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The Latest News
February 2016
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Watch for the launch of the new PNRC website by the end of February!
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Hello Housers! I have been excited to sit on the conference planning committee as we are working to put together a great event for you. One of the topics that we have been discussing is the selection of post conference seminars. This discussion has caused me to give a lot of thought to regional trainings and why PNRC works to bring trainings closer to you.
Successfully completing an industry training is how we develop new skills or solidify old ones. It is how we garner a better understanding of our programs and make invaluable contacts as we network with our peers. Training is how we
reach higher levels both professionally and personally.
PNRC has a renewed focus to bring trainings to our region. This effort benefits our membership as it saves on travel costs and allows for training dollars to be spread more widely throughout our agencies. Choosing NAHRO as your training partner adds additional value to your dollar. The revenue generated from trainings is used to help the organization fund the advocacy efforts on the Hill. It's more bang for your buck, so to speak.
As you look to
reach higher levels through training this year, I hope you will contact Kristen to see what trainings PNRC can offer you.
Best,
Sunny
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REACH!
Resources Education Advocacy Community Housing
2016 PNRC-NAHRO Annual Conference & Exhibits
Join us in Seattle for two days of workshops, training and networking with industry colleagues and exhibitors. The 2015 Conference had record breaking attendance and we expect 2016 to continue the momentum. With 25 sessions to choose from, we are certain there will be many that will interest you or others in your organization.
Last year's conference attendees provided valuable feedback that initiated some changes in the conference schedule for 2016.
- The Exhibit Hall will be open all day on Monday only with expanded time dedicated to visiting with exhibitors
- Monday's activities end at 6 p.m. with no after dinner events to allow those commuting to spend the evening at home without missing any activities
- The conference will end at 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday allowing for attendees to return home that evening if they aren't staying for post conference seminars
Thanks to our Conference Sponsors we are able to keep our registration fee low!
For only $260 (early bird member registration by 3/11
)
you receive:
- Sunday Evening Welcome Reception
- Breakfast, Lunch and snack breaks on Monday and Tuesday
- Three General Sessions including Keynote Speaker Dr. Donna Beegle
- 25 concurrent workshops/trainings
- Exhibit Hall open all day with Exhibitors Reception on Monday
- Networking with industry colleagues
Register NOW and save!
Member registration will increase to $360 after March 11th and to $410 after May 1st.
Rooms at the DoubleTree Seattle Airport are $129 per night. Hotel is located right next to the airport so ground transportation isn't needed (there is free shuttle).
The PNRC-NAHRO Annual Conference is an
excellent professional development opportunity at a GREAT price!
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What is a NAHRO Fellow?
The NAHRO Fellows Program honors individuals for their accumulated wisdom and mastery as seen by their achievements and their actions within their own communities. NAHRO Fellows have demonstrated, over a sustained period of time, their commitment to improve the housing conditions of their fellow citizens and/or the viability and sustainability of the community in which they live and work. Recipients may use "NAHRO Fellow" professionally as a designation and will be called on to mentor and serve NAHRO and its members.
NAHRO instituted an "Ask a Fellow" program to provide emerging leaders with access to the Fellows knowledge of the industry and their leadership skills to help guide them up the ranks in their own agency or the association. Fellows are also available as presenters to share their knowledge with your attendees, if their schedule permits.
We are fortunate to have three NAHRO Fellows in the Pacific Northwest.
- Julie H. Williams Mitchell, NAHRO Fellow, Class of 2008
Executive Vice President, Idaho Housing & Finance Association, Boise, ID
- Renee Rooker, CME, SPHM, NAHRO Fellow Class of 2009
Executive Director, Walla Walla Housing Authority, Walla Walla, WA
- Christina M. Pegg, NAHRO Fellow Class of 2012
Executive Director, Housing Authority City of Longview, Longview, WA
Leader Spotlight
Julie Williams Mitchell
Executive Vice President, Idaho Housing and Finance Association
Executive Vice President, Home Partnership Foundation
The last NAHRO Fellow we would like to introduce you to was also the first from our region, Julie Williams Mitchell. Julie has paved the way in our industry for many to follow. In fact, there are housers among you who started their careers under Julie's watch. She is an intentional leader who always gives great thought when responding to questions. Julie is a great resource to our region!
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Primarily involved with the creation and growth of IHFA's subsidiary 501C3 foundation, The Home Partnership Foundation, which raises funds and distributes grants to local organizations all over the state that serve the homeless and provide a variety of homeless prevention services. Raised over $970,000 in addition to supported contributions directly from IHFA over the past 5 years.
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Engaged in IHFA's first venture into funding Permanent Supportive Housing using a Housing First model, based on Low Income Housing Tax Credits and community donations in partnership with the City of Boise.
- Oversees periodic preparations of Idaho's 5 year Consolidated Plan, and annual Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing
- Oversees administration of statewide Section 8 HCV program, PBCA, HOME, CoC, LIHTC
- Oversees administration of Idaho's allocation of the National Housing Trust Fund
- Chairs Idaho's Homelessness Coordination Committee
- Coordinates a statewide Housing Roundtable, a partnership of Housing and Service Providers to maximize resources
- Created "Return on Investment" reporting for FSS program
- Developed an online housing locator tool for affordable rental housing "HousingIdaho.com"
- Created and supervised growth in annual fundraising campaigns of Home Partnership Foundation to $970,000ยท
- Past Chair of the NAHRO Budget and Administration Committee
- Past member of NAHRO Board of Governors
- Past President of the Pacific NW Regional Council of NAHRO
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Regional News
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Welcome to PNRC's Newest Member!
HAI Group is dedicated to making a difference in housing and we're off to a great start in 2016. Our annual scholarship program opened in January and will be awarding $137,500 this year. HTVN, our e-Learning solution recently celebrated its 20th anniversary and is offering a free advocacy training course, which can be accessed by visiting
www.htvn.org
. To help change the misperceptions of people in public housing, our national campaign, ReThink: Why Housing Matters, released a new documentary, "Our Journey Home." We will be holding screenings across the country at housing authorities and conferences. To further support the housing industry, our research center is releasing a research spotlight on Housing Agency Waiting Lists and the Demand for Housing Assistance. HAI Group also sponsors the National Housing Preservation Database. Access their data by visiting
www.preservationdatabase.org
. Finally, HAI Group will be sponsoring the RAD Collaborative at the CLPHA Spring Meeting. To learn more about HAI Group or participate in any of our programs and services, please contact Jeffrey Weslow at 800-873-0242, ext. 213 or at
[email protected]
"Your Affordable Housing Accountants!"
Loveridge Hunt & Co., PLLC - We are a Washington State based CPA Firm working with clients throughout the United States. We specialize in providing auditing, accounting, tax preparation and consulting services to low-income housing developers, builders, syndicators, investors, not-for-profit organizations and housing authorities.
Our firm is made up of qualified professionals with diverse backgrounds in housing, banking, assisted living, insurance, property management and HUD. Our staff is exposed to continuous training and interaction with industry experts and are up to date with the changes in the various industries that we serve.
"I believe everyone has a fundamental right to affordable housing; being able to provide services that help create homes for low-income individuals and families is what drives me and this firm."
- Craig Lisko, Member
Completes extensive renovations at Island Crest Apartments
Upgrades expected to lower energy costs, increase tenant safety, and improve indoor air quality
A two-year, $1.5 million project to improve safety, upgrade the exterior, increase energy efficiency, and refurbish unit interiors at the 30-unit Island Crest Apartments on Mercer Island, has been completed.
The property, which was built in 1959 and acquired by the King County Housing Authority in 2011, had suffered from deferred maintenance and was in need of a major capital repairs.
The project, which started in 2014, included upgrading the building envelope, replacing deteriorated decks, retrofitting and repairing the elevated walkways and railings, and bringing the electrical and fire and life safety systems up to code.
Drainage work to alleviate water intrusion at basement walkways was also completed.
Energy-efficiency enhancements included the installation of densely packed wall and floor insulation, upgraded mechanical ventilation, and LED lighting for all exterior fixtures. The Authority conducted the largest blower door test in Washington state construction history at the property to document significant reductions in building air leakage. Collectively, the upgrades are expected to reduce energy use and significantly improve indoor quality.
Water-saving showerheads and faucet aerators in kitchens and bathrooms were also installed.
To complete the renovation, the exterior was painted in a pleasing Northwest color palette, the landscaping was enhanced, and the parking lot was seal-coated and line-striped.
In addition to the exterior renovations, 13 unit interiors were also refurbished. Remaining units will be upgraded as turnover occurs.
Resident Steve Ward finds the makeover of the complex to be "inspiring".
Ward, who moved into Island Crest in 2009 before KCHA took ownership of the property, loves the transformation. "It's a happy building," he said. "The improvement is dramatic. It's like living in a brand new unit instead of a reconditioned apartment. It's got that 'new car' smell."
KCHA's internal upgrade crew completed an extensive interior revamp of Ward's apartment, including new plumbing and electrical work. Appliances were replaced. Cove heaters were installed. New drywall was put up and painted. New cabinetry, counters and carpet were installed. A new low-flow toilet fixture and bathtub rounded out the updates to the bathroom.
The recently retired Mercer Island school bus driver is enthusiastic about the overhaul. "Staff and contractors were extremely considerate about intrusions and got the project completed in a timely manner. I really appreciate this project and have nothing but good things to say about KCHA," he said. "The thought and level of detail that went into improving the building has made living here nothing short of inspiring."
Housing Authority of Yamhill County and the Yamhill County Affordable Housing Corporation's 2015 Report to the Community
If you are interested in reading the report, click here.
We truly appreciate everyone that has played a part in our 2015 achievements. If you have any feedback on the report, I would love to hear it!
Elise Hui, MBA, SHRM-SCP
Executive Director
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National News
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House Passes Housing Opportunity Through Modernization Act
On Tuesday, February 2, the House unanimously approved the Housing Opportunity Through Modernization Act (HOTMA, HR 3700). After debating 13 amendments and approving 11, the House approved the bill 427-0. Seven members did not vote. Summaries of the amendments are available below. Previous coverage of H.R. 3700 can be found
here.
NAHRO commends the House for its quick action on this important legislation. NAHRO also thanks the Housing and Insurance Subcommittee Chair and sponsor of the bill Blaine Luetkemeyer (R-Mo.), the subcommittee Ranking Member Rep. Emanuel Cleaver (D-Mo.), the full committee Chairman Jeb Hensarling (R-Texas), the full committee Ranking Member Maxine Waters (D-Calif.), and their staff who worked tirelessly on the legislation.
The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration. Unfortunately, there is no current timeline on when or if the Senate will begin work on HOTMA.
Thank you to all NAHRO members who worked on HOTMA. Your input and advocacy made the difference in getting the bill moved through the House so quickly. For more information, read the complete article here (NAHRO login req'd).
Now Accepting 2016 Awards of Merit Applications -
Share Your Best Practices and Innovations
Take advantage of NAHRO's Agency Awards of Merit to showcase the innovative work being done by your agency.
Winners receive national recognition and are added to the resource bank of the best programs in housing and community development throughout the nation.
At the Merit Award level, entries are judged on their own merit and not in competition with each other.
2016 NAHRO Summer Conference Call for Session Proposals
NAHRO is requesting proposals for session presentations for the 2016 Summer Conference to take place July 15-17 in Portland, OR. Session proposals should address issues relevant to housing and community development in the following areas: Public Housing, Section 8, Housing/CD Finance, Community Development, Commissioners, Organizational Management, and International. The criteria for the selection of presentations includes the quality of the proposal, the relevance of the topic, and the interest for the NAHRO membership. Proposals are submitted on-line thru NAHRO's submission website. Submissions are required to include title, description, (3) learning objectives and suggested panel participants. Sessions should be designed to be 90 minutes in length. The Call for Proposals will close March 11. Those submitting proposals will be notified by April 15, 2016, regarding whether or not their proposal has been selected. Click here for more information and to submit proposals,
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Alaska Housing Finance Corporation
Housing Authority of Island County
- Accounting Manager - The Housing Authority of Island County is seeking qualified applicants for the position of Accounting Manager. A Bachelor's degree in Accounting, knowledge of Lindsey Housing Software and HUD REAC desired, but not required. Qualified veterans strongly encouraged to apply. The Housing Authority of Island County is located in Coupeville, WA on Whidbey Island. Application and information packet is available by contacting the Executive Director at [email protected]. Cover letter, application and resume' can be emailed to the Executive Director at the above email address or mailed to Executive Director, Housing Authority of Island County, 7 NW 6thStreet, Coupeville, WA 98239. NO faxes please.
Housing Kitsap (Bremerton, WA)
Seattle Housing Authority
Tacoma Housing Authority
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