The region’s foreclosure rate dropped by 22% last year – the largest decline in the country’s major markets, and one of the only markets that actually declined rather then increased.
Though the news is good for now, the numbers might be somewhat artificial. One expert notes that a sharp decline at the end of last year was likely due to a temporary lull while the national foreclosure process is under investigation. The Examiner suggests that between the temporary foreclosure suspensions, President Obama’s proposed federal spending freeze, and regional job losses, the first two quarters of this year could see a spike. (Examiner, 1/27)
PHILANTHROPY | Low Overhead Doesn’t Equal High-Quality Philanthropy (Chronicle, 1/27)
EDUCATION
- There seems to be some disagreement between DCPS leaders and the Washington Teacher’s Union about the group hired to study the IMPACT evaluation system. (WaPo, 1/26) “Now that I am president, I am the chooser,” [WTU President Nathan] Saunders said, channeling George W. Bush.
- Many D.C. teachers turn down bonuses (Examiner, 1/27)
HOMELESSNESS | Last night, Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments staffers took part in counting the region’s homeless population. The results won’t be available until the spring, but initial reactions will be posted on COG’s Facebook page today and tomorrow.
BUDGET | D.C. workers will be furloughed for four days in an effort to save the city $19 million. (Examiner, 1/27)
Good luck to anyone who is without power today – especially the folks in Prince George’s County who are still dealing with the water problems from earlier this week. This was a weird and unpleasant storm and I intend to have some serious words with OPM about their decision not to give us a snow day!
