HUD Joins NIHHIS to Fight Extreme Heat and Climate Change

HUD recently announced that it has joined over 25 federal agencies in a coordinated effort to address the growing threats of extreme heat and climate change. As part of the National Integrated Heat Health Information System (NIHHIS), HUD is supporting the nation's first-ever National Heat Strategy for 2024-2030, which provides a framework for developing science-based solutions to mitigate the dangerous effects of extreme heat.

One level deeper: Extreme heat is a serious and growing threat in the U.S., causing an average of 1,220 deaths annually according to CDC estimates. “The dangerous impact of extreme heat on American communities – particularly hurting our most vulnerable residents, is undeniable,” said HUD Acting Secretary Adrianne Todman. “HUD is working to create resilient, sustainable, healthy, and inclusive communities for all to ensure the households we serve are protected from extreme heat hazards.”

The bottom line: This announcement is the latest in HUD actions to address extreme heat and climate change. In July, HUD convened its first ever Insurance Summit, during which participants addressed the rising cost of property insurance and solutions to mitigate the impact on communities across the country. 

In June, HUD released new guidance to Public Housing Agencies (PHAs) to reduce the threat of extreme heat for residents. This guidance provides families with relief during periods of severe or extreme heat, helping them afford to cool their homes. These new options allow PHAs to increase utility allowances for residents or waive surcharges for cooling, enabling residents to use air conditioning during extreme heat. 

And in April, HUD published a webpage on Extreme Heat that serves as a hub, highlighting actions communities can take to prepare and respond to extreme heat events and resources to help fund climate resilience projects.

You can find out more about HUD’s efforts in our July feature, “Responding to Extreme Heat: HUD Offers Help to PHAs,” available to premium subscribers here.