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Ohio
Community Development
News
May 2015
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Volume 6, Issue 5 | May 29, 2015
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Below is an update with a collection of news items that are relevant to Community Development in Ohio and the Ohio CDC Association.
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Share your Thoughts at a Membership Meeting
Join the Ohio CDC Association for industry updates and networking. Membership meetings follow a facilitated discussion format that encourages members to share their experiences with us so that we can better understand the successes, challenges, and ideas that are unique to our membership and the community development industry in the region.
| Central Ohio - Thursday, July 16, 2015 6th Floor Meeting Room 100 East Broad Street, Columbus, OH 42315
10:30 am - 12:30 pm
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| Southeast Ohio - Thursday, August 27, 2015 1 Pinchot Lane Athens, OH 45701
10:30 am - 12:30 pm
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Who should attend? Community development corporations, community development professionals, local governments, and public officials. Register here. 2015 Membership Meetings proudly sponsored by:
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Webinars on Commercial Vacant Property Redevelopment and Revitalization
Ohio CDC Association, in partnership with Greater Ohio Policy Center (GOPC), presents four free webinars that will explain how to accomplish various aspects of commercial vacant property redevelopment and commercial district revitalization. The webinars are designed as "How To" guides for local community development practitioners, identifying strategies and tools that leverage the link between available commercial properties and economic re-growth strategies in legacy cities. The content of the webinars, described below, will match the overall process of commercial property redevelopment and reuse.
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Tools & Strategies for Commercial Real Estate Redevelopment
July 29, 2015
2 PM - 3:15 PM
Webinar
Click here to register!
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Tools & Strategies for Business Development and District Management
August 26, 2015
2 PM - 3:15 PM
Webinar
Click here to register!
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The target audience of the webinars are community development organizations, including CDCs, Main Street program and commercial district managers, business improvement districts, county land banks, municipal planning and economic development officials, private individuals and developers, chambers of commerce, and other local champions and practitioners leading commercial revitalization efforts.
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We Have a Blog!
Tired of waiting until the end of the month to hear what's going on in community development across Ohio? Now you don't have to. Ohio CDC Association is proud to unveil its blog, which features member success stories, training and policy recaps, and AmeriCorps VISTA shout-outs. Check it out at
www.ohiocdcnews.org.
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To That End, We Made a Listicle
Listicle: an "article" that consists of a list.
The OCDCA staff got a bit playful in categorizing the many benefits of OCDCA membership to create a "
10 Reasons Why You Should Become a Member of OCDCA." If you are not a member yet, definitely check it out. If you are a member, use it to ensure you are taking full advantage of your membership or share it with your colleagues.
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Call for Photos of Dynamic Community Development Work
OCDCA is looking for photos that show community development in action, ideally something that represents both people and place elements of community development. If your organization has a photo that fits this description and would like to be featured on Ohio CDC Association materials, please send your photo to David Foust, [email protected].
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Save the Date - Igniting Collaborative Innovation in the Greater Akron Area!
Ohio CDC Association's 31st Annual Conference in the Greater Akron area Igniting Collaborative Innovation October 1 & 2 Kent State University Hotel and Conference Center
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| Most Affordable Housing Out of Reach for Low-Income Ohioans
What is the likelihood a minimum wage worker in Ohio working 40 hours a week can afford a one-bedroom rental unit at Fair Market Rent? It's virtually impossible, documented by a new joint study from the National Low Income Housing Coalition and the Coalition on Homelessness and Housing in Ohio. Compiled with data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and state agencies, the annual study, called Out of Reach, gives a snapshot look at how low-income renters fair both in Ohio and across the country. A minimum wage worker would have to work 54 hours a week to afford a modest one bedroom apartment at the Fair Market Rent -- $567 a month, according to the study. To rent a two-bedroom apartment, an Ohio renter would need to make at least $14.13 an hour full time. That's up from $13.84 an hour in last year's study.
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| Taking Stock of Ohio County Land Banks
Five years ago, in July 2010, counties throughout Ohio began organizing land banks to combat blight, reutilize land, and drive community revitalization. Since then, 22 land banks have given new life to hundreds of buildings, including residential homes, skyscrapers, historic theaters, and vacant factories, and have demolished over 15,000 abandoned structures. The Greater Ohio Policy Center recently released, Taking Stock of Ohio County Land Banks: Current Practices and Promising Strategies, assessing the current state of land banking in Ohio, placing land banks in the larger context of community revitalization, and highlighting promising county land bank programs that have the potential to greatly contribute to sustainable economic and community redevelopment throughout Ohio.
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| Finance Fund - Street Stories Video
On May 7th, the Finance Fund held their annual gala at the Statehouse and unveiled this video entitled Street Stories highlighting community economic development investments across the state.
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| Cleveland Federal Reserve
Affordable housing now ranks among the top concerns facing communities in the Federal Reserve Fourth District,per respondents to their 2015 community issues survey. Jobs and vacant properties-persistent concerns that have shown up repeatedly on the list-round out the top three. Read Research Analyst Brett Barkley's analysis of results from the annual survey they administer to stakeholders across the District in our just-released Issues & Insights. Also included are innovative approaches that some organizations are implementing in their communities. In one, a local vintner provides job opportunities for returning citizens. What is your community's recovery potential? The Cleveland Fed's Community Stabilization Index (CSI) drills down to the zip-code level in 11 MSAs across the Fourth District using proprietary data from the main mortgage servicing and consumer credit reporting agencies in the US. Using six indicators specific to housing and credit, the CSI helps assess local housing market conditions in communities across the District. Explore the maps online.
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| Enterprise Green Technical Assistance Providers Database
The Technical Assistance Providers Database is a national listing of qualified experts in topics related to the design, development and construction of energy efficient, environmentally friendly and safe affordable housing. Enterprise Green Communities has vetted consultants in the TA Provider Database to ensure that each organization has the appropriate credentials and a history of delivering high-quality technical expertise. Those listed have demonstrated their continued commitment to bringing sustainable solutions to the affordable housing sector. If your organization is interested in being included in this database, see the RFQ. Deadline is June 5.
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Changes Coming to Cincinnati's Madisonville Neighborhood
The city of Cincinnati has been investing in Madisonville's future for a while now, and the neighborhood could finally be prepared for some big changes in the next year.
Read more about the proposed mixed-used development that will help revitalize the area.
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Tiny House Trend Builds Momentum in Cleveland with Detroit Shoreway Project Planned
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Funds Will Let Trumbull Land Bank Demolish 75 More Homes
The Ohio Housing Finance Agency announced that Trumbull County will get the third-highest amount among the seven Ohio counties being funded in this round. The $982,616 awarded this week to the
Trumbull County Land Bank will enable the nonprofit
Trumbull Neighborhood Partnership to demolish about 75 more homes in addition to the 150 it still is working to remove. Read more
here.
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Camp Washington Developments Build Community
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USDA Recognizes Ohio City Farm as National Model for Urban Agriculture
The
U.S. Department of Agriculture identified the
Ohio City Farm as a national model of successful urban agriculture and the backdrop for announcing a new government program that directs more federal resources toward similar efforts. Read more about this exciting announcement
here.
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AmeriCorps VISTA Spotlight
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NECIC and OCDCA AmeriCorps VISTAs Team Up
Members of the North End Community Improvement Collaborative and 25 Ohio CDC Association AmeriCorps VISTA members from around the state prepared NECIC's latest project, The Teaching Garden, located at 417 Blust Avenue. Every year, OCDCA's AmeriCorps VISTAs come together for a Spring Day pf Service. Each of the AmeriCorps VISTA members dedicated a year of their lives to alleviating poverty by improving communities. This garden will be used for teaching purposes as well as for the market. The tomatoes, peppers, squash and melons that will grow here will be for sale at the Farmer's Market on the corner of Springmill and Bowman. The program is federally funded and sub-granted by OCDCA. See the WMFD coverage here.
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| Restoring Neighborhoods, Strengthening Economies: A Summit on Innovation & Sustainable Growth in Ohio's Cities & Regions
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| Building Healthier, More Equitable Communities
Please join the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation on June 5th from 12:15 p.m.-1 p.m. ET for a First Friday Google+ Hangout on how community development and other sectors can transform and build environments to make communities healthier and easier for people to lead healthy lives. Hear from experts who foster and support collaboration across the community development and health sectors. Register here.
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OHFA Housing Tax Credit Program Compliance Training
The
Ohio Housing Finance Agency offers this course that focuses primarily on the basics of compliance for the Housing Tax Credit program (also known as the HTC program). Because compliance rules and procedures are frequently updated, the course is beneficial for individuals new to the Housing Tax Credit program as well as seasoned veterans. Cost is $89 for a full day training and there are eight different dates and locations from which to choose. Read more
here.
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| Michigan Financial Empowerment Summit
Join
CEDAM for their second annual Michigan Financial Empowerment Summit on August 5th. This one day training, "Fueling Dreams: Kickstarting Education and Career Success through Savings," will teach you everything you need to know about designing a children's savings account program. Discussions will also broaden to include strategies for incorporating savings and financial capability with various types of youth programs. More information is available
here.
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| Ohio USDA Office Grants to Develop or Expand Rural Businesses The Ohio office of the USDA has $700,000 in grants designed to support the development of small and emerging private rural businesses. Some population restrictions apply. Funds must be directed to projects benefiting rural areas located outside the urbanized periphery of any city with a population of 50,000 or more. Generally, grants range from $10,000 - $500,000, and there is no cost sharing requirement. The deadline is June 1.
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| Bloomberg Philanthropies: What Works Cities (Funding for Cities) Join leading cities across America that are using data and evidence to improve results for their residents. Funding is available to build upon data-driven work towards a city's goals. More information is available here. Deadline is June 1 for the first round. |
| The Dayton Foundation's Discretionary Grants Program
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| Ohio Commission on Fatherhood Funding Available The Ohio Commission on Fatherhood (OCF) announced funding for fatherhood programs serving TANF eligible, non-custodial, unemployed and under-employed fathers. These grant opportunities are open only to political subdivisions, county government entities, and Ohio non-profit organizations to develop and implement a comprehensive approach to promoting responsible fatherhood, to increase economic stability for fathers and families, and to promote healthy relationships. Grants of $100,000 are available to established programs serving multiple counties, while $40,000 grants are available to smaller organizations that have operated a program for one year. Deadline is June 11.
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| Economic Development Assistance Programs - EDA Funding is available to promote regional economic growth through job creation and attracting private investment. Deadline is June 12. Search opportunity #EDAP2015 on grants.gov. |
| Empowerment Awards to Recognize Banking Innovations - Award Money Applications are now being accepted for the second annual Empowerment Awards, which are designed to recognize and support projects that increase access to responsible banking services in underserved communities. Projects are evaluated in two categories, based on their effectiveness, innovation, impact, and sustainability, as well as for leadership and governance. The Community Development Banking category is aimed at banks registered as community development financial institutions (CDFIs), and the Access category is aimed at CDFIs, nonprofit organizations, and small to midsize entrepreneurs. Each winner will receive a financial award of $100,000 and pro bono consultations with Promontory. Applications for this year's awards are due by June 12, 2015.
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| Refugee Family Child Care Microenterprise Development Program The Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) within the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) invites eligible entities to submit competitive grant applications for funding under the Refugee Family Child Care Microenterprise Development (RFCCMED) Program. The RFCCMED Program helps refugees attain economic self-sufficiency by becoming licensed family child care businesses. The program targets eligible refugee women, but is open to eligible refugee men as well. This program is not intended to develop new organizational training capacity in FCC or MED. Deadline is June 15. |
| Transform Cincinnati Will Consider Visionary Projects Unlike other philanthropy efforts and foundations, Transform Cincinnati will not have a set of areas it will impact. It will be open to any idea that ignites interest from a group of funders who choose to contribute to it. And it expects to fund ideas up to $10 million. Applications will be accepted between April 30 and June 15. After the finalists are chosen, funders will learn about them in a private forum. Read more here.
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| Farmers' Market SNAP Support Grants The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) announces $3.3 million in competitive grant funds for FY 2015. Grant funds must be used to conduct tasks that are necessary for SNAP to operate at farmers' markets, and to increase the number and effectiveness of farmers' market participation in SNAP. Deadline is June 18.
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Northwest Ohio
United North - currently seeking a
CEO.
HHWP Community Action Commission - currently seeking a Director of Development.
Northeast Ohio
Southwest Ohio
For current postings Click Here.
Organizations with employment opportunities in the housing and community development field, please send your employment notices to Lisa Much at [email protected]. |
| Non-Profit Developer Fee Bonus Due to the dismantling of the CHDO operating grant program caused by the HUD HOME rules, OCDCA has advocated for changes to developer fees in OHFA's Multifamily Underwriting Guidelines to make up for lost resources. On page 11 of this redline version is language calling for an additional $75,000 in the maximum overall developer fee to go to the "community based non-profit developer". This is intended to be above and beyond the negotiated developer fee split in the event of a joint venture and when a community based non-profit is the 100% owner. It's helpful for members to send comments/letters of support to [email protected] with Multifamily Underwriting Comments in the subject line. If you have any questions please contact Nate Coffman at [email protected] or (614) 461-6392 x 207. |
| Ohio General Assembly Reviews Bill that Will Fast Track Foreclosure on Problem Properties House Bill 134, formerly known as HB 223 in the 130th General Assembly, has been re-introduced by co-sponsors Representative Cheryl Grossman (R-Grove City), and Representative Mike Curtin (D-Columbus). This bill will expedite the time it takes to foreclose on a vacant or abandoned residential property, leading to a faster turnaround for managing and mitigating blight in Ohio's neighborhoods. Specifically, HB 134 aims to: (1) authorize a municipal corporation to file for foreclosure on vacant and abandoned residential properties, (2) permits blighted properties on sale at a sheriff's auction to be listed without a minimum bid on the second sales attempt, and (3) permits a municipality to dispose of blighted properties at their convenience if such properties have not been disposed of through a sheriff's auction. Since the bill's introduction in late March, the bill has been moving quickly with a third hearing in the House Financial Institutions, Housing, and Urban Development Committee on Wednesday, May 20th. OCDCA has offered support to assist Representatives Grossman and Curtin, and is working collaboratively with the Greater Ohio Policy Centers and other Interested Party members, such as the Ohio Bankers League (OBL), and various other stakeholders of this legislation. Proponents of HB 134 include the Ohio Mortgage Bankers Association (OMBA), Safeguard Properties, Community Blight Solutions, SecureView companies, the City of Columbus, and the Buckeyes State Sheriffs' Association. HB 134 continues to receive widespread, bipartisan support and we're optimistic the bill will pick up more momentum as more members of the General Assembly learn of the positive impact it will have on Ohio's communities. |
| Ohio Health Food Financing Initiative In April, the Ohio House of Representatives established and framed a public private partnership called the Ohio Healthy Food Financing Initiative (HFFI) in its substitute budget bill, HB 64. The Bill allocated seed capital to be administered through a statewide community development financial institution in conjunction with the Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services. The HFFI is now under consideration in the Senate. The Finance Fund joined the American Diabetes Association, Ohio Association of Food Banks, and a volunteer for the American Heart Association in testimony before the Senate Finance Workforce Subcommittee to advocate for retention of the HFFI and increased funding in the budget. Finance Fund CEO James R. Klein's testimony on behalf of the statewide Healthy Food Financing Task Force detailed how Ohio's HFFI can leverage state grant capital with loan funding 3 to 1 to substantially increase the funding pool and allow the HFFI to create or expand more healthy food access projects in Ohio communities of greatest need. State grant funding is essential to the success of the initiative since most healthy food projects will require 30 percent grant funding to overcome barriers associated with locating in low-income urban and rural areas. For updates go to the Finance Fund's blog. |
| 2016 - 2017 QAP - Final Draft The Ohio Housing Finance Agency's (OHFA) Office of Planning, Preservation and Development has released the final draft of the 2016-2017 Qualified Allocation Plan. This plan will be presented to the Board of the Ohio Housing Finance Agency on Wednesday, June 17 for final consideration and approval. Partners who wish to provide any final written comments should submit them to [email protected] no later than Thursday, June 4, 2015. The remaining time leading up to the June 17 milestone will be used to address any substantive and/or technical issues in the draft. Please direct any specific questions to Myia Batie at [email protected] or (614) 387-1640. |
| Federal Budget Update On May 13, the House Appropriations Committee approved the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD) bill by a party-line vote. The bill cuts the appropriation for the HOME Program, going on to replace those funds with all the money designated for the National Housing Trust Fund. Furthermore, the legislation forbids Congress from directing any funds to the National Housing Trust Fund in the future. On May 21, the Senate Committee on Appropriations adopted its subcommittee allocations for FY16, including a $55.646 billion allocation to the Subcommittee on THUD. The Committee approved allocations on a party line vote of 16 to 14. The House THUD allocation for FY16 is $55.270 billion, $1.5 billion above its FY15 TH??UD allocation. To maintain existing housing and community development program funding, the HUD portion of the THUD Subcommittee's jurisdiction needs $3 billion more than was allocated. Although the Senate THUD Subcommittee allocation is better than the House's, it is still insufficient to maintain existing programs. Consideration of the Senate THUD bill by the Subcommittee is anticipated the first week of June. Read the budget chart. Earlier the House and Senate passed concurrent budget resolutions for FY16, which is meant to set spending caps for the Appropriations Committees to follow in drafting spending bills. The concurrent budget resolution continues sequester spending caps for FY16 but circumvents sequester spending caps for defense spending by putting nearly $40 billion of off-budget funds in a Pentagon account. |
| Federal Reserve Seeks Applicants for New Community Advisory Council The Federal Reserve Board of Governors is accepting Statements of Interest from individuals who wish to serve on the newly created Community Advisory Council. Statements must be received by June 12, 2015. The Board plans to fill the 15 seats on the advisory council with a diverse group of experts and representatives of consumer and community development organizations and interests, including from such fields as affordable housing, community and economic development, small business, and asset and wealth building who will provide a range of perspectives on the economic circumstances and financial services needs of consumers and communities. |
| A New Look at Neighborhoods and Upward Mobility Harvard University's Equality of Opportunity Project released two studies in early May. The Equality of Opportunity Project researches upward mobility in the U.S., focusing on how the nature of a neighborhood affects economic mobility. These two studies found that every year of exposure to a better neighborhood improves a child's chances of economic success later in life. The first study, titled The Impacts of Neighborhoods on Intergenerational Mobility: Childhood Exposure Effects and County-Level Estimates, looked at five million families that moved across counties, focusing on children in families at the 25th percentile of the income distribution.
The second study, titled The Effects of Exposure to Better Neighborhoods on Children: New Evidence from the Moving to Opportunity Experiment, presents new evidence from the Moving to Opportunity (MTO) experiment. These studies offer new evidence on the importance of the effects of neighborhood on upward mobility. An interactive map on upward mobility by county is here. |
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Thanks for subscribing and reading! Please feel free to email us with any comments or suggestions!
Sincerely,
Lisa Much
Program and Development Manager
Ohio CDC Association
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Copyright ? 2013. All Rights Reserved.
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