The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development recently issued a federal register notice that announces a Section 8 demonstration program for determining FMRs in smaller metropolitan areas. In late 2010, the Census Bureau will release 5-year aggregations of ACS data for the areas with populations below 20,000, which will enable HUD to update FMR estimates in these smaller geographic areas. To determine how best to implement such a program, HUD will operate small area FMR demonstration projects for the Housing Choice Voucher program. HUD expects that small area FMRs will provide Section 8 tenants with greater ability to move into opportunity areas where jobs, transportation, and educational opportunities exist, and prevent undue subsidy in lower-rent areas. HUD is soliciting comments on the demonstration project by July 19, 2010. Read more…