals and increase community self-reliance concerning food and nutrition.
Deadline: May 4, 2021
DOL | DWG Grants Program Guidance
The DOL National Dislocated Worker Grants (DWGs) are discretionary grants awarded to states, outlying areas, tribal governments, and local Workforce Development Boards to provide employment-related services for dislocated workers. The Department funds two types of DWGs: Disaster Recovery and Employment Recovery.
Deadline: Applications accepted on an ongoing basis.
USDA | Food and Nutrition Service Program
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is offering funding through the Summer Food Service Program to provide free, nutritious meals and snacks to help children in low-income areas get the nutrition they need during the summer months.
Deadline: Applications accepted on an ongoing basis.
USDA-Rural Development | Community Facilities Direct Loan and Grant Program
This program provides affordable funding to develop essential community facilities in rural areas. Examples of essential facilities include Health care facilities such as hospitals, medical clinics, dental clinics, nursing homes or assisted living facilities.
View the Community Facilities Direct Loan and Grant Program Fact Sheet.
Deadline: Applications accepted on an ongoing basis.
USDA-Rural Development | Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant Program
This program provides funding for clean and reliable drinking water systems, sanitary sewage disposal, sanitary solid waste disposal, and storm water drainage to households and businesses in eligible rural areas.
View the Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant Program Fact Sheet.
Deadline: Applications accepted on an ongoing basis.