THDA is launching a new $6 million program to combat blight by transforming eligible homes into green spaces. At a media conference Wednesday morning, August 5, 2015, THDA Executive Director Ralph M. Perrey and Memphis Mayor A C Wharton jointly announced the Blight Elimination Program (BEP). Under the program, qualified nonprofits will receive forgivable loans to acquire abandoned homes out of foreclosure, demolish them, and transform the property into a community park, affordable housing, or other beneficial public function

Based on permits issued last month, homebuilders in Tennessee have plans to break ground on 2,006 new single family homes. The June number is up from 1,871 housing starts in May and represents a new highpoint since the housing crisis began seven years ago

 Starting Saturday, Aug. 1, THDA is expanding its highly effective homebuyer education program to include online classes. Open to anyone in Tennessee, the online class covers the ins and outs of buying a home, from insurance to financing to repairs. Registration is $99

Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today announced a total of $1,352,963 in federal funds to support affordable housing programs and facilities in Shelby County. This funding comes through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Grant programs.

Three Clarksville, Tennessee, men pleaded guilty to using a firearm to kill during a home-invasion robbery.  Assistant Attorney General Leslie R. Caldwell of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney David Rivera of the Middle District of Tennessee made the announcement.

Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) commended Memphis’ selection as a participant in President Obama’s new ConnectHome initiative, which is aimed at accelerating broadband internet adoption by families and children through partnerships with local governments, private industry, non-profits, and other entities focused on tailoring internet access solutions to our community. Nationwide, both low-income and African-American households are significantly less likely to have internet access at home than other households.

Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) announced today that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has selected the city as one of nine finalists for a HUD Choice Neighborhood Implementation Grant. The city will now compete for an individual federal grant worth up to $30 million, with winners expected to be announced in September. Today’s announcement follows years of effort by Congressman Cohen, working with Mayor Wharton and others in the city, to encourage the Obama administration to designate Memphis as a Choice Neighborhood

Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam and Economic and Community Development Commissioner Randy Boyd along with UBS officials announced today the company will expand its current operations in Middle Tennessee by opening a new office in Williamson County at One Franklin Park. UBS will invest $11.2 million to outfit the space, which will accommodate the growth of the UBS Business Solution Center, as well as, a satellite branch office for Wealth Management Americas financial advisors, creating over 350 new jobs over the next several years.

The Preiss Company has been selected by Stonemont Financial Group to manage The Station at Martin, a 384-bed student housing community serving The University of Tennessee at Martin. This marks the 15th new property management assignment for The Preiss Company in the past nine months, including the second community in the state of Tennessee.

In the eleventh in the series of videos introducing the Republican members of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn., today shares his vision for America’s energy future that unleashes nuclear power, wisely invests in energy research, and protects America’s national treasures