May 02, 2024

The Biden administration issued new energy standards for federally funded affordable housing, which could save millions of dollars for renters and homeowners. These updated codes target insulation, windows, and HVAC systems to reduce energy costs for households with low incomes, or those who spend 8 percent of their income on energy compared with the 3 percent national average. Despite initial construction costs, tax credits and rebates are expected to offset expenses, making homes more affordable and safer while aiding climate goals. 

A recent study reveals how rigid school attendance zones perpetuate inequality, keeping many students of color and families with low incomes from accessing in-demand K–12 public schools. Despite landmark desegregation rulings like Brown v. Board of Education, inequality persists, with some schools exploiting loopholes and discriminatory enrollment policies. The report calls for legal protections, data transparency, and decreased reliance on geographical boundaries to tackle systemic educational disparities.

Rural communities of color are disproportionately represented in the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s community disaster resilience zones, according to a recent Urban Institute analysis. These zones, identified as at-risk for natural disasters, receive increased federal support. Though this highlights the need for support, challenges remain in accessing resources for mitigation projects in rural areas. Streamlining federal support processes could help address these disparities in disaster resilience efforts.

A recent Zillow survey of more than 12,00 adults across 26 metropolitan areas found 57 percent of respondents reported experiencing housing discrimination. Rates of discrimination were higher for LGBTQ+ (79 percent), Black (69 percent), and Latino (61 percent) respondents. These findings underscore ongoing challenges in achieving fair housing and emphasize the need for greater awareness and awareness and action to address discrimination.