Ellison to hold hearing on foreclosure crisis on Saturday.

Posted at 5:03 PM on January 19, 2010 by Tom Scheck (2 Comments)
Filed under: Campaign 2010, Campaign 2010: U.S. House

DFL Rep. Keith Ellison says he'll hold a hearing with Congresswoman Maxine Waters (D-CA), Chair of the House Financial Services Subcommittee on Housing and Community Opportunity, to discuss the foreclosure crisis. The hearing will be held on Saturday, January 23rd. Here's the news release:

Subcommittee on Housing and Community Opportunity To Hold Twin Cities Hearing: "The Impact of the Foreclosure Crisis onPublic and Affordable Housing in the Twin Cities"

Washington, DC - Congressman Keith Ellison (D-MN) will join Congresswoman Maxine Waters (D-CA), Chairwoman of the House Financial Services Subcommittee on Housing and Community Opportunity at a Subcommittee field hearing entitled, "The Impact of the Foreclosure Crisis on Public and Affordable Housing in the Twin Cities." The hearing will examine the foreclosure crisis and its negative impact on the affordable rental housing market.

The hearing will be held on Saturday, January 23rd, 2010 at 12:00 p.m. CST in Pohlad Hall at the Minneapolis Central Library.

The hearing is timely in light of the Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) recent announcement of $2 billion in Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP) grants to cities, states and non-profits across the country. Under HUD's grant announcement, the City of Minneapolis received nearly $19.5 million in NSP funding, while the City of St. Paul received $18 million.

"I am pleased that we made the case that the Twin Cities could use NSP funding to rehabilitate foreclosed homes and develop affordable housing," Ellison said. "These funds will bring jobs and housing for our communities most in need," Ellison added.

These dollars will be used to purchase and rehabilitate foreclosed housing; to create ownership as well as rental opportunities for low-and moderate-income households.
"I fought hard to secure nearly $6 billion in NSP funding for communities nationwide; I look forward to hearing from advocates and officials on how the Twin Cities are using these funds, and other resources and programs, to fight neighborhood blight and expand the stock of affordable housing," Chairwoman Waters stated.

Witnesses will include officials from HUD, local elected and appointed leaders, nonprofit stakeholders, housing advocates and service providers. Witnesses will be asked to describe the affordable housing challenges in the Twin Cities, explain the importance of NSP funds and provide recommendations to federal policymakers
"We craft good policy when we know the reality on the ground. Our subcommittee is excited to listen and learn from the witnesses' testimony," added Congressman Ellison.

Who: U.S. House Committee on Financial Services, Subcommittee on Housing and Community Opportunity: Subcommittee Chairwoman Maxine Waters, Congressman Keith Ellison, and Witnesses to be announced.
What: Field Hearing: "The Impact of the Foreclosure Crisis on Public and Affordable Housing in the Twin Cities."
When: Saturday, January 23, 2010
12:00 P.M.
Where: Pohlad Hall, Minneapolis Central Library, 300 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis,
MN, 55401

Comments (2)

It's important to have this kind of discussion. Foreclosure crisis is a serious thing and will hit more people in 2010. When they discuss and put some actions in the table, we've a chance to get more ideas to avoid this problem.

Posted by Tony | January 21, 2010 10:15 AM

Hi

Wow

This was a great meeting it was timely and addressed a comunity problem which impacts our communities today. The people impacted by the forclosure process and the assistance section 8 gives along with the Rapid Exit program all addressed a crucial need and are working preventing more people from being homeless. Keep up the great work.

Peace be with you
Richard

Posted by Richard | January 25, 2010 1:29 PM

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