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In recent years, a number of disasters around the world have caused damage to critical functions in affected communities. Hurricanes Sandy and Katrina; tornadoes in Joplin, Missouri and Moore, Oklahoma; and earthquakes in Christchurch (New Zealand), Bío-Bío (Chile) and Nepal all resulted in severe damage to local hospitals, putting great strain on the healthcare systems of the impacted regions

In an effort to open investment and financial innovation – and to focus that capability on historically underserved sectors of the solar economy – the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) today launched the SEIA Finance Initiative

A federal appeals court recently upheld a lower court ruling with implications for data security practices in the multifamily industry. In the case Federal Trade Commission v. Wyndham Worldwide Corporation, the court ruled in favor of the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) statutory authority to bring enforcement actions against companies for “unfair or deceptive acts or practices in or affecting commerce” under the FTC Act.

The Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) today released a new white paper, "The Basic Components of an Information Security Program," that discusses the information security risks facing the mortgage industry and the basic security practices necessary to help mitigate the risks.

More than 300 32BJ members, tenants and elected officials, will join fired building workers from 2116 Chestnut Street by tossing dozens of garbage bags on the side of the luxury high-rise apartment building on Friday at 2:30 p.m. The workers will send a clear message that, “We are not garbage to be thrown away.”

National Association of Realtors® President Chris Polychron testified before the U.S. House Judiciary Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property, and the Internet at a hearing entitled “Unmanned Aerial Vehicles: Commercial Applications and Public Policy Implications.” NAR testified on the growing interest in the use of drones, their commercial application in the real estate industry, and Realtor® perspectives on legislative and regulatory efforts to advance safe drone use in the commercial space

Today, the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) launched a set of resource guidelines to educate both consumers and lenders and their business partners needing to comply with the new Know Before You Owe or TILA RESPA Integrated Disclosure (TRID) regulations that will go into effect on October 3, 2015.

The Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) Builder Application Survey (BAS) data for August 2015 shows mortgage applications for new home purchases decreased by 6 percent relative to the previous month. This change does not include any adjustment for typical seasonal patterns

Today the National Low Income Housing Coalition (NLIHC) joined leaders and members of NDD United at a rally on Capitol Hill to present Congressional leaders a letter signed by more than 2,500 national, state and local organizations calling on Congress to raise the spending caps and end sequestration’s devastating impact on the nondefense discretionary (NDD) programs.

The American Institute of Architects (AIA) today issued the following statement on U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy’s ‘Call to Action’ report on the health benefits of walking and barriers to walkable communities. Please attribute to AIA CEO Robert Ivy, FAIA

Elected officials, faith leaders, and allies stood shoulder to shoulder this morning with dozens of commercial office cleaners as they opened contract negotiations. The more than 1,000 workers covered under the contract – members of 32BJ SEIU – are bargaining with representatives of commercial cleaning contractors from the commercial real estate industry

The Modular Building Institute (MBI) has recognized Universal Modular Building Solutions’ Mojave Solar Project Administration & Control Buildings as the August 2015 Modular Building of the Month. This project also won first place in the Permanent Special Application category at MBI’s annual Awards of Distinction, which are recognized at the association’s annual conference and expo, World of Modular.

A federal court in North Dakota issued an injunction recently against the Obama Administration’s “Waters of the U.S.” final rule that went into effect on August 28. This Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Army Corps of Engineers’ (Corps) regulation defines the scope of water and land subject to federal jurisdiction under the Clean Water Act. The court’s decision is a blow to the Administration, which moved forward with the controversial regulation although more than 30 states wanted greater consultation in its development

NAIOP, the Commercial Real Estate Development Association, today announced Seattle-based Vulcan Real Estate as the recipient of its 2015 Sustainable Development Award. The award is given annually to honor a commercial real estate developer for an outstanding project that incorporates innovative sustainable solutions, resulting in an environmentally efficient and economically successful property.

Mayor Edwin M. Lee together with Board President London Breed and other members of the Board of Supervisors set forth a blueprint to provide more than 10,000 permanently affordable homes to families and residents by 2020, the most critical component of the Mayor’s 2020 housing goals

With a record 8.2 million acres already consumed by dangerous wildfires and the peak of wildfire season is just beginning, the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America (PCI) is using National Preparedness Month to remind homeowners and renters that it’s time to take a “wildfire preparedness reality check” to ensure you’re physically and financially prepared.

In honor of the 10th anniversary of the Thrivent Builds with Habitat for Humanity partnership, Thrivent Financial and Habitat for Humanity today kicked off a monthlong fundraising campaign. During the campaign, Thrivent will add 10 percent to all personal donations and/or Thrivent Choice Dollars® directions made on Thrivent.com to Habitat for Humanity International or any of the 250 Habitat affiliates enrolled in Thrivent Choice.

The Urban Land Institute (ULI), a research and education organization dedicated to providing leadership in the responsible use of land and in creating thriving communities worldwide, has announced the formation of the ULI Virginia district council.

Despite positive improvements in the labor market in recent years, new home construction is currently insufficient in a majority of metro areas and is contributing to persistent housing shortages and unhealthy price growth in many markets, according to new research from the National Association of Realtors

NAIOP’s upcoming Commercial Real Estate Conference will give attendees a medium to create relationships, meet new people and learn something new, chairman Steve Martin, managing principal of SDM Partners in Atlanta, tells GlobeSt.com.