DCTA Program Resources

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.

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:

• On November 2, participants discussed tenant rights in rental properties backed by a Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac mortgage, the impact of the pandemic on seniors and people with disabilities, and a federal district court judge’s decision to deny a preliminary injunction on the eviction moratorium issued by the CDC. Participants also gave field updates and discussed the state of Coronavirus and disaster relief negotiations.
• On October 5, nearly 600 participants learned about new research estimating the amount of back rent that will be owed by the end of the year, litigation surrounding the CDC eviction moratorium, and the impacts of COVID-19 on housing providers.
• On July 13, Federal Housing Finance Agency Director, Mark Calabria, and HUD Assistant Secretary of Public and Indian Housing, Hunter Kurtz, discussed efforts by FHFA and HUD to address the needs of renters.
• On June 29, Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) spoke about the “Protecting Renters from Evictions and Fees Act,” discussed the need for both short-term emergency solutions and long-term structural change, and urged advocates to pressure members of Congress by sharing stories about what our communities are experiencing.
• On May 26, Dr. Megan Sandel and Representative Alissa Keny-Guyer joined speakers from Utah Housing Coalition, Hawaii Appleseed Center for Law and Economic Justice, Tenderloin Housing Clinic and more to share updates and resources needed to combat the COVID-19 pandemic for people experiencing homelessness and low-income renters.
• On May 18, Ras Baraka, Mayor of Newark, NJ joined speakers from National Coalition for a Civil Right to Council, Arizona Department of Housing, Florida Housing Finance Corporation, Montana Housing, and others to share updates and resources needed to combat the COVID-19 pandemic for people experiencing homelessness and low-income renters.

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.

Deferring Program Fees: COVID-19 Considerations

On July 8, 2020, this webinar unpacked why, when, and how some homeownership programs with lasting affordability are seeking ways to support their homeowners in this challenging time. Hosted by Grounded Solutions Network, 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.

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.

Rural Health and COVID-19

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.

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

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.

Building Better Fundamentals for Rural Progress: Good Data, Fairer Media Practices, and Stronger Local Organizations

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.

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 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.

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’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.

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.

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.

View Resources and Tools to assist with implementation.

HHS Protect Public Data Hub

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:

• 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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.