This document reflects a series of meetings hosted by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York's Community Development unit in collaboration with other organizations on the looming housing and commercial property crisis.* It is designed to facilitate further discussion to help remedy this critical issue. As this paper was being finalized, Congress was voting to approve a second stimulus plan that included extending the federal eviction moratorium to January 31, 2021. The perspectives herein reflect those of the authors and do not reflect the views of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York or the Federal Reserve System.
SGR's Roger Maldonado participated in these discussions with the key personnel from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.
Key Takeaways
1. Rent burdens, limited affordable housing options, and
evictions are issues that plagued significant shares of the
population before the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly communities
of color and low-income populations. The COVID-19 pandemic has
exacerbated these challenges, requiring immediate solutions beyond
the extension of the national eviction moratorium.
2. While clear long-term housing affordability problems exist, we
cite acute issues related to this pandemic and the accompanying
recession. These new challenges, which require an alternate set of
solutions, should be addressed in the near-term to mitigate an
evictions crisis coupled with a crisis facing commercial and
residential landlords.
3. The private sector, public sector, and philanthropy can play key
roles in mitigating crises related to affordable housing,
evictions, and household financial stability, although only the
federal government can provide resources commensurate with needs.
These opportunities include various forgivable loan programs,
federal assistance, and philanthropic grants.
4. A racial equity lens must be central to the design of these
programs, and engaging key validators in the design and
implementation of policies can help to ensure that the most
vulnerable populations are reached.
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