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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.

GRESB, the global standard for portfolio-level sustainability assessment in the real estate sector, today released its 2015 data and industry report. The data and report are based on an assessment of 707 property companies and private equity real estate funds, representing 61,000 assets and USD 2.3 trillion in asset value.

The Portland Cement Association (PCA) and Cement Americas magazine recognized Lehigh Hanson, Inc., and its Lehigh Cement Company Union Bridge cement plant in Union Bridge, Md., with the Environmental Performance Award as part of the 2014 Cement Industry Energy & Environment Awards. The award was presented at PCA’s Fall Meeting in Chicago

More than 200 property service workers: commercial cleaners, building engineers, and maintenance mechanics rallied in Center City this afternoon calling for a fair contract. Negotiations opened today for the workers – members of 32BJ SEIU – and the Building Operators Labor Relations (BOLR) which represents building owners and contractors

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo discussed the homeless crisis occurring in NYC today and voiced his support for the NY/NY agreement. In response, the Coalition for the Homeless issued this statement from President & CEO Mary Brosnahan:

We say farewell to Emily Ford, who will wrap up her year of service at the PJC on August 7. Emily served as a Housing Paralegal through Jesuit Volunteer Corps. She shares her reflections below. Thank you, Emily!

Part of the DOE’s SunShot Initiative, Solar Market Pathways is a $14 million effort to spur solar energy deployment across the country. It provides support to multiple awardees to enhance their efforts to increase solar installations and reduce costs, while promoting to a larger audience best practices in solar planning.

Mortgage credit availability increased in August according to the Mortgage Credit Availability Index (MCAI), a report from the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) which analyzes data from Ellie Mae's AllRegs® Market Clarity® business information tool.