July 1, 2021
A Message from THA

“Do more than is required.
What is the distance between someone who achieves their goals consistently and those who spend their lives and careers merely following?
The extra mile.”

-- Gary Ryan Blair --
Independence Day - Sunday, July 4th, 2021
Independence Day is the annual celebration of nationhood.

It commemorates the passage of the Declaration of Independence by the Continental Congress, on July 4, 1776. 
The offices of the Association will be closed on Monday, July 5th, in observance.
THA Inducts Director Ronny Robertson
into the THA Hall of Fame.
On Monday, June 28, 2021, THA President Kevin Klotzbach hosted an induction event, to induct Ronny Robertson, VP of Operations, CMH, Inc., into the Tennessee Housing Association (THA) Hall of Fame. (Ronny Robertson is pictured left.)

The THA Hall of Fame recognizes an individual's contribution, service, and commitment to the manufactured housing industry, and it's respective customers, employees and vendors.

Ronny Robertson has served the industry members of this state through various leadership positions on the THA Board of Directors.

Ronny attended his first THA Board of Director's meeting, as an elected Director, on August 16, 2000. His support of the Association and it's mission has been a priority for the last 21 years.

Since 2000, Ronny has served on eleven (11) THA committees including audit/finance, awards, building, education, election, manufacturer, PAC, and transportation. He has held four (4) Director positions and four (4) Executive Officer positions, including Vice-President and President. While this list of service is lengthy, it does not encompass fully, the supportive role Ronny has played to other THA Officer & Directors, as well as THA staff.

Throughout the last two decades, Ronny has hosted multiple plant tours for various state legislators and officials, working to increase education and awareness of the industry’s processes and products.  By creating this open door framework with officials, Ronny has been instrumental in cultivating many of the relationships we continue to enjoy today.

Ronny is a frequent attendee to Washington DC, serving as an industry ambassador, as well as representing the THA Board and it's Members.  Frequently, Ronny has presented the industry’s position on federal legislation to Senators and Representatives from Tennessee and various other states.

Currently, Ronny also serves the industry on a national level through his membership participation with the Manufactured Housing Institute (MHI). Understanding the importance of relationship building and access to legislators, Ronny serves on the national Political Action Committee (PAC).

Congratulations goes out to the man who is our mentor, counselor and friend! His service to this industry continues!
Below you will find a list of the recently elected
2021 - 2022 THA Board of Directors.

Board Service requires a commitment of personal time, travel and resources.
Board Members, who elect to serve and are elected by the THA Members, have a focus and desire to better the industry through leadership; education; legislation; relationship building with local, state and federal officials; and to expand and enhance the customer homebuying and living experience!
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE (Officers):
  •  President - Matt Kerlin, 21st Mortgage Corporation [1st Term - expires 2022]
  • Vice President - Owen Robertson, UFP Distribution, LLC [1st Term - expires 2022]
  • Secretary - Rhyn Brogden, HouseSmart Construction [1st Term - expires 2022]
  • Treasurer - Matt Belcher, Clayton Appalachia HBF [1st Term - expires 2022]
  •  Immediate Past President position is now filled by : Kevin Klotzbach, CMH Homes, Inc. (Bylaws)

 DIVISIONAL AND REGIONAL REPRESENTATION (Directors):
  •  'At Large' Director: Ronny Robertson, Clayton VP of Operations [2nd Term - expires 2023]
  • Builder/Developer Director: Aaron King, Giles Homes [1st Term - expires 2022]
  • Community Director: Mark Vaughn, A & L Mobile Home Village [1st Term - expires 2023]
  • Community Director: Brad Honeycutt, YES! Communities [2nd Term - expires 2022]
  • Installer/Transporter Director: Ryan Andresen, Clayton Connect [2nd Term - expires 2023]
  • Installer/Transporter Director: Ronnie Sechrest, On The Level [2nd Term - expires 2023]
  • Insurance/Finance Director: Paula Reeves, CIS Financial [2nd Term - expires 2023]
  • Insurance/Finance Director: Rob Peterson, Credit Human [2nd Term - expires 2023]
  • Manufacturer Director: Marty Mansfield, Clayton Rutledge HBF [1st Term - expires 2023]
  • Manufacturer Director: James McGee, Deer Valley Homebuilders 2nd Term - expires 2023]
  • Retailer Director: Juha Miettinen, CMH Homes, Inc. (TN Region) [1st Term - expires 2023]
  • Retailer Director: Betty Davis, Clayton Homes of Lexington [2nd Term - expires 2022]
  • Service/Supplier Director:  Jenette McFall, Blevins, Inc [1st Term - expires 2023]
  • Service/Supplier Director:  Scott Oliver, Oliver Technologies, Inc [2nd Term - expires 2023]
  • Northeast TN Regional Director: Marc Helton, Clayton Homes of Johnson City [1st Term - expires 2023]
  • East TN Regional Director: Corey Barnes, CMH Homes, Inc. [1st Term - expires 2022]
  • Mid-TN Regional Director: Wade Wells, Fleetwood Homes of TN [2nd Term - expires 2023]
  • Mid-West TN Regional Director: Marty Hebert, Clayton Homes of Dickson [2nd Term - expires 2023]
  • West TN Regional Director: Christine Lindsey, UMH Properties, Inc. [1st Term - expires 2023]

APPOINTMENT OF SERVICE - MHI Delegate: James McGee, Deer Valley Homebuilders, Inc.
File Notes:
  1. Officers are elected to a one (1) year term and may be re-elected to an unlimited number of terms with no more than two (2) consecutive terms within the same position. 
  2. Directors are elected to a two (2) year term, and may only serve two (2) consecutive terms within the same position. 
  3. The next election of Officers and Directors will take place on Monday, June 27, 2022, during the Annual Member's Meeting (June 26th - 28th, 2022), held at the Dollywood DreamMore Resort in Pigeon Forge, TN.
U.S. Supreme Court Keeps
CDC Federal Eviction Moratorium in Place
(as reported by MHI, June 30, 2021)

The U.S. Supreme Court has rejected an emergency request to block the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) federal eviction moratorium. The Court’s ruling means the federal eviction moratorium will remain in effect until it expires on July 31, 2021. The CDC Order was originally set to expire on June 30, 2021 but was extended last week. In its announcement, the CDC stated this action "is intended to be the final extension of the moratorium."
 
In the 5-4 decision, Justice Brett Kavanaugh stated, “Because the CDC plans to end the moratorium in only a few weeks, on July 31, and because those few weeks will allow for additional and more orderly distribution of the congressionally appropriated rental assistance funds, I vote at this time to deny the application to vacate the District Court’s stay of its order.” However, Justice Kavanaugh also said he agreed with the federal judge’s determination that the CDC had exceeded its authority in enacting the moratorium. This means the eviction moratorium will end on July 31 and the CDC needs legislative action to extend it beyond then. 
 
The case was brought to the Supreme Court after the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit denied a request to lift the “stay” on the eviction moratorium currently in place while the Department of Justice appeals the case in federal court. Previously, the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia in May had issued a decision invalidating the CDC order, but then “stayed” the decision to give the government time to appeal. 
 
In a recent joint letter to President Biden, MHI and its coalition members recognized the measures the Administration has taken to help individuals, households and businesses recover from the COVID-19 health crisis such as the broad financial assistance provided through relief bills, including Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) funds, expanded unemployment insurance and direct stimulus checks. However, MHI and the group argued that the continuation of a nationwide eviction moratorium is at odds with the current economic environment and will ultimately only serve to place insurmountable levels of debt on renter households and imped the recovery in the housing sector. 

The Department of Housing and Urban Development delayed the effective date of its final rule published on January 12, 2021, which amends the Federal Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards (MHCSS) that were based upon the third group of recommendations made to HUD by the Manufactured Housing Consensus Committee (MHCC), as modified by HUD.
 
The original March 15, 2021, effective date did not provide adequate time for affected manufacturers and stakeholders to implement the new requirements, due to issues caused by the COVID-19 Pandemic. The new effective dated is July 12, 2021. This time extension is to ensure manufacturers and other stakeholders have sufficient time to implement the new or amended requirements.  
MOD Construction Rule & Regulations
Changes in Tennessee

The Department of Commerce & Insurance is set to publish a MOD Rule change, which was approved in 2020. Participating MH manufacturers began working with the Department on proposed changes, beginning in January of 2019. The effective date of the new rule is June 29, 2021, with a 120-day compliance date. 
THA Member
CIS Home Loans Announces
New Chattel Lending Program

CIS Home Loans announced 'Moving Home', a new chattel loan program. Headed by industry veterans Paula Reeves and Darrell Boyd, 'Moving Home' offers new lending options for consumers seeking homeownership through manufactured housing. Click here to view the launch video.
CFPB Logo
Protections for Borrowers Affected by the COVID-19 Emergency Under the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA), Regulation X

The Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection (Bureau) is issuing this final rule to amend Regulation X to assist mortgage borrowers affected by the COVID-19 emergency. The final rule establishes temporarily procedural safeguards to help ensure that borrowers have a meaningful opportunity to be reviewed for loss mitigation before the servicer can make the first notice or filing required for foreclosure on certain mortgages. In addition, the final rule would temporarily permit mortgage servicers to offer certain loan modifications made available to borrowers experiencing a COVID-19-related hardship based on the evaluation of an incomplete application. The Bureau has also finalized certain temporary amendments to the early intervention and reasonable diligence obligations that Regulation X imposes on mortgage servicers.
THA Members
Tell FHFA that the GSEs Must Not Backtrack from
Progress on Serving Manufactured Housing

The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) has released the 2022-2024 Duty to Serve (DTS) Underserved Markets Plans for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac (the Enterprises). The Manufactured Housing Institute (MHI) believes the proposed Plans do not adequately address Fannie Mae’s and Freddie Mac’s statutory requirement to serve manufactured housing and is calling on FHFA to hold the Enterprises accountable.
 
It is critical that FHFA hear from all sectors of the manufactured housing industry. THA needs you to join MHI's effort and tell FHFA they must hold Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac accountable for meeting their statutory Duty to Serve manufactured housing by:
 
  • All you need to do is click the below link which will quickly and easily send an automated letter to FHFA. The letter to FHFA has already been composed – all you need to do is insert your home address and click “Send Message.”
Supreme Court Rules Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Regulator Can Be Replaced

On June 23rd, The U.S. Supreme Court ruled the President has discretion to remove the director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA). In its ruling, the Supreme Court found the provision in the 2008 law establishing the FHFA, which said a president can only fire the director for cause, was unconstitutional. The White House has indicated President Biden will move immediately to replace FHFA Director Mark Calabria. Further, FHFA Director Calabria has released a statement acknowledging the Supreme Court’s decision and wishing his yet to be named successor all the best. 
HUD Moves to Reinstate
Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing Rule

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has formally proposed a revised version of the Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing (AFFH) rule which HUD is seeking to have go into effect on July 31, 2021. HUD’s 2021 interim final rule, “Restoring Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing Definitions and Certifications,” requires program participants to submit certifications that they will affirmatively further fair housing in connection with their consolidated plans, annual action plans, and public housing agency plans.  In order to support these certifications, the interim final rule creates a voluntary fair housing planning process for which HUD will provide technical assistance and support. This 2021 version of the rule will not require local governments to report progress in identifying and addressing affordable housing barriers back to HUD as the Obama-era rule did. Previously, the Trump administration had repealed the AFFH rule and replaced it with the 2020 Preserving Communities and Neighborhood Choice rule, which is now rescinded under the interim final rule.
Upcoming Webinar
Advancing Manufactured Housing Issues in Washington
July 15, 2021 from 2:00 – 3:00 PM Eastern
Sponsored by Lutz, Bobo & Telfair, PA and Sun Communities
 
The demand for increasing the affordable housing supply has reached a fever pitch in Washington, as the President and Congress seek to expand the American Dream of homeownership and promote fair housing opportunities for all. It is a time of opportunity for the industry, and MHI is keeping manufactured housing at the forefront of policymakers’ dialogue as they seek ways the federal government can support the production of more affordable housing across the country. Learn how MHI is ensuring the manufactured housing industry is well-positioned to be a part of federal considerations about addressing our nation’s housing challenges and how we are elevating the industry’s priorities.
  
Webinar series sponsored by MHVillage/Datacomp
Upcoming Webinar
Best Practices for Successfully Developing
a Manufactured Housing Community
August 19, 2021

Sponsored by:
Skyline Champion Corporation & UMH Properties, Inc. 
 
With one in three new manufactured homes being placed in communities and high resident satisfaction rates, manufactured housing communities are a cornerstone of our industry and play a critical role in expanding the manufactured housing market. Learn planning and development techniques from community owners and operators that are successfully developing new manufactured housing communities while overcoming planning and zoning obstacles.

Webinar series sponsored by MHVillage/Datacomp
$24,432 was received in June!
Thank You!!
The THA 2021
Political Action Committee (PAC) Campaign

In 2021, please support the THA-PAC, to assist THA's continuance of educating key lawmakers on the importance of our industry, while also providing general counsel in ways of promoting manufactured homes as a viable option for addressing the affordable housing crisis.
Thank you Iron Horse Belleglade, LLC, for kicking off the 2021 PAC Campaign
with your January 7th donation of $500.
MANUFACTURED HOUSING INSTITUTE (MHI)
Dr. Lesli Gooch
Chief Executive Officer, MHI
Mark Bowersox
President, MHI
MHI In Action
Acting Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Regulator Named

Sandra L. Thompson has been named the Acting Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the President had discretion to remove the current FHFA Director Mark Calabria. In its ruling, the Supreme Court found the provision in the 2008 law establishing the FHFA, which said a president can only fire the director for cause, was unconstitutional. Since 2013, Thompson​ has served as Deputy Director of the Division of Housing Mission and Goals where she oversaw FHFA’s housing and regulatory policy, capital policy, financial analysis, fair lending and all mission activities for Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and the Federal Home Loan Banks. In that position, MHI has worked with Thompson over the years and looks forward to continuing our professional relationship in her new role. Further, MHI will work to educate the new director about the importance of manufactured housing and continue to advocate that FHFA hold Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac accountable to meet their statutory requirements under Duty to Serve.
Streamlined Payment Option for Landlords to Access
Emergency Rental Assistance Program Funds

The U.S. Department of Treasury has released updated guidance and FAQs about its Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) to speed the disbursement of funds by states, territories, localities and tribal governments. Specifically, the guidance allows for grantees to utilize a streamlined payment option for utility providers and large landlords to make accessing emergency rental assistance on behalf of multiple tenants easier and more attractive. MHI and its coalition of national housing industry organizations strongly recommended that Treasury take this action which is addressed in Question #38 in the FAQs. Click here to read the FAQs and click here to read the fact sheet.
Housing Industry Advocate Nominated to be FHA Commissioner

Julia Gordon has been nominated by President Biden to serve as the Commissioner of the Federal Housing Administration (FHA). If confirmed by the Senate as FHA Commissioner, Ms. Gordon will oversee the federal manufactured housing program. She is currently president of the National Community Stabilization Trust (NCST), a nonprofit organization that promotes neighborhood revitalization and housing affordability
Housing Provisions Missing from Bipartisan Infrastructure Framework

The White House and a bipartisan group of Senators last week reached an agreement on an infrastructure framework package that would include close to $600 billion in new spending on roads, bridges and other traditional infrastructure projects. However, missing from this framework are any investments in housing which was originally included in President Biden’s “American Jobs Plan.” Click here to view the framework.
 
While the White House support marks significant progress, the infrastructure package still has a long way to go before being enacted into law. Democratic congressional leaders insist that any bipartisan deal must be paired with a larger economic recovery package that would also include housing investments. MHI continues to strongly advocate that any infrastructure package support the production of affordable housing by addressing exclusionary zoning and harmful land use policies, using federal resources to “build, preserve and retrofit” older manufactured homes, and improving the availability of FHA financing.
HUD Proposes Restoring Discriminatory Effects Rule

HUD published a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) entitled “Restoring HUD’s Discriminatory Effects Standard” which seeks to rescind the Department’s 2020 Disparate Impact Rule and restore the 2013 Discriminatory Effects Rule. In its NPRM, HUD states that it believes the 2013 rule is “more consistent with decades of caselaw and better effectuates the Act’s broad remedial purpose of eradicating unnecessary discriminatory practices from the housing market.” MHI submitted comments, along with several of its state associations, in response to the 2020 Disparate Impact Rule, expressing concerns it could negatively impact the ability to make legal challenges against localities that have adopted policies or implemented practices that exclude manufactured housing. Our letter urged that HUD ensure more restrictive requirements for bringing a disparate impact claim do not impede the ability to challenge ordinances that zone out manufactured housing. MHI is currently reviewing the proposed rule and will submit comments prior to the August 24 deadline. 
2021 Webinar Series: Shoot for the Moon
Free Webinars
Powered/Sponsored by: ManufacturedHomes.com and
LearnMH.com
  • Thursday, July 1, 2021, 2 PM ET - Appraising Today’s Manufactured Homes for Conventional Financing - Tony Wicke, Land Home Financial Services, Paul Jackson, STX Valuation Services, and Jed Lowman, Nexa Mortgage

  • Thursday, July 15, 2021, 2 PM ET - Enhancing Your Digital Presence - Wil Ferguson, Breanna Wilson, and Lanie Snell of ManufacturedHomes.com

  • Thursday, July 29, 2021, 2 PM ET - The Truth About Manufactured Housing Communities

Available Daily

Licensing Education - Online Access
Initial Licensing - Jan thru Nov
Continuing Education - Jan thru Early Dec
THA Annual Member's Event
June 26 - 28, 2022
Important Links/Downloads
for your Information & Research
Emergency Rental Assistance

administered by:
The Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA)

(615/815-2200)
Direct your tenants to the COVID-19 Rent Relief program web page for answers to general questions, eligibility and application information, as well as payment and processing questions.
 
Special Note:
Tenants in Davidson, Knox, Rutherford, and Shelby County/Memphis will NOT BE ELIGIBLE for THDA funds and will need to contact their local government for more information on local rent relief programs. Click on the respective county above to be redirected to access for applying for funds in those areas.

DISCLAIMER:
Any suspected fraud in connection with COVID-19 Rent Relief Program should be reported to THDA for immediate review. THDA reserves the right to decline funding or participation if it is determined that fraud has occurred.
MH Advantage Program - Tools For Retailers
ManufacturedHomes.com has created resources to help retailers understand MH Advantage financing, how it works, what homes qualify, and the solution it provides for your customers.
Access helpful tools, educational videos, and important information to learn more about the program.
Manufactured Housing State Regulatory Resources - (Key Links)

Lots of fun videos to watch, games to play and activities you can do together! The kiddos will love it!
MAKE A FAMILY EMERGENCY PLAN! ALWAYS BE PREPARED!