March 30, 2023

New data reveal an unusual pattern in US home prices. In 12 major housing markets west of Texas, plus Austin, annual home prices fell in January, while in the 37 biggest metropolitan areas east of Colorado, the opposite happened. “We’ve never seen anything quite like this where it’s so stark, west to east,” said Andy Walden, vice president of enterprise research strategy at Black Knight.

In Washington, the number of people experiencing homelessness increased by 10 percent from 2020 to 2022, according to a new US Department of Housing and Urban Development report. More than 70 percent of the increase came from Seattle and King County. “The level of need continues to outstrip available resources,” said Tedd Kelleher, housing policy director for the Washington Department of Commerce.

In New York City, public housing tenants owe $466 million in back rent but have been barred from applying for the state’s emergency rental assistance program. They are now urging lawmakers to allot money to cover debts and other needed repairs. Without assistance, these residents are at risk of eviction and aren’t eligible for other public housing or federal rent subsidies.

A recent survey found Black Philadelphians and households making less than $50,000 felt housing affordability and homelessness should be top priorities for the city. Twice as many Black residents prioritized housing affordability as white residents, according to the survey.