PD&R’s online magazine, The Edge, provides you with a snapshot view of our newly released research, periodicals, publications, news, and commentaries on housing and urban development issues. Stay informed on current topics and check back frequently, as our content is routinely updated. Featured Story

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The Adaptive Reuse of Commercial Space as Housing in California The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the declining use of commercial buildings as office space and brick-and-mortar retail, sparking policy conversations about how this space can be repurposed to address housing needs. On November 1, 2021, the Terner Center for Housing Innovation at University of California, Berkeley, convened a virtual discussion on the viability of converting commercial lands to residential housing as one method to increase affordable housing in the state. Panelists discussed how legislation for rezoning can support conversions and how these conversions may help revitalize corridors and create transit-oriented communities.

New on The Edge

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In Practice:
From Polluted and Abandoned Industrial Site to Affordable Housing in York, Pennsylvania
In York, Pennsylvania, the State Street Crossing apartments transformed the abandoned and environmentally degraded site of the former Danskin clothing factory into 56 units of affordable housing. Area developer Pennrose partnered with the Redevelopment Authority of the City of York to undertake significant environmental remediation (including removal of asbestos-contaminated debris) at the site and add ample green space to the predominantly residential neighborhood.

Trending:
Lead Hazards in U.S. Housing: The American Healthy Homes Survey II
In the trending article, HUD’s Joseph R. Downes discusses an October 2021 report titled “American Healthy Homes Survey II Lead Findings,” which presents recent data on the levels of lead-based paint (LBP) and other hazards in U.S. homes. The survey determined that 29.4 percent of all housing units in the U.S. contain LBP. To assist communities in hazard mitigation, HUD’s Office of Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes operates two grant programs, which awarded nearly $95 million in fiscal year 2021.

International & Philanthropic:
The Secretary’s Award for Public-Philanthropic Partnerships
Each year, HUD presents the Secretary’s Award for Public-Philanthropic Partnerships to honor foundations and nonprofit organizations for excellence in cross-sector strategic partnerships. This year, governors, mayors, and Tribal Leaders can submit one nomination per jurisdiction to recognize foundations that partner with the public sector. Foundations and nonprofits can also self-nominate or nominate other organizations. The deadline for submissions is March 28, 2022. Additional information can be found here.

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