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Smart Growth Network
Many rural communities are facing challenges, including rapid growth at metropolitan edges, declining rural populations, and loss of working lands. This report focuses on smart growth strategies that can help guide growth in rural areas while protecting natural and working lands and preserving the rural character of existing communities ... Read the full article here.
The worst bet in real estate today: Construction loans
The biggest bank killer around isn't some exotic derivative investment concocted by Wall Street's financial alchemists. It's the plain old construction loan, Main Street banks' bread and butter for decades. Deutsche Bank has called them "without doubt, the riskiest commercial real estate loan product." The Congressional Oversight Panel, a financial watchdog, has warned that construction loans have deteriorated faster and inflicted bigger losses on banks than any other real estate loans. And the worst may be yet to come ... Read the entire article here.
Housing Washington 2010 Conference
Explore ways of reaching the pivotal point for recovery for affordable housing in Washington state at Housing Washington 2010 in Tacoma on Oct. 19 & 20. More than 50 lively presenters this year will focus on the new realities of affordable housing and recommend strategies for navigating its future. From economics to eco-design, the two-day conference will deliver compelling facts, findings, debate and dialogue. Online registration is available here. Or email conf@wshfc.org for more information.
Water Energy Calculator link
You can save water at home—and save energy, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and save money in the process! WECalc, Your Home Water-Energy-Climate Calculator, is a free online tool from the Pacific Institute that shows you how. WECalc will ask you a series of questions about your home water use habits. Based on your replies, it estimates your water use and provides personalized recommendations for reducing that use. Click here to get started saving water today!
Comments on Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) federal notice
The Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) is a deficit-neutral way to expand access to safe and sound loans for creditworthy small businesses and consumers. Expanding and strengthening CRA will promote job creation, affordable housing and create vibrant and prosperous cities, towns and rural areas. A federal notice was issued for comments on a proposed rule to Community Reinvestment Act Regulations. Read RCAC's comments on the proposed regulation here. Read other agency's comments here or visit regulations.gov and search for Docket ID "OCC-2010-0010."
Free National Development Council online trainings
The National Development Council is offering a FREE online training entitled “Putting the Public Back in Public-Private Partnerships: Financing Public Facilities in Lean Times” on October 27, 2010 from 1:00-2:00 pm EST. Visit the NDC’s website to register or view other trainings offered here.