The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development is doing financial audits of Indianapolis Housing Authority’s Section 8 and low rent housing properties.

Among other things, the bill would require those who maintain public housing to test for lead, notify residents if it was found, and help reduce their lead exposure through things like water filters.

A number of studies have found that Black-owned homes are undervalued when compared to those of white homeowners. This is especially true in historically Black neighborhoods.

More than 50 projects to improve housing and communities in Indianapolis will receive federal funds.

The funding announced last week by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development will go to 40 of Indiana's public housing authorities for projects such as replacing roofs, upgrading heating systems and other improvements.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development said the grants will directly support the housing counseling services provided by the HUD-approved groups, including helping people assess their readiness for a home purchase and navigating the home-buying process.

Opportunity zones are low-income areas where investments and developments are eligible for federal tax breaks.

HUD said Thursday the Indianapolis Housing Agency is receiving a $243,000 grant, and housing authorities in Evansville, Fort Wayne, New Albany and Terre Haute each are getting grants of more than $100,000.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has awarded more than $18 million to 82 local homeless assistance programs across Indiana.

During an audience-submitted Q-and-A session, Carson said public-private initiatives at the local level are essential to improving public assistance.