Rural Oregon county wants to declare housing emergency

Joining the ranks of Seattle and San Francisco, Josephine County in rural Oregon, asked the state’s Gov. Kate Brown to declare a two-year housing emergency. During the past 10 years, fewer than 100 apartment units were constructed in the area, versus more than 1,000 homes that were sold to investors and retirees.

Water Board accepting applications for drinking water in schools grants

The State Water Resources Control Board is currently accepting applications for grant funds to improve access to safe drinking water for students. The Drinking Water for Schools Program funds water bottle filling stations, drinking fountains, point-of-entry or point-of-use treatment where contamination is an issue. Funds may also be used

Study focuses on Americans’ economic well being

A survey of economic well-being among Americans finds that 17 percent live in economically distressed communities. The same study shows that 27 percent of the American population live in prosperous areas.

Wildfires pose threat to Napa and Sonoma drinking water

Fortunately none of the Napa and Sonoma Counties ravaged by wildfires during October are without drinking water. However, water regulators say that treating drinking water may be a challenge as they work to mitigate ash and erosion around reservoirs.

Affordable housing rental stock declines by 60 percent nationwide

During the years after the Great Recession, the country’s affordable apartment stock declined by 60 percent, according to The Washington Post. The story cites a report by Freddie Mac, which compares unit rent increases between 2010 and 2016.