During the 2007-2009 housing crisis, concentrations of foreclosed and vacant properties created severe blight in many cities and neighborhoods. The federal Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP) was established to help mitigate distress in hard-hit areas by funding the rehabilitation or demolition of troubled properties. This paper analyzes housing market changes in areas that received investments during the second round of NSP funding, focusing on seven large urban counties. Grantees used NSP to invest in census tracts with high rates of distressed and vacancy properties, and tracts that had previously received other housing subsidies. The median NSP tract received quite sparse investment, relative to the overall housing stock and the initial levels of distress. Analysis of housing market outcomes indicates the recovery has been uneven across counties and neighborhoods. In a few counties, there is some evidence that NSP2 activity is correlated with improved housing outcomes.

How can we help distressed neighborhoods recover from a generation of economic loss and reposition themselves for success in today's economy? While many have proposed solutions to the problems of neighborhoods suffering from economic disinvestment, John Kromer has actually put them to work successfully as Philadelphia's housing director. Part war story, part how-to manual, and part advocacy for more effective public policy, Neighborhood Recovery describes how a blending of public-sector leadership and community initiative can bring success to urban communities. Kromer's framework for neighborhood recovery addresses issues such as · neighborhood strategic planning · home ownership and financing · the role of community-based organizations · public housing · work-readiness and job training for neighborhood residents · housing for homeless people and others with specialized needs · the importance of advocacy in influencing and advancing neighborhood reinvestment policy. Neighborhood Recovery presents a policy approach that cities can use to improve the physical condition of their neighborhoods and help urban residents compete for good jobs in the metropolitan economy. Kromer's experience in Philadelphia reveals challenges and opportunities that can decisively influence the future of neighborhoods in many other American cities.

How can we help distressed neighborhoods recover from a generation of economic loss and reposition themselves for success in today's economy? While many have proposed solutions to the problems of neighborhoods suffering from economic disinvestment, John Kromer has actually put them to work successfully as Philadelphia's housing director. Part war story, part how-to manual, and part advocacy for more effective public policy, Neighborhood Recovery describes how a blending of public-sector leadership and community initiative can bring success to urban communities. Kromer's framework for neighborhood recovery addresses issues such as - neighborhood strategic planning - home ownership and financing - the role of community-based organizations - public housing - work-readiness and job training for neighborhood residents - housing for homeless people and others with specialized needs - the importance of advocacy in influencing and advancing neighborhood reinvestment policy. Neighborhood Recovery presents a policy approach that cities can use to improve the physical condition of their neighborhoods and help urban residents compete for good jobs in the metropolitan economy. Kromer's experience in Philadelphia reveals challenges and opportunities that can decisively influence the future of neighborhoods in many other American cities.

This testimony is based on a report being released the same day -- the second in response to a mandate under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Recovery Act). The report addresses: (1) selected states' and localities' uses of Recovery Act funds; (2) the approaches taken by the selected states and localities to ensure accountability for Recovery Act funds; and (3) states' plans to evaluate the impact of Recovery Act funds. The auditor focused on 16 states and certain localities in those jurisdictions as well as the District of Columbia -- representing about 65% of the U.S. population and two-thirds of the intergovernmental federal assistance available. Charts and tables.

This testimony provides selected updates, including the status of federal Recovery Act outlays. The report addresses: (1) selected states' and localities' uses of Recovery Act funds; (2) the approaches taken by the selected states and localities to ensure accountability for Recovery Act funds; and (3) states' plans to evaluate the impact of Recovery Act funds. The work for this report is focused on 16 states and certain localities in those jurisdictions as well as the District of Columbia -- representing about 65% of the U.S. population and two-thirds of the intergovernmental federal assistance available. Charts and tables.

This report responds to two ongoing mandates under the Amer. Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Recovery Act). It is the fifth in a series of reports since passage of the Recovery Act on the uses of and accountability for Recovery Act funds in 16 selected states, certain localities in those jurisdictions, and D.C. These jurisdictions receive about two-thirds of the inter-governmental assistance available through the Recovery Act. It is also the second report to comment on the jobs created or retained as reported by recipients of Recovery Act funds. The auditor interviewed state and local officials and other Recovery Act award recipients. He also spoke with officials at federal agencies overseeing Recovery Act programs. Charts and tables.