The Presidential Daily Brief

Secretary Julián Castro Curates OZY’s PDB

OZY is pleased to have Julián Castro, U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, present this weekend’s Presidential Daily Brief. Previous guest curators include Jeb Bush, Arianna Huffington and Tony Blair, among many others. Secretary Castro shares his views on everything from millennials moving into their own homes to the extreme drought in California. Since moving to Washington to lead what he calls the “Department of Opportunity,” Castro has visited 25 states and 40 cities, keeping up with communities he meets via Twitter and Instagram. The proud son of political activist Rosie Castro, he wishes all moms a very happy Mother’s Day.

American Millennials Are Moving Up and Out

More millennials are finding a place to call their own. What’s more, the number of U.S. households grew by 1.48 million in the first quarter of this year, following a 1.66 million increase in the last quarter of 2014. This marks the housing market’s sharpest gains in nearly 10 years and is yet another sign that the sector is re-emerging as an engine of economic growth. At HUD, we are working hard to create more opportunities for millennials — and all Americans — by making homeownership more affordable and expanding the nation’s supply of affordable rental housing.   

Bloomberg

Helping Families Find a Path Out of Poverty

There is such a thing as getting a leg up. A new study draws on the findings from HUD’s 10-year housing project, Moving to Opportunity, which measured the long-term effects of transitioning families away from neighborhoods with deeply concentrated poverty to low-poverty environments. Evidence shows that strong investment in professional training, infrastructure and education is key to creating opportunities in distressed communities. Through efforts like President Obama’s Promise Zones, we’re working to ensure that no one’s chances are limited based on their zip code. 

NYT

Dry Spell Is Proving Disastrous for California

It’s become the drought of the century. Water shortages have placed huge burdens on families and farmers alike, devastating millions of trees in state forests. It’s estimated that the crisis will cost the state’s economy $3 billion this year alone. But Californians are fighting back: Santa Barbara is just one community drawing on past experience to map a comprehensive plan to cut water usage — and it’s working. Such efforts are sounding an alarm to all Americans that the time to address climate change is now.

NPR, CNBC

Cuban Leader Finds Religion at Papal Audience, Two Accused of Killing Mississippi Cops 

Raul Castro says he’ll rejoin church after meeting pope. (USA Today)

Police arrest two in killing of two Mississippi police officers. (ABC)

Clashes that claimed 22 in Macedonia blamed on Kosovans. (BBC)

Man kills four, then self in Swiss domestic shooting. (Reuters)

Former President Jimmy Carter, 90, falls ill, cancels trip. (CNN)