The program requires that 40 percent of some federal funds be used to benefit historically disadvantaged communities.
In an article for Blavity, Jeanne Yacoubou outlines how the Biden administration’s Justice40 Initiative, which mandates that 40 percent of certain federal investments go to disadvantaged communities, has affected affordable housing and equity since its creation in 2021.
The program defines ‘disadvantaged’ communities as “those that are marginalized, underserved, and overburdened by pollution while underinvested in housing, transportation, water and wastewater infrastructure, and health care,” Yacoubou explains.
The Green and Resilient Retrofit Program has, so far, installed energy efficiency upgrades in roughly 2,000 multifamily homes occupied by low-income households.
As Yacoubou notes, “The future of the remaining Justice40 funds depends on the results of the 2024 presidential election. Donald Trump has vowed to eliminate all or most of the remaining funds of the IRA climate law calling it a ‘waste’ of money.” Meanwhile, 16 Republican governors want to keep the benefits of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), but called on President Biden to eliminate the environmental justice requirements.
FULL STORY: The Justice40 Initiative And Affordable, Sustainable Housing
HUD Resiliency Awards Target Affordable Multifamily Housing
The Green and Resilient Retrofit program aims to reduce vulnerability to climate challenges and improve energy efficiency in multifamily buildings.
Mapping Environmental Justice to Census Tracts
The Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool, version 1.0, is now available on the internet.
Democrats Call for Stronger Action on Environmental Justice
The Justice40 initiative could make a major difference for communities burdened by pollution, but only if funds are spent on projects that maintain a focus on equity.
National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions
Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.
Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50
A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.
Delivering for America Plan Will Downgrade Mail Service in at Least 49.5 Percent of Zip Codes
Republican and Democrat lawmakers criticize the plan for its disproportionate negative impact on rural communities.
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Balancing Bombs and Butterflies: How the National Guard Protects a Rare Species
The National Guard at Fort Indiantown Gap uses GIS technology and land management strategies to balance military training with conservation efforts, ensuring the survival of the rare eastern regal fritillary butterfly.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
EMC Planning Group, Inc.
Planetizen
Planetizen
Mpact (formerly Rail~Volution)
Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service