Overview
Title
30-Day Notice of Proposed Information Collection: Manufactured Housing Survey; OMB Control No.: 2528-0029
Agencies
ELI5 AI
HUD wants to ask people for their thoughts on a survey about new homes that are built in factories. They need to get permission from a special office, and they want to hear what everyone thinks about how they gather this information.
Summary AI
HUD is asking for permission from the Office of Management and Budget to continue collecting information about newly manufactured homes through the Manufactured Housing Survey. They are inviting the public to comment on this proposal by April 7, 2025. This survey collects important data like the sale prices and placement details of manufactured homes, which helps HUD adjust loan limits and monitor housing trends. The notice appeared in the Federal Register on March 6, 2025, and HUD is encouraging feedback on how to improve the data collection process.
Abstract
HUD is seeking approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for the information collection described below. In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act, HUD is requesting comments from all interested parties on the proposed collection of information. The purpose of this notice is to allow for 30 days of public comment.
Keywords AI
Sources
AnalysisAI
The document titled "30-Day Notice of Proposed Information Collection: Manufactured Housing Survey; OMB Control No.: 2528-0029" serves as a public notification by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). It announces HUD's intention to seek approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for continuing the information collection process through the Manufactured Housing Survey. This survey plays a crucial role in gathering data related to the sales, characteristics, and distribution of newly manufactured homes in the United States.
Summary of the Document
The notice calls for public commentary on the proposed information collection, emphasizing its significance in refining HUD's functions. It provides details on how interested individuals and parties can submit their comments and expresses HUD's openness to feedback. The main aim of this data collection is to support HUD's efforts in monitoring housing trends, adjusting loan limits, and ensuring the affordability of manufactured homes.
Significant Issues or Concerns
Several issues arise from the notice that can impact its transparency and accessibility:
Lack of Estimated Burden Information: The document does not offer detailed information regarding the estimated burden, such as time or financial costs that the proposed information collection might impose on those who participate. This omission makes it challenging for the public to accurately gauge the impact or merit of the process.
Technical Language: References to specific laws and regulations like the Housing and Community Development Act of 1980 and Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 are included without sufficient explanation. This technical jargon may hinder understanding for those less familiar with these legal frameworks.
Incomplete Reference to Regulations: The document mentions the final rule published on February 28, 2024, but fails to provide a comprehensive summary. Greater context regarding the rule's relevance and its connection to the survey would enhance understanding.
Absence of Budget or Cost Estimates: The lack of detailed budget information or cost estimates for undertaking the survey leaves questions about resource efficiency and justification unanswered.
Limited Details on Data Utilization: While the data's purpose is briefly mentioned, elaborating on how collected information impacts policy-making or decision-making processes could provide stronger justification for its necessity.
Impact on the Public
The document has the potential to broadly affect the public by shaping housing policies, loan availability, and affordability of manufactured homes. Since manufactured homes are a vital part of affordable housing in the U.S., the survey's outcomes could have a ripple effect on housing markets and living conditions, particularly in economically diverse regions.
Impact on Specific Stakeholders
Housing Developers and Manufacturers: These stakeholders could see impacts on regulatory compliance and production adjustments based on survey findings about market trends and loan limits.
Homebuyers and Homeowners: For individuals investing in manufactured homes, changes in loan limits and market pricing can directly affect purchasing options, affordability, and financing capabilities.
Financial Institutions: Lenders involved in the financing of manufactured homes will be influenced by the data-driven adjustments HUD makes to loan limits and policies based on survey insights.
In conclusion, while the document serves as a critical step in ensuring systematic data collection for better housing policy formulation, addressing the noted issues could significantly improve the transparency, clarity, and accessibility of the notice for a broader audience.
Issues
• The notice does not provide specific information on the estimated burden of the proposed collection of information, which can make it difficult for the public to fully assess the impact.
• The document uses some technical language and references to laws and regulations (e.g., Housing and Community Development Act of 1980, Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008) without fully explaining them, making it less accessible to readers who are not familiar with these acts.
• The final rule published on February 28, 2024, is mentioned in passing without providing a summary or explanation of its content, which could help the reader understand its relevance to the survey.
• No budget or cost estimates are provided for the information collection process or the survey administration, leaving it unclear whether resources allocated are efficient and justified.
• The information on how the data will be used and its practical utility could be expanded to provide better context and justification for the data collection.