April March 2017 Newsletter

The Latest News

April 2017

President's Message

Hello Housers!

It has certainly been a chaotic month as we learned about new budget proposals that could drastically impact our programs and the families we serve. Without question, the NAHRO Conference in DC could not have been timelier and this information added to the discussions we all had with our congressional delegations. Through our conversations and our advocacy efforts while there, many of us were reassured that the proposed "skinny" budget numbers are beyond the realm of possibility. As the Idaho NAHRO members met with Senator Crapo we were glad to hear him indicate that he would not stand by and let our programs be eradicated in that manner. This reassurance is tempered by the knowledge that the proposed budget is a compass showing the direction the administration would like to use in guiding congress. Because we know this to be true, we must increase our advocacy efforts. We must look to others within our communities to help carry our message and there are many who have a "dog" in this fight.

First, let's look to our residents. If our programs suffer drastic cuts, they are hurt the most. During the last 30 days I have heard from residents who are fearful of what lays ahead in these uncertain times. I have utilized my recent agency newsletter to try and address this topic. The letter to my residents worked to ease their fears but to let them know that the concerns are real. I explained the budget process and then encouraged them to make the call to their elected officials to express what damaging cuts would mean to them.

Next, let's look to our city or county elected officials. Cuts to our programs will have a serious impact on the communities they have been elected to serve and many do not have the additional funding to pick up the slack. As elected officials, they have a strong voice with our members in congress. At HACP we have worked to develop a strong relationship with our Mayor's office; as a result, he has been willing to write letters on our behalf and while visiting with Senator Crapo he referenced these letters. Elected officials in our community can be powerful advocates on our behalf.

Finally, take a look at your landlords and other business partners who benefit from the resources our agencies put back into the community. I am currently working with the Idaho Realtors' Association President to craft a message supporting our programs when he visits DC in April. The more our message is heard from a cross sector of our communities the louder it will become.

We must realize that this is a bipartisan issue and that all stakeholders have an interest in our continued viability. None of our community elected officials or partners would benefit from deep cuts to our programs and increased poverty/homelessness in our communities. With education, they can learn to advocate on our behalf. I know many are willing. Let's not carry this burden alone! With many, our voices are loud!

Best,

Sunny

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Regional News

HACS A started a reading program

The HACSA Reading Program is run by our employees, who volunteer to read with kids at our Public Housing sites. The volunteers spend at least 1 hour a month. The program currently takes place at two sites in Eugene, OR, twice a month. The turn out to the first sessions

was great, kids had a lot of fun, enjoyed some snacks and most importantly, enjoyed reading. Each kid gets to pick a book to take home every ti me they participate in the reading session . Currently 16 employees are volunteering and all have participated in a training on best practices how to read with kids hosted by Resident Services in January.

The Oaks at 14th Proposal Selected for Spring Industry Support Conference

HACSA's newest development in cooperation with Sponsors Inc. has been selected to be presented at the Oregon Opportunity Network Spring Conference, held in Salem, OR in April. The session will explore the innovative project The Oaks at 14th, based in Eugene, OR; this project is another example of HACSA's

c ommitment to develop permanent housing for target populations, in this case ex-offenders; the session will present the process for specific design of the development as well as tailored resident services, the presentation will also discuss the challenges and solutions for community and neighborhood involvement. The project is at 90% completion and is scheduled to be done by the end of March 2017.

NAHRO News

Adrianne Todman Named New NAHRO CEO

The Board of Governors of the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO) is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms. Adrianne Todman as the incoming Chief Executive Officer. She will assume this position on June 1.

Ms. Todman was selected after a nationwide search.

"Ms. Todman's rich experience in crafting and executing housing and community development policy at both the federal and local levels of government, coupled with her respected leadership and organizational expertise, makes her an exceptional choice, " stated Steve Merritt, President of NAHRO. "The Board and I are excited to usher in an era of new leadership at NAHRO."

"I am humbled to have been selected to lead this venerable organization," said Ms. Todman. "NAHRO represents the most diverse membership of community development, local and state housing agencies, and professionals who house America's families. Our important work over the course of the next several years will impact the lives of millions of households who need affordable housing in vibrant, sustainable communities. I look forward to this opportunity, and am prepared to ensure that NAHRO's mission is forward-looking and results-driven. "

Ms. Todman is currently the Executive Director of the District of Columbia Housing Authority (DCHA), the region's largest affordable housing provider, where she manages more than $400 million in affordable housing programs. During her tenure at DCHA, Ms. Todman has created a national model to house and assist homeless veterans, opened the first public affordable assisted living facility, increased the number of affordable units available for low-income families, and utilized innovation to increase the stock of affordable housing. Under her leadership, DCHA has deployed $80 million in New Market Tax Credits in emerging neighborhoods.

Prior to joining DCHA, Ms. Todman held several key positions in both the legislative and executive branches of the federal government. She served as a Legislative Director in the House of Representatives where she worked on national housing, education, and transportation legislation. She also worked at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) as the first manager of the national HOPE VI competition, then as a policy assistant at both the Office of Public and Indian Housing and the Office of the Secretary.

Ms. Todman has received numerous awards and recognitions, including the D.C. Building Industry Association's Public Official of the Year, and NAHRO's 2016 M. Justin Herman Memorial award, the association's highest honor, and one which acknowledges exceptional contributions to the housing and community development industry. She is frequently sought out to comment on national and local housing policies on various outlets and organizations, such as NPR, New York Times, Washington Post, Armstrong Williams Radio Show, the Urban Institute, and local city and county housing industry groups. Ms. Todman resides in the District of Columbia and is a proud alumna of Smith College.