It’s definitely been hot in Washington this week.  If you’ve been vacationing somewhere cool (or distracted by deadlines at work), you might have missed some strong evidence-backed opinions on the MetroTrends blog:

• Margaret Simms recommends changes in the mortgage interest deduction to help close the widening wealth gap between whites and minorities.

• Peter Tatian argues that subsidized housing can strengthen property values.

• Rolf Pendall shows how poverty is rising in both cities and suburbs.

• John Roman makes the case for measuring the benefits of public programs, not just their costs.

• The latest data raise concerns about whether Chattanooga’s economic come-back can survive current economic woes.

If you enjoy reading our evidence-based opinions, please share MetroTrends with your friends and colleagues. And come back next week!