FHFA issued an RFI on how to simplify and improve the efficiency of the competitive application process for the FHLBanks’ Affordable Housing Programs.

Brian Tomney told the House Financial Services Committee that FHFA has largely embraced OIG recommendations and has evolved from its start-up stage.

Former Treasury official Antonio White takes over as FHFA’s head of media relations, public outreach and Congressional affairs.

The new Federal Advisory Committee on Affordable, Equitable and Sustainable Housing includes a who’s who of housing finance experts, equitable housing advocates and industry representatives.

Stakeholders say the GSEs’ proposed definition of “first-generation homebuyer” in their equitable housing-finance plans unfairly excludes many of the people the enterprises and the FHFA want to help.

Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-MA, has called for a significant increase in the FHLBanks’ required contribution to affordable housing. She also urged FHFA to change the membership eligibility requirements to encourage more housing and community development activities.

The Federal Housing Finance Agency has issued a request for information seeking industry comment on the GSEs’ plans to support underserved communities under their duty-to-serve obligations.

Fannie Mae said the new Uniform Residential Appraisal Report will depend on six new property characteristics data points to let users know what information to provide.

Industry veteran Michael Stegman wants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to be more transparent about the impact of their rent reporting pilots.

Naa Awaa Tagoe, deputy director for housing mission and goals at FHFA, waded through some of the agency’s most recent controversies at the MBA’s secondary market conference.