Department of Housing and Urban Development
Overview
What is your agency’s mission and how does supporting research in the Arctic advance that mission?
The mission of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is to create strong, sustainable, inclusive communities and quality affordable homes for all. HUD is working to strengthen the housing market to bolster the economy and protect consumers; meet the need for quality affordable rental homes; use housing as a platform for improving quality of life; build inclusive and sustainable communities free from discrimination; and transform the way HUD does business.
Understanding the needs of Arctic communities is necessary for HUD to fulfill its mission in the region. Most of the Arctic’s infrastructure is represented by housing and services to sustain communities. These communities are also disproportionately rural, Tribal, and underserved populations, all of which are priority areas for HUD.
Where would one go to find out what research is being funded by your agency in the Arctic?
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research (PD&R) supports the department's efforts to help create cohesive, economically healthy communities.
PD&R is responsible for maintaining current information on housing needs, market conditions, and existing programs, as well as conducting research on priority housing and community development issues. It provides reliable and objective data and analysis to help inform policy decisions. PD&R is committed to involving a greater diversity of perspectives, methods, and researchers in HUD research.
The mission of PD&R is to improve life in American communities by building evidence to inform and strengthen housing and community development policy and practice and accelerate progress on HUD's priorities. To accomplish its mission, PD&R:
- Provides reliable, objective, and current information on housing and community development needs and market conditions
- Conducts rigorous research that helps fill key evidence gaps and evaluates HUD policies and programs, and identifies emerging challenges and opportunities
- Supports innovation in building technologies and housing and community development policies
- Manages and leverages HUD’s data assets to support evidence-based and data-driven policy and program improvements
- Builds capacity in the housing and community development field by sharing knowledge, elevating best practices, and providing technical assistance
- Provides policy advice and support to the HUD Secretary and program offices, and interacts with international counterparts to share knowledge worldwide
In 1978, PD&R established HUD User as an information source for housing and community development researchers, academics, policymakers, and the public. HUD User is the primary source for federal government reports and information on housing policy and programs, building technology, economic development, urban planning, and other housing-related topics.
In terms of budget, approximately how big is your agency’s investment in Arctic research?
HUD does not have a specific budget for Arctic research.
What are your agency’s climate funding priorities over the next 2 years?
Every HUD program and office has committed specific, time-bound actions on climate and environmental justice. These collectively add up to a historic shift in HUD spending and policies toward using low- and zero-carbon energy and supporting the communities we serve as they recover from recent disasters and work to increase their resilience to ongoing climate and health risks, especially among historically underserved populations.
In November 2021, HUD released its Climate Action Plan. HUD’s ambitious plan to tackle the climate crisis will help communities across the nation build more resilient infrastructure, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, create well-paid jobs, and pursue environmental justice for disproportionately impacted communities.
In May 2023, HUD launched the Build for the Future website, which empowers local communities to undertake initiatives focused on climate resiliency, energy efficiency, renewable energy, and environmental justice. It achieves this by providing critical access to funding opportunities, offering guidance materials, and fostering peer-to-peer knowledge sharing.
How does your agency coordinate and collaborate with other agencies to advance your mission in the Arctic?
HUD actively works with federal, state, and local leaders on climate-focused work. The agency leads efforts to help communities realize federal resource opportunities and develop critical infrastructure. HUD also works collectively with our federal partners in aiding Arctic communities with capacity limitations.
Activities in Alaska
Does your agency have office(s) in Alaska?
HUD’s Alaska operations are based out of the Anchorage Field Office. There are three offices housed in the field office:
- Field Policy and Management
- Office of Native American Programs
- Community Planning and Development
The field office is located at 3000 C. Street, Suite 401, Anchorage, AK 99503. The office can be reached by phone at (907) 677-9800.
Does that office support research?
N/A
Where can one go to learn more about your agency’s presence in Alaska?
Information is available on the HUD in Alaska website.