Representatives from historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) recently gathered in the nation's capital to share accomplishments made possible by HUD's HBCU Community Development Grant program. The ensuing roundtable discussion reflected a wide range of activities through which HBCUs both enrich their educational programs and help to make their local communities stronger. RW will visit the program's objectives and the successes highlighted during this meeting hosted by HUD’s Office of University Partnerships.

The new issue of Cityscape features a symposium stemming from research on households receiving HUD housing assistance. We'll look at results of investigations into how participants in the Housing Choice Voucher program exercise their choice of neighborhoods in which to live and what helps shape their decisions. We'll also see what researchers are learning about the effect of housing assistance on the concentration of poverty, the effect of the age mix of children in voucher families on program longevity, and perceptions of neighborhoods.

Fannie Mae Foundation's Maxwell Awards of Excellence program examines outstanding work by nonprofits in developing and maintaining affordable housing. In 2007, the awards went to creative and innovative developments designed to provide supportive housing to homeless youth, families, veterans, and chronically homeless individuals. RW examines the latest and most effective ideas in housing solutions for these populations as showcased by these awards.

The Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) Database is now updated through 2005. RW will highlight contents of the database, characteristics of LIHTC projects, and how this large subsidy program for the construction and rehabilitation of low-income rental housing has stimulated rental housing production.