Serving Those in Need: Utilizing American Community Survey Data in Housing and Community Development

Author: Irina Sharkova
Organization: Center for Population Research

P.O. Box 751-CENS
Portland, OR 9707-0751
USA

Phone: (503)725-5160
sharkovai@pdx.edu

This presentation reports on the utilization of American Community Survey data for a State-mandated program sponsored by the Oregon Housing and Community Services Department (OHCS). The OHCS sponsors a semiannual competition to select the most meriting proposals from housing developer applicants and make awards for several grant and tax credit programs. One of the criteria in the OHCS evaluation of proposals is the soundness of an analysis demonstrating need for affordable housing. The Population Research Center conducted a study using American Community Survey population and housing data on behalf of a local affordable housing developer and according to the guidelines developed by the OHCS. The study area encompassed census tract 34.01 in Multnomah County, Oregon, an American Community Survey site.