DCTA Program Resources

Community Development COVID-19 Resources

This collection of tools and resources curated by the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis and other organizations provides links and information to articles, reports, and funding sources. Specific topics include housing, finance, small business, workforce development, funding, and household financial stability.

Coronavirus Fiscal Recovery Fund Guidance

This fact sheet, published June 2, 2021 by the National League of Cities, summarizes how states and non-entitlement units of local government are to distribute, receive, and report the funds from the Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery Fund.

Coronavirus Resources and Response

This resource by the Housing Assistance Council (HAC) provides regular updates on the pandemic, along with resources and materials that can be used to prepare for and respond to the COVID-19 crisis. Included is the latest news on USDA policy, federal relief and stimulus funds, stakeholder recommendations, national and local housing-related resources, and information from a rural lens.

COVID-19 Demographic and Economic Resources from the U.S. Census Bureau

This interactive data hub from the U.S. Census Bureau includes COVID-19 resources that provide users with demographic risk factor variables along with economic data on 20 key industries impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

COVID-19 Economic Implications for Agriculture, Food, and Rural America

This resource by USDA Economic Research Service (ERS) considers links in the farm-to-consumer supply chain that may be affected by the pandemic, including farms, processors, handlers, retail outlets, and trade. ERS also examines the economic impacts of the pandemic on consumers, food assistance program participants, residents of rural America, and farmers. The web page highlights ERS research and data that can help interpret and understand the emerging economic impacts of the pandemic.

COVID-19 & Race

This resource by PolicyLink shines the light on the pandemic’s disproportionate toll on Black, Latinx, and Indigenous people and on bold solutions for equitable recovery and renewal. This website offers COVID related commentary, recovery principles, suggested actions, and resources to reverse toxic inequality, remove the burdens and barriers of structural racism, and commit to rebuilding a just and fair nation for all.

COVID-19: Response and Recovery Work

These resources from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation County Health Rankings and Roadmaps program provide information, action learning guides, data, strategies and a host of resources to support COVID-19 response and recovery efforts. The website offers information on the Rankings’ work related to response and recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, 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.

EDA CARES Act Recovery Assistance

This resource from the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA), a bureau within the U.S. Department of Commerce, provides an overview of the $1.5 billion allocated to EDA under the CARES Act for economic development assistance programs.

Early Childhood is Critical to Recovery: Utilizing Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery Funds to Support Vulnerable Children and Families

This article, published June 25, 2021 by the National League of Cities (NLC), discusses the impact of COVID-19 on families with young children, and how American Recovery Act funds can be used to advance existing early childhood programs.

Elements of an Equitable Recovery

This series of resources from Next City, in partnership with Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), explores how governments can achieve an equitable recovery by ensuring that public investment, loans, and spending gets to woman- and minority-owned businesses to help them survive and thrive. Read the latest stories about how local governments can promote equitable recovery by strengthening business development networks, enacting innovative legislation and promoting inclusive workforce development to help BIPOC businesses and their workers thrive.

• How to Bring Manufacturing Back to Cities – and Bring People of Color Along Too
• Some Cities are Cutting Red Tape to Try to Save their Small Businesses
• How Cities Can Help Small Businesses Hire and Train Locally
• The Pandemic is Pushing Cities to Rethink How to Drive Capital to Small Business

Framework for an Equitable COVID-19 Homelessness Response

This resource from the National Alliance to End Homelessness provides guidance 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.

How Should Local Leaders Use Their American Rescue Plan Funding?

This article by the Brookings Institute explores a three-pronged approach for using American Rescue Plan funding. Based on their on-the-ground work in Ohio and Alabama, the authors recommend that elected officials, as well as the networks of civic, business, philanthropic, and community stakeholders that surround them, stabilize operating budgets, strategize investments in infrastructure, workers, and small businesses, and organize teams to execute programs and monitor impact.

Local Data for Equitable Recovery

This resource from the Urban Institute provides information to inform decisions on COVID-19 Response and Recovery. In addition to timely articles on a variety of topics, the site provides guidance from using data to support recovery and to engaging community residents and youth in strategies for community-centered pandemic relief and response.

Local Leaders Need to Know: $360 Billion in State and Local Relief is Coming to Every American Community

This Community Progress Blog published March 12, 2021 by the Center for Community Progress, provides information about state and local relief funding as part of the American Rescue Plan. The blog includes a map of estimated allocation data, as well as a summary of how funding can be used and an estimated timeline for funding availability and spending.

The Local Leader’s Toolkit: A Strong Towns Response to the Pandemic

This free toolkit by Strong Towns provides a roadmap for how to emerge from the COVID-19 crisis stronger and more resilient than ever. The toolkit provides suggestions about specific actions local leaders can take to stabilize their community, guidance on major decisions local leaders should anticipate making in the coming weeks and months, and resources for laying the groundwork for the strongest possible recovery.

NACo’s COVID-19 Recovery Clearinghouse

This bank of resources by the National Association of Counties houses critical resources and information about funding available to counties as a result of the State and Local Coronavirus Fiscal Recovery Funds legislation within the American Rescue Plan Act. Key resources include county allocation estimations, best practices for using federal Coronavirus relief funds, and much more.

• Effective COVID-19 Communications for Your County
• Key Considerations for Counties in COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution Plans
• State and Local Coronavirus Fiscal Recovery Funds
• American Rescue Plan Act Funding Breakdown
• Resources from NACo Partners and the Private Sector
• County Finances and Administration
• Measuring Economic Recovery
• Status of Human Services and Education Funding under Supplemental COVID-19 Packages brief
• COVID-19 Pandemic Webinars and Events

NACo Toolkit: Tracking COVID-19 Relief for Human Services and Education Programs

This toolkit, by the National Association of Counties, tracks the steps the federal government has taken to implement new resources and administrative changes within human services and education programs. The toolkit is updated regularly and includes summaries organized by U.S. Federal Department and program, with helpful links in each section to more specific program information.

NACo County News

The National Association of Counties publishes information and articles of interest to counties relating to the Coronavirus pandemic. County News has explored many facets of county governments' response to the COVID-19 pandemic, including topics like health program development, emergency shelter provision, COVID-19 budget impacts, county election challenges, and more.

NACo Brief: Vaccine Distribution in Rural Counties

This resource brief by National Association of Counties (NACo), specifically designed for rural counties, highlights strategies, key considerations, and best practices for increasing vaccination coverage, and underscores the importance of leveraging federal tools, best practices, and local expertise to overcome barriers to resident vaccinations. The brief also includes county examples and helpful links to federal and other health-related resources.

Ready, Set, Vaccinate! A Guide for Local Governments on How to Take Control of the COVID-19 Vaccine Narrative in Your Community

This guide by Zencity was developed for community engagement regarding the COVID-19 vaccine and provides messaging strategies, data, and tips for understanding the media and resident landscape. As vaccine distribution continues and the county role expands, residents continue asking questions, seeking information, and expressing concerns. County leaders can help drive these conversations, reassure residents, and ensure communities are ready to receive the vaccine when it is their turn.

Return to Play: COVID-19 Risk Assessment Tool

This cross-sports risk assessment guide by the Aspen Institute, based on CDC guidelines and advice from subject-matter experts, reviews how various sports and recreational activities can be enjoyed while minimizing transmission or contraction of COVID-19.

Rural COVID Research and Figures

This resource by the University of North Carolina Cecil G. Sheps Center for Health Services Research provides a collection of real-time charts and reports 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 Development COVID-19 Response

This resource offered by USDA Rural Development provides a number of resources and information about immediate and long-term assistance for rural communities affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to a COVID-19 Federal Resource Guide in English and Spanish, a list of immediate opportunities and actions taken by USDA Rural Development to help rural residents, businesses, communities, and stakeholders is included, along with a bank of FAQs and stakeholder notifications.

• View the latest Stakeholder Notification: USDA Implements Immediate Measures to Help Rural Residents, Businesses, and Communities Affected by COVID-19

Rural Healthcare Surge Readiness

This resource hosted by Rural Health Information Hub and 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. The resources span a wide range of healthcare settings (EMS, inpatient and hospital care, ambulatory care, and long-term care) and cover a broad array of topics ranging from behavioral health to healthcare operations to telehealth.

USACE COVID-19 Response

This resource by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) provides a summary of the efforts coordinated by 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.

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.

A Community-led Action Plan for Addressing Structural Inequity during COVID-19 Recovery

This paper, published August 2020 by the Anne T. and Robert M. Bass Center for Transformative Placemaking, the Brookings Institution, and Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), argues that to mitigate COVID-19’s economic harms and begin to eradicate the persistent inequities that have long impacted places, relief efforts must account for intersecting harms created by discriminatory policies that have segregated communities and systematically denied them the public and private investment needed to thrive.

COVID-19 Equity in Recovery

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.

• Which Neighborhoods and Households Will Be Most Impacted by COVID-19?
• Which Workers Will Be Most Impacted by COVID-19?
• What Small Businesses Will Be Impacted by COVID-19?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

New CDC Report Outlines Rural/Urban Disparities in COVID-19 Vaccination Coverage

This blog published May 27, 2021, by National Association of Counties (NACo) shares key insights from a CDC report about disparities in COVID-19 vaccination coverage that found coverage in rural counties was lower than that of urban counties. View the full report Disparities in COVID-19 Vaccination Coverage between Urban and Rural Counties - United States, December 14, 2020 – April 10, 2021.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Counties and COVID-19: Positioning America for Recovery

This report published by NACo (February 2021) examines the role of counties in the recovery process as local leaders support America’s 10 million unemployed workers amidst the challenges of delivering essential services during a global pandemic. The report offers key takeaways from research on the fiscal impact of Coronavirus on our communities and how counties are uniquely positioned to support U.S. job growth, GDP expansion, and economic recovery.

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.

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.

COVID-19’s Continued Impact on Low- to Moderate-Income Communities – Perspectives from Main Street: October 2020

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 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.

COVID Response and Budget Basics at Forefront for States

In this article, Route Fifty summarizes the comments made by state government experts about how the Coronavirus will continue to drive the work of state governments in the coming year. Although most states will be better off financially than initially projected, pandemic-related initiatives will likely take up most of their time and resources this year, pushing innovative lawmaking to the backseat. Listen to the experts who spoke during the State of the State event hosted by Route Fifty on January 25, 2021.

Credit Health during the COVID-19 Pandemic

The Urban Institute recently released a report with an interactive credit monitoring tool for states and counties nationwide. The trends since February indicate that policymakers’ and private-sector partners’ actions to help families weather the financial impacts of the pandemic have made a difference. However, credit indicators in October show that many families still face barriers to financial health. Explore state and county level data, learn about credit health, and consider policy actions that governments can take to fill the gaps and protect consumers.

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.

Future of Cities: Reenvisioning Retail for Recovery and Resilience

This interactive resource by the National League of Cities provides discussions, links, and interactive data graphics to help city leaders navigate the dramatically accelerated disruptions and innovations of the pandemic on local economies and community main streets across America. View the full report The Future of Cities: Reenvisioning Retail.

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.

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.

Proximity Doesn’t Benefit Just Big Cities – It’s Helping Rural Communities Weather the Economic Crisis Too

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.

Repositioning Economic Development Incentives Post-Pandemic

This report by the Center for Regional Economic Competitiveness (CREC) and Smart Incentives provides guidance that draws on lessons learned from past recessions, the authors' work on incentive best practices, recent research examining incentive effectiveness, and responses to economic priorities that have come to the forefront over the last year. The questions in each section provide a framework for considering the critical issues and trade-offs that will help state leaders assess their incentive options in 2021.

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.

Tracking COVID-19 Expenses

This tool from Cartegraph helps counties track COVID-19 data, expenses, and time to ease the process for applying for FEMA reimbursements.

U.S. States’ Path to Economic Recovery (Declining Fiscal Support, Slowing Employment Revival and Resurging Coronavirus Expected to Extend Road to Recovery)

This 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

This article, published July 13, 2020 by the Pew Charitable Trusts, explores how economic shutdowns swiftly and unsparingly disrupted many of the ways that money flows into state budgets. Using the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau on how states raise their tax dollars (fiscal year 2019) and where states get their money (fiscal 2018) the authors offer clues about the characteristics of the challenges ahead.

Business Response Survey to the Coronavirus Pandemic

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) has developed new data on how U.S. businesses changed their operations and employment since the onset of the Coronavirus pandemic through September 2020. This information, combined with data collected by other current BLS surveys, can aid in understanding how businesses responded during the pandemic and shows changes in employment, wages, job openings and terminations, employer-provided benefits, and safety and health.

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.

Colorado County Program Helps Local Businesses

This article published, December 7, 2020 by NACo, reviews how Mesa County Colorado 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.

Deciding Which Work Practices Stay When the Pandemic is Over

This article, published May 24, 2021 by National Association of Counties (NACo), in “County News,” shares thoughts and considerations from county leaders on deciding which work practices and job functions, both internal and public facing, stay remote when the pandemic is over.

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.

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.

Pandemic Fundamentally Alters Transit Systems

This article from NACo County News, published February 8, 2021, explores the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on county transit systems. The pandemic has shown county transit systems who their essential workers are and the services they still need. Several county transit administrators share their experience and perspectives about the future.

Planning for the Future of Work amid a Global Pandemic

This report by the National Association of Counties (NACo) analyzes how the COVID-19 pandemic has enhanced uncertainty around the ‘Future of Work’ which is impacted by automation, shifting demographics, and other factors.

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.

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.

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.

The COVID-19 Pandemic and Rural America

This report from USDA ERS provides an overview 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 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.

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:

• The Impact of Coronavirus on Households Across America (national)
• The Impact of Coronavirus on Households in Major U.S. Cities
• The Impact of Coronavirus on Households by Race/Ethnicity
• The Impact of Coronavirus on Households with Children
• The Impact of Coronavirus on Households in Rural America

Unequal Distribution of COVID-19 Risk among Rural Residents by Race and Ethnicity

The Journal of Rural Health 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.

A Year of U.S. Public Opinion on the Coronavirus Pandemic

The Pew Charitable Trusts reports on the COVID-19 pandemic and how American views have changed. In the early stages of the COVID-19 outbreak, Americans agreed on a few things. As the pandemic wore on, however, there was less and less common ground. See how opinions have shifted on key issues over the past 12 months.

Charting the Future of County Customer Service

This story, published May 24, 2021 in the National Association of Counties (NACo) County News, describes how Montgomery County, Maryland customer service representatives maintained an 84 percent customer satisfaction level throughout the pandemic with callers unaware they were fielding calls from their homes.

Counties Provide Free Transportation to Vaccine Sites

This article, published March 2, 2021 by the National Association of Counties (NACo), explores how counties are working to tackle transportation issues to ensure residents can get to and from vaccine appointments, with some counties providing free transportation to vaccine sites. Read about their methods, including how one county received federal transportation assistance and allocated CARES Act money for the rural transit system.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Public Sector COVID-19 Recovery Assessment Tool – How Prepared is Your Entity to Reopen, Recover, and Reset?

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.

Real-World Responses in Real Time: Helping Rural Schools Navigate Rising Mental Health Needs due to COVID-19

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.

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.

USDA-NIFA, CDC and Cooperative Extension Team Up for Vaccine Education in Rural America

On May 12, 2021, the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) announced the receipt of $9.4 million from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to support Land-grant Universities and the Cooperative Extension System in delivering immunization education and working with local partners, including healthcare providers, to make COVID-19 and other adult vaccines more accessible for rural, medically underserved and other harder-to-reach communities.

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.

Fact Sheet: The American Jobs Plan Will Produce, Preserve, and Retrofit More Than 2 Million Affordable Housing Units and Create Good-Paying Jobs

This fact sheet, published May 26, 2021 by the White House, reviews the Biden Administration’s proposal to invest in America’s housing infrastructure and make housing more affordable for working and middle-class families. The American Jobs Plan pairs $213 billion in direct funding with more than $100 billion in new and expanded tax credits, along with new incentives for zoning reform, to produce, preserve, and retrofit more than two million affordable and sustainable places to live in more higher-opportunity communities.

Fact Sheet: The Biden-Harris Administration Announces Enhanced Efforts to Prevent Evictions and Provide Emergency Assistance to Renters

On May 7, 2021, the U.S. Department of the Treasury released this fact sheet summarizing additional, stronger guidance to spur more funds getting to those renters most desperately in need of assistance to avoid evictions and secure housing stability. This infusion of additional support will benefit both renters and landlords and make sure that the states and localities that have moved quickly to address the housing affordability crises. Access the Emergency Rental Assistance Frequently Asked Questions revised May 7, 2021.

For Older Adults in Publicly Funded Housing during the Pandemic, Service Coordinators Help Build Resilience

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.

Framework for an Equitable COVID-19 Homelessness Response

With a racial justice and equity lens, this 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.

• View Resources and Tools to assist with implementation.

How to Establish and Improve Emergency Rental Assistance Programs

This report by the National League of Cities (NLC) and the National Low Income Housing Coalition (NLIHC) outlines recommendations for elected officials and administrators on key principles for model emergency rental assistance (ERA) programs that minimize obstacles and maximize uptake of rental aid. Experts share methods for ensuring critical federal resources reach households with the greatest needs and are distributed equitably.

Learning from Emergency Rental Assistance Programs: Lessons from Fifteen Case Studies

This report, published in March 2021 by the Housing Initiative at Penn, the National Low Income Housing Coalition (NLIHC), and the NYU Furman Center, presents findings from fifteen in-depth case studies of emergency rental assistance programs across the country and draws out key instances of program learning that can inform the newest round of rental assistance programs.

Moratorium on Encampment Sweeps to Reduce Transmission of COVID-19

The report, published May 26, 2020 by Homebase, discusses recommendations by the CDC and HUD to cease clearing homeless encampments to reduce the health impacts on encampment residents and the surrounding community. The report offers recommendations, next steps and links to similar reports and CDC guidance for unsheltered homeless individuals and families.

Multifamily Lookup Tools

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.

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.

Renters’ Experiences during COVID-19

This research brief, published March 1, 2021 by the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia, provides new evidence of how the pandemic has increased housing insecurity among renters and how households have navigated this ongoing hardship. Drawing from the January 2021 wave of the Consumer Financial Institute’s COVID-19 Survey of Consumers, this research brief summarizes missed or partial rent payments, the amount of back rent currently owed, interactions with landlords, worries about eviction, and the resources and strategies renters have used to afford monthly rent payments.

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.

The State of the Nation’s Housing 2021

This report, released June 16, 2021 by the Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University, reviews the status of the national housing market and the inequalities amplified by the pandemic. Households that weathered the crisis without financial distress are snapping up the limited supply of homes for sale, pushing up prices and further excluding less affluent buyers from homeownership.

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.

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.

What Does the Housing Market Boom Mean for Local and State Governments?

This article, published May 5, 2021 by Dividend.com, takes a closer look at the recent housing market trends, the outlook, and how it will likely impact both local and state governments. The recent rapid uptick in the housing market comes as a positive trend for local and state governments struggling with some of their revenue streams impaired by COVID-19.

Understanding Eligible Uses of the Fiscal Recovery Fund: Water and Sewer Infrastructure

On June 16, 2021, the National Association of Counties (NACo) hosted this webinar focused on how counties can use their allocations to support the critical need for investments and improvements to existing water and sewer infrastructure. This webinar is part of a series of information sessions NACo is hosting to dig into the various eligible uses outlined in Treasury’s Interim Final Rule (IFR) for the program.

Understanding Eligible Uses of the Fiscal Recovery Fund: Supporting Underserved Communities

On June 10, 2021, National Association of Counties (NACo) hosted this webinar as part of a series of information sessions digging into the various eligible uses outlined in the Treasury’s Interim Final Rule (IFR) for the American Rescue Plan State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds program. This session focused on how counties can use their allocations to address the pandemic’s negative economic impact on children, families, and individuals in underserved communities. Other prerecorded sessions include:

• Breaking Down ARPA: Understanding the Funding Available to Your County – June 4, 2021
• Understanding Eligible Expenses of the Fiscal Recovery Fund: Revenue Loss – June 3, 2021

Rebuilding with Care: Advancing Quality Childcare in Rural Places

On May 26, 2021, the Aspen Institute hosted this webinar to share learned experience, current approaches, and practical lessons from rural childcare providers and organizations that support and advance their work to create a stronger and more viable rural childcare system.

Pathway to Recovery: Liquidity Management in 2021

On May 20, 2021, the National Association of Counties (NACo) hosted this webinar to discuss the "Pathway to Recovery®" and how liquidity management can position your entity for success managing American Rescue Plan Funds in 2021 and beyond. Learn the difference between liquidity and cash flow, and how forecasting both can help prepare your entity for upcoming cash needs.

From the Event: Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery Fund Treasury Dept. Guidance (Call)

On May 12, 2021, the National League of Cities (NLC) legislative team hosted a call to unpack the Treasury Department’s comprehensive guidance on the allowable uses of the Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery Fund in the American Rescue Plan Act. The team shares downloadable resources and provides recommendations for municipal officials to ensure appropriate use of the funds.

HoUSed: Universal, Stable, and Affordable Housing

On April 19, 2021, the National Low Income Housing Coalition (NLIHC) hosted a webinar about HoUSed. Participants discussed the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s (CFPB’s) new measure to enforce the national eviction moratorium, received information on Treasury’s Homeownership Assistance Fund (HAF), learned about a new study on evictions by large landlords, heard field updates, and shared the latest intel from Capitol Hill.

COVID-19 Cost Recovery: Ways to Maximize Federal Funding

On February 25, 2021, NACo hosted this webinar in which the Hagerty Consulting team discusses ongoing response and recovery challenges and offers potential solutions by outlining recent federal policy changes, current federal funding opportunities, and tangible ways to jumpstart your community’s financial recovery process. While the maze of federal funding can be difficult to navigate, planning your cost recovery now will help maximize federal reimbursement opportunities in the future.

Fighting Food Insecurity during COVID-19 and Beyond: Key Updates for County Leaders

On February 5, 2021, NACo hosted a webinar featuring county leaders, congressional staff, and national experts who discussed how emergency COVID-19 legislation can help counties combat food insecurity and the implications it may have for national anti-hunger policy moving forward.

NACo Webinar Series: Vaccine Management Solutions for Local Governments

On February 5, 2021, NACo hosted a webinar highlighting effective technology solutions for county vaccination management, with a focus on Microsoft’s solution which addresses unforeseen challenges that have emerged from the initial COVID-19 vaccine rollout. Microsoft’s dedicated COVID Response Team detailed their approach to solving problems in the quickest and most flexible way to ensure that jurisdictions and service providers can adjust quickly to changing situations.

County Eviction Series: Solutions from Across the Country

On February 4, 2021, NACo hosted a webinar demonstrating how county governments are assisting vulnerable residents whose housing and financial stability are at heightened risk due to COVID-19. Hear directly from county leaders on challenges and solutions to the evictions crisis, including county programming and support for children and families.

Path Forward: COVID-19 Vaccine Rollout at the State Level

On February 3, 2021, as part of Path Forward: Navigating the Return to Work webinar series hosted by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, Suzanne Clark, President of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, sat down with West Virginia Governor Jim Justice to discuss the unique approach they’ve taken to distribution and administration, what other states can learn from their success, and what businesses can learn from how they’re engaging the private sector.

State of the State

On January 25 – 27, 2021, Route Fifty hosted a series of events where experts spoke about how the Coronavirus will continue to drive the work of state governments in the coming year.

A Playbook for Program Implementation

On January 15, 2021, NACo hosted the second installment of its COVID-19 Rental Assistance webinar series. This webinar, featuring experts from Witt O’Brien’s, further outlines strategies for action and a framework for designing a successful program.

A Playbook for Immediate Deadlines and Program Implementation

On January 8, 2021, NACo introduced its first installment of their two-part COVID-19 Rental Assistance Webinar series. In response to the new $900 billion COVID-19 relief package, Witt O’Brien’s experts outline the immediate steps counties should take when evaluating whether to opt-in to receive the reserved allocation, developing strategies for immediate actions ahead of receiving funds, and designing the framework for a successful program.

NLIHC National Call: Coronavirus, Housing, and Homelessness

The National Low Income Housing Coalition (NLIHC) and the Disaster Housing Recovery Coalition hold weekly national calls 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.

Eight calls have been held and recorded so far in 2021. Several of these sessions are highlighted below:

• On February 22, participants discussed the impact of the Texas winter storm on homeless populations, the Right to Council efforts around the country, and strategies for using FEMA EO to expand eligibility to people in long-term care facilities. Additionally, updates from the field, updates on the Eviction Moratorium and Emergency Rental Assistance program, and updates on new housing and homelessness resources in the next COVID relief bill were shared.
• On February 1, participants received updates from the field, from Capitol Hill, and updates on the CDC Eviction Moratorium and Emergency Rental Assistance programs, as well as revised estimates of rent and utilities arrears. Participants discussed the potential impact of utility disconnection and eviction moratorium on COVID infections and mortality, along with state and local strategies to protect tenants during the pandemic.
• On January 4, participants discussed the COVID relief bill and next steps, received information about addressing family homelessness during COVID-19, and heard field updates from four national partners. Working groups also provided updates and next steps.

Deferring Program Fees: COVID-19 Considerations

On July 8, 2020, this webinar by Grounded Solutions Network unpacked why, when, and how some homeownership programs with lasting affordability are seeking ways to support their homeowners in this challenging time. The webinar discussed reasons why some programs are deferring or waiving monthly ground lease and other program fees, especially in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Rural Health and COVID-19

On May 12, 2020, Rural Health Information Hub hosted this webinar featuring a collaboration between the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to provide an overview of the rural health focused efforts by HHS and USDA and highlight 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.

• COVID-19 and Housing (Spanish)
• COVID-19 and Multifamily
• COVID-19 and Public Housing