Federal Independent Agencies
News releases, reports, statements and associated documents from federal independent agencies.
Featured Stories
USTDA Furthers Methane Abatement in Oil and Gas Sectors
ARLINGTON, Virginia, Dec. 5 -- The U.S. Trade and Development Agency issued the following news release on Dec. 4, 2023:
Today, the U.S. Trade and Development Agency announced that it will host two reverse trade missions (RTMs) that bring delegations of oil and gas industry leaders from Nigeria and three Central Asian countries to the United States to familiarize them with U.S. technologies, services, and best practices in methane abatement that can help them meet their emissions reduction and energy security goals. USTDA Director Enoh T. Ebong made the announcement during the 28th Conference of
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ARLINGTON, Virginia, Dec. 5 -- The U.S. Trade and Development Agency issued the following news release on Dec. 4, 2023:
Today, the U.S. Trade and Development Agency announced that it will host two reverse trade missions (RTMs) that bring delegations of oil and gas industry leaders from Nigeria and three Central Asian countries to the United States to familiarize them with U.S. technologies, services, and best practices in methane abatement that can help them meet their emissions reduction and energy security goals. USTDA Director Enoh T. Ebong made the announcement during the 28th Conference ofthe Parties (COP28) to the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change.
The RTMs will be held in 2024, comprising one delegation from Nigeria and a second from Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. While in the United States, the delegations are expected to travel to multiple cities to observe U.S. methane abatement solutions in action, while building related partnerships with U.S. financiers, suppliers, and regulatory and policy experts. These reverse trade missions will follow similar programming from 2023 for delegations from Latin America and North Africa.
Methane is a potent but short-lived greenhouse gas, and reducing methane emissions is widely agreed to be the fastest way to slow the pace of global warming. The oil and gas industry is a significant source of methane emissions globally, including through the venting or flaring of natural gas associated with oil extraction. The RTMs will explore solutions to reduce oil and gas sector methane emissions, including ways to capture these gases to transform waste into new resources. The delegations will also learn more about technologies for tracking and measurement, leak detection and repair, and other innovations.
These RTMs will advance the Global Methane Pledge for a 30% reduction of global methane emissions by 2030, building on a suite of announcements at COP28. With the announcement of these RTMs, USTDA has now approved funding to sponsor methane abatement RTMs for 16 countries.
In addition, these RTMs will support the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGI) and USTDA's Global Partnership for Climate-Smart Infrastructure. The RTM with Nigeria aligns with and supports Nigeria's participation in the Net Zero World Initiative, which leverages the expertise of U.S. government agencies to accelerate the decarbonization of global energy systems.
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Original text here: https://www.ustda.gov/ustda-furthers-methane-abatement-in-oil-and-gas-sectors/
Smithsonian Associates Presents In-Person and Livestreamed 'Revolutionary Road Trip' Panel Discussion With PBS Television Host Darley Newman
WASHINGTON, Dec. 5 -- The Smithsonian Institution issued the following news release:
Emmy-nominated television host, writer and producer Darley Newman returns to Smithsonian Associates with a panel of four travel and history experts for a journey through American Revolution historic sites, battlefields and great places for food and drinks. Panelists will share hidden gems and rarely told stories about the American Revolution at the Smithsonian's Ripley Center Thursday, Jan. 18, from 6:45 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. ET. The program will be livestreamed on Zoom.
The discussion will delve into the nation's
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WASHINGTON, Dec. 5 -- The Smithsonian Institution issued the following news release:
Emmy-nominated television host, writer and producer Darley Newman returns to Smithsonian Associates with a panel of four travel and history experts for a journey through American Revolution historic sites, battlefields and great places for food and drinks. Panelists will share hidden gems and rarely told stories about the American Revolution at the Smithsonian's Ripley Center Thursday, Jan. 18, from 6:45 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. ET. The program will be livestreamed on Zoom.
The discussion will delve into the nation'sfounding and its future through the lens of history along road-trip routes that travelers can recreate from Charleston, South Carolina, to Trenton, New Jersey. Newman recently traveled this route to film the first six episodes of a new Revolutionary Road Trip TV series featuring historic sites related to the American Revolution. The episodes are part of her PBS Travels with Darley season launching in January in the lead up to 2026, the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States. She will share top locations and experiences, while moderating a discussion with David Duncan, Rita D. McClenny, Carrie Fellows and Lauren Roberts.
Duncan, president of the American Battlefield Trust, will cover sights and activities in Berkeley County and Camden, South Carolina. McClenny, president and CEO of the Virginia Tourism Corp., will highlight Virginia's offerings for lovers of history and travel with a focus on Prince William County, where Revolutionary history abounds along the Washington-Rochambeau National Historic Trail and at the National Museum of the Marine Corps. Fellows, executive director of Crossroads of the American Revolution, will lead an exploration of New Jersey, through Princeton, Trenton, Washington Crossing State Park, Somerville, New Brunswick, Perth Amboy, Monmouth Battlefield and Morristown, before heading onward to Saratoga, New York, and beyond with Roberts, Saratoga County historian. Topics of interest include the battles of Saratoga, Trenton and Princeton, part of the "Ten Crucial Days" of the American Revolution, places where visitors can sample Colonial-inspired food and drinks and historical documents from the country's founding.
The "Revolutionary Road Trip" in-person presentation is $40 for general admission and $30 for Smithsonian Associates members. At the conclusion of the panel discussion, in-person participants have the opportunity to learn more and pick up information about each state's sights, activities and cuisines while mingling with Newman and the panelists at a light reception featuring food and drinks with historic themes. Tickets to view the panel discussion online are $25 for general admission and $20 for members. Tickets and information are available.
For nearly 60 years, Smithsonian Associates-the world's largest museum-based education program-has produced vibrant educational and cultural programming that brings the Smithsonian to life. Inspired by the Smithsonian's research, collections and exhibitions nearly 1,000 public programs spark creativity and excite learning in people of all ages each year.
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Original text here: https://www.si.edu/newsdesk/releases/smithsonian-associates-presents-person-and-livestreamed-revolutionary-road-trip
SBA Office of Disaster Assistance: Deadline Approaching in Arkansas for SBA Working Capital Loans Due to Severe Winter Storm
SACRAMENTO, California, Dec. 5 -- The Small Business Administration's Office of Disaster Assistance issued the following news release on Dec. 4, 2023:
Associate Administrator Francisco Sanchez of the U.S. Small Business Administration's Office of Disaster Recovery & Resilience today reminded Arkansas private nonprofit organizations of the Jan. 4, 2024, deadline to apply for an SBA federal disaster loan for economic injury caused by severe winter storm that occurred Jan. 30 - Feb. 2, 2023. Private nonprofits that provide essential services of a governmental nature are eligible for assistance.
According
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SACRAMENTO, California, Dec. 5 -- The Small Business Administration's Office of Disaster Assistance issued the following news release on Dec. 4, 2023:
Associate Administrator Francisco Sanchez of the U.S. Small Business Administration's Office of Disaster Recovery & Resilience today reminded Arkansas private nonprofit organizations of the Jan. 4, 2024, deadline to apply for an SBA federal disaster loan for economic injury caused by severe winter storm that occurred Jan. 30 - Feb. 2, 2023. Private nonprofits that provide essential services of a governmental nature are eligible for assistance.
Accordingto Sanchez, eligible private nonprofits of any size may apply for SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans of up to $2 million to help meet working capital needs caused by the disaster. "Economic Injury Disaster Loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that cannot be paid because of the disaster's impact. Economic injury assistance is available regardless of whether the private nonprofit suffered any property damage," Sanchez said.
These low-interest federal disaster loans are available in Bradley, Calhoun, Cleveland, Dallas, Desha, Drew, Grant, Jefferson, Lincoln, Nevada, Ouachita, Searcy and Stone counties.
The interest rate is 2.375 percent with terms up to 30 years. Loan amounts and terms are set by SBA and are based on each applicant's financial condition.
Interest does not begin to accrue until 12 months from the date of the first disaster loan disbursement. SBA disaster loan repayment begins 12 months from the date of the first disbursement.
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Original text here: https://www.sba.gov/article/2023/12/04/deadline-approaching-arkansas-sba-working-capital-loans-due-severe-winter-storm
NSF launches EducateAI initiative
WASHINGTON, Dec. 5 (TNSres) -- The National Science Foundation issued the following news release:
The U.S. National Science Foundation is excited to announce the EducateAI initiative. The goal of the initiative is to enable educators to make high-quality, audience-appropriate artificial intelligence educational experiences available nationwide to K-12, community college, four-year college and graduate students, as well as adults interested in formal training in AI.
"Investing in AI education is not just a commitment to technology; it's an investment in empowering educators and the next generation
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WASHINGTON, Dec. 5 (TNSres) -- The National Science Foundation issued the following news release:
The U.S. National Science Foundation is excited to announce the EducateAI initiative. The goal of the initiative is to enable educators to make high-quality, audience-appropriate artificial intelligence educational experiences available nationwide to K-12, community college, four-year college and graduate students, as well as adults interested in formal training in AI.
"Investing in AI education is not just a commitment to technology; it's an investment in empowering educators and the next generationof AI workforce with the skills and knowledge to navigate an AI-driven world. EducateAI is about empowerment and inclusivity, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to not only understand AI but to actively contribute to its positive evolution," said Margaret Martonosi, NSF assistant director for Computer and Information Science and Engineering (CISE).
To ensure that educators are well-equipped to teach AI concepts effectively, the EducateAI initiative will offer professional development opportunities and foster communities of practice that will provide teachers with the knowledge and skills required to integrate AI into their teaching practices. In addition, the program will establish the necessary infrastructure to support AI education across diverse institutions and will include a focus on underrepresented groups in computing. The program also encourages proposals from institutions in Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research jurisdictions, minority-serving institutions and emerging research institutions.
"By directing resources toward AI initiatives that support educators and students, we are not only preparing the workforce of the future but also fostering a culture of curiosity, creativity and inquiry. While AI is making tremendous advances at the frontiers of science, it can never replace the profound impact of our dedicated educators. Empowered computer science teachers can further inspire and guide students on a successful journey of AI discovery," said NSF Program Director Jeff Forbes.
EducateAI also aligns with the National AI Research Resource pilot initiative, contributing to democratizing access to resources for AI research and education by establishing collaborative networks among educators, researchers and industry professionals to facilitate the exchange of ideas, best practices and real-world insights to enhance AI education in high schools.
As a first step in the initiative, NSF has published the EducateAI Dear Colleague Letter, which is jointly funded by the agency's CISE and STEM Education directorates. The letter invites the submission of innovative and impactful proposals that advance inclusive computing education, integrate innovative AI-focused curricula for high school and undergraduate classrooms, and facilitate the creation of engaging and comprehensive educational materials that align with the latest advancements in AI technology.
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https://new.nsf.gov//news/nsf-launches-educateai-initiative
NCD, Colleagues Remember Andres Gallegos
WASHINGTON, Dec. 5 -- The National Council on Disability issued the following news on Dec. 4, 2023:
The National Council on Disability (NCD) has lost its Chairman Andres J. Gallegos, 62, of Illinois, who passed away Dec. 1.
Chairman Gallegos led NCD, an independent, non-partisan federal agency responsible for making recommendations on national disability policy to the President, Congress, federal agencies, state, territorial, tribal and local authorities.
U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth of Illinois, recommended Gallegos, of Chicago, be appointed to the Council to then-U.S. Senate Minority Leader Chuck
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WASHINGTON, Dec. 5 -- The National Council on Disability issued the following news on Dec. 4, 2023:
The National Council on Disability (NCD) has lost its Chairman Andres J. Gallegos, 62, of Illinois, who passed away Dec. 1.
Chairman Gallegos led NCD, an independent, non-partisan federal agency responsible for making recommendations on national disability policy to the President, Congress, federal agencies, state, territorial, tribal and local authorities.
U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth of Illinois, recommended Gallegos, of Chicago, be appointed to the Council to then-U.S. Senate Minority Leader ChuckSchumer, who obliged the recommendation and appointed Gallegos to the Council on Feb. 7, 2018. Gallegos was then also serving as Chairman of the Board for Access Living.
He officially joined the Council after taking his oath of office on Feb. 22, 2018. A few years later, Sen. Duckworth again recommended Gallegos to then-President-Elect Biden to serve as NCD's chairman. On January 20, 2021, President Biden designated Gallegos Chairman of NCD shortly after being inaugurated President of the United States.
Gallegos was a U.S. Air Force veteran, serving 14 years before pursuing his law degree at St. Louis University's School of Law, graduating in 1993. He gave the 2022 graduating class commencement speech (https://youtu.be/WkYANOLH29A?t=3588).
He was a well-regarded disability rights attorney in Chicago, who often remarked that he joined the "Disability Class of 1996," after acquiring quadriplegia due to a spinal cord injury from a car accident. His disability would shape his experiences navigating his legal profession, and pursuits of disability rights.
"In a fraction of a second, I joined a beautiful community-a community today that consists of over 61.4 million people in the United States and in our territories," he said, adding, "Disability is not something that needs to be avoided, not something that needs to be feared, and not something that needs to be cured."
Council members are appointed by the President, and majority and minority leaders of the U.S. House and Senate. The President designates the chair of NCD.
Since Gallegos was appointed to the Council in 2018, NCD released 31 reports and papers--15 while chair--making systemic recommendations to improve national disability policy. These full-length publications were in addition to dozens of letters of advisement to various policymakers. To start his time as chair, he published a vision and priority statement (https://ncd.gov/newsroom/2021/vision-and-priority-statement-ncd-chairman-gallegos) focused on health equity, then led a cadre of esteemed disability health experts-known as his "Dream Team"-through lengthy discussions, ultimately crafting the Framework to End Health Disparities of People with Disabilities (https://ncd.gov/publications/2023/Framework-to-End-Health-Disparities-People-with-Disabilities) as a policy blueprint for recommended changes across government.
One of the core pillars of the framework was designating people with disabilities as a health disparity population for purposes of research. This year the National Institutes of Health did just that.
Chairman Gallegos' family are in our thoughts during this difficult time.
Officials and colleagues shared their thoughts on his passing:
From NCD Council and Staff:
Vice Chair Claudia Gordon
"Andres was one of our community's greatest champions for health equity. On day one of his chairmanship, he put the flag down for his tenure making it known that his top priority would be health equity, as health is the predicate to engaging all other aspects of our lives. To anyone working in healthcare - from providers and medical associations to policymakers in Washington, he insisted that the long history of disability health inequities be recognized and meaningfully addressed. He was tireless in this pursuit. Andres played an important role in securing the recent National Institute of Health's health disparity designation for people with disabilities and was deeply involved in the review of recent proposed updates to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act rule addressing disability discrimination in health care."
Having been appointed to the Council just last year, I was enjoying the good fortune of learning from Andres as he led the Council and was so honored when he asked me to be his Vice Chair. I am deeply saddened for this learning opportunity and warm comradery to have been cut short. This is a tremendous loss for our community. We at NCD are committed to continuing his pursuits with a shared heart and in his honor."
Executive Director Anne Sommers McIntosh
"I am very proud to have worked for and with Andres. He was focused and determined. He regretted whenever he heard of 'political realities' as anything tempering of the greatest policy good, as his attention was always on the needs of the community as paramount, no matter what the state of affairs in Washington, DC, or elsewhere."
"Andres was a smart policy mind to be sure, but I'll also remember him for his kindness, generosity with his time, and how he expertly inserted levity into difficult discussions to sustain us through them. He rounded out many late-night phone calls with doting talk of his grandchildren and family. He was always so grounded in his pursuits. He was an excellent boss and an outstanding leader of the agency. We will miss him sorely, but in his honor, we will channel our grief into motivation to continue the work he most passionately pursued."
Councilmember Hoskie Benally Jr.
"I very much was impressed with Andres' personable approach, knowledge, and intelligence. We have lost a leader, but the most we can do is to continue to honor his commitments and visions for people with disabilities. As a Native American, I will always remember him for bringing to the forefront of NCD the need to address the adversities being experienced by Native Americans with disabilities across Indian Country. May the great spirit bless his family with emotional and spiritual healing."
Councilmember Sascha Bittner
"I am heartbroken. Andres was such an amazing, dedicated man with a clear, compelling vision for what he wanted the Council to accomplish on behalf of disabled Americans. His leadership, passion, and sense of urgency regarding the critical responsibility with which we have been tasked has motivated and inspired all of us on the Council. Andres not only possessed a sweeping understanding of the challenges facing our community and the policy changes needed to address them but was also just so personally kind, generous, and supportive. My deepest condolences to his wonderful family and to all those who loved him. Andres profoundly touched the lives of so many of us, and we will do our best to carry on his legacy."
Councilmember Theo Braddy
"Chairman Gallegos exemplified kindness and dedication as a leader," said Councilmember Theo Braddy. He swiftly became both a mentor and friend to me," he said. "The absence of Andres from our collaborative efforts will undoubtedly be a significant loss."
Councilmember Shawn Kennemer
"The world has lost a true champion for the rights of people with disabilities. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife and family."
Councilmember Risa Rifkind
"Chairman Gallegos was an incredible leader. I had the honor of knowing and working with him prior to joining NCD last year. I knew what a fierce advocate he was. Once I joined NCD I was able to experience his leadership in a whole new way, including just how supportive he was. He made sure I always felt I had the knowledge and confidence to contribute. I know he served as a mentor to so many, and my experience is not unique because he was so generous with his time. This is an immense loss to our country, our disability community, and all the leaders he was developing along the way. I will miss him dearly."
Councilmember Neil Romano
"Chairman Gallegos was a tireless advocate for people with disabilities. A man of great focus and skill. He will be missed."
Councilmember Emily Voorde
"Chairman Gallegos was unapologetic in both his advocacy and in his care for all he encountered. He will be missed as a colleague, friend, and mentor."
From Congress:
U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York
"I am heartbroken by the passing of Andres Gallegos, whom I proudly appointed to the National Council on Disability in 2018. Mr. Gallegos's legal and healthcare expertise made him a fierce advocate for Americans with disabilities. President Biden recognized his leadership and designated him chairman of the council in 2021. I am praying for his family and everyone who knew and loved him."
U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth of Illinois
"I'm deeply saddened by this tremendous loss for the disability community. Chicagoan Andres Gallegos devoted his life to inclusion, health equity and accessibility. It was an honor to work with him to protect our rights and ensure our nation lives up to the promises enshrined in the Americans with Disabilities Act. May he rest in peace."
From Federal Officials:
Administration for Community Living (ACL) Acting Administrator Alison Barkoff
"Andres was a powerful force in the fight for disability justice, and he changed the world for disabled people through his legal and policy advocacy and leadership in the independent living movement. As NCD chair, Andres partnered with the Department of Health and Human Services to ensure the formal designation of people with disabilities as a population that experiences health disparities and to address discrimination in medical treatment in updates to rules implementing Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. While we grieve Andres' passing, we will build on his legacy by ensuring the vibrancy of the independent living programs he helped shape and continuing the fight for the full inclusion of disabled people in all aspects of life."
U.S. Department of Labor Assistant Secretary of Labor for Disability Employment Policy Taryn Williams, Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP)
"My colleagues at the Office of Disability Employment Policy and I are terribly saddened to hear about the passing of our friend and the Chair of NCD, Andres Gallegos. He was a caring leader and strong collaborator with ODEP. His presence will be missed, but his impact on disability rights nationwide will be lasting."
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Office of Disability Integration & Coordination Director Sherman Gillums Jr.
"Our nation has lost a great man in body, but Andres Gallegos' spirit will live on as a central part of every effort FEMA's Office of Disability Integration and Coordination undertakes next year to advance environmental justice and disability integration in emergency management. I extend my deepest condolences to Andres' loved ones and his National Council on Disability family, as we work together to honor his legacy as a champion for all people with disabilities."
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Original text here: https://ncd.gov/newsroom/2023/ncd-colleagues-remember-andr%C3%A9s-gallegos
NASA, Partners Launch US Greenhouse Gas Center to Share Climate Data
WASHINGTON, Dec. 5 (TNSres) -- NASA issued the following news release:
NASA Administrator Bill Nelson, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Michael Regan, and other United States government leaders unveiled the U.S. Greenhouse Gas Center Monday during the 28th annual United Nations Climate Conference (COP28).
"NASA data is essential to making the changes needed on the ground to protect our climate. The U.S. Greenhouse Gas Center is another way the Biden-Harris Administration is working to make critical data available to more people - from scientists running data analyses,
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WASHINGTON, Dec. 5 (TNSres) -- NASA issued the following news release:
NASA Administrator Bill Nelson, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Michael Regan, and other United States government leaders unveiled the U.S. Greenhouse Gas Center Monday during the 28th annual United Nations Climate Conference (COP28).
"NASA data is essential to making the changes needed on the ground to protect our climate. The U.S. Greenhouse Gas Center is another way the Biden-Harris Administration is working to make critical data available to more people - from scientists running data analyses,to government officials making decisions on climate policy, to members of the public who want to understand how climate change will affect them," said Nelson. "We're bringing space to Earth to benefit communities across the country."
The U.S. Greenhouse Gas Center will serve as a hub for collaboration between agencies across the U.S. government as well as non-profit and private sector partners. Data, information, and computer models from observations from the International Space Station, various satellite and airborne missions, and ground stations are available online.
As the lead implementing agency of the center, NASA partnered with the EPA, National Institute of Standards and Technology, and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Science experts from each of these U.S. federal agencies curated this catalog of greenhouse gas datasets and analysis tools.
"A goal of the U.S. Greenhouse Gas Center is to accelerate the collaborative use of Earth science data," said Argyro Kavvada, center program manager at NASA Headquarters in Washington. "We're working to get the right data into the hands of people who can use it to manage and track greenhouse gas emissions."
The center's data catalog includes a curated collection of data sets that provide insights into greenhouse gas sources, sinks, emissions, and fluxes. Initial information in the center website is focused on three areas:
* Estimates of greenhouse gas emissions from human activities
* Naturally occurring greenhouse gas sources and sinks on land and in the ocean.
* Large methane emission event identification and quantification, leveraging aircraft and space-based data
An example of a dataset is the methane gas information detected by NASA's EMIT (Earth Surface Mineral Dust Source Investigation) mission. Located on the International Space Station, EMIT is an imaging spectrometer that measures light in visible and infrared wavelengths and thus can measure release of methane on Earth.
Built on open-source principles, the U.S. Greenhouse Gas Center's datasets, related algorithms, and supporting code are fully open sourced. This allows anyone to test the data, algorithms, and results. The center also includes user support and an analysis hub for users to perform advanced data analysis with computational resources and an interactive, visual interface for storytelling. NASA encourages feedback and ideas on the center's evolution. The center is part of a broader administration effort to enhance greenhouse gas information, outlined in the recently released National Strategy to Advance an Integrated U.S. Greenhouse Gas Measurement, Monitoring, and Information System (https://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/briefing-room/2023/11/29/interagency-working-group-releases-national-strategy-enhance-nation-greenhouse-gas-measurement-monitoring-capabilities/).
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Original text here: https://www.nasa.gov/news-release/nasa-partners-launch-us-greenhouse-gas-center-to-share-climate-data/
Affordable Housing Grants Strengthen Communities With Over $33 Million Awarded From Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago
CHICAGO, Illinois, Dec. 5 -- The Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago, a district bank in the Federal Home Loan Bank System, issued the following news on Dec. 4, 2023:
The Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago (FHLBank Chicago) today announced that it has awarded more than $33 million to help finance 44 housing projects and developments across Illinois and Wisconsin through its Affordable Housing Program (AHP) General Fund. These grant funds will support the acquisition, rehabilitation, and new construction of over 1,900 housing units, and are provided to FHLBank Chicago's financial institution members
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CHICAGO, Illinois, Dec. 5 -- The Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago, a district bank in the Federal Home Loan Bank System, issued the following news on Dec. 4, 2023:
The Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago (FHLBank Chicago) today announced that it has awarded more than $33 million to help finance 44 housing projects and developments across Illinois and Wisconsin through its Affordable Housing Program (AHP) General Fund. These grant funds will support the acquisition, rehabilitation, and new construction of over 1,900 housing units, and are provided to FHLBank Chicago's financial institution membersin partnership with organizations like Movin' Out in Madison, WI, and The Interfaith Housing Development Corporation in Chicago.
"Economic pressures, like rising interest rates and material costs, provide significant challenges for development. These factors further compound the already critical need for affordable housing support in both rural and urban communities across our District," said Michael Ericson, President and CEO, FHLBank Chicago. "We are answering the call with AHP subsidies to provide support in partnership with our member institutions and developers, community organizations, public housing authorities, tribal governments, and other units of government."
Since 1990, FHLBank Chicago has awarded $564 million in AHP grants, providing housing to nearly 89,000 households. In 2023, several of the awarded affordable housing projects will provide much needed housing and services for low- and moderate-income communities for seniors, those with disabilities, tribal communities and veterans.
Additionally, FHLBank Chicago will double the maximum per-project subsidy to $2 million in 2024 to increase financial impact for future affordable housing projects and developments.
"Our community-integrated housing is affordable for low- to moderate-income households and includes units designed for people and families with disabilities," said Dave Porterfield, Senior Advisor, Real Estate Developer at Movin' Out. "The AHP funding from FHLBank Chicago is essential to providing affordable and accessible options for long-term housing stability for the people we serve."
"With this AHP grant, we will have the chance to make much needed updates to Vision House Apartments in Chicago's Bronzeville neighborhood and improve the lives for formerly homeless households with chronic disability," said Perry Vietti, President of the Interfaith Housing Development Corporation. "This grant will rehab apartment bathrooms and kitchens, and provide updates like fresh paint, energy saving lighting and base-board heat system replacement. This supportive housing development is over 25 years old and this FHLBank Chicago-funded rehab will ensure that the project will continue to serve this target population for decades to come."
Over the past three years, FHLBank Chicago annually contributed greater than 10% of its net earnings to affordable housing programs, including both the AHP General Fund and the Downpayment Plus(R) (DPP(R)) Program, which distributes forgivable grants to cover down payment and closing costs for eligible households throughout the year, as well as additional programs aimed at increasing diversity in affordable housing and small business growth. View the list of 2023 FHLBank Chicago AHP General Fund projects and descriptions (https://www.fhlbc.com/docs/default-source/community-investment/affordable-housing-program/ahp-program-policy-and-forms/2023-ahp-awards.pdf?sfvrsn=fc342ae1_2).
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Original text here: https://www.fhlbc.com/news/details/2023/12/04/affordable-housing-grants-strengthen-communities-with-over-33-million-awarded-from-federal-home-loan-bank-of-chicago
