The government just redefined what counts as a 'city' for housing programs

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is updating its definition of what counts as a metropolitan area. This means how HUD allocates funds and administers programs will now be based on the 2020 census data, rather than older standards.

How the government defines a 'city' or 'metropolitan area' directly affects where federal money goes for housing, infrastructure, and development. When these definitions change, some areas gain access to funding or programs, while others might lose it. This update means that areas that have grown or shrunk significantly since the last census will see their eligibility for various HUD programs shift, potentially redirecting billions in federal aid over time.