September 21, 2023

New research reveals that historically redlined neighborhoods in Miami experience higher temperatures and often lack resources to combat it, exacerbating health and economic inequalities. “Zip code is one of the best predictors for health and well-being,” said Robert Bullard, director of the Bullard Center for Environmental and Climate Justice at Texas Southern University.

The Cincinnati city council passed a new ordinance outlining consequences for landlords attempting illegal evictions. The legislation reaffirms state law prohibiting landlords from using tactics like changing locks or shutting off utilities to evict tenants without due process. Tenants can now claim a minimum of $1,000 in damages if a landlord violates the state law.

Washington’s Apple Health and Homes program, an extension of the state’s Medicaid program, is pioneering the use of Medicaid funds to assist people experiencing chronic homelessness or who have behavioral health needs, substance use disorders, or other health issues in obtaining housing, tenant support, and recovery services. The program recently received $41 million in capital funding, and the state legislature allocated additional funds to address its growing need for permanent supportive housing.

The National Multifamily Housing Council is collaborating with the Biden administration to introduce the Foundations for Rental Housing initiative. This effort, supported by 100 multifamily apartment providers representing 3.76 million units, focuses on “resident-centered housing management practices” to foster mutual respect, trust, and communication with renters.