In the News
Photo courtesy of Library of Congress
Launch of the Aequo Fund Supports Emerging Developers & Students
The Aequo Fund, an initiative supported by SAA | EVI, provides opportunities and financial support to individuals who are traditionally underrepresented in real estate development. Specifically the fund levels the field in the real estate industry by providing capital to emerging, black, brown, women and immigrant developers and real estate students to produce positive race and wealth equity outcomes and neighborhood reinvestment in American cities, which include Baltimore, Philadelphia, Buffalo, Richmond and Portland. In just a few months of activity, Aequo has partnered with a dozen emerging developers in five locations to begin twenty active projects and has a strong pipeline of prospects. It is projected that the initial $6.25M Fund will be fully deployed by Fall 2021 and that subsequent sales proceeds will allow investments to continue into the future. Importantly, Aequo also moves 'upstream' to work with graduate level schools of real estate and planning to support the next generation. The initiative has awarded its first five scholarships to Aequo Scholars - black, brown, women and immigrant students in graduate real estate programs. Just as these groups have traditionally struggled to get investment as developers, they similarly must fight to gain access to, and find the ability to pay for the high-level real estate, business and planning programs that forge future leaders of the industry leaders. To learn more about Aequo or make a donation, email info@aequofund.com.

Equity in Action
A Response to Ensure Access to Capital for Developers of Color

HAND and Greystone recently launched Equity in Action! This initiative honors our commitment to center racial equity, allows us to model for our members what it means to start unraveling racial inequities, and creates equitable solutions aimed at BIPOC real estate developers who are met with the obstacle of accessing the capital needed to execute their plans to revitalize communities.

HAND is partnering with Greystone to offer a debt and equity platform designed to increase opportunity for black and brown real estate developers who seek to create communities where all can thrive. Join us in shaping the next chapter of housing development in our region. 

ALL institutional HAND Members are eligible to participate.
Developers of color are strongly encouraged to apply.
HAND Updates
HAND's Annual Meeting is the largest convening of real estate and community development professionals in the Washington region. We invite you to join the celebration of our 30th anniversary with an immersive virtual experience designed to inspire you, make you think, and strengthen the relationships that are vital to the creation of flourishing communities. Themed Piscataway Conoy Still Here... In Celebration & Challenge, the conference will feature: 

Ignite Talks – Robust dialogues where we tackle the two big C's; Capital & Community and have a conversation about Black Homeownership. 

PS - Want to be prepared for the dialogue with Dr. Andre Perry? Order his latest book, Know Your Price: Valuing Black Lives and Property in America's Black Cities here so YOU will be able to engage in a dialogue about the book's finding with Dr. Perry!

Virtual Expo – Opportunities to showcase your organization and connect with other HAND members!

Awards Presentation – Honoring our peers and the next generation with the Housing Achievement Awards and Children’s Essay Contest!

HAND & NHT Workshop 
D.C. Building Energy Performance Standard
What help will building owners need to comply? 
RESCHEDULED: July 7, 2021 | 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm | Virtual Webcast

HAND and the National Housing Trust (NHT) are pleased to continue its series of stakeholder convenings on DC’s new Building Energy Performance Standards (BEPS). In 2019, HAND & NHT brought together our members and partners to discuss the potential impacts of BEPS on affordable housing and develop implementation recommendations for the Department of Energy and the Environment (DOEE). Join us on June 10, 2021 as we continue this important dialogue and hear from building owners what technical assistance, financial, and other support will be needed to comply with BEPS while preserving affordable housing. This session is designed to:
 
  • Provide space for building owners and property managers to share their perspectives on the support they will need to comply with BEPS; 
  • Identify gaps in support that will need to be addressed; 
  • Develop recommendations for addressing support needs; and 
  • Brainstorm continued learning opportunities to address participants’ priority concerns 

Registration fees: This event is free to current HAND Members; Non-Member Fee: $75.
More Member News
Prince George’s County 2021 Grand Slam
June 23, 2021 | 10:00 am – 12:00 pm | Virtual Webcast
 
The Office of the Prince George's County Executive invites you to take part in the 2021 Grand Slam of Opportunities Virtual Meeting. This economic development showcase and pre-solicitation event will reveal projects and procurement opportunities soon to be available to the development community. Register below, and learn more about Prince George’s County’s Economic Development Platform here.