News
08-08-22
August Advocacy: Urge Congress to expand the HCV program
07-19-22
Vote for your favorite What Home Means to Me Poster!
03-16-22
Conference Registration is Open!
NEWS ARCHIVE
08-02-21
August of Advocacy + Announcing our 2021-2023 Board of Directors
07-22-21
Congratulations to our 2021 Award Winners and Scholarship Recipients!
03-25-21
Advocacy Alert: Tell Congress Housing is Infrastructure
03-11-21
Mountain Plains NAHRO Q1 Newsletter
9-2-20
Congratulations to our 2020 MPNAHRO Regional Housing America Poster Contest Winners!
9-1-20
Back to School with MPNAHRO
8-25-20
Advocacy Alert: Ensure Your Voice is Heard!
8-6-20
MPNAHRO Announces Revenue Share with NAHRO
8-1-20
Advocacy Alert: Join NAHRO's August of Advocacy
7-27-20
Mountain Plains NAHRO Q2 2020 Newsletter: Vote for our regional poster contest winner, advocacy update and more!
12-03-19
Fargo Housing awarded 100 new HUD Mainstream Vouchers to assist particularly vulnerable Fargo residents
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) recently notified Fargo Housing of a new award of funds from HUD’s Mainstream Voucher Program for 100 new affordable housing vouchers to non-elderly, disabled persons, who are particularly vulnerable or at-risk of homelessness. Through this award, HUD is providing $647,544 in new funding for the next year.
Through these new Mainstream vouchers, Fargo Housing will provide affordable housing opportunities to families and individuals with disabilities, who are currently experiencing homelessness, are at risk of experiencing homelessness, transitioning out of institutions, or at risk of institutionalization. This new funding and financial reporting for the Mainstream Voucher Program is separate from the regular tenant-based voucher program Fargo Housing provides on behalf of HUD.
About Fargo Housing
Fargo Housing serves its mission of “Empowering People to Achieve Independence Through Housing” through responsible and efficient administration of the federal Housing Choice Voucher program to supplement rent expense for those most in need, through property management of a variety of affordable housing projects, and through property development of additional safe and affordable housing for residents of the Fargo, ND area. Fargo Housing offers a variety of affordable housing options ranging from HUD-subsidized units for families, seniors, veterans, or persons with disabilities to projects that are more service-enriched and designed specifically for persons coming out of homelessness.
To learn more about Fargo Housing and its programs, visit www.fargohousing.org. Phone Number: (701) 478-2552
Contact: [email protected]; Website: www.fargohousing.org
April 24, 2019
NAHRO Professional Development Partner of the Year Award
NAHRO is accepting applications for this award through May 31. Please click here to download the application.
The award recognizes individuals that have made significant contributions to NAHRO Professional Development at the State, Regional and/or the National level. The recipient will have demonstrated commitment to Professional Development in the field of Housing and Community Development over a sustained period of time and possess a strong knowledge base of the industry.
March 1, 2019
Utah NAHRO Annual Conference, March 27-29, 2019, St. George, Utah
Click here to download program schedule. Click here for registration form.
January 29, 2019
Fargo Housing and the Rape and Abuse Crisis Center of Fargo-Moorhead Announce New Partnership
FARGO, ND (Jan. 28, 2019) – Today the Fargo Housing and Redevelopment Authority (FHRA) and the Rape and Abuse Crisis Center of Fargo-Moorhead (RACC) announce a new partnership making the RACC the first point of contact in the local community for victims of domestic violence seeking housing assistance.
Those seeking affordable housing based on domestic violence will now meet with an RACC representative, who will assess the individual’s level of danger over the last thirty days, any history of violence within last six months, as well as documented reports from law enforcement or other community providers. The RACC will then provide initial recommendations to FHRA for housing assistance based upon the RACC’s screening criteria.
Fargo Housing has been coordinating the prioritization for victims of domestic violence for over a decade, assisting hundreds of victims to acquire safe, affordable housing free from the abuse that they endured.
Fargo Housing’s Executive Director Matthew Pike said, “This new partnership provides victims of domestic violence an alternative to the shelter system by maintaining their tenant rights and self-determination, while also receiving expert assistance in a time of crisis.”
“RACC is proud to partner with the Fargo Housing and Redevelopment Authority to create housing opportunities that promote independence, safety and dignity for those escaping domestic violence,” added Dr. Christopher Johnson, CEO of the Rape and Abuse Crisis Center of Fargo-Moorhead.
About Fargo Housing & Redevelopment Authority (FHRA)
Fargo Housing & Redevelopment Authority’s serves its mission of “Empowering People to Achieve Independence Through Housing” through responsible and efficient administration of the federal Housing Choice Voucher program to supplement rent expense for those most in need, through property management of a variety of affordable housing projects, and through property development of additional safe and affordable housing for residents of the Fargo, ND area. FHRA offers a variety of affordable housing options ranging from HUD-subsidized units for families, seniors, veterans, or persons with disabilities to projects that are more service-enriched and designed specifically for persons coming out of homelessness.
To learn more about Fargo Housing & Redevelopment and its programs, visit their website at www.fargohousing.org.
About the Rape and Abuse Crisis Center of Fargo-Moorhead
The Rape and Abuse Crisis Center of Fargo-Moorhead (RACC) is committed to providing comprehensive services to victims of domestic/dating violence, sexual assault, elder abuse, trafficking/sexual exploitation and child sexual abuse and to transforming our community's response violence and abuse to ensure healing for those who have been victimized and personal safety for all. All services are free, confidential and available to all child, adolescent, adult and elder victims and their families. In 2018, RACC served 2,775 individuals, including 565 children, and gave 1263 prevention and education presentations in the community reaching over 18,000 people. For more information, visit their website at raccfm.com.
For more information, see www.raccfm.com.
February 10, 2018
Washington Update from Tess Hembree at NAHRO- [email protected]
FeIt seems as though we finally have a budget deal, almost. Senate leadership announced this afternoon an agreement to lift the spending caps for FY 2018 and FY 2019 by approximately $300 billion. Unfortunately, the funding appears to not be divided equally between defense and non-defense spending, though I’m going to hold off on quoting hard numbers as I’m seeing contradictory information about the new caps being reported. I’ll confirm the cap numbers and whether there is parity as soon as the details are made public. Regardless, it does look like there is a decent increase to non-defense spending.
The deal was approved by a bipartisan group of Senate leadership and has been sent over to the House for consideration by their leadership. There are still a few provisions of the deal that are being discussed, including:
It’s disappointing to see that bill was stripped out of the deal, but I would still mention it to your House members (particularly Democrats who have a bit of bargaining power at the moment) when you contact your legislators about the CR and budget deal. Senator Cantwell’s office is looking toward the (presumptive) omnibus as the next potential vehicle for her bill. I’ll give you details on that if/when we get there.
Right now, we’re waiting to see if the House can support the deal, which might be easier said than done. Minority Leader Nancy Pelsoi (D-Cali.) came out against the deal today and has been on the floor for over four hours talking about immigration policy and the dreamers. It also appears that House Freedom Caucus members are against the deal and many have tweeted very strong opposition to the increases in spending. Ultimately, leadership seems confident that they can get something passed.
Democrats are probably an easier sell and it seems they may be willing to agree to a deal if House leadership vows to hold a vote on dreamers and DACA before March, similar to the agreement made in the Senate a couple weeks ago. They may also ask for other concessions in agreement for votes, which is why it’s still a good idea to contact Democratic representatives about Cantwell-Hatch as a tax extender until we have a final vote. My understanding is that House Republicans are whipping votes late this afternoon on the deal, at which point we’ll know what level of Democratic support is needed to approve the deal.
Despite the work in the House to get the votes, the ball is actually in the Senate’s court; the House approved a continuing resolution last night, which was expected to be re-written by the Senate, as it included the full year FY 2018 Defense appropriations bill. My understanding is that if the House has the votes for a budget deal, they’ll strip the House language from the CR and add the budget deal, keeping the House CR expiration date of Friday, March 23. The Senate will then need to waive their rules to quickly approve the CR/budget deal, sending it back to the House for a final vote. If the House does not have the votes to approve the budget deal, the Senate will still have the option to strip the Defense bill from the House CR and send it back to the House. This all needs to be done by 12:01 am on Friday morning to avoid another shutdown. Despite a statement in support of a shutdown made yesterday by the President, it appears at this point that the White House is generally in support of the deal and will sign off on it.
While there is a lot of room for error and a deal is far from finalized, I’m going to go out on a limb and say the likelihood of a shutdown is low(ish) right now. However, this situation is rapidly changing, so I’ll let you know if I get the sense that negotiations are falling apart. Let’s hope that this is the last of the FY 2018 drama and on Friday we can turn our attention to omnibus strategies.
This is kind of a lot of information to digest, so please don’t hesitate to reach out if you need clarification of if you have any questions.
bruary 28, 2017
Celebrate 10 Years of Housing America
Established in 2007 by the NAHRO Board of Governors, Housing America is the national public affairs campaign that raises awareness of the need for and importance of safe, quality, affordable housing. This year, the campaign will celebrate its anniversary in a variety of ways.
During the Washington Conference, Housing America will host a book drive. Book drop-off will be located in the NAHRO conference registration area. Please represent our region by donating a book!
The Housing America Task Force will also host a concert Monday, March 27, 2017 from 8-10 p.m. at the conference hotel. The concert will feature the alternative country band, The Honeycutters, and art from past “What Home Means to Me” calendar contest winners, which will be available for purchase.
Thank you for your continued support. More information can be found here: http://www.nahro.org/housing-america
January 31, 2017
Uncertainty Over Tax Reform in Hurting Affordable Housing
Click here for an educational discussion of how the uncertainty about tax reform is already hurting affordable housing and the Low Income Housing Tax Credit program.
January 23, 2017
Court Rules in Favor of Plaintiffs in Operating Reserves Litigation
PHADA and NAHRO are pleased to announce that on January 18th the U.S. Court of Federal Claims found in favor of nearly 350 public housing authorities that brought a lawsuit against the federal government challenging HUD’s reduction of their FY 2012 operating fund subsidies based on the amount of Plaintiffs’ so-called “excess” operating reserves. The President’s FY 2012 budget proposal included an Operating Fund request of just $3,961,850 which was $1 billion short of the amount needed to pay the aggregate estimated operating subsidy eligibility amount. HUD devised an “allocation adjustment” based on the level of savings agencies had accumulated in their operating fund reserves. As proposed, this allocation adjustment would have offset the aggregate amount of operating fund subsidies to which PHAs were entitled in 2012 by the amount of the PHAs’ “excess” operating reserves up to $1 billion. At the Department’s behest, Congress approved the plan, changing the aggregate amount of reserves that could be used as an offset to $750 million.
With PHADA and NAHRO as the lead Plaintiffs, a lawsuit was filed on January 3, 2013. Collaborating with PHADA and NAHRO, Coan & Lyons, a Washington, DC law firm, prepared the case based on the claim that HUD’s offset breached the Annual Contributions Contract (ACC of the PHA Plaintiffs in 2012 when “rather than reducing their subsidy payments by a uniform percentage (pro-rata basis), it first offset each PHA’s payment by a figure that varied from one PHA to another – the amount of its excess operating reserves.”
Judge Elaine D. Kaplan stated in her decision that HUD “breached its [contractual] obligations under the ACCs when it applied the [excess] operating [reserves] offset in response to the 2012 Appropriations Act, rather than the pro rata reduction prescribed by” HUD’s regulations. As noted by Judge Kaplan, the plaintiffs requested compensatory damages of almost $136 million.
The Court has ordered the attorneys to file a status report by February 17, suggesting how the Court should proceed. Carl Coan, III, Plaintiffs’ lead attorney, believes that the next logical step will be to calculate the exact damages to which the Plaintiffs are entitled and submit them to the Court for approval. Assuming the parties can agree on the amount of damages, the Court will enter a final judgment and order awarding Plaintiffs their damages.
Tim Kaiser, PHADA Executive Director said, “We appreciate the Court’s decision. We tried to dissuade HUD from implementing this unfair and damaging plan as soon as we heard about it. HUD decided to go ahead and it left us with no alternative but to organize a legal action to enforce the existing contract between HUD and its many PHA partners.”
John Bohm, Acting Chief Executive Officer of NAHRO stated “NAHRO applauds the Court’s ruling on this matter. This responsible decision addresses the critical concerns raised by housing authorities across the country, and we hope that it will serve as a benchmark for future decision-making on these matters.”
The Court’s ruling may be accessed here https://ecf.cofc.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/show_public_doc?2013cv0006-66-0.
August Advocacy: Urge Congress to expand the HCV program
07-19-22
Vote for your favorite What Home Means to Me Poster!
03-16-22
Conference Registration is Open!
NEWS ARCHIVE
08-02-21
August of Advocacy + Announcing our 2021-2023 Board of Directors
07-22-21
Congratulations to our 2021 Award Winners and Scholarship Recipients!
03-25-21
Advocacy Alert: Tell Congress Housing is Infrastructure
03-11-21
Mountain Plains NAHRO Q1 Newsletter
9-2-20
Congratulations to our 2020 MPNAHRO Regional Housing America Poster Contest Winners!
9-1-20
Back to School with MPNAHRO
8-25-20
Advocacy Alert: Ensure Your Voice is Heard!
8-6-20
MPNAHRO Announces Revenue Share with NAHRO
8-1-20
Advocacy Alert: Join NAHRO's August of Advocacy
7-27-20
Mountain Plains NAHRO Q2 2020 Newsletter: Vote for our regional poster contest winner, advocacy update and more!
12-03-19
Fargo Housing awarded 100 new HUD Mainstream Vouchers to assist particularly vulnerable Fargo residents
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) recently notified Fargo Housing of a new award of funds from HUD’s Mainstream Voucher Program for 100 new affordable housing vouchers to non-elderly, disabled persons, who are particularly vulnerable or at-risk of homelessness. Through this award, HUD is providing $647,544 in new funding for the next year.
Through these new Mainstream vouchers, Fargo Housing will provide affordable housing opportunities to families and individuals with disabilities, who are currently experiencing homelessness, are at risk of experiencing homelessness, transitioning out of institutions, or at risk of institutionalization. This new funding and financial reporting for the Mainstream Voucher Program is separate from the regular tenant-based voucher program Fargo Housing provides on behalf of HUD.
About Fargo Housing
Fargo Housing serves its mission of “Empowering People to Achieve Independence Through Housing” through responsible and efficient administration of the federal Housing Choice Voucher program to supplement rent expense for those most in need, through property management of a variety of affordable housing projects, and through property development of additional safe and affordable housing for residents of the Fargo, ND area. Fargo Housing offers a variety of affordable housing options ranging from HUD-subsidized units for families, seniors, veterans, or persons with disabilities to projects that are more service-enriched and designed specifically for persons coming out of homelessness.
To learn more about Fargo Housing and its programs, visit www.fargohousing.org. Phone Number: (701) 478-2552
Contact: [email protected]; Website: www.fargohousing.org
April 24, 2019
NAHRO Professional Development Partner of the Year Award
NAHRO is accepting applications for this award through May 31. Please click here to download the application.
The award recognizes individuals that have made significant contributions to NAHRO Professional Development at the State, Regional and/or the National level. The recipient will have demonstrated commitment to Professional Development in the field of Housing and Community Development over a sustained period of time and possess a strong knowledge base of the industry.
March 1, 2019
Utah NAHRO Annual Conference, March 27-29, 2019, St. George, Utah
Click here to download program schedule. Click here for registration form.
January 29, 2019
Fargo Housing and the Rape and Abuse Crisis Center of Fargo-Moorhead Announce New Partnership
FARGO, ND (Jan. 28, 2019) – Today the Fargo Housing and Redevelopment Authority (FHRA) and the Rape and Abuse Crisis Center of Fargo-Moorhead (RACC) announce a new partnership making the RACC the first point of contact in the local community for victims of domestic violence seeking housing assistance.
Those seeking affordable housing based on domestic violence will now meet with an RACC representative, who will assess the individual’s level of danger over the last thirty days, any history of violence within last six months, as well as documented reports from law enforcement or other community providers. The RACC will then provide initial recommendations to FHRA for housing assistance based upon the RACC’s screening criteria.
Fargo Housing has been coordinating the prioritization for victims of domestic violence for over a decade, assisting hundreds of victims to acquire safe, affordable housing free from the abuse that they endured.
Fargo Housing’s Executive Director Matthew Pike said, “This new partnership provides victims of domestic violence an alternative to the shelter system by maintaining their tenant rights and self-determination, while also receiving expert assistance in a time of crisis.”
“RACC is proud to partner with the Fargo Housing and Redevelopment Authority to create housing opportunities that promote independence, safety and dignity for those escaping domestic violence,” added Dr. Christopher Johnson, CEO of the Rape and Abuse Crisis Center of Fargo-Moorhead.
About Fargo Housing & Redevelopment Authority (FHRA)
Fargo Housing & Redevelopment Authority’s serves its mission of “Empowering People to Achieve Independence Through Housing” through responsible and efficient administration of the federal Housing Choice Voucher program to supplement rent expense for those most in need, through property management of a variety of affordable housing projects, and through property development of additional safe and affordable housing for residents of the Fargo, ND area. FHRA offers a variety of affordable housing options ranging from HUD-subsidized units for families, seniors, veterans, or persons with disabilities to projects that are more service-enriched and designed specifically for persons coming out of homelessness.
To learn more about Fargo Housing & Redevelopment and its programs, visit their website at www.fargohousing.org.
About the Rape and Abuse Crisis Center of Fargo-Moorhead
The Rape and Abuse Crisis Center of Fargo-Moorhead (RACC) is committed to providing comprehensive services to victims of domestic/dating violence, sexual assault, elder abuse, trafficking/sexual exploitation and child sexual abuse and to transforming our community's response violence and abuse to ensure healing for those who have been victimized and personal safety for all. All services are free, confidential and available to all child, adolescent, adult and elder victims and their families. In 2018, RACC served 2,775 individuals, including 565 children, and gave 1263 prevention and education presentations in the community reaching over 18,000 people. For more information, visit their website at raccfm.com.
For more information, see www.raccfm.com.
February 10, 2018
Washington Update from Tess Hembree at NAHRO- [email protected]
FeIt seems as though we finally have a budget deal, almost. Senate leadership announced this afternoon an agreement to lift the spending caps for FY 2018 and FY 2019 by approximately $300 billion. Unfortunately, the funding appears to not be divided equally between defense and non-defense spending, though I’m going to hold off on quoting hard numbers as I’m seeing contradictory information about the new caps being reported. I’ll confirm the cap numbers and whether there is parity as soon as the details are made public. Regardless, it does look like there is a decent increase to non-defense spending.
The deal was approved by a bipartisan group of Senate leadership and has been sent over to the House for consideration by their leadership. There are still a few provisions of the deal that are being discussed, including:
- Debt ceiling: negotiations are still on-going over whether to include an increase to the debt ceiling that would extend beyond the mid-term elections in November. If Congress does not take action, the ability of the Treasury to meet the nation’s current debt obligations will run out by the end of the month.
- Disaster relief: an $81 billion disaster relief supplemental package is being considered as a part of the deal, though it’s unclear what form that will take as the Senate disagreed with the structure of the package that was approved by the House in December.
- Tax extenders: There are some disagreements in the House over whether to include tax extenders as a part of the deal and which extenders should be in the deal. Unfortunately, Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) to include her Affordable Housing Tax Credit Improvement Act (S. 548) appears to have fallen short, we learned just a few minutes ago. The Senate sent over the budget deal with tax extenders that included the full Cantwell-Hatch bill, though in order to make it look like a tax extender, they had to add a 2 year sunset clause to the entire bill, which could have been problematic in the long-term. When House leadership looked at the tax extenders, they insisted the Cantwell-Hatch bill be pulled out, as it’s not an actual tax extender.
It’s disappointing to see that bill was stripped out of the deal, but I would still mention it to your House members (particularly Democrats who have a bit of bargaining power at the moment) when you contact your legislators about the CR and budget deal. Senator Cantwell’s office is looking toward the (presumptive) omnibus as the next potential vehicle for her bill. I’ll give you details on that if/when we get there.
Right now, we’re waiting to see if the House can support the deal, which might be easier said than done. Minority Leader Nancy Pelsoi (D-Cali.) came out against the deal today and has been on the floor for over four hours talking about immigration policy and the dreamers. It also appears that House Freedom Caucus members are against the deal and many have tweeted very strong opposition to the increases in spending. Ultimately, leadership seems confident that they can get something passed.
Democrats are probably an easier sell and it seems they may be willing to agree to a deal if House leadership vows to hold a vote on dreamers and DACA before March, similar to the agreement made in the Senate a couple weeks ago. They may also ask for other concessions in agreement for votes, which is why it’s still a good idea to contact Democratic representatives about Cantwell-Hatch as a tax extender until we have a final vote. My understanding is that House Republicans are whipping votes late this afternoon on the deal, at which point we’ll know what level of Democratic support is needed to approve the deal.
Despite the work in the House to get the votes, the ball is actually in the Senate’s court; the House approved a continuing resolution last night, which was expected to be re-written by the Senate, as it included the full year FY 2018 Defense appropriations bill. My understanding is that if the House has the votes for a budget deal, they’ll strip the House language from the CR and add the budget deal, keeping the House CR expiration date of Friday, March 23. The Senate will then need to waive their rules to quickly approve the CR/budget deal, sending it back to the House for a final vote. If the House does not have the votes to approve the budget deal, the Senate will still have the option to strip the Defense bill from the House CR and send it back to the House. This all needs to be done by 12:01 am on Friday morning to avoid another shutdown. Despite a statement in support of a shutdown made yesterday by the President, it appears at this point that the White House is generally in support of the deal and will sign off on it.
While there is a lot of room for error and a deal is far from finalized, I’m going to go out on a limb and say the likelihood of a shutdown is low(ish) right now. However, this situation is rapidly changing, so I’ll let you know if I get the sense that negotiations are falling apart. Let’s hope that this is the last of the FY 2018 drama and on Friday we can turn our attention to omnibus strategies.
This is kind of a lot of information to digest, so please don’t hesitate to reach out if you need clarification of if you have any questions.
bruary 28, 2017
Celebrate 10 Years of Housing America
Established in 2007 by the NAHRO Board of Governors, Housing America is the national public affairs campaign that raises awareness of the need for and importance of safe, quality, affordable housing. This year, the campaign will celebrate its anniversary in a variety of ways.
During the Washington Conference, Housing America will host a book drive. Book drop-off will be located in the NAHRO conference registration area. Please represent our region by donating a book!
The Housing America Task Force will also host a concert Monday, March 27, 2017 from 8-10 p.m. at the conference hotel. The concert will feature the alternative country band, The Honeycutters, and art from past “What Home Means to Me” calendar contest winners, which will be available for purchase.
Thank you for your continued support. More information can be found here: http://www.nahro.org/housing-america
January 31, 2017
Uncertainty Over Tax Reform in Hurting Affordable Housing
Click here for an educational discussion of how the uncertainty about tax reform is already hurting affordable housing and the Low Income Housing Tax Credit program.
January 23, 2017
Court Rules in Favor of Plaintiffs in Operating Reserves Litigation
PHADA and NAHRO are pleased to announce that on January 18th the U.S. Court of Federal Claims found in favor of nearly 350 public housing authorities that brought a lawsuit against the federal government challenging HUD’s reduction of their FY 2012 operating fund subsidies based on the amount of Plaintiffs’ so-called “excess” operating reserves. The President’s FY 2012 budget proposal included an Operating Fund request of just $3,961,850 which was $1 billion short of the amount needed to pay the aggregate estimated operating subsidy eligibility amount. HUD devised an “allocation adjustment” based on the level of savings agencies had accumulated in their operating fund reserves. As proposed, this allocation adjustment would have offset the aggregate amount of operating fund subsidies to which PHAs were entitled in 2012 by the amount of the PHAs’ “excess” operating reserves up to $1 billion. At the Department’s behest, Congress approved the plan, changing the aggregate amount of reserves that could be used as an offset to $750 million.
With PHADA and NAHRO as the lead Plaintiffs, a lawsuit was filed on January 3, 2013. Collaborating with PHADA and NAHRO, Coan & Lyons, a Washington, DC law firm, prepared the case based on the claim that HUD’s offset breached the Annual Contributions Contract (ACC of the PHA Plaintiffs in 2012 when “rather than reducing their subsidy payments by a uniform percentage (pro-rata basis), it first offset each PHA’s payment by a figure that varied from one PHA to another – the amount of its excess operating reserves.”
Judge Elaine D. Kaplan stated in her decision that HUD “breached its [contractual] obligations under the ACCs when it applied the [excess] operating [reserves] offset in response to the 2012 Appropriations Act, rather than the pro rata reduction prescribed by” HUD’s regulations. As noted by Judge Kaplan, the plaintiffs requested compensatory damages of almost $136 million.
The Court has ordered the attorneys to file a status report by February 17, suggesting how the Court should proceed. Carl Coan, III, Plaintiffs’ lead attorney, believes that the next logical step will be to calculate the exact damages to which the Plaintiffs are entitled and submit them to the Court for approval. Assuming the parties can agree on the amount of damages, the Court will enter a final judgment and order awarding Plaintiffs their damages.
Tim Kaiser, PHADA Executive Director said, “We appreciate the Court’s decision. We tried to dissuade HUD from implementing this unfair and damaging plan as soon as we heard about it. HUD decided to go ahead and it left us with no alternative but to organize a legal action to enforce the existing contract between HUD and its many PHA partners.”
John Bohm, Acting Chief Executive Officer of NAHRO stated “NAHRO applauds the Court’s ruling on this matter. This responsible decision addresses the critical concerns raised by housing authorities across the country, and we hope that it will serve as a benchmark for future decision-making on these matters.”
The Court’s ruling may be accessed here https://ecf.cofc.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/show_public_doc?2013cv0006-66-0.
July 26, 2016
The International Research and Global Exchange Committee
A Committee member’s experience
by Dan Trozzi, IRGE member
As an individual who worked in several countries, experiencing everyday life as a resident not as a tourist, I was anxious to join NAHRO’s International Research and Global Exchange (IRGE) committee to share my everyday experiences living and working abroad. What I learned was far more important from those on the committee and from NAHRO’s international partners. I learned about the difficulties and obstacles they face on a daily basis to provide and manage affordable, sanitary housing and create viable communities on a global scale. I did not realize that many of the complexes I traveled past every day, in several of the countries I worked, were public and subsidized housing units until I joined the committee. Appearances and attitudes were very different than what I was exposed to here.
Many countries throughout the world face the same affordable housing crises we do but on a much different scale. Our goals are the same but some are face with much more critical demands such as supplying clean water and having a reliable infrastructure. There were many similarities but yet many differences. The challenges can be far greater for some of our international members than those we have to deal with here in this country. They may differ in magnitude but we are all driven by the same purpose: to provide affordable housing and decent living conditions for lower income and marginalized populations.
A major obstacle that almost all agencies are faced with in the world is shrinking funding resources primarily government. Government in many countries has been the primary source of funding for housing and community development agencies and many have significantly scaled back their funding as is the story here. Agencies are forced toward alternative sources and explore creative ways and methods to fund their programs. Many have found some but few are sufficient on their own to satisfy the need. It has caused disruptions for many providers and a decline in service levels. This alone tells the story why we need to have a global conversation and collaboration to learn from one another to help address these issues.
In my first term on the IRGE committee, I traveled to Medellin, Columbia to attend the World Urban Forum. Twenty years ago Medellin was one the most dangerous cities in the world but after a drug cartel king pin was killed, ethical and responsible political leadership transformed the city into a safe and vibrant one. I along with two other NAHRO delegates traveled throughout the city in total safety and joined the 22,000 representatives from 147 nations for the WUF, a UN Habitat Program. It was one of the more exhilarating and exciting conference experiences I have ever had and one of the most informative. To experience so many educational sessions from the world’s top urban planning experts discussing sustainability, safety, environmental protection, health, sanitary water systems, renewability, diversity, evacuation plans and many, many other topics was inspiring. I was so impressed by the amount of information provided it was definitely an overload, and the people so intimately involved with these programs were just as impressive.
Most recently I traveled to Paris to attend and speak at the International Urban Development Association (INTA). This French based organization’s members consist of executive level representatives from Africa, Asia, Indonesia, Europe, Canada, Australia, South America, the USA and other locations. It too was a very impressive conference. INTA has been associated with NAHRO for quite a few years as have organizations in many other countries. A few of those include: Canada, South Africa, Israel, the UK and Australia. This year the IRGE is looking forward to the Habitat III conference in Quito, Equator. This is a conference that occurs once every twenty years. It should be another electric event to learn and gain from organizations from around the world to address the need to feed and house its growing population.
One important note on attending international conferences or other special events, IRGE members do this on their own dime. NAHRO does not cover an individual’s travel or other associated expenses nor should the individual’s agency be asked to reimburse foreign expenses. IRGE wants to avoid any appearance of impropriety and conflicts of interest.
Finally, the IRGE is “urging” all state and regional chapters to consider developing their own IRGE committees. All interests and needs today are global and with an international border, the PSWRC is a prime candidate for an IRGE committee. Besides partnerships with many international organizations, IRGE is involved in study exchanges, education, advocacy and advisory committees. I hope everyone will consider getting more involved in international housing and community matters and joining our International Resource and Global Exchange Committee.
The International Research and Global Exchange Committee
A Committee member’s experience
by Dan Trozzi, IRGE member
As an individual who worked in several countries, experiencing everyday life as a resident not as a tourist, I was anxious to join NAHRO’s International Research and Global Exchange (IRGE) committee to share my everyday experiences living and working abroad. What I learned was far more important from those on the committee and from NAHRO’s international partners. I learned about the difficulties and obstacles they face on a daily basis to provide and manage affordable, sanitary housing and create viable communities on a global scale. I did not realize that many of the complexes I traveled past every day, in several of the countries I worked, were public and subsidized housing units until I joined the committee. Appearances and attitudes were very different than what I was exposed to here.
Many countries throughout the world face the same affordable housing crises we do but on a much different scale. Our goals are the same but some are face with much more critical demands such as supplying clean water and having a reliable infrastructure. There were many similarities but yet many differences. The challenges can be far greater for some of our international members than those we have to deal with here in this country. They may differ in magnitude but we are all driven by the same purpose: to provide affordable housing and decent living conditions for lower income and marginalized populations.
A major obstacle that almost all agencies are faced with in the world is shrinking funding resources primarily government. Government in many countries has been the primary source of funding for housing and community development agencies and many have significantly scaled back their funding as is the story here. Agencies are forced toward alternative sources and explore creative ways and methods to fund their programs. Many have found some but few are sufficient on their own to satisfy the need. It has caused disruptions for many providers and a decline in service levels. This alone tells the story why we need to have a global conversation and collaboration to learn from one another to help address these issues.
In my first term on the IRGE committee, I traveled to Medellin, Columbia to attend the World Urban Forum. Twenty years ago Medellin was one the most dangerous cities in the world but after a drug cartel king pin was killed, ethical and responsible political leadership transformed the city into a safe and vibrant one. I along with two other NAHRO delegates traveled throughout the city in total safety and joined the 22,000 representatives from 147 nations for the WUF, a UN Habitat Program. It was one of the more exhilarating and exciting conference experiences I have ever had and one of the most informative. To experience so many educational sessions from the world’s top urban planning experts discussing sustainability, safety, environmental protection, health, sanitary water systems, renewability, diversity, evacuation plans and many, many other topics was inspiring. I was so impressed by the amount of information provided it was definitely an overload, and the people so intimately involved with these programs were just as impressive.
Most recently I traveled to Paris to attend and speak at the International Urban Development Association (INTA). This French based organization’s members consist of executive level representatives from Africa, Asia, Indonesia, Europe, Canada, Australia, South America, the USA and other locations. It too was a very impressive conference. INTA has been associated with NAHRO for quite a few years as have organizations in many other countries. A few of those include: Canada, South Africa, Israel, the UK and Australia. This year the IRGE is looking forward to the Habitat III conference in Quito, Equator. This is a conference that occurs once every twenty years. It should be another electric event to learn and gain from organizations from around the world to address the need to feed and house its growing population.
One important note on attending international conferences or other special events, IRGE members do this on their own dime. NAHRO does not cover an individual’s travel or other associated expenses nor should the individual’s agency be asked to reimburse foreign expenses. IRGE wants to avoid any appearance of impropriety and conflicts of interest.
Finally, the IRGE is “urging” all state and regional chapters to consider developing their own IRGE committees. All interests and needs today are global and with an international border, the PSWRC is a prime candidate for an IRGE committee. Besides partnerships with many international organizations, IRGE is involved in study exchanges, education, advocacy and advisory committees. I hope everyone will consider getting more involved in international housing and community matters and joining our International Resource and Global Exchange Committee.
April 26, 2016
Dr. Tom Manion, Memoriam
Alan Zais
Tom Manion was a great friend of NAHRO who passed away suddenly this Easter. The publishing of this Memoriam is in his honor.
Tom Manion, CEO of the Irwell Valley Housing Association in Manchester for over two decades, brought an indelible mark for NAHRO, speaking at many NAHRO programs and plenaries and being the first British citizen to receive the NAHRO John D. Lange International Award for his work with housing groups in Europe, Hong Kong and China. Tom was also a distinguished professional fellow of the Chartered Institute of Housing, a fellow of the Royal Society of the Arts and was awarded the Cabinet Office’s Public Servant of the Year award in 2003.
At the NAHRO 75th Anniversary plenary, Tom showed a picture of Seaman Fleet, the lookout for the Titanic on the night it sank. Would you give this man another job as a lookout, he asked the audience? Tom said that he absolutely would, because he knew that man would absolutely never make that mistake again. And this is the value Tom found in our greatest work resource—people. Tom invested in his staff of over 170 people with a gold standard that brought use of a music room, free healthcare at their home (staff sickness level was less than .5% annually), a gym, personal coaching and more. Staff did not have offices but met in informal lounge areas and otherwise spent all of their time among the residents. “I hate the term human resources”, he said. “it sounds like mining for humans.” He would say that his managers had to be sociologists, talkers and listeners. “Some people are frightened of talent or manage through bureaucracy. If that’s the case, I say kick them out.”
And Tom had a Gold standard for residents. A resident who paid their rent on time and followed the lease would be the first to receive upgrades such as kitchen marble countertops—and could even choose the one they wanted for their home. His first month on the job was evicting a family that had removed all the doors in their building to use for a pig roast. Never again; he personally attended every eviction so residents would understand what was happening and why. He had no patience for burdensome bureaucracy. Once a government official cited the association for an exit sign that was not within exact regulatory measurement from the floor. Tom’s response was to hire the kids at the site to paint a mural for the hall that boldly showed the way to the exit.
He believed in going beyond providing affordable housing , saying the management is easy but the community development was hard, “spend all of your money on health and education in your communities.” In speaking of his creativity and talent NAHRO Past President Betsey Martens said that “some people think outside the box, but with Tom there is no box.”
Tom had his own rock band, played for residents, released music CDs, and published books. His international work helped shape housing thought and policy, and he helped in bringing shelter and care to many lives. He made a difference. He died suddenly on Easter Sunday, and will be missed.
Thank you to Beth Abbit, Manchester Evening New, “Tributes to Irwell Valley housing chief Tom Manion after his sudden death”, March 29, 2016 and Inside Housing, News, Views and Jobs in Social Housing, “Manion On A Mission”, November 2, 2012, which were used for this article.
Dr. Tom Manion, Memoriam
Alan Zais
Tom Manion was a great friend of NAHRO who passed away suddenly this Easter. The publishing of this Memoriam is in his honor.
Tom Manion, CEO of the Irwell Valley Housing Association in Manchester for over two decades, brought an indelible mark for NAHRO, speaking at many NAHRO programs and plenaries and being the first British citizen to receive the NAHRO John D. Lange International Award for his work with housing groups in Europe, Hong Kong and China. Tom was also a distinguished professional fellow of the Chartered Institute of Housing, a fellow of the Royal Society of the Arts and was awarded the Cabinet Office’s Public Servant of the Year award in 2003.
At the NAHRO 75th Anniversary plenary, Tom showed a picture of Seaman Fleet, the lookout for the Titanic on the night it sank. Would you give this man another job as a lookout, he asked the audience? Tom said that he absolutely would, because he knew that man would absolutely never make that mistake again. And this is the value Tom found in our greatest work resource—people. Tom invested in his staff of over 170 people with a gold standard that brought use of a music room, free healthcare at their home (staff sickness level was less than .5% annually), a gym, personal coaching and more. Staff did not have offices but met in informal lounge areas and otherwise spent all of their time among the residents. “I hate the term human resources”, he said. “it sounds like mining for humans.” He would say that his managers had to be sociologists, talkers and listeners. “Some people are frightened of talent or manage through bureaucracy. If that’s the case, I say kick them out.”
And Tom had a Gold standard for residents. A resident who paid their rent on time and followed the lease would be the first to receive upgrades such as kitchen marble countertops—and could even choose the one they wanted for their home. His first month on the job was evicting a family that had removed all the doors in their building to use for a pig roast. Never again; he personally attended every eviction so residents would understand what was happening and why. He had no patience for burdensome bureaucracy. Once a government official cited the association for an exit sign that was not within exact regulatory measurement from the floor. Tom’s response was to hire the kids at the site to paint a mural for the hall that boldly showed the way to the exit.
He believed in going beyond providing affordable housing , saying the management is easy but the community development was hard, “spend all of your money on health and education in your communities.” In speaking of his creativity and talent NAHRO Past President Betsey Martens said that “some people think outside the box, but with Tom there is no box.”
Tom had his own rock band, played for residents, released music CDs, and published books. His international work helped shape housing thought and policy, and he helped in bringing shelter and care to many lives. He made a difference. He died suddenly on Easter Sunday, and will be missed.
Thank you to Beth Abbit, Manchester Evening New, “Tributes to Irwell Valley housing chief Tom Manion after his sudden death”, March 29, 2016 and Inside Housing, News, Views and Jobs in Social Housing, “Manion On A Mission”, November 2, 2012, which were used for this article.
04-26-16
NAHRO International Research and Global Committee News!
An IRGE member's observations from Learning from the City
By Ron Clewer
Held at the University of Chicago on March 31, this day long, regional dialogue on the global urban agenda was packed with incredible presenters and information. As one of five regional convenings, co-hosted by HUD in collaboration with civic, governmental, educational, and philanthropic partners the intent is to pave the way to Habitat III, by meeting three primary goals:
1) To provide an interactive forum for scholars, practitioners, philanthropists, students, and thought leaders to share local challenges, models, and lessons learned over the last 20 years related to housing and sustainable urban development;
2) To stimulate dialogue about connections between local and global urban challenges, and uplift local practices to inform the U.S. policy agenda;
3) To strengthen connections among urban development practitioners, scholars, and funders across the Midwestern region.
In my opinion the conference exceeded its goals – I believe connections were strengthened, dialogue was stimulated and the forum of thought leaders and housing policy makers and practitioners was certainly interactive.
My take away, aside from the motivation for continued improvement in our work and the need for increased policy alignment, didn’t come from the mayors or other leaders, it came from Tyrone Galtney in a Q&A session following discussions on grassroots engagement. His passionate plea was both riveting and accusatory. His questions (condensed), “Where are the professionals if we are talking about grassroots? Where are the poor? Where are the parents of the children we lost in the street? Why are they not in this room if grassroots movements are important?” And then he asked why is this taking so long, stating conditions haven’t changed substantially since he was a boy in the Robert Taylor Homes…
Tyrone reminded me that while we all seem to want the same outcomes – improved neighborhoods where residents are safe and happy, engaged and employed our difference is time. As housing professionals we speak in months, years and even decades. Our residents, trapped in our troubled neighborhoods, are speaking in terms of now, today or tomorrow. Perhaps the best thing we can do, next to continued real engagement with our residents and neighbors, is to determine how to interpret across that barrier of time and help people sooner. I learned. I was inspired.
It was good to see other NAHRO members, Alan Zais and David A. Northern present for these thoughtful discussions. NAHRO membership is essential in the continued advocacy, support for and implementation of policy that aligns with timely resolution for the conditions in our communities. If you have an opportunity to attend any of the 4 remaining convenings, your time will be well spent.
What is Habitat III? Habitat III is the third United Nations Conference on Housing and Sustainable Urban Development which will take place in Quito, Ecuador in October 2016. The UN convened the Habitat I conference in 1976 in Vancouver. Twenty years later, at the Habitat II conference in Istanbul, Turkey, world leaders adopted the Habitat Agenda as a global action plan to create adequate shelter for all. The goal of Habitat III is to provide a New Urban Agenda or roadmap for sustainable urban development for cities across the globe and HUD is
Engaged in these efforts.
What is the Convening? "Learning From the City" was one of five convenings co-hosted by HUD across the United States with civic, governmental, educational, and philanthropic partners. The convening has three goals:
1) To provide an open forum to scholars, practitioners, philanthropy, students, and thought leaders for the sharing of local challenges and lessons learned in the last 20 years since Habitat II;
2) To stimulate dialogue about connections between local and global challenges, and uplift local practices to inform the U.S. policy agenda.
3) To strengthen connections among urban development practitioners, scholars, and funders across the Midwestern region.
The convening consists of panel discussions and keynote speakers focused on four themes: Investing in People and Communities for Upward Mobility, Securing Housing Options for All, Responding to Shocks and Building Resilience, and The Role of Big Data in Shaping Regional Policy.
The audience and participants at the convening will include scholars from the Midwest region along with policymakers, community development practitioners and advocates, and members of the philanthropic community, students and the next generation of urban development practitioners, as well as interested members of the public.
NAHRO International Research and Global Committee News!
An IRGE member's observations from Learning from the City
By Ron Clewer
Held at the University of Chicago on March 31, this day long, regional dialogue on the global urban agenda was packed with incredible presenters and information. As one of five regional convenings, co-hosted by HUD in collaboration with civic, governmental, educational, and philanthropic partners the intent is to pave the way to Habitat III, by meeting three primary goals:
1) To provide an interactive forum for scholars, practitioners, philanthropists, students, and thought leaders to share local challenges, models, and lessons learned over the last 20 years related to housing and sustainable urban development;
2) To stimulate dialogue about connections between local and global urban challenges, and uplift local practices to inform the U.S. policy agenda;
3) To strengthen connections among urban development practitioners, scholars, and funders across the Midwestern region.
In my opinion the conference exceeded its goals – I believe connections were strengthened, dialogue was stimulated and the forum of thought leaders and housing policy makers and practitioners was certainly interactive.
My take away, aside from the motivation for continued improvement in our work and the need for increased policy alignment, didn’t come from the mayors or other leaders, it came from Tyrone Galtney in a Q&A session following discussions on grassroots engagement. His passionate plea was both riveting and accusatory. His questions (condensed), “Where are the professionals if we are talking about grassroots? Where are the poor? Where are the parents of the children we lost in the street? Why are they not in this room if grassroots movements are important?” And then he asked why is this taking so long, stating conditions haven’t changed substantially since he was a boy in the Robert Taylor Homes…
Tyrone reminded me that while we all seem to want the same outcomes – improved neighborhoods where residents are safe and happy, engaged and employed our difference is time. As housing professionals we speak in months, years and even decades. Our residents, trapped in our troubled neighborhoods, are speaking in terms of now, today or tomorrow. Perhaps the best thing we can do, next to continued real engagement with our residents and neighbors, is to determine how to interpret across that barrier of time and help people sooner. I learned. I was inspired.
It was good to see other NAHRO members, Alan Zais and David A. Northern present for these thoughtful discussions. NAHRO membership is essential in the continued advocacy, support for and implementation of policy that aligns with timely resolution for the conditions in our communities. If you have an opportunity to attend any of the 4 remaining convenings, your time will be well spent.
What is Habitat III? Habitat III is the third United Nations Conference on Housing and Sustainable Urban Development which will take place in Quito, Ecuador in October 2016. The UN convened the Habitat I conference in 1976 in Vancouver. Twenty years later, at the Habitat II conference in Istanbul, Turkey, world leaders adopted the Habitat Agenda as a global action plan to create adequate shelter for all. The goal of Habitat III is to provide a New Urban Agenda or roadmap for sustainable urban development for cities across the globe and HUD is
Engaged in these efforts.
What is the Convening? "Learning From the City" was one of five convenings co-hosted by HUD across the United States with civic, governmental, educational, and philanthropic partners. The convening has three goals:
1) To provide an open forum to scholars, practitioners, philanthropy, students, and thought leaders for the sharing of local challenges and lessons learned in the last 20 years since Habitat II;
2) To stimulate dialogue about connections between local and global challenges, and uplift local practices to inform the U.S. policy agenda.
3) To strengthen connections among urban development practitioners, scholars, and funders across the Midwestern region.
The convening consists of panel discussions and keynote speakers focused on four themes: Investing in People and Communities for Upward Mobility, Securing Housing Options for All, Responding to Shocks and Building Resilience, and The Role of Big Data in Shaping Regional Policy.
The audience and participants at the convening will include scholars from the Midwest region along with policymakers, community development practitioners and advocates, and members of the philanthropic community, students and the next generation of urban development practitioners, as well as interested members of the public.
November 24, 2015
Of Suspenders and Men: Getting Back on Your Feet with Homelessness and Terminal Illness
Click here to read this heartwarming story that reminds us why we do the work we do, compliments of the Fargo Housing and Redevelopment Authority, Fargo, ND.
Of Suspenders and Men: Getting Back on Your Feet with Homelessness and Terminal Illness
Click here to read this heartwarming story that reminds us why we do the work we do, compliments of the Fargo Housing and Redevelopment Authority, Fargo, ND.
June 9, 2015
Montana Congressman Zinke's letter of thanks for being able to participate at the Mountain Plains NAHRO conference in Bozeman, Montana.
Montana Congressman Zinke's letter of thanks for being able to participate at the Mountain Plains NAHRO conference in Bozeman, Montana.
December 3, 2014
Rep. Perlmutter Introduces Bi-Partisan Legislation to Reduce Burden on Fixed Income Tenants
WASHINGTON D.C. - Today U.S. Rep. Ed Perlmutter (CO-07) and Rep. Steve Stivers (OH-15) introduced H.R. 5776, the Tenant Income Verification Relief Act to allow tenants on a fixed income have their income certified and/or verified once every three years rather than annually. This bi-partisan legislation will help streamline and reduce the burdens placed on tenants for purposes of determining their eligibility for certain Federal assistance housing programs, including seniors and other individuals and families who consistently maintain a fixed income.
“This legislation will help lighten the regulatory requirements placed on housing authorities and their tenants while still ensuring accountability,” said Rep. Perlmutter. “As a result, housing authorities will be able to use their funds more efficiently while providing more opportunities for low-income tenants.”
“This bill is a great first step towards ensuring our nation’s low-income families have safe places to live while simultaneously reducing administrative burdens families face yearly and creating better opportunities for housing authorities to use their time and resources more efficiently,” said Rep. Stivers.
The legislation amends The Housing Act of 1937 and applies to both public housing authorities and the voucher program. The legislation could also incentivize more privately-owned housing operators to accept vouchers, since the stock of public housing continues to face fiscal pressures providing tenants more flexibility and choice.
“Colorado NAHRO continues to support responsible reforms that will help reduce administrative burdens on local housing authorities,” said Tami Fischer, president of the Colorado chapter of NAHRO. “This bill will help us assist our clients in a more cost effective manner in order to deal with the consistent decline in Federal funding.”
Since assuming office in 2007, Rep. Perlmutter has served on the House Financial Services Committee which has jurisdiction over many issues including housing programs such as Public Housing and all HUD programs. In October 2014, Rep. Perlmutter was recognized as “Legislator of the Year” for his significant contributions and support for affordable housing by the Colorado chapter of the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO). Rep. Perlmutter has also supported other federal housing programs, including: Low-Income Housing Tax Credits; New Markets Tax Credits; Community Development Block Grants (CDBG); HOME Investment Partnership Funds; and efforts to fund the Housing Trust Fund.
Media Contact:
Ashley Hause | [email protected]
Office: (303) 274-7944 | cell: (303) 919-6050
Rep. Perlmutter Introduces Bi-Partisan Legislation to Reduce Burden on Fixed Income Tenants
WASHINGTON D.C. - Today U.S. Rep. Ed Perlmutter (CO-07) and Rep. Steve Stivers (OH-15) introduced H.R. 5776, the Tenant Income Verification Relief Act to allow tenants on a fixed income have their income certified and/or verified once every three years rather than annually. This bi-partisan legislation will help streamline and reduce the burdens placed on tenants for purposes of determining their eligibility for certain Federal assistance housing programs, including seniors and other individuals and families who consistently maintain a fixed income.
“This legislation will help lighten the regulatory requirements placed on housing authorities and their tenants while still ensuring accountability,” said Rep. Perlmutter. “As a result, housing authorities will be able to use their funds more efficiently while providing more opportunities for low-income tenants.”
“This bill is a great first step towards ensuring our nation’s low-income families have safe places to live while simultaneously reducing administrative burdens families face yearly and creating better opportunities for housing authorities to use their time and resources more efficiently,” said Rep. Stivers.
The legislation amends The Housing Act of 1937 and applies to both public housing authorities and the voucher program. The legislation could also incentivize more privately-owned housing operators to accept vouchers, since the stock of public housing continues to face fiscal pressures providing tenants more flexibility and choice.
“Colorado NAHRO continues to support responsible reforms that will help reduce administrative burdens on local housing authorities,” said Tami Fischer, president of the Colorado chapter of NAHRO. “This bill will help us assist our clients in a more cost effective manner in order to deal with the consistent decline in Federal funding.”
Since assuming office in 2007, Rep. Perlmutter has served on the House Financial Services Committee which has jurisdiction over many issues including housing programs such as Public Housing and all HUD programs. In October 2014, Rep. Perlmutter was recognized as “Legislator of the Year” for his significant contributions and support for affordable housing by the Colorado chapter of the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO). Rep. Perlmutter has also supported other federal housing programs, including: Low-Income Housing Tax Credits; New Markets Tax Credits; Community Development Block Grants (CDBG); HOME Investment Partnership Funds; and efforts to fund the Housing Trust Fund.
Media Contact:
Ashley Hause | [email protected]
Office: (303) 274-7944 | cell: (303) 919-6050
October 1, 2014
Thirteen Youth Living in Subsidized Housing Win National Poster Contest
Washington, D.C. (October 1, 2014) – Today, the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO) announced the winners of the association’s annual “What Home Means to Me” poster contest. The grand prize winner and 12 national winners represent youth from across the country in grades kindergarten through 12 who currently live in affordable rental housing administered by a NAHRO member housing authority or community development agency.
The grand prize and national winners are: Ayanna Henderson, Danville Redevelopment and Housing Authority (Va.); Adilene Barrios, McAllen Housing Authority (Texas); Audreann Artis and Katana Mosson, Albion Housing Commission (Mich.); Dianara Peña, Klamath Housing Authority (Ore.); Ericka Alston, Beaufort Housing Authority (S.C.); Harmonee Williamson-Cooper, Greensboro Housing Authority (N.C.); Amy Le, Oakland Housing Authority (Calif.); Felicia Fox, Dedham Housing Authority (Mass.); Joy Wise, Aurora Housing Authority (Colo.); Elvira Salazar, Cameron County Housing Authority (Texas); Shauna Stanton, Millsboro Village Apartments, MHFP East Coast Management Company (Del.), and Nohemi Taguite, Housing Authority of the County of Los Angeles (Calif.).
“This year, more than 250 entries were submitted to NAHRO,” said Preston Prince, CME, president of NAHRO. “The annual poster contest is an opportunity for youth to voice what having a safe, clean and supportive living environment means to them.” The winners’ artwork will be featured nationally in the association’s annual “What Home Means to Me” calendar and publications. They will also receive $500 and $100 U.S. Savings Bonds respectively.
Additionally, the grand prize winner and a member of her family will be honored at NAHRO’s legislative conference in Washington, D.C. in March 2015. The annual poster contest is part of NAHRO’s Housing America Campaign, which raises national awareness concerning the need for and importance of safe, sustainable and affordable housing by educating national decision makers and community leaders; advocating on behalf of lower-income families and individuals, veterans, children and seniors, and persons living with disabilities; and empowering clients and residents to share how accessing affordable, stable housing has impacted their lives.
“Thirty-seven percent of persons living in public housing are children,” said Saul N. Ramirez, Jr., chief executive officer of NAHRO. “In a time when the U.S. Department of Education estimates that 1.3 million homeless children were enrolled in U.S. schools in 2012-2013, it is critical that we, as a nation, continue to fight to add to and preserve our existing affordable rental housing portfolio.”
For more information contact: Emily Pasi, 202-289-7223, [email protected]
Thirteen Youth Living in Subsidized Housing Win National Poster Contest
Washington, D.C. (October 1, 2014) – Today, the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO) announced the winners of the association’s annual “What Home Means to Me” poster contest. The grand prize winner and 12 national winners represent youth from across the country in grades kindergarten through 12 who currently live in affordable rental housing administered by a NAHRO member housing authority or community development agency.
The grand prize and national winners are: Ayanna Henderson, Danville Redevelopment and Housing Authority (Va.); Adilene Barrios, McAllen Housing Authority (Texas); Audreann Artis and Katana Mosson, Albion Housing Commission (Mich.); Dianara Peña, Klamath Housing Authority (Ore.); Ericka Alston, Beaufort Housing Authority (S.C.); Harmonee Williamson-Cooper, Greensboro Housing Authority (N.C.); Amy Le, Oakland Housing Authority (Calif.); Felicia Fox, Dedham Housing Authority (Mass.); Joy Wise, Aurora Housing Authority (Colo.); Elvira Salazar, Cameron County Housing Authority (Texas); Shauna Stanton, Millsboro Village Apartments, MHFP East Coast Management Company (Del.), and Nohemi Taguite, Housing Authority of the County of Los Angeles (Calif.).
“This year, more than 250 entries were submitted to NAHRO,” said Preston Prince, CME, president of NAHRO. “The annual poster contest is an opportunity for youth to voice what having a safe, clean and supportive living environment means to them.” The winners’ artwork will be featured nationally in the association’s annual “What Home Means to Me” calendar and publications. They will also receive $500 and $100 U.S. Savings Bonds respectively.
Additionally, the grand prize winner and a member of her family will be honored at NAHRO’s legislative conference in Washington, D.C. in March 2015. The annual poster contest is part of NAHRO’s Housing America Campaign, which raises national awareness concerning the need for and importance of safe, sustainable and affordable housing by educating national decision makers and community leaders; advocating on behalf of lower-income families and individuals, veterans, children and seniors, and persons living with disabilities; and empowering clients and residents to share how accessing affordable, stable housing has impacted their lives.
“Thirty-seven percent of persons living in public housing are children,” said Saul N. Ramirez, Jr., chief executive officer of NAHRO. “In a time when the U.S. Department of Education estimates that 1.3 million homeless children were enrolled in U.S. schools in 2012-2013, it is critical that we, as a nation, continue to fight to add to and preserve our existing affordable rental housing portfolio.”
For more information contact: Emily Pasi, 202-289-7223, [email protected]
September 5, 2014
Memorial Park Re-Dedication, Arvada, Colorado
The City of Arvada Community Development Agency has successfully leveraged CDBG funds to revitalize a local park. Cicik here to read more about the Re-dedication.
Memorial Park Re-Dedication, Arvada, Colorado
The City of Arvada Community Development Agency has successfully leveraged CDBG funds to revitalize a local park. Cicik here to read more about the Re-dedication.
August 19, 2014
International Research and Global Exchange Committee (IRGE)
The International Research and Global Exchange Committee (IRGE) recently completed a new strategic work program to align the work of the Committee with NAHRO goals.
One of the important goals for NAHRO is to encourage the active participation of NAHRO regions and chapters to ensure that NAHRO is a growing, member friendly organization that is open, responsive, and committed to improving its highest-quality services to the membership.
The IRGE Committee believes by providing information on the work of IRGE and its committee members that it will benefit the MPNAHRO membership in more fully understanding how NAHRO is involved with our colleagues internationally and is representing NAHRO on the world stage. Recently three IRGE Committee NAHRO members volunteered to attend the World Unban Forum to represent NAHRO at this important international event. Here is their report:
NAHRO EXPANDS ITS INTERNATIONAL PRESENCE AT THE WORLD URBAN FORUM
Three members of NAHRO comprised a Delegation to the recent Seventh session of the World Urban Forum held in Medellin, Columbia from April 5th to 11th. That delegation consisted of Helen Sause (San Francisco, CA), Dan Trozzi (Phoenix, AZ) and Saeed Hajarizadeh (Vancouver, WA).
The World Urban Forum is a non-legislative technical forum convened by the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), hosted in a different city every two years. The World Urban Forum is the world’s premier conference on cities and urban issues. Convened by UN-Habitat and hosted by a different city each time, the Forum is one of the most open United Nations meetings, bringing together stakeholders from across the spectrum to engage in the most pressing challenges facing our cities.
The Seventh session of the World Urban Forum (WUF) brought together some of the most committed “City Changers” from the South and from the North. It was a platform to create new networks and partnerships and strengthen existing ones, with a meaningful impact on equity and development. Participants gained new awareness about the role that human settlements, towns and cities, countries, international agencies and development partners can play in advancing an equity agenda, sharing knowledge and best practices. The final tally for attendees of WUF7 was 22,000. There were approximately 500 from the United Stated representing the government, private, education and nonprofit sectors.
The NAHRO Delegation wanted to utilize what was learned here and take it back to our own communities. How do we house our homeless and reduce rent burden for those struggling to survive? WUF7 was a laboratory of ideas. On the first day of WUF7, through collaboration with HUD and Next City, NAHRO delegates made a presentation in the Innovative America’s booth titled “Affordable Housing Development for Practitioners”, which was a discussion on mixed income developments and best practices in soliciting buy-in from the community.
Helen Sause, past NAHRO President, was invited to be part of the Official US Delegation at WUF7. Mrs. Sause and the other NAHRO delegates attended special morning preparatory meetings, which included the HUD Secretary Shawn Donovan and the Deputy Secretary for the Office for International and Philanthropic Innovation, and evening events with the US Delegation and other US partners attending the Forum. They networked with a great number of foreign and US professionals interested in advancing the urban agenda worldwide.
While at WUF7, The NAHRO Delegation also met with the International Urban Development Association (INTA)’s President Maurice Charrier and Luis Buezo de Manzanedo, INTA’s Latin America representative. INTA has had a long term partnership with NAHRO. The Delegation welcomed creative ideas in which to collaborate and cooperate both domestically and abroad. Further, they encouraged INTA to attend our National Conference in Baltimore to see firsthand many fine examples of urban regeneration as well as to learn what has not worked. It was emphasized that NAHRO placed a lot of value on our relationship and looked forward to future collaborative endeavors that mutually benefit our membership and INTA.
International Research and Global Exchange Committee (IRGE)
The International Research and Global Exchange Committee (IRGE) recently completed a new strategic work program to align the work of the Committee with NAHRO goals.
One of the important goals for NAHRO is to encourage the active participation of NAHRO regions and chapters to ensure that NAHRO is a growing, member friendly organization that is open, responsive, and committed to improving its highest-quality services to the membership.
The IRGE Committee believes by providing information on the work of IRGE and its committee members that it will benefit the MPNAHRO membership in more fully understanding how NAHRO is involved with our colleagues internationally and is representing NAHRO on the world stage. Recently three IRGE Committee NAHRO members volunteered to attend the World Unban Forum to represent NAHRO at this important international event. Here is their report:
NAHRO EXPANDS ITS INTERNATIONAL PRESENCE AT THE WORLD URBAN FORUM
Three members of NAHRO comprised a Delegation to the recent Seventh session of the World Urban Forum held in Medellin, Columbia from April 5th to 11th. That delegation consisted of Helen Sause (San Francisco, CA), Dan Trozzi (Phoenix, AZ) and Saeed Hajarizadeh (Vancouver, WA).
The World Urban Forum is a non-legislative technical forum convened by the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), hosted in a different city every two years. The World Urban Forum is the world’s premier conference on cities and urban issues. Convened by UN-Habitat and hosted by a different city each time, the Forum is one of the most open United Nations meetings, bringing together stakeholders from across the spectrum to engage in the most pressing challenges facing our cities.
The Seventh session of the World Urban Forum (WUF) brought together some of the most committed “City Changers” from the South and from the North. It was a platform to create new networks and partnerships and strengthen existing ones, with a meaningful impact on equity and development. Participants gained new awareness about the role that human settlements, towns and cities, countries, international agencies and development partners can play in advancing an equity agenda, sharing knowledge and best practices. The final tally for attendees of WUF7 was 22,000. There were approximately 500 from the United Stated representing the government, private, education and nonprofit sectors.
The NAHRO Delegation wanted to utilize what was learned here and take it back to our own communities. How do we house our homeless and reduce rent burden for those struggling to survive? WUF7 was a laboratory of ideas. On the first day of WUF7, through collaboration with HUD and Next City, NAHRO delegates made a presentation in the Innovative America’s booth titled “Affordable Housing Development for Practitioners”, which was a discussion on mixed income developments and best practices in soliciting buy-in from the community.
Helen Sause, past NAHRO President, was invited to be part of the Official US Delegation at WUF7. Mrs. Sause and the other NAHRO delegates attended special morning preparatory meetings, which included the HUD Secretary Shawn Donovan and the Deputy Secretary for the Office for International and Philanthropic Innovation, and evening events with the US Delegation and other US partners attending the Forum. They networked with a great number of foreign and US professionals interested in advancing the urban agenda worldwide.
While at WUF7, The NAHRO Delegation also met with the International Urban Development Association (INTA)’s President Maurice Charrier and Luis Buezo de Manzanedo, INTA’s Latin America representative. INTA has had a long term partnership with NAHRO. The Delegation welcomed creative ideas in which to collaborate and cooperate both domestically and abroad. Further, they encouraged INTA to attend our National Conference in Baltimore to see firsthand many fine examples of urban regeneration as well as to learn what has not worked. It was emphasized that NAHRO placed a lot of value on our relationship and looked forward to future collaborative endeavors that mutually benefit our membership and INTA.
June 16, 2014
Mountain Plains NAHRO Awards Two College Scholarships
MPNAHRO is happy to announce the two winners of its first annual Barbara Cook Scholarship Award. Applicants are residents of member agency properties and receive $1,000 towards post-secondary education. Click here to read more about the program and the winners.
Mountain Plains NAHRO Awards Two College Scholarships
MPNAHRO is happy to announce the two winners of its first annual Barbara Cook Scholarship Award. Applicants are residents of member agency properties and receive $1,000 towards post-secondary education. Click here to read more about the program and the winners.
February 1, 2014
Utah NAHRO Annual Conference
Spring into action! Save the date for Utah NAHRO's Spring Annual Conference 2014 at the Lexington Hotel & Conference Center in breathtaking St. George, April 24-25th. Contact Janice Kimball for more information.
Utah NAHRO Annual Conference
Spring into action! Save the date for Utah NAHRO's Spring Annual Conference 2014 at the Lexington Hotel & Conference Center in breathtaking St. George, April 24-25th. Contact Janice Kimball for more information.
January 8, 2014
South Dakota NAHRO Newsletter
Click here to read the South Dakota NAHRO, January 2014 Newsletter.
South Dakota NAHRO Newsletter
Click here to read the South Dakota NAHRO, January 2014 Newsletter.
December 2, 2013
Sharon Scudder Receives the Elmer Whitepipe Award of Excellence
South Dakota Housing Development Authority (SDHDA) is pleased to announce Sharon Scudder as the recipient of the annual Elmer Whitepipe Award of Excellence during SDHDA’s 23rd Annual Housing Conference held recently in Pierre.
Ms. Scudder was honored for her outstanding dedication and commitment to affordable rental housing in South Dakota. She is the Executive Director of Meade County Housing and Redevelopment Commission in Sturgis.
“For 45 years, Sharon has dedicated excellence in the field of housing and exemplifies the professionalism, commitment, and caring in the industry we want to recognize with this award,” says Vona Johnson, Director of Rental Housing Management. “We are proud to highlight Sharon’s distinguished career and provide her with the Elmer Whitepipe Award of Excellence.”
Ms. Scudder works with a variety of rental housing programs including: Section 8 Project Based Assistance, Housing Choice Vouchers, Public Housing, HUD’s VASH Program for homeless veterans, USDA Rural Development and the Governor’s House program. She has also held many leadership positions with the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO) both at the local and National level.
In conjunction with her distinguished career, Scudder has also contributed her time and talents to the City of Sturgis, Meals on Wheels, the Back Hills Council of Governments, VFW, Kiwanis, Zonta club, the Chamber of Commerce, the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, the local Community Action Program and Women of Melody.
The Elmer Whitepipe Award of Excellence recognizes individuals and/or companies who are instrumental in providing affordable rental housing in the asset management or compliance industry in South Dakota and who exemplify the thoughtful, caring and friendly character of the award’s namesake. Annually, SDHDA accepts nominations for the award and announces the recipient at the annual housing conference.
Sharon Scudder Receives the Elmer Whitepipe Award of Excellence
South Dakota Housing Development Authority (SDHDA) is pleased to announce Sharon Scudder as the recipient of the annual Elmer Whitepipe Award of Excellence during SDHDA’s 23rd Annual Housing Conference held recently in Pierre.
Ms. Scudder was honored for her outstanding dedication and commitment to affordable rental housing in South Dakota. She is the Executive Director of Meade County Housing and Redevelopment Commission in Sturgis.
“For 45 years, Sharon has dedicated excellence in the field of housing and exemplifies the professionalism, commitment, and caring in the industry we want to recognize with this award,” says Vona Johnson, Director of Rental Housing Management. “We are proud to highlight Sharon’s distinguished career and provide her with the Elmer Whitepipe Award of Excellence.”
Ms. Scudder works with a variety of rental housing programs including: Section 8 Project Based Assistance, Housing Choice Vouchers, Public Housing, HUD’s VASH Program for homeless veterans, USDA Rural Development and the Governor’s House program. She has also held many leadership positions with the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO) both at the local and National level.
In conjunction with her distinguished career, Scudder has also contributed her time and talents to the City of Sturgis, Meals on Wheels, the Back Hills Council of Governments, VFW, Kiwanis, Zonta club, the Chamber of Commerce, the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, the local Community Action Program and Women of Melody.
The Elmer Whitepipe Award of Excellence recognizes individuals and/or companies who are instrumental in providing affordable rental housing in the asset management or compliance industry in South Dakota and who exemplify the thoughtful, caring and friendly character of the award’s namesake. Annually, SDHDA accepts nominations for the award and announces the recipient at the annual housing conference.
Summer 2013
ReThink- Why Housing Matters Initiative
Having a place to live is a basic need for everyone. Yet, for some people, it remains out of reach. Public housing serves approximately 2.2 million people across the U.S., but the need is much greater; more than half a million people are on waiting lists.
According to the ReThink Survey: Perceptions of Public Housing 2013, the overwhelming majority of Americans believe U.S. citizens deserve a safe and decent place to live. Yet most Americans surveyed do not support public housing in their own neighborhoods and would not want to live near a public housing unit.
Watch, read, and share the inspirational stories from public housing and rethink its impact on individuals, families, and your own community.
ReThink- Why Housing Matters Initiative
Having a place to live is a basic need for everyone. Yet, for some people, it remains out of reach. Public housing serves approximately 2.2 million people across the U.S., but the need is much greater; more than half a million people are on waiting lists.
According to the ReThink Survey: Perceptions of Public Housing 2013, the overwhelming majority of Americans believe U.S. citizens deserve a safe and decent place to live. Yet most Americans surveyed do not support public housing in their own neighborhoods and would not want to live near a public housing unit.
Watch, read, and share the inspirational stories from public housing and rethink its impact on individuals, families, and your own community.
11-14-13
NAHRO Poster Contest Video
Click here to view the national NAHRO 2013 Poster Contest video featuring the 2014 calendar winners.
NAHRO Poster Contest Video
Click here to view the national NAHRO 2013 Poster Contest video featuring the 2014 calendar winners.
11-14-13
Protect Housing in Utah
Our friends from Utah NAHRO have shared a poignant video that they produced along with the following talking points to address the impacts of budget cuts and sequestration in Utah.
Click here to view video.
Because of the sequestration cuts enacted on March 1, 2013, housing
authorities are facing substantial shortfalls in funding to for Section 8
Vouchers that more than 2.1 million low-income households use to rent
modest private-market housing at an affordable cost.
If Congress does not cancel sequestration, the Center of Budget and Policy
Priorities estimates that nationally as many as *185,000* families will
lose their rental assistance by the end of 2014. *In Utah, 11,052
individuals and families receive Section 8 housing assistance and with the
cuts as many as 1,187 fewer families will receive housing assistance. *
Section 8 primarily serves low-income seniors, people with disabilities and
working families with children. The majority all families served are at
30% of area median income or below in Utah the average Section 8 households
earn approximately $11,000 per year..
Protect Housing in Utah
Our friends from Utah NAHRO have shared a poignant video that they produced along with the following talking points to address the impacts of budget cuts and sequestration in Utah.
Click here to view video.
Because of the sequestration cuts enacted on March 1, 2013, housing
authorities are facing substantial shortfalls in funding to for Section 8
Vouchers that more than 2.1 million low-income households use to rent
modest private-market housing at an affordable cost.
If Congress does not cancel sequestration, the Center of Budget and Policy
Priorities estimates that nationally as many as *185,000* families will
lose their rental assistance by the end of 2014. *In Utah, 11,052
individuals and families receive Section 8 housing assistance and with the
cuts as many as 1,187 fewer families will receive housing assistance. *
Section 8 primarily serves low-income seniors, people with disabilities and
working families with children. The majority all families served are at
30% of area median income or below in Utah the average Section 8 households
earn approximately $11,000 per year..
Betsey Martens, NAHRO President
10-26-13
Thank You for Your Service Betsey by Saul Ramirez, NAHRO CEO
Last week, we concluded NAHRO’s National Conference and Exhibition in Cleveland, Ohio. While there were many highlights, which will be covered in the days to come, I would like to focus on how the conference was also a national leadership transition event. NAHRO elected a new President, Preston Prince, from the Fresno Housing Authority (Calif.) and a new Senior Vice President, Steve Merritt, from Norwood Housing Authority (Mass.). Congratulations! We also want to thank Clif Martin, from the Housing Commission of Anne Arundel (Md.)for stepping out and be willing to run for national office.
In Cleveland, NAHRO also bid a fond adieu to our now-President Emeritus, Betsey Martens, from Boulder Housing Partners, (Colo.). In some ways, the conference was a validation of her leadership and the legacy that she leaves.
Betsey started her work as President with a commitment to educate the public about the best in affordable housing and community development, to activate new ideas and energy in order to make people’s organizations, neighborhoods and communities better places to live and work, and to elevate NAHRO’s position as the association continues to advocate for programs that give its members the flexibility and resources they need to serve some of the most vulnerable in our nation.
During her tenure, Betsey testified before Congress and met numerous times with national elected leaders, HUD and other national partners. Throughout, she was always steadfast in her convictions that our vision -- to help create a nation in which all people have decent, safe, affordable housing and economic opportunity in viable, sustainable communities -- cannot be ignored, marginalized and maligned. Betsey faced opponents with courage, grace and compassion. She has always known that without the determination and will to educate, activate, and elevate, we are destined to repeat our mistakes and be perceived as outliers in our nation’s societal infrastructure.
Betsey’s leadership efforts to EDUCATE include the expansion of engaged policy thinking and debate via One Book for NAHRO and the great films shown at our meetings. They also encompass the expansion and success of NPDS -- and especially training for Commissioners -- and the raising of the level of NAHRO members’ contact and communication with our elected officials from community to Congress. If we don’t speak out individually and collectively, the people we serve will suffer the most in the end.
She also guided NAHRO’s efforts to ACTIVATE the work we do by creating a more robust Legislative Network with Commissioner representation from each region and appointing, for the first time, a MSC member to the LegNet. The work she led allowed us to influence bedrock deregulation by HUD that will surely show the way for more responsible and effective deregulation. She was also front and center in the attempts to pass voucher reform -- efforts that will serve as the foundation of future reform endeavors. Betsey also focused on making sure that there is a public housing preservation program that works for the entire inventory without dismantling our mission of serving those most at risk.
Betsey’s sharp intellect and long-term vision also positioned NAHRO to ELEVATE our strategic thinking and work towards creating a legacy of leadership. We are now better aligned as a national, regional and state organization and, most importantly, more solidly committed to both expanding the conversations about and working toward greater diversity.
Thank you Betsey -- you served with passion, distinction, and honor. To our Rock and Roll Prez, who also has a whole lot of soul, Cleveland was a fitting farewell. For as they have their Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, you, Madame President, belong in the Housing and Community Development Hall of Fame! As the tribute song “Friends of the President,” which was performed for her during the closing session in Cleveland, goes: “She is an inspiration, she’s a leader with a heart, she’s thoughtful and persuasive, and we think she’s really smart.”
Thank You for Your Service Betsey by Saul Ramirez, NAHRO CEO
Last week, we concluded NAHRO’s National Conference and Exhibition in Cleveland, Ohio. While there were many highlights, which will be covered in the days to come, I would like to focus on how the conference was also a national leadership transition event. NAHRO elected a new President, Preston Prince, from the Fresno Housing Authority (Calif.) and a new Senior Vice President, Steve Merritt, from Norwood Housing Authority (Mass.). Congratulations! We also want to thank Clif Martin, from the Housing Commission of Anne Arundel (Md.)for stepping out and be willing to run for national office.
In Cleveland, NAHRO also bid a fond adieu to our now-President Emeritus, Betsey Martens, from Boulder Housing Partners, (Colo.). In some ways, the conference was a validation of her leadership and the legacy that she leaves.
Betsey started her work as President with a commitment to educate the public about the best in affordable housing and community development, to activate new ideas and energy in order to make people’s organizations, neighborhoods and communities better places to live and work, and to elevate NAHRO’s position as the association continues to advocate for programs that give its members the flexibility and resources they need to serve some of the most vulnerable in our nation.
During her tenure, Betsey testified before Congress and met numerous times with national elected leaders, HUD and other national partners. Throughout, she was always steadfast in her convictions that our vision -- to help create a nation in which all people have decent, safe, affordable housing and economic opportunity in viable, sustainable communities -- cannot be ignored, marginalized and maligned. Betsey faced opponents with courage, grace and compassion. She has always known that without the determination and will to educate, activate, and elevate, we are destined to repeat our mistakes and be perceived as outliers in our nation’s societal infrastructure.
Betsey’s leadership efforts to EDUCATE include the expansion of engaged policy thinking and debate via One Book for NAHRO and the great films shown at our meetings. They also encompass the expansion and success of NPDS -- and especially training for Commissioners -- and the raising of the level of NAHRO members’ contact and communication with our elected officials from community to Congress. If we don’t speak out individually and collectively, the people we serve will suffer the most in the end.
She also guided NAHRO’s efforts to ACTIVATE the work we do by creating a more robust Legislative Network with Commissioner representation from each region and appointing, for the first time, a MSC member to the LegNet. The work she led allowed us to influence bedrock deregulation by HUD that will surely show the way for more responsible and effective deregulation. She was also front and center in the attempts to pass voucher reform -- efforts that will serve as the foundation of future reform endeavors. Betsey also focused on making sure that there is a public housing preservation program that works for the entire inventory without dismantling our mission of serving those most at risk.
Betsey’s sharp intellect and long-term vision also positioned NAHRO to ELEVATE our strategic thinking and work towards creating a legacy of leadership. We are now better aligned as a national, regional and state organization and, most importantly, more solidly committed to both expanding the conversations about and working toward greater diversity.
Thank you Betsey -- you served with passion, distinction, and honor. To our Rock and Roll Prez, who also has a whole lot of soul, Cleveland was a fitting farewell. For as they have their Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, you, Madame President, belong in the Housing and Community Development Hall of Fame! As the tribute song “Friends of the President,” which was performed for her during the closing session in Cleveland, goes: “She is an inspiration, she’s a leader with a heart, she’s thoughtful and persuasive, and we think she’s really smart.”
Ishmael Guerrero and Staff Accepting Award
10-25-13
Denver Housing Authority Wins NAHRO Award of Excellence
RESIDENT AND CLIENT SERVICES
Denver B-cycle Partnership
Residents within Denver Housing Authority’s Mariposa Community struggled with consistently reliable and affordable transportation options. Through a partnership with Denver B-cycle (the first large-scale municipal bike sharing system in the United States), Mariposa residents were provided with free bicycle memberships, helmets, and education on biking safety. Because of this partnership, 110 residents found an economical and convenient solution to their transportation barrier. Access to Denver B-cycle has increased resident mobility, provided access to a greater variety of healthy food options, and reduced expenditures for transportation.
Denver Housing Authority Wins NAHRO Award of Excellence
RESIDENT AND CLIENT SERVICES
Denver B-cycle Partnership
Residents within Denver Housing Authority’s Mariposa Community struggled with consistently reliable and affordable transportation options. Through a partnership with Denver B-cycle (the first large-scale municipal bike sharing system in the United States), Mariposa residents were provided with free bicycle memberships, helmets, and education on biking safety. Because of this partnership, 110 residents found an economical and convenient solution to their transportation barrier. Access to Denver B-cycle has increased resident mobility, provided access to a greater variety of healthy food options, and reduced expenditures for transportation.
Yardi representative Jay McWhinney presenting donation to Dave Martens, MPNAHRO.
10-23-13
Yardi Donates $1,000 to Mountain Plains NAHRO for Scholarship Fund
Yardi Systems, Inc., long time partner and sponsor of Mountain Plains NAHRO conferences, presented a $1,000 donation for the MPNAHRO Scholarship fund at the Opening Reception of the NAHRO National Conference in Cleveland, Ohio on Wednesday, October 23. MPNAHRO plans to use the funds for a new college scholarship program that is being developed by the Member Services Committee.
Yardi Donates $1,000 to Mountain Plains NAHRO for Scholarship Fund
Yardi Systems, Inc., long time partner and sponsor of Mountain Plains NAHRO conferences, presented a $1,000 donation for the MPNAHRO Scholarship fund at the Opening Reception of the NAHRO National Conference in Cleveland, Ohio on Wednesday, October 23. MPNAHRO plans to use the funds for a new college scholarship program that is being developed by the Member Services Committee.
11-08-13
Personnel Changes within NAHRO’s Policy and Program Development Division
Jonathan Zimmerman
After 13 years with NAHRO, Jonathan Zimmerman has decided to accept a position with the Public Housing Authorities Directors Association. His last day at NAHRO will be December 13.
Jonathan informed us of his plans yesterday. We are sure that this news comes as something of a shock for many of you; we can assure you that our initial reaction was similar.
Jonathan has long been a highly regarded member of the NAHRO staff, and we are of course disappointed to see him leave, especially for a competitor. We have spoken with Jonathan at length about his decision, and while we have no doubt that his affection for and loyalty to NAHRO and its members runs extremely deep, we also understand and appreciate that Jonathan felt that the timing was right for him, at a personal level, to embrace a new professional opportunity and take on new challenges.
The timing for PHADA was also right, in that the organization is faced with the need to proactively and aggressively confront the impending retirements of key staff members during the first half of 2014.
And while it is perhaps never the right time to say goodbye to a valued colleague and friend, we now find ourselves confronted, however suddenly and unexpectedly, with the opportunity to seek out and install a dynamic and talented professional to support our efforts to solidify NAHRO’s position as the preeminent organization in the development and implementation of responsible housing and community development policy.
To that end, Jeff and I are committed to moving quickly to recruit and hire a highly skilled public policy professional to take the reins of our research, analysis, and advocacy efforts related to the Housing Choice Voucher program as well as other federal rental assistance and capital funding programs (beyond Section 8 and Public Housing) that are growing in importance to our members as they work to expand, reposition, and stabilize their local housing portfolios. We are absolutely committed to identifying the kind of talented individual who will allow NAHRO to emerge from this period of transition more confident than ever in our ability to shape public policy and advance our members’ interests.
Tamar Greenspan
Effective immediately, and until such time as a new staff member is in place, Tamar Greenspan will serve as the committee’s primary point of contact with the NAHRO staff. In addition, Tamar has been promoted to Senior Policy Advisor. In her first four years with NAHRO, Tamar has proven herself to be an emerging leader in the affordable housing policy arena and we are excited about the many positive contributions she will undoubtedly make in the years to come.
Jenny Hsu
Finally, we are pleased to announce that Jenny Hsu has joined NAHRO as our Community Development Policy Analyst. Jenny’s portfolio will include several federal community development and affordable housing programs, including the Community Development Block Grant program, the HOME program, and HUD’s homeless assistance grants. After a period of transition, she will also serve as the staff liaison to the Community Revitalization Committee.
Jenny holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the University of Maryland and earned a Master of Urban and Regional Planning degree from Florida Atlantic University, where she completed a Master’s Thesis titled “Inclusionary Zoning and Urban Planning Tool to Reduce Homelessness.” Most recently, Jenny has worked as a research analyst, project field liaison, and ethnographer for SmartRevenue, Inc. Jenny’s email address is [email protected] and her extension is 7202. Please join us in welcoming Jenny to the NAHRO team.
Thank you for your commitment to NAHRO and for your service to our industry. As always, we are available to assist you in any way and at any time. If you have questions or concerns regarding this communication, please feel free to contact Jeff or me.
Transmitted on behalf of Saul N. Ramirez, Jr., and Jeff Falcusan
Personnel Changes within NAHRO’s Policy and Program Development Division
Jonathan Zimmerman
After 13 years with NAHRO, Jonathan Zimmerman has decided to accept a position with the Public Housing Authorities Directors Association. His last day at NAHRO will be December 13.
Jonathan informed us of his plans yesterday. We are sure that this news comes as something of a shock for many of you; we can assure you that our initial reaction was similar.
Jonathan has long been a highly regarded member of the NAHRO staff, and we are of course disappointed to see him leave, especially for a competitor. We have spoken with Jonathan at length about his decision, and while we have no doubt that his affection for and loyalty to NAHRO and its members runs extremely deep, we also understand and appreciate that Jonathan felt that the timing was right for him, at a personal level, to embrace a new professional opportunity and take on new challenges.
The timing for PHADA was also right, in that the organization is faced with the need to proactively and aggressively confront the impending retirements of key staff members during the first half of 2014.
And while it is perhaps never the right time to say goodbye to a valued colleague and friend, we now find ourselves confronted, however suddenly and unexpectedly, with the opportunity to seek out and install a dynamic and talented professional to support our efforts to solidify NAHRO’s position as the preeminent organization in the development and implementation of responsible housing and community development policy.
To that end, Jeff and I are committed to moving quickly to recruit and hire a highly skilled public policy professional to take the reins of our research, analysis, and advocacy efforts related to the Housing Choice Voucher program as well as other federal rental assistance and capital funding programs (beyond Section 8 and Public Housing) that are growing in importance to our members as they work to expand, reposition, and stabilize their local housing portfolios. We are absolutely committed to identifying the kind of talented individual who will allow NAHRO to emerge from this period of transition more confident than ever in our ability to shape public policy and advance our members’ interests.
Tamar Greenspan
Effective immediately, and until such time as a new staff member is in place, Tamar Greenspan will serve as the committee’s primary point of contact with the NAHRO staff. In addition, Tamar has been promoted to Senior Policy Advisor. In her first four years with NAHRO, Tamar has proven herself to be an emerging leader in the affordable housing policy arena and we are excited about the many positive contributions she will undoubtedly make in the years to come.
Jenny Hsu
Finally, we are pleased to announce that Jenny Hsu has joined NAHRO as our Community Development Policy Analyst. Jenny’s portfolio will include several federal community development and affordable housing programs, including the Community Development Block Grant program, the HOME program, and HUD’s homeless assistance grants. After a period of transition, she will also serve as the staff liaison to the Community Revitalization Committee.
Jenny holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the University of Maryland and earned a Master of Urban and Regional Planning degree from Florida Atlantic University, where she completed a Master’s Thesis titled “Inclusionary Zoning and Urban Planning Tool to Reduce Homelessness.” Most recently, Jenny has worked as a research analyst, project field liaison, and ethnographer for SmartRevenue, Inc. Jenny’s email address is [email protected] and her extension is 7202. Please join us in welcoming Jenny to the NAHRO team.
Thank you for your commitment to NAHRO and for your service to our industry. As always, we are available to assist you in any way and at any time. If you have questions or concerns regarding this communication, please feel free to contact Jeff or me.
Transmitted on behalf of Saul N. Ramirez, Jr., and Jeff Falcusan