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NAHMA Announces 2014 Affordable Housing Vanguard Award Program Details and Deadline
The deadline for submissions for the National Affordable Housing Management Association (NAHMA) 2014 Affordable Housing Vanguard Award will be April 4, 2014.
The Vanguard Award celebrates success in the multifamily affordable housing industry by recognizing and benchmarking new, quality multifamily affordable housing development; substantial rehab of existing multifamily housing; and redevelopment of historic or non-housing structures into affordable housing.
Affordable multifamily housing communities that are less than three years old, or that have undergone substantial rehab within the last three years (as of April 4, 2014) may apply (based on date of completion of new construction or completion of major rehab).
For more details and an application, click below.
Tax Issues and Tax Reform
"Operations & Technology: 2014 Legislative Agenda"
"LIHTC Fixed Rate Expires"
"Navigating Important Changes to the Tax Credit Terrain"
Congress
"Big Issues to Watch in 2014"
State and Local Activities
"City's Affordable Housing Units Dwindle"
Green Building
"The New Year in Green Building"
Management and Compliance
"Send in the Feds: Bed Bugs Beware"
Industry Trends
"Demolitions Dire for Poor Amid Affordable-Rent Gap: Economy"
Association News
NAHMA Announces 2013 National Communities of Quality® Award Winners: Outstanding Affordable Housing Communities Honored for 21st Year
NAHMA Announces 2013 Awards for Outstanding Achievement by Affordable Housing Providers
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Tax Issues and Tax Reform
Operations & Technology: 2014 Legislative Agenda
Multi-Housing News (01/14) Ayers, Joshua
The Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) was created to encourage the development of affordable multifamily housing, spur job creation, and expand the inventory of low-income units. Beth Wanless at the Institute of Real Estate Management says the tax credit’s success has enabled the creation of more than 2.6 million affordable housing units since its inception in 1986, and that were the tax credit to expire, it would eliminate more than 1 million LIHTC units of affordable housing stock by 2020. In anticipation of a tax reform draft from Sen. Max Baucus (D-Mont.), organizations are monitoring wording about carried interest. Backers of an increase in carried interest say it could help level the taxation playing field for hedge fund managers, but opponents say an adjustment would hurt the recovering housing industry. The National Affordable Housing Management Association's 2014 legislative agenda will focus on LIHTCs as well as the effect of sequestration on the industry, Section 8 contract funding, and restoring Rural Renters Assistance subsidies. "NAHMA’s position has been and continues to be that it is the federal government's responsibility to fund the project-based Section 8 program at a level that contracts can be renewed on time, in full for the 12-month terms of the contract," says Michelle Kitchen, NAHMA's director of government affairs.
LIHTC Fixed Rate Expires
Housing Finance (12/31/13) Anderson, Bendix
A provision of the law governing the federal low-income housing tax credit (LIHTC) expired in late 2013, potentially forcing many developers to lose significant amounts of equity for their affordable housing projects. Tax-writing committees in Congress have been negotiating for the past year over a proposed reform of the U.S. tax code, and have overlooked smaller tax bills, including the fixed rate at which affordable housing developments generate LIHTCs over the 10-year life of the credit. "The 9 percent fixed rate will not be available,” says Sean Thomas, chief of staff at the Ohio Housing Finance Agency. Following the expiration, affordable housing projects that have already received their allocations can continue to use the fixed rate, but projects that receive LIHTC allocations after Jan. 1, 2014, will to anticipate using a floating rate. The floating rate for LIHTCs tends to be more than a full percentage point below 9 percent, which could lead to a loss of tax credits as high as 18 percent of a project’s total LIHTCs over 10 years, according to some experts. States, meanwhile, have a fixed amount of LIHTCs to reserve annually, allowing more projects to claim more tax credit, although the basis boost will cut into the overall number of LIHTC projects the state can fund. "We are encouraging people to really look at the basis boost and make the case for why they need it," says Tasha Weaver, manager of tax credit allocations for the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority.
Navigating Important Changes to the Tax Credit Terrain
Novogradac Journal of Tax Credits (01/14) Vol. 05, No. 1 Novogradac, Michael J.
On Dec. 10, several U.S. regulatory bodies released and approved final guidance on the Volcker Rule, or section 619 of the Dodd-Frank Act, thereby placing prohibitions and restrictions on how banking entities and non-bank financial companies can make particular kinds of equity investments. The rule enables banking entities to acquire an ownership interest in, or act as sponsor to, an investment that is designed primarily to promote the public welfare, or an investment in Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credits (HTCs). Banks may generally act as a sponsor of funds comprised of Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC), New Market Tax Credit (MNTC), or HTC investments, and renewable energy tax credit funds to the extent the investments are public welfare investments. On Dec. 11, meanwhile, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) ratified the generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) amendments for LIHTC investments that were earlier approved by FASB's Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF). The Accounting Standards Update implementing the changes for the LIHTC is expected to be issued by January. On Nov. 15, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency released final revisions to "Interagency Questions and Answers Regarding Community Reinvestment," which it uses to provide additional guidance on Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) rules. Some bank investors have suggested that creating fewer, larger assessment areas would improve market conditions and increase the creation of affordable housing. Supporters of this type of change say it would allow banks to cast a wider net and expand diversity in their LIHTC portfolios, while also narrowing the gap that exists between high credit prices in high-demand, major CRA assessment areas and prices in lower or no demand in non-CRA or minor CRA assessment areas.
Congress
Big Issues to Watch in 2014
Affordable Housing Finance (01/01/14) Kimura, Donna
Affordable Housing Finance outlines six potential game-changing issues for the industry to monitor this year, including tax reform that could remove or amend the low-income housing tax credit program (LIHTC). A tax reform markup may be imminent, while who assumes leadership of key committees, including Senate Finance and House Ways and Means, also bears watching. Also looming is reform to the Community Reinvestment Act, while the failure to resolve the issue of an extension of the 9 percent fixed rate for LIHTCs and an expansion to a flat 4 percent rate last year means it will be back on the table for 2014. Nixon Peabody partner Stephen Wallace expects implementation of a budget agreement and its effects on Department of Housing and Urban Development programs to be a major industry focus this year. The need for affordable housing also will be a key issue, especially as a workforce housing crisis in rural America asserts itself. Another issue is Rep. Mel Watt's (D-N.C.) assumption of leadership of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, which begs such questions as what course he will set for the government-sponsored enterprises, and how he will deal with the housing crisis.
State and Local Activities
City's Affordable Housing Units Dwindle
Wall Street Journal (01/09/14) Kusisto, Laura
A new report by the nonprofit Community Service Society estimates that over the last 10 years, New York City has lost 40 percent of apartments for low-income residents. The study defines "low-income" residents as at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty threshold, which comprises about 40 percent of city residents, according to Tom Waters, a housing policy analyst at the Community Service Society. For New Yorkers at those income levels, more than 385,000 units of housing in the city were eliminated from 2002 through 2011, of which about half were rent-regulated, according to the group's assessment of data from the New York City Housing and Vacancy Survey. Affordable-housing advocates note that landlords have the ability to raise rents after renovating rent-regulated apartments, eventually allowing them to migrate those apartments to market-rate. Housing advocates say they will focus on strengthening rent-stabilization laws and ensuring new affordable units are targeted to lower-income residents. During his campaign, Mayor Bill de Blasio pledged to travel with tenant advocates to the state capital in February to push for city control over rents on stabilized apartments.
Green Building
The New Year in Green Building
Constructech (12/23/13)
Consultant Jerry Yudelson predicts that green building in North America will continue to see robust growth in the new year. In particular, commercial real estate will continue to grow, along with government, university, nonprofit, and school construction. Yudelson further forecasts an increased focus on energy efficiency for buildings as well as building automation systems. He asserts that green building has already "hit the mainstream," but certain building owners, managers, and developers want to go further by achieving zero-net-energy. Another prediction is an increase in competition for LEED amid an increasing number of rivals, such as the Green Globes rating system from the Green Building Initiative. "Recent Obama administration actions have now put this system on a par with LEED for federal projects," he notes. Additional trends cited for the new year include a move toward the "greening" of existing buildings and greater use of cloud-based systems for building management and design. Yudelson adds that more cities will require commercial building owners to disclose actual green building performance.
Management and Compliance
Send in the Feds: Bed Bugs Beware
UNITS (01/14) Blackwell, Tim
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has finally released a draft of a Federal Strategy on Bed Bugs after three years. The apartment industry has pushed for greater assistance from the government in the battle against bed bugs because additional resources are needed to develop new pesticides to control infestations as well as educate the public about the dangers of the pests. The NMHC has called for a "Manhattan Project" on bed bugs. The Strategy is designed to provide guidance on how various levels of government can get more involved in pest control initiatives, and addresses prevention, surveillance, community efforts, education and communication and research. Moreover, the Strategy, released in September, brings government agencies together for an integrated attack on bed bugs. Representatives from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, EPA, Department of Housing and Urban Development, Department of Agriculture and the Department of Defense participated in The Federal Bed Bug Work Group, which developed the Strategy. The EPA also will take comments on the draft from citizens, pest control professionals and others into consideration as it prepares the final version.
Industry Trends
Demolitions Dire for Poor Amid Affordable-Rent Gap: Economy
Bloomberg (01/13/14) Smialek, Jeanna; Torres, Carlos
The affordable housing gap continues to widen as neighborhoods are improved and buildings are demolished, even as city officials and developers pledge to provide affordable apartments. As the number of foreclosures rose and the number of renters increased, new construction is commanding higher rents as older, cheaper units are demolished. "It really has to do with two dynamics: the income of the people renting housing and the price or the cost of renting housing," said Erika Poethig, director of urban policy initiatives at the Urban Institute. A Harvard Joint Center Analysis indicates that about 12.8 percent of units for less than $400 per month were demolished between 2001 and 2011, up from 5.6 percent of all rental units in 2001. New construction can push down overall rents by expanding supply, but in many markets, developers cannot make money by renting them at rates affordable for low-income renters.
Association News
NAHMA Announces 2013 National Communities of Quality® Award Winners: Outstanding Affordable Housing Communities Honored for 21st Year
For the 21st consecutive year of its Communities of Quality® (COQ) Awards program, the National Affordable Housing Management Association (NAHMA) is honoring the best multifamily affordable housing communities across the country for excellence in how they manage the physical, financial and social conditions of their properties. Winning member sites also are honored for the quality of life they offer residents, the level of resident involvement in community life, their financial stability, the certified quality of their staff, and the nature of collaborations with other organizations and agencies.
The 2013 COQ awards will be presented at NAHMA’s annual winter meeting, March 9-11, 2014, in Washington, D.C. For details on the NAHMA meeting, visit http://www.nahma.org/meetings/MeetingInfo.html.
“The 80-plus entrants and the award winners in our Communities of Quality® Awards program prove that affordable housing is a valuable asset to the larger community,” said Gianna Solari, NAHP-e, president of NAHMA. “The competition for these awards demonstrates the degree to which affordable housing providers value the quality of everything from maintenance of the buildings and grounds to services made available to residents.”
NAHMA’s 2013 COQ Awards program has been jointly sponsored by HD Supply Multifamily Solutions, a leading supplier of maintenance and renovation products to the multi-housing industry, and RealPage, a leading provider of on-demand products and services for the rental housing industry.
The five 2013 COQ categories and winners are:
EXEMPLARY DEVELOPMENT FOR THE ELDERLY
Wollaston Manor
Quincy, MA
Owner: Wollaston-Quincy, L.P.
Management: Housing Management Resources
AHMA: NEAHMA
Wollaston Manor, home to 170 senior and disabled residents, is a 10-story high-rise built in 1974. It recently underwent a $1.5 million upgrade that included renovating interior and exterior areas, common spaces, and the building's heating and air conditioning systems. Individual units were given new kitchen installations, including cabinets, countertops, custom wall surfaces, energy- efficient appliances and flooring. Common areas received new carpeting or plank flooring, custom wall surfaces and paint. The cost of unit upgrades was more than $600,000. In addition, a $275,000 weatherization project was completed on the south, west and east sides of the building. Wollaston Manors’ effective resident programs are led by its outstanding resident services coordinator, who ensures that residents have a high-quality living environment as well as social and physical activities that enhance their health. The resident services coordinator works in conjunction with several local agencies and service providers including participation with MassHousing's Tenant Assistance Program (TAP). Wollaston Manor also stays connected to family and friends through the Connected Living Program, which provides residents a new computer lab, onsite training, and interactive activities and learning opportunities. A 2013 resident survey confirmed that residents at are delighted with their units, the services they receive and the activities available to them.
EXEMPLARY DEVELOPMENT FOR RESIDENTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS
Emerald Springs
Detroit, MI
Owner: Unified Property Group
Management: Unified Management Services
AHMA: MAHMA
Emerald Springs is a jewel in a city known mostly for its blight. It is a new 158-unit community built on a site where a public housing project was razed a decade earlier. The site includes single-family homes, duplexes and townhomes. Green initiatives were used throughout the community, including the installation of energy-efficient appliances. New public streets were developed and bus stops added. Seventy-five of the homes are public housing units, and there are 16 handicapped accessible units. The units come equipped with dishwashers and washers and dryers. Emerald Springs offers amenities no other affordable community in the area has offered. These include a community room that has a computer lab used daily by residents. There is also a media room and an exercise room. Management has partnered with agencies such as ARISE Detroit, Premiere Staffing, Perfecting CDC, Global Educational Excellence’s Katherine White Academy, Gleaners Fresh Food Share program, United Way, the Rotary and Lions clubs, and others to provide a variety of programs and services
EXEMPLARY FAMILY DEVELOPMENT
Pynchon Edgewater Apartments
Springfield, MA
Owner: Collins Nickas
Management: Peabody Properties, Inc.
AHMA: NEAHMA
Pynchon Edgewater Apartments is a 612-unit property comprising 51 apartments and townhomes and one high-rise building. Units range in size from one to four bedrooms. The property is spread over five city blocks commingled with privately owned single-family homes in an urban setting. Schools, parks, shopping and Interstate 91 are just minutes away. Because its neighborhood experiences drug dealing, gang violence and other violent crimes, property management and residents spearheaded an initiative to address security both on and near the property. There is an active tenant association, a youth program, Tenant Assistant Programs (TAP) offered through MassHousing, and numerous entertainment, educational and health-related programs. Seniors and adult residents with disabilities also have access to Peabody Resident Services, Inc.’s Home Care program, which helps residents remain in their homes as long as possible, providing assistance with activities of daily living. Crime is statistically down by 68 percent and is directly linked to the 60-plus community partnerships that address safety, education, health care, and social services. The site has also been a demonstrated incubator of creative model programs for policing, school attendance, youth leadership, health care jobs, and more, with measurable outcomes.
EXEMPLARY SINGLE-ROOM OCCUPANCY
The Warwick
Newport News, VA
Owner: Community Housing Partners
Management: Community Housing Partners
AHMA: Mid-Atlantic AHMA
Built in 1928 as a luxury hotel, The Warwick was once the center of downtown activity before going into decline in the 1980s. In 1995, Community Housing Partners (CHP) acquired the property after years of vacancy and converted it into 88 single-room occupancy (SRO) affordable, permanent, supportive units for previously homeless individuals. CHP completed a comprehensive rehabilitation of The Warwick in July 2013. The rehab included a new roof, updated plumbing, new windows, HVAC upgrades and a variety of energy-efficiency improvements resulting in an EarthCraft Virginia™ certification and a 50-percent increase in energy efficiency. The rehab also included improved accommodations for CHP's property management and resident services programming with newly designed offices, a rehabilitated community room, and a new community kitchen. Services provided within these facilities include nutritional education, health screenings, mental health services, Alcoholics Anonymous/Narcotics Anonymous meetings, employment services, case management, and family support. The 88 residents of The Warwick are all formerly homeless individuals, 97 percent of whom live at or below 30 percent of area median income. These individuals are greatly aided by the case management and support services offered by staff and partners.
OUTSTANDING TURNAROUND OF A TROUBLED PROPERTY
Hillcrest Commons
Philipsburg, PA
Owner: Philipsburg UAW Housing Corp.
Management: Community Realty Management
AHMA: PennDel AHMA
Hillcrest Commons, formerly known as Sunnyslope Apartments, is located in the rural area of Philipsburg, Pa. When Community Realty Management took over the troubled property in April 2006, the occupancy rate was 80 percent and delinquencies were more than 64 percent. Management immediately tackled the issue of drug activity in the community with the aid of police. Major capital improvements were made possible through mark-up-to-market funding that enabled improvements costing $445,000 over the last seven years. This included replacing siding, replacing roofs and windows, resurfacing all hardscapes, and renovating the interiors of both units and common areas. Management also revamped its internal controls after conducting an exhaustive audit of files and systems. Onsite staff received extensive training so that they could become familiar with the wide gamut of HUD regulations. Success is demonstrated by receipt of a superior rating in a May 2011 review. Property staff provides a positive environment for residents that includes educational, literacy and other programs and has built a strong partnership with outside agencies to provide additional services.
NAHMA Announces 2013 Awards for Outstanding Achievement by Affordable Housing Providers
The National Affordable Housing Management Association (NAHMA) is pleased to announce the winners of its annual Industry and AHMA Awards. The list includes both individuals and organizations whose professionalism, dedication and accomplishments in assuring quality housing for low-income Americans raises the standards of the multifamily affordable housing industry.
More details on award winners will be published in NAHMA’s bimonthly newsletter, NAHMA News, in the March-April 2014 issue, including photos of the awards ceremony, which is scheduled for Monday, March 10, 2014 starting at 6:30 p.m., at the Washington Court Hotel, Washington, DC. Information on the NAHMA meeting is available at www.nahma.org/meetings/MeetingInfo.html.
NAHMA Industry Statesman Award
This award goes to an outstanding industry leader whose long-term service and dedication to NAHMA, its local affiliated AHMAs and the affordable housing industry have been a constant source of inspiration.
Carl Coan, Jr. (posthumously), Founder, Coan & Lyons; pioneer in establishment of HUD programs
Carl Coan, Jr. was a tireless advocate for the development and provision of affordable housing for low- to moderate-income Americans during his lengthy and distinguished career. After graduating from the Georgetown University Law Center in 1958, Carl entered public service in September 1958 as an attorney for the Federal Housing Administration of the Housing and Home Finance Agency. In 1961, he became Legislative Opinions Counsel for the Urban Renewal Administration of the Housing and Home Finance Agency. In 1965, he became Deputy to the Director of the Redevelopment Division of the Renewal Assistance Administration, and two years later he returned to a legal position as Assistant General Counsel for Legislative Policy at HUD. In this capacity, he was responsible for supervising HUD's federal legislation activities, including the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968. In late 1971, Carl became staff Vice President for Governmental Affairs-Legislative Counsel for NAHB, and in April 1977 he entered the private practice of law, specializing in advising and representing organizations and individuals on issues before the Congress and the Executive Branch in such areas as housing, taxation, aid to cities, grant programs, and financial institutions. Throughout his career, Carl was a forceful advocate for the cause of housing. Carl served as counsel to one of NAHMA’s predecessor organizations (the Advisory Council of HUD Management Agents), and to NAHMA upon its formation.
NAHMA President’s Award
This elite award is given each year to an individual selected by NAHMA’s President in recognition of a career of significant contribution to the affordable housing industry.
David Smith, Founder and Chairman, Recap Real Estate Advisors and Founder of the Affordable Housing Institute
David Smith has been an inspirational and visionary leader for the industry. In particular, he is being honored with this award for his founding of the Affordable Housing Institute (AHI), which works worldwide to deliver improved housing production and housing finance ecosystems, especially for the urban poor, in informal communities and slums in the emerging world. AHI has been the recipient of two grants from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. With more than 30 years of direct experience in affordable housing, David uniquely combines the roles of practitioner and theoretician, participant and policymaker. David is also founder and Chairman of Recap Real Estate Advisors. David maintains a longstanding commitment to professional education, pro-bono public advice, and service to the affordable housing community. Aside from being a speaker or co-chairman at hundreds of conferences and participant in multiple industry-regulator working groups, David has provided high-quality analysis to Congress, the Millennial Housing Commission, CBO, HUD, state HFAs, foundations, and others, including NAHMA.
NAHMA Industry Achievement Award
The following awardees are recognized for their extensive contributions to the growth of the industry, the strategic nature of this service and their commitment to affordable housing. This year’s award is presented to the members of NAHMA’s two Course Updates Task Forces, as well as Gwen Volk.
The NAHMA Fair Housing Compliance (FHC) Exam Update Task Force worked over a 15-month period to update, revise and improve the FHC course exam. To launch their work, task force members participated in a three-hour workshop with a certification program specialist to learn how to write high-quality statistically valid multiple choice questions. The task force was then charged with converting the existing FHC 50- true-or-false-question exam into an exam with 50 multiple choice questions. Over the course of its work, the task force convened by conference call and corresponded through email on a regular basis to circulate, review and edit exam questions. The task force completed its work and the new FHC exam was launched in May 2013. Through the group’s hard work, NAHMA has been able to offer FHC students an updated and improved course exam as they achieve the highly respected NAHMA FHC certification. The NAHMA Certified Professional of Occupancy (CPO) Update Task Force worked expeditiously over an intense two-month timeframe to review and update the NAHMA CPO course materials and exam as soon as HUD announced its Change 4 to the 4350.3 Occupancy Handbook. As subject matter experts, task force members saw the importance of implementing the new changes into the course and exam as soon as possible to ensure that students received the most up-to-date and accurate information. A comprehensive review of the CPO materials resulted in updates to the course manual, homework assignment, exam and trainer Powerpoint. Through the task force’s hard work, NAHMA was able to offer students a first-rate learning experience as they pursued the highly coveted NAHMA CPO certification.
Gwen Volk, Director of Affordable Housing Compliance at LBK Management Services
Gwen Volk is being honored for putting together an outstanding webinar on how to apply for NAHMA’s Communities of Quality© (COQ) National Recognition Program. The webinar, available at www.youtube.com/watch?v=95U3ckWkyVA, provides detailed and comprehensive step-by-step guidance on completing the COQ application, which is a self-scoring matrix of six benchmarks of success. Through the COQ National Recognition program, multifamily properties can be certified as having achieved a high standard of excellence in the way they are managed, the services they provide residents, the experience and training of personnel, and other criteria. NAHMA created the COQ National Recognition program as a way to acknowledge companies that provide the highest-quality affordable housing to lower-income residents while adding value to the larger community.
NAHMA Industry Partner Award
Given annually to a government agency or other affordable housing organizational partner that has made a significant contribution to the cause of affordable housing in the previous year(s).
William Christiansen, Senior Enforcement Analyst, HUD (Ret.)
William Christiansen worked with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development in Los Angeles for over 30 years in many positions, including multifamily and most recently in the Departmental Enforcement Center for five years as a Senior Enforcement Analyst. Bill retired in January of this year, leaving behind a legacy of professionalism and compassion for the affordable housing industry, and has been especially influential in the success of AHMA-Pacific Southwest. As noted by an AHMA PSW Board member, “Bill has been an advocate of quality affordable housing throughout his career and his hard work and dedication have set the bar very high for our industry. Bill truly goes above and beyond to help his "partners" in the industry succeed, and he is very deserving of this award.”
NAHMA Affordable Housing Advocate of the Year Award
Given annually to recognize a NAHMA member who has demonstrated a strong commitment to advance NAHMA’s legislative priorities through public policy advocacy.
David Layfield, CEO at ApartmentSmart.com, Inc.
David Layfield is an affiliate member of NAHMA who has donated many hours to developing NAHMA Maps and to helping redesign NAHMA’s website headers and navigation in 2013. Both of these efforts are critical to NAHMA’s success in grassroots advocacy. In particular, a major update of NAHMA Maps in 2013 resulted in the program being mobile-device-friendly, so that NAHMA members are able to reach out to their Congressional representatives no matter when or where they are traveling.
AHMA of the Year Award
The criteria for these awards is based on AHMA size, size of membership, success in membership recruitment, membership retention, education and training course attendance, financial stability and other factors.
* Large - SAHMA
SAHMA continues to be a leader in membership recruitment and retention; the number and quality of its educational offerings in a region that includes eight southeastern states, Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands; its innovations, and its services to members.
* Medium - NEAHMA
NEAHMA recently celebrated 25 years of service to affordable housing providers in New England. The number and scope of its training continues to grow, its meetings are very well attended, and its charitable contributions are noteworthy.
* Small - AHMA NCH
AHMA-NCH’s accomplishments for 2013 include record Communities of Quality© growth; record 2013 Annual Conference attendance; expanded state advocacy efforts; and record reserves for the AHMA.
AHMA Membership Recruitment Award
The criteria for this award is membership recruitment and retention and related factors.
* Large - SAHMA
SAHMA continues to grow its three levels of membership. It recruited 54 new members, has a nearly 90 percent retention rate, and supplies its members with an ever-expanding and innovative set of services.
AHMA Innovation Award
This award is given for a new and innovative program, service or activity.
* Large - MAHMA
In 2013 MAHMA established new partnerships that will improve its member services, including one with The Inspection Group to offer online Uniform Physical Condition Standards (UPCS) training, and one with the Illinois chapter of National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO) to disseminate conference information in return for an increased distribution list in Illinois and a profit-sharing agreement.
* Medium - PAHMA
In partnership with the Victim Outreach Intervention Center (VOICe), PAHMA presented an innovative program “Bullying Hurts … at Any Age!” at its annual conference. This program explored bullying in the residential setting – defining what it is and exploring the intimidating tactics used across different age groups.
* Small - JAHMA
The JAHMA Foundation embarked on a new initiative to assist returning veterans in securing safe and affordable housing in JAHMA-member apartment communities and throughout the state of New Jersey. Assistance will also be provided to these veterans in securing furniture for their homes. As a long-term goal, the Foundation wishes to assist the returning veterans by acquiring their own homes.
AHMA Communities of Quality© Award
This is awarded to the AHMA with a demonstrated active and superlative program supporting the National COQ Recognition Program.
* Large - SAHMA
SAHMA is extremely active in promoting NAHMA’s Communities of Quality® National Recognition Program. Currently 397 SAHMA region properties have been accepted into the COQ Recognition Program.
* Small - PennDel AHMA
PennDel AHMA has a total of 44 Communities of Quality. In March 2013, Newberry Estates received the 2012 NAHMA COQ Exemplary Family Development Award. PennDel AHMA focuses on the Corporate Partner designation, wherein management companies have at least 50 percent of their property portfolio accepted into the COQ National Recognition program.
NAHMA Communities of Quality© Award
Given annually to NAHMA member(s) who have the most properties (total, since program inception) and who have the most newly listed properties in the past year on the NAHMA National Recognition Program COQ Registry (based on data maintained by NAHMA staff).
* Most total: WinnResidential, Boston, MA
* Most new in 2013: Barkan Management, Boston, MA
Are you looking for CEUs for your SHCM designation?
If you did not attend the co-located NAHMA Summer Meeting - Public Policy Issues Forum, held in conjunction with the NAA Education Conference and Expo, you don’t have to miss the excellent education sessions that were presented in San Diego.
You can now purchase 21 video recorded and 20 Audio-synched PowerPoint sessions and view them online for only $199.99, a $100 savings for SHCM Designates only. Please enter the coupon code NAAEI199 at checkout to receive your SHCM discount.
If you’d like to purchase all 4 affordable housing sessions presented by NAHMA, they can be purchased for $89.99. Or, you can purchase each of the following sessions for $29.99.
Session 1: NAHMA Presents Connecting the Trends: Impacts of the New Fiscal Reality on Affordable Housing
Industry experts analyze driving trends in the economics of providing affordable multifamily housing, and help attendees understand and prepare for this new reality. Key discussion areas include: a) Federal budget cuts will be on the horizon for a while, and will impact all programs; b) As a result of reduced Federal spending, there will be changes in State and local government approaches to affordable housing; c) To survive, property management companies will need to find operational changes and solutions to save money; and, d) There will be changes in preservation and production strategies as a result of across-the-board reduced resources.
Speakers: Greg Brown, National Apartment Association; Nicolo Pinoli, Novogradac & Company LLP; Jerry Lohla, San Diego Housing Commission; Ann Kern, San Diego Housing Commission
Session 2: NAHMA Presents Innovative Technology and Green Solutions in Affordable Housing
Industry experts present and analyze innovative technology and green solutions for improved operations and cost-savings in affordable multifamily housing. Attendees will learn tried-and-true approaches to maximize innovative, cost-effective and efficient solutions. Key discussion areas will include: a) The Top 10 easiest, cheapest and most effective technology solutions for affordable multifamily housing; b) The Top 10 easiest, cheapest and most effective green solutions for affordable multifamily housing; c) Cutting-edge technology and green solutions – is it hype or real savings for some of these trendy solutions? d) Tracking and measuring your ROI.
Speakers: David Durik, Indatus; Michael Miller, American Utility Management; Mark Morgan, Interstate Realty Management; and Robert Robinson, LEED AP BD+C; Federal Practice Group, LLC
Session 3: NAHMA Presents Inspiring New Directions in Providing
Niche Affordable Housing
Industry experts present and analyze new trends in affordable housing, specifically finding niche programs and serving vulnerable populations. Attendees will learn about new funding and programs for specialized programs and populations. Key discussion areas will include: a) Veterans – an overview of programs and key factors in serving returning and homeless veterans; b) Vulnerable populations – a look at programs focusing on transitional age use (persons aging out of foster programs) and supportive housing for homeless and special needs residents; c) Senior housing – a discussion of emerging trends and programs, factors to consider for frail elderly, aging baby boomers, and other senior housing issues; and d) Workforce housing – a look at the housing and transportation affordability index, mixed-income housing, and other key current issues.
Speakers: Nancy Bills, Biltmore Properties, Inc.; Kelly Boyer, Preservation Partners Development, LLC; Emily Cadik, Enterprise Community Partners; and Gianna Solari, Solari Enterprises, Inc.
Session 4: NAHMA Presents Connecting the Trends: Case Studies in Innovations in Affordable Housing
Industry experts present case studies showcasing the key concepts from NAHMA’s earlier sessions during the conference, including new trends resulting from today’s fiscal realities, innovative technology and green solutions, and inspiring new directions in providing niche affordable housing. Attendees will learn real and practical applications of all of the latest emerging trends impacting affordable multifamily housing across the country.
Speakers: David A. Smith, Recap Real Estate Advisors; Joel John Roberts, Path Partners; and Michael Martinez, McCormack Baron Ragan Management Services
NAHMA 2014 Calendars Available For Purchase!
NAHMA is pleased to announce that the 27th edition of its Drug-Free Kids Calendar is available for purchase. The calendars feature outstanding original artwork by children and seniors and special needs adults living in affordable housing.
In addition to the drug-free message, this year’s contest had a sub-theme that reinforces a message about positive uses of time. The theme was “We are One Family” and the sub-theme was “Friends Make the World a Nicer Place.”
The full-color calendars feature the artwork of children and seniors who reside in affordable, multifamily housing all across the country. Children (grades K-12), seniors (age 62 or older) and special needs residents competed in the national calendar contest and winners were selected by a panel of independent judges. Children and seniors competing in the national contest are selected from the thousands who participate in the regional poster contests sponsored by local Affordable Housing Management Associations (AHMAs) across the country.
The grand-prize winner receives a $2,500 scholarship from the NAHMA Educational Foundation, national winners receive $1,000 scholarships and Honorable Mentions receive a $100 scholarship. In addition, the grand-prize-winning artwork is printed on the cover of the 2014 calendar, with the other artwork appearing inside and on the back cover.
Calendars are $5.50 each and can be ordered from NAHMA’s website at http://www.nahma.org/store/index.html, or by calling (703) 683-8630 ext. 115. Because of its strong anti-drug message, the calendar is an allowable project expense for managers of housing subsidized by HUD and the Department of Agriculture. Tax credit properties that purchase calendars benefit twofold: by supporting the drug-free message and their own commitment to social services, and potentially obtaining more points in the funding-allocation process.
Below is a complete list of contest winners (along with the name and location of their apartment complex, the name of the housing management company, and the local AHMA). For more information about the contest or to contact a local AHMA, see NAHMA’s website at www.nahma.org
GRAND-PRIZE WINNER
* Anna Wen, Grade 12, Kukui Tower, Honolulu, HI, EAH Housing, AHMA NCNH
WINNERS
* Toni Gilbert, Senior, Lenola School Apartments, Moorestown, NJ,
Moorestown Ecumenical Neighborhood Development, Inc. (M.E.N.D.), JAHMA
* Daniah Alzubaidy, Grade 3, Casa Mesa Estates, Mesa, AZ, Biltmore Properties, AHMA PSW
* Christian Vera, Grade 10, The Fairways, Worcester, MA, First Realty Management, NEAHMA
* Kenny Camacho, Special Needs, Winteringham Village, Toms River, NJ, Interstate Realty Management, JAHMA
* Marissa Ibarra, Grade 12, Strathern Court Apartments, Sun Valley, CA, Thomas Safran & Associates, AHMA PSW
* Jamaurio McMillian, Grade 8, Winteringham Village, Toms River, NJ, Interstate Realty Management, JAHMA
* Zoe George, Grade 6, Casa Mesa Estates, Mesa, AZ, Biltmore Properties, AHMA PSW
* Melvin Stevenson, Grade 9, Eastgate Schoolhouse Road Estates, Clarksdale, MS, Southland Management Corp., SAHMA
* Jennifer Lauzon, Grade 7, Bay Village, Fall River, MA, First Realty Management, NEAHMA
* Vivianna Salcido, Grade 9, Strathern Park Apartments, Sun Valley, CA, Thomas Safran & Associates, AHMA PSW
* Claudemyre Benoit, Grade 12, Davis Commons, Brockton, MA, First Realty Management, NEAHMA
* Katherine Camacho, Special Needs, Winteringham Village, Toms River, NJ, Interstate Realty Management, JAHMA
* Vivian Lee, Grade 12, Kukui Tower, Honolulu, HI, EAH Housing, AHMA NCNH
HONORABLE MENTIONS
* Gamalia Cruz, Grade 7, Kensington Townhouses, Philadelphia, PA, The Michaels Organization, PennDel AHMA
* Delores Johnson, Special Needs, Irving Apartments, Denver, CO, Archdiocesan Housing, Rocky AHMA
* Marte Craig, Grade 9, Southpark Apartments, Columbus, OH, American Apartment Management Company, MAHMA
* Tayah Teel-Sullivan, Grade 4, Greene Hills Estate, Springfield, VA, NDC Real Estate, Inc., Mid-Atlantic AHMA
* Janice Mendoza, Grade 1, Sherwood Apartments, Edinburg, TX, Wedge Management, SWAHMA
* Betty Rodkey, Senior, Leonard Court Apartments, Clearfield, PA, Central PA Development Corp., Inc. and Central PA Community Action, Inc., PAHMA
* Jazmin Moreno, Grade 10, Fawn Ridge Apartments, The Woodlands, TX, BSR Trust, AHMA ET
Become a Specialist in Housing Credit Management® (SHCM®) Company!
The three national associations sponsoring the Specialist in Housing Credit Management® certification program invite your company to become a Specialist in Housing Credit Management® (SHCM®) Company, a corporate designation created specifically to honor management companies that successfully maintain a significant portion of their properties and staff to the high standards of the SHCM certification program. The SHCM program, developed especially for management companies involved with properties developed and operated under the Low Income Tax Credit (LIHTC) program, is sponsored by the National Affordable Housing Management Association (NAHMA), the National Apartment Association Education Institute (NAAEI), and LeadingAge (formerly AAHSA, the American Association of Housing and Services for the Aging).
Earning the SHCM Company® designation publicly demonstrates that a company is among the finest managers of LIHTC housing in the industry.
For more details on how to become a SHCM Company, click on the link below.
Abstract News © Copyright 2014 INFORMATION, INC.
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