Articles and analysis on today's issues

DC policymakers considering TOPA changes should understand the implications for owners and renters of two-to-four-unit rental buildings.
A Newly Proposed Earnings Standard for Higher Education Is Surprisingly Tough The Biden administration has proposed reviving the “gainful employment” rule with an additional test to hold college programs accountable, but two tests may not be better than one.Three Challenges Facing Single Female Borrowers Entering the Mortgage Market Single female mortgage borrowers are more likely to be people of color and to have lower incomes than single male borrowers, and our analysis shows they are less likely to refinance.Child Care Systems Don’t Align with What Parents Working Nontraditional Hours Recommend Policymakers weighing how to best meet the child care needs of parents who work nontraditional hours should listen to what parents want and need.A Student Debt Blind Spot in the Gainful Employment Rule for College Programs As policymakers consider developing regulations on federal aid for college programs, a gainful employment rule that compares graduates’ earnings to other metrics, such as tuition prices, could provide greater protections than a debt-to-income test.The Community Reinvestment Act Meant to Combat Redlining’s Effects. 45 Years Later, Black Homebuyers Are Still Significantly Underserved Racial wealth gaps have characterized the US housing market for decades, with new Urban research showing that measures like the Community Reinvestment Act may not do enough to overcome the legacy of systemic housing discrimination.States Can Use TANF’s Flexibility to Extend Cash Assistance for Families in Need Some states extended the length of time families can receive TANF cash assistance during the pandemic.