The Bollinger Foundation is accepting nominations for their grant which supports the education of children who have lost one or both parents. To qualify, either the deceased parent must have worked - or the surviving parent continues to work - in the field of public or affordable housing or community and economic development.
You can learn more about the foundation — created in 1989 in memory of Steve Bollinger, assistant secretary for community planning and development at HUD from 1981-1984 — or nominate a family for the grant here.
The deadline to submit an application is May 6.
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February 26, 2016
February 25, 2016
Beyond Bricks and Sticks
A weekly digest of current trends in housing and community development. The discussion examines topics from infrastructure to community fabric.
The Best Planning Apps for 2016
(RECAP: Mobile apps can enhance civic engagement and advocacy in local governance and planning, make more efficient use of time in data collection and analysis for planners, and provide a slew of other functions. Here are a few apps planners told us about that are particularly interesting.)
http://www.planetizen.com/node/82996Vacant Spaces into Vibrant Places
(RECAP: Founded in 2010, the Center for Community Progress is the only national nonprofit organization solely dedicated to building a future in which entrenched, systemic blight no longer exists in American communities. Its mission is to ensure that communities have the vision, knowledge and systems to transform blighted, vacant and other problem properties into assets supporting neighborhood vitality.)
http://www.communityprogress.netHousing Virginia Toolkit
(RECAP: Don’t recreate the wheel. This Toolkit offers templates and “how to” guides for defining the issues, researching best practices, creating messages, finding allies and conducting an effective campaign to influence policy makers and other leaders on affordable housing in your community.)
http://www.housingvirginia.org/housing-virginia-toolkit/The New American Dream: A Rental of One’s Own
(RECAP: Homeownership is down and leasing is up, the result of the realities of today’s economy. The current Great Reset from owning to renting is occurring not only because many people prefer urban-style living, but because more flexible rental housing in denser areas is more in sync with the knowledge economy.)
http://www.theatlantic.com/business/archive/2016/02/suburban-homeowners-to-urban-tenants/463113/
http://www.theatlantic.com/business/archive/2016/02/suburban-homeowners-to-urban-tenants/463113/
Housing Choice Voucher Set-aside
Today’s post originally appeared in VHDA’s Fall 2015 Community Outreach Report.
As a result of the 2012 Settlement Agreement between the Department of Justice (DOJ) and Virginia, HUD and Fair Housing approved VHDA’s request to establish a tenant selection preference and set-aside of Housing Choice Vouchers for people with intellectual disabilities (ID) and/or developmental disabilities (DD).
In the first year, FY 2015, VHDA set aside 32 vouchers. As of October 2015, 28 clients had moved into a community-based system of support that provides them with more integrated living; four clients are currently searching for the best housing to suit their needs. For FY 2016, VHDA has set aside 65 vouchers. We’re partnering with the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services to accept referrals from their waiting list to house the clients in VHDA’s service area.
VHDA is just one agency working to improve housing for clients leaving training centers, nursing homes or intermediate care facilities or who meet the criteria for the DOJ Settlement Agreement. The goal is to have all public housing authorities (PHAs) in Virginia provide a set-aside for people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities in their voucher or public housing programs. To date, 11 PHAs have been approved by HUD. VHDA has also referred 85 clients to PHAs outside of VHDA’s area of operation.
For more information on the Housing Choice Voucher Program, please contact: HCV Program Director Sharon Fairburn at 804-343-5920 or Sharon.Fairburn@vhda.com.
© 2013 VHDA, All Rights Reserved. Please Review the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
In the first year, FY 2015, VHDA set aside 32 vouchers. As of October 2015, 28 clients had moved into a community-based system of support that provides them with more integrated living; four clients are currently searching for the best housing to suit their needs. For FY 2016, VHDA has set aside 65 vouchers. We’re partnering with the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services to accept referrals from their waiting list to house the clients in VHDA’s service area.
VHDA is just one agency working to improve housing for clients leaving training centers, nursing homes or intermediate care facilities or who meet the criteria for the DOJ Settlement Agreement. The goal is to have all public housing authorities (PHAs) in Virginia provide a set-aside for people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities in their voucher or public housing programs. To date, 11 PHAs have been approved by HUD. VHDA has also referred 85 clients to PHAs outside of VHDA’s area of operation.
For more information on the Housing Choice Voucher Program, please contact: HCV Program Director Sharon Fairburn at 804-343-5920 or Sharon.Fairburn@vhda.com.
February 23, 2016
In Case You Missed It: A Look at Recent National Housing Policy News
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National Housing Conference Report Finds Housing Cost Burdens Remain Widespread among Working Households
The National Housing Conference's (NHC) Center for Housing Policy released its Housing Landscape 2016 Report February 18. The report uses the latest American Community Survey data to evaluate severe housing cost burdens of low and moderate income working households, defined as households in which members work at least 20 hours a week on average and total household income does not exceed 120 percent of area median income. The report finds extensive housing cost burdens among working households, especially renter households. In 2014 more than 17.6 million total households, including 9.6 million working households, were severely housing cost burdened, paying more than 50 percent of their pretax income for housing. The report found that working renter households represent a large share of those with severe cost burdens. A quarter of working renter households had a severe housing cost burden in 2014.Treasury Announces Process for Awarding Additional Hardest Hit Funding
The U.S. Department of Treasury announced how it will award the additional $2 billion in Hardest Hit Fund (HHF) program funding Congress recently appropriated in the Consolidated Appropriations Act for FY 2016. As Congress directed, eligibility for the new funds is restricted to the 19 states Treasury previously selected for HHF. Treasury's announcement includes a list of the HHF states receiving additional amounts and the amounts they will receive. Treasury plans to award the additional funding through two separate phases. In the first phase, Treasury will divvy up $1 billion through a formula based on each eligible state's population and the amount of its initial HHF allocation that is has currently obligated. To be eligible for funding in this phase, an HFA must have drawn down at least 50 percent of its initial HHF funding. In the second phase, Treasury will award the remaining $1 billion through an application process in which Treasury will consider each applicant's housing needs, proven track record of utilizing HHF funds, and ability to design and execute effective programs. All HFAs participating in HHF will be eligible to apply for funding in this phase and may request an amount up to the lower of either 50 percent of their existing HHF allocation or $250 million. The deadline to apply for the additional funding under the second phase is March 11.Watt: GSEs Face Future Challenges Under Conservatorship
Director Mel Watt warned that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac (the GSEs) will face increasing challenges and risks if they remain in conservatorship in the coming years. The only way to address these challenges, Watt suggested, is for Congress to advance a plan to reform the GSEs and the housing finance system. Watt began his speech by reviewing what FHFA has accomplished since first placing the GSEs into conservatorship in September 2008. Both the GSEs and the housing market have improved substantially since then, Watt said, with the GSEs returning to the U.S. Treasury more than $50 billion over the amount of federal assistance they received. Watt attributed some of this improvement to decisions FHFA made during conservatorship, including directing the GSEs to increase the guarantee fees they charge for each mortgage they insure, improving the GSEs' representations and warranties framework, strengthening counterparty standards for mortgage insurers and seller/servicers, and mandating that the GSEs enter into more risk-sharing arrangements with private investors. Watt also made a point to commend the staff at FHFA and the GSEs for their work during conservatorship. Despite these improvements, Watt told the audience, a long-term conservatorship is untenable and poses major risks for taxpayers and the housing market as a whole. Watt noted that the GSEs are currently required, as a condition for receiving assistance from the federal government, to send Treasury any business income they generate at the end of each quarter. In addition, while the GSEs are allowed to keep enough assets to maintain a "capital buffer" to protect against losses temporarily, that buffer is required to be reduced each year until it is zero by the January 1, 2018.Clinton Unveils Economic Revitalization Initiative with Housing Policies
Presidential candidate Secretary Hillary Clinton released her "Economic Revitalization Initiative," which includes a number of housing-related policy proposals she would support should she be elected president. The plan envisions an investment of $25 billion in various initiatives supporting community revitalization, connecting high-poverty neighborhoods to opportunity, removing barriers to homeownership, and increasing the supply of rental housing. Clinton proposes to defend the Housing Credit and to increase Housing Credit authority in communities where demand for Credits far exceeds supply. The proposal states, "The additional credits will be allocated through a competitive process to those cities and states that are in the best position to use them effectively," but does not provide further detail about how the competition would function.
Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Showcase
In January, Novogradac & Company commemorated the 30th anniversary of the passage of the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit with a 166-page special report on this critical affordable housing program. The report profiles more than 70 housing credit properties across the country, and VHDA is pleased to share the news that three of these properties are in Virginia. They include West Wood Oaks in Fairfax County, Phelps Road Place Apartments in Madison Heights and Brook Creek Crossings Apartments in Midlothian.
The LIHTC Showcase also describes the history of the credit and its impact on residents, developers, investors and state agencies. You can download a free copy at https://www.novoco.com/products/special_report_showcase_lihtc.php.
The LIHTC Showcase also describes the history of the credit and its impact on residents, developers, investors and state agencies. You can download a free copy at https://www.novoco.com/products/special_report_showcase_lihtc.php.
© 2013 VHDA, All Rights Reserved. Please Review the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
February 18, 2016
Building Support for Increased Opportunities and Capacity
Today’s post originally appeared in VHDA’s Fall 2015 Community Outreach Report.
Virginia’s Habitat for Humanity network provides homeownership opportunities for low-income households through a strong volunteer and sweat equity model. These opportunities range from single-family homes in a rural setting to multiple units in urban communities that support broader neighborhood revitalization goals. In addition, more Habitat affiliates are expanding their new construction orientation to include rehabilitating vacant homes for new buyers or helping low-income owners rehabilitate their existing homes.
VHDA partners with Virginia’s Habitat network through several programs and initiatives designed to strengthen local affordable homeownership possibilities. This includes pro-bono loan servicing, a loan program that helps sustain new home development and an annual Habitat build by VHDA volunteers.
Our Habitat affiliate capacity building initiative is a more recent development that is part of VHDA’s broader Capacity Building program. Currently, we’re working with five Habitat affiliates to help focus on opportunities related to strategic planning, staff training and technology enhancement. As part of this effort, affiliates were surveyed to determine their familiarity with VHDA programs and services, and to identify capacity building needs across the entire Habitat network in Virginia. Survey results will help develop training to further advance the use and impact of VHDA services to the Habitat network.
To learn more, contact Housing Education Director Kelly Gill-Gordon at 804-343-5534 or Kelly.Gill-Gordon@vhda.com.
© 2013 VHDA, All Rights Reserved. Please Review the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Virginia’s Habitat for Humanity network provides homeownership opportunities for low-income households through a strong volunteer and sweat equity model. These opportunities range from single-family homes in a rural setting to multiple units in urban communities that support broader neighborhood revitalization goals. In addition, more Habitat affiliates are expanding their new construction orientation to include rehabilitating vacant homes for new buyers or helping low-income owners rehabilitate their existing homes.
VHDA partners with Virginia’s Habitat network through several programs and initiatives designed to strengthen local affordable homeownership possibilities. This includes pro-bono loan servicing, a loan program that helps sustain new home development and an annual Habitat build by VHDA volunteers.
Our Habitat affiliate capacity building initiative is a more recent development that is part of VHDA’s broader Capacity Building program. Currently, we’re working with five Habitat affiliates to help focus on opportunities related to strategic planning, staff training and technology enhancement. As part of this effort, affiliates were surveyed to determine their familiarity with VHDA programs and services, and to identify capacity building needs across the entire Habitat network in Virginia. Survey results will help develop training to further advance the use and impact of VHDA services to the Habitat network.
To learn more, contact Housing Education Director Kelly Gill-Gordon at 804-343-5534 or Kelly.Gill-Gordon@vhda.com.
© 2013 VHDA, All Rights Reserved. Please Review the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
February 17, 2016
Beyond Bricks and Sticks
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beyond bricks and sticks
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A weekly digest of current trends in housing and community development. The discussion examines topics from infrastructure to community fabric.
Overcoming NIMBYism: New Tools for Positive Community Engagement
(RECAP: Housing Virginia has launched a comprehensive training series that aims to assist affordable housing providers, local government, and advocates with their efforts in overcoming opposition to their projects and policies.)
Reinventing Your Community From the Inside Out – Part I
(RECAP: Growing from the inside out involves planting local economic seeds and nurturing them to be the new garden of opportunity. In regions where manufacturing or mining sectors of the economy have collapsed, this involves recognizing that even without those traditional jobs, there are still many unique and interesting things that could become part of the new identity.)
Prevention Programs Funded by the Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program
(RECAP: The Homelessness Prevention Study describes communities’ experiences with Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-housing prevention programs and draws lessons for future efforts to prevent homelessness. It also identifies gaps in knowledge needed to support future policy development.)
A Big Housing Problem Requires Clever, Collaborative Solutions
(RECAP: AARP Foundation is collaborating with HUD to expand research efforts on maintaining safe, healthy and affordable housing for vulnerable older adults. By leveraging the resources and networks of both organizations, HUD and AARP Foundation intend to maximize their investments and increase the impact of their work.)
Opinions on Housing
The views and opinions expressed in Opinions on Housing are solely those of the original authors, and do not necessarily represent those of VHDA, our stakeholders or any/all contributors to this blog.
The Millennial Wave: 3 Must-know Traits
(RECAP: The millennial generation has some distinctive characteristics that are shaping the community development field. Here are three you need to know and understand.)
February 16, 2016
Updates from Housing Virginia
Housing Virginia has big news – their website has gotten a complete redesign so they can provide their tools and information in a more user-friendly way. They’ve also just completed their final Sourcebook update for 2015, and the new website design makes navigating quicker and easier than ever. Sourcebook is the most up-to-date comprehensive source for affordable housing data in the state. You can check it out here: http://www.housingvirginia.org/news/housing-virginias-new-website-sourcebook-update/.
In other news, Housing Virginia is launching a project with USDA-RD and BB&T over the next year that will focus on housing needs, gaps and capacity in rural Virginia. Read more: http://www.housingvirginia.org/news/housing-virginia-launches-rural-housing-network-initiative/.
© 2013 VHDA, All Rights Reserved. Please Review the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
In other news, Housing Virginia is launching a project with USDA-RD and BB&T over the next year that will focus on housing needs, gaps and capacity in rural Virginia. Read more: http://www.housingvirginia.org/news/housing-virginia-launches-rural-housing-network-initiative/.
© 2013 VHDA, All Rights Reserved. Please Review the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
February 11, 2016
Using Grant Funds for Condo Outreach and Education
Today’s post originally appeared in VHDA’s Fall 2015 Community Outreach Report.
The importance of condominium housing as a resource for low- to moderate-income first-time homebuyers is widely recognized in the Northern Virginia market. In fact, condos in Alexandria are over 47 percent of the city’s total stock of ownership housing. While condos have represented the most affordable type of housing, many have declined in value. In addition, many condominium communities have experienced rapidly increasing monthly fees and special assessments that can jeopardize affordability.
In 2013, the City of Alexandria and Arlington County responded to this situation by collaborating on a series of educational workshops to increase public understanding of common-interest communities and strengthen the management practices of these communities. Supported in part by a $5,000 REACH non-profit support grant from VHDA, the workshops cover governance practices, restrictive covenants and other important topics. To date, the initiative has reached more than 250 Northern Virginians, including Habitat for Humanity homeowners living in condo communities.
The city and county both have long histories of offering VHDA first-time homebuyer classes and pre-purchase counseling. Condominium education is an expansion of that outreach. Since VHDA holds a portfolio of condo mortgages in Northern Virginia, the initiative should also increase educational opportunities for many VHDA mortgagees.
For more information, contact Director of Community Housing Beth Seward at 804-343-5615 or Elizabeth.Seward@vhda.com.
© 2013 VHDA, All Rights Reserved. Please Review the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
The importance of condominium housing as a resource for low- to moderate-income first-time homebuyers is widely recognized in the Northern Virginia market. In fact, condos in Alexandria are over 47 percent of the city’s total stock of ownership housing. While condos have represented the most affordable type of housing, many have declined in value. In addition, many condominium communities have experienced rapidly increasing monthly fees and special assessments that can jeopardize affordability.
In 2013, the City of Alexandria and Arlington County responded to this situation by collaborating on a series of educational workshops to increase public understanding of common-interest communities and strengthen the management practices of these communities. Supported in part by a $5,000 REACH non-profit support grant from VHDA, the workshops cover governance practices, restrictive covenants and other important topics. To date, the initiative has reached more than 250 Northern Virginians, including Habitat for Humanity homeowners living in condo communities.
The city and county both have long histories of offering VHDA first-time homebuyer classes and pre-purchase counseling. Condominium education is an expansion of that outreach. Since VHDA holds a portfolio of condo mortgages in Northern Virginia, the initiative should also increase educational opportunities for many VHDA mortgagees.
For more information, contact Director of Community Housing Beth Seward at 804-343-5615 or Elizabeth.Seward@vhda.com.
February 10, 2016
Beyond Bricks and Sticks
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beyond bricks and sticks
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A weekly digest of current trends in housing and community development. The discussion examines topics from infrastructure to community fabric.
Seeking True “Multifamily” Housing
(RECAP: City planners and real estate professionals use the term “multifamily” to describe apartment and condominium buildings. But is there a greater misnomer in our field? Most of our nation’s apartment stock is comprised of one- and two-bedroom units better suited for singles and households without children than for families with children.)
Five important facts about homeless youth
(RECAP: The federal government has set a goal of ending youth homelessness by 2020 with Opening Doors, a strategic plan released in 2010. Many cities this month will conduct an annual count of sheltered and unsheltered homeless youth on a single night. What do we know about these youth?)
Will U.S. Cities Design Their Way Out of the Affordable Housing Crisis?
(RECAP: “Missing middle” architecture could ease rents — and allow more Americans to build real estate wealth.)
Housing for Older Adults — Location, Location, Location
(RECAP: The location of housing is especially important to older residents who need more options to connect and stay engaged in the community. It is up to planners to link the location of housing with the location of existing or planned transportation options.)
Opinions on Housing
The views and opinions expressed in Opinions on Housing are solely those of the original authors, and do not necessarily represent those of VHDA, our stakeholders or any/all contributors to this blog.
Let’s work together to make Duty to Serve a success
(RECAP: The proposed Duty to Serve rule holds a lot of promise for expanding Fannie Mae’s and Freddie Mac’s financing of affordable housing. But how the rule proposes to get to the expansion is as important as the extent of the affordable housing work. For Duty to Serve to succeed, people inside and outside of government need to take up the affordable housing mission along with their day-to-day responsibilities.)
February 9, 2016
VIDEO: 2015 Affordable Housing Hall of Fame Inductee: Jim Chandler
We’ve mentioned before that Jim Chandler was inducted into Affordable Housing Finance Magazine’s Affordable Housing Hall of Fame. He received the award for his longtime service, which includes his role as the director of VHDA’s Low-Income Housing Tax Credit program for the past 18 years. Jim was also recognized for his dedicated efforts to encourage the use of green building strategies.
Now we’re happy to share video of Jim’s remarks at the award ceremony. Congratulations, Jim!
© 2013 VHDA, All Rights Reserved. Please Review the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Now we’re happy to share video of Jim’s remarks at the award ceremony. Congratulations, Jim!
© 2013 VHDA, All Rights Reserved. Please Review the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
February 4, 2016
Bringing Comfort and Community to People With Disabilities
Today’s post originally appeared in VHDA’s Fall 2015 Community Outreach Report.
Like its mythical namesake, the Phoenix Village Apartments development in Newport News has been extensively renovated and reborn as the New Phoenix Village Apartments. Originally built in 1981, this apartment community began its transformation in 2013 when the Hampton-Newport News Community Services Board applied for a $1.8 million VHDA SPARC rental housing loan.
“We have a great partnership with VHDA,” said Joy Cipriano, Director of Property and Resource Development for the HNNCSB. “Their sense of mission is so in line with ours, that we don’t have to be afraid to take some risks to make big things happen. As a result, what we’re hearing from the residents of New Phoenix Village Apartments is that the results of the renovations are wonderful. ”
Those results feature comfort and convenience, with energy-efficient heating and cooling units and universal design for each of the 45 original apartments. There are 25 one-bedroom and 13 two-bedroom apartments that serve residents within the $19,800 to $34,080 income range. All apartments are ground floor accessible and ADA-compliant. Once complete, the rehab will also have three additional apartments and a community center.
“Until now, the only way those living here have been able to enjoy a sense of community was by sitting on their front porches,” said Cipriano. “Having an actual onsite community center is going to amaze them, and provide a much needed place for residents to gather for celebrations, events and companionship.”
In addition to VHDA, other financing partners included the City of Newport News, the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development and the Virginia Housing Trust Fund. The Newport News Redevelopment and Housing Authority is handling the management of the apartment community.
The rehabilitation of the New Phoenix Village Apartments has been transformational for more than its residents. “Before the renovations, New Phoenix was a sad-looking complex and that did not go unnoticed, since it’s located right outside of Fort Eustis,” Cipriano said. “Now that it’s had a major facelift, inside and out, it’s improved the neighborhood to the point that we’re having more interest from offsite services, like the Food Bank, that feel more comfortable being involved with our residents and the surrounding neighborhood. To echo the folks who call New Phoenix Village home, it’s just wonderful.”
To learn more, contact Director of Community Housing Beth Seward at 804-343-5615 or Elizabeth.Seward@vhda.com.
© 2013 VHDA, All Rights Reserved. Please Review the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Like its mythical namesake, the Phoenix Village Apartments development in Newport News has been extensively renovated and reborn as the New Phoenix Village Apartments. Originally built in 1981, this apartment community began its transformation in 2013 when the Hampton-Newport News Community Services Board applied for a $1.8 million VHDA SPARC rental housing loan.
“We have a great partnership with VHDA,” said Joy Cipriano, Director of Property and Resource Development for the HNNCSB. “Their sense of mission is so in line with ours, that we don’t have to be afraid to take some risks to make big things happen. As a result, what we’re hearing from the residents of New Phoenix Village Apartments is that the results of the renovations are wonderful. ”
Those results feature comfort and convenience, with energy-efficient heating and cooling units and universal design for each of the 45 original apartments. There are 25 one-bedroom and 13 two-bedroom apartments that serve residents within the $19,800 to $34,080 income range. All apartments are ground floor accessible and ADA-compliant. Once complete, the rehab will also have three additional apartments and a community center.
“Until now, the only way those living here have been able to enjoy a sense of community was by sitting on their front porches,” said Cipriano. “Having an actual onsite community center is going to amaze them, and provide a much needed place for residents to gather for celebrations, events and companionship.”
In addition to VHDA, other financing partners included the City of Newport News, the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development and the Virginia Housing Trust Fund. The Newport News Redevelopment and Housing Authority is handling the management of the apartment community.
The rehabilitation of the New Phoenix Village Apartments has been transformational for more than its residents. “Before the renovations, New Phoenix was a sad-looking complex and that did not go unnoticed, since it’s located right outside of Fort Eustis,” Cipriano said. “Now that it’s had a major facelift, inside and out, it’s improved the neighborhood to the point that we’re having more interest from offsite services, like the Food Bank, that feel more comfortable being involved with our residents and the surrounding neighborhood. To echo the folks who call New Phoenix Village home, it’s just wonderful.”
To learn more, contact Director of Community Housing Beth Seward at 804-343-5615 or Elizabeth.Seward@vhda.com.
February 2, 2016
Beyond Bricks and Sticks
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beyond bricks and sticks
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A weekly digest of current trends in housing and community development. The discussion examines topics from infrastructure to community fabric.
LIIF launches Social Impact Calculator 2.0
(RECAP: National Housing Conference member Low Income Investment Fund (LIIF) revealed last month an update to its Social Impact Calculator tool, Social Impact Calculator 2.0. The tool is designed to allow community developers to measure the impact of affordable housing and other community investments by determining what works to improve the lives of people in those communities.)
Will the giants of housing finance become "green" giants?
(RECAP: Change does not come easily at the three large housing finance agencies - the FHA, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. But all three institutions, in their multifamily lending operations, have shown admirable willingness to adopt new policies to improve the energy efficiency of rental housing in America.)
Getting Residents Engaged in Participatory Mapping
(RECAP: Maps have become every more prevalent in the daily lives of our residents, thanks to mobile mapping technology. Participatory mapping is about getting people to share their knowledge of the community, identifying challenges or opportunities that directly impact their community. Participatory mapping allows community members to become active in the process of creating maps.)
Opinions on Housing
The views and opinions expressed in Opinions on Housing are solely those of the original authors, and do not necessarily represent those of VHDA, our stakeholders or any/all contributors to this blog.
Should We Put a Dollar Value on the Benefits of Affordable Housing?
(RECAP: Even as we realize that a “cost-benefit” or “return-on-investment” analysis should not be the sole driver of housing policy decisions, it can be a useful part of the discussion. And it can help make the case for affordable housing programs to those who take a “bottom line” approach to government spending decisions.)
Charrette: A social innovation lab
(RECAP: Those of you working in the city planning trenches every day, using collaborative design workshops to engage the people, you’re really running a form of social innovation lab. You’re drawing from diverse perspectives, co-creating solutions and taking on a systems approach to problem solving.)
Fair Housing Accessibility Training Available Feb. 24
The Virginia Housing Alliance’s new training center, the Virginia Housing Education and Learning Partnership (VA- HELP), is presenting its Fair Housing Accessibility Training at VHDA's Virginia Housing Center (4224 Cox Road, Glen Allen, Va.) from 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. on Feb. 24. The registration fee is $30.
Robert S. Ardinger, president of Ardinger Consultants and Associates, will provide training on the Fair Housing Design and Construction Accessibility Requirements. The session will cover basic terms and concepts on major civil rights laws and principles of accessibility, basic design principles and guidelines, reasonable accommodation and reasonable modification, and the future universal design market.
This training is approved for continuing education credits by the American Institute of Architects! It will be a great opportunity to receive CE credits while gaining valuable knowledge about fair housing and accessibility. Scholarships are available for young professionals, students and nonprofit employees interested in attending the training. Apply here.
If you have questions, contact Rachel Bates at 804-840-7582.
For more information on the 7 Design and Construction Requirements under the Fair Housing Act visit: homeofva.org/designandconstruction.
© 2013 VHDA, All Rights Reserved. Please Review the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Robert S. Ardinger, president of Ardinger Consultants and Associates, will provide training on the Fair Housing Design and Construction Accessibility Requirements. The session will cover basic terms and concepts on major civil rights laws and principles of accessibility, basic design principles and guidelines, reasonable accommodation and reasonable modification, and the future universal design market.
This training is approved for continuing education credits by the American Institute of Architects! It will be a great opportunity to receive CE credits while gaining valuable knowledge about fair housing and accessibility. Scholarships are available for young professionals, students and nonprofit employees interested in attending the training. Apply here.
If you have questions, contact Rachel Bates at 804-840-7582.
For more information on the 7 Design and Construction Requirements under the Fair Housing Act visit: homeofva.org/designandconstruction.
© 2013 VHDA, All Rights Reserved. Please Review the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
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