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Archive for month: February, 2015

Are You Communicating Trust?

February 25, 2015
February 25, 2015

Trust is the foundation of great reputation and of successful business and professional relationships. Unfortunately, it’s in short supply these days.  Scandals and broken promises from our politicians, CEOs, celebrities and religious institutions have created a climate of cynicism.  Effective communications can help to build trust between our organizations and the audiences that matter most. But it requires that we look hard at how we share information and promote our businesses and causes.  Liz Wainger of the Wainger Group’s piece in The Huffington Post poses the questions we should all be asking ourselves, whether we are communications professionals or in another leadership role.

0 Comments/in HAND News, Opportunities /by H.A.N.D.

Sustainable Housing in Virginia Results in Significant Cost Savings and Environmental Impact

February 24, 2015
February 24, 2015
EarthCraft Virginia partnered with Housing Virginia and the Virginia Tech Center for Housing Research on a first-of-its-kind study that demonstrates the impact of energy efficient incentives in the construction of affordable rental housing. The new report, The Impact of Energy Efficient Design and Construction on LIHTC Housing in Virginia, was released by Housing Virginia last week. It shows that the average EarthCraft Multifamily apartment reduces monthly energy consumption by 464 kilowatt hours saving $54/month on electricity, which amounts to annual savings of $648 and 5,568 kilowatt hours.The study is one of the first in the nation to evaluate unit-level electricity consumption in apartments built to exceed efficiency standards. Beginning in 2007, Virginia Housing Development Authority (VHDA) implemented a set of incentives in the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program that encouraged developers and builders to use a recognized third party standard, including EarthCraft Virginia’s EarthCrHousing Study Quoteaft Multifamily program. This successful partnership resulted in over 196 developments representing more than 13,500 certified apartments in Virginia. With savings reported in this study at over $600 a year on average, these EarthCraft multifamily dwellings have the potential to save residents almost $9 million in 2015 alone.

“When VHDA made changes to its tax credit program several years ago to encourage green building construction techniques, it created a very positive effect on affordable housing developments in Virginia,” said VHDA Executive Director Susan Dewey. “One of the best results from these changes is that utility bills have been significantly lowered for tenants, thereby improving their quality of life. I am pleased that this study confirms that we are on the right track.”Virginia was one of the first states to provide these types of incentives in the LIHTC program and has been recognized as a leader by Global Green USA’s annual national performance ranking for green building practices in LIHTC programs scoring an “A-” and leading the Southeast in 2013’s analysis. The effectiveness of energy efficiency and green building achieved by the affordable housing industry demonstrates that high performance housing is within reach for the entire industry.

Bob Adams, the Executive Director of Housing Virginia, noted, “This research definitively proves the value to residents of well-designed and administered standards for highly energy efficient construction. The impact on affordability for lower income families is substantial. Living in one of these apartments means a 10% increase in affordability for a household at 30% of area median income.”

The year-long study conducted by Housing Virginia and the Virginia Tech Center for Housing Research also finds that apartments designed, built and certified with the EarthCraft Multifamily green building program, which includes third party testing and inspection, outperform standard new housing by more than 40% with respect to energy consumption and provide benefits to residents including increased comfort and improved indoor air quality. Developers benefit from third party oversight to ensure field construction meets design specifications, resulting in a building with improved durability and increased occupancy rates.

“From a lenders’, investors’ or property owners’ perspective, investing in durable materials and energy efficiency is great business, whether the utilities are being paid by the resident or the property,” said Bob Newman, President and CEO of Virginia Community Development Corporation. “The reassurance of knowing that a third party is testing and certifying the effectiveness of the energy improvements is a great benefit to the builders, owners and financers that are taking advantage of these cutting edge technologies, materials and equipment.”

The reduced energy consumption reported in this study also translates to environmental savings; according to U.S. Department of Energy, buildings consume 41% of U.S. energy and 73% of U.S. electricity. This study documents an average monthly savings Housing Study Energy Graphicof 464 kWh per unit, which expanded to account for the 13,536 multifamily dwelling units certified to date, converts to 75 gigawatt hours saved annually. The environmental impact of these potential savings is equivalent to installing 14 wind turbines or providing energy needs for 4,742 homes (according to EPA Equivalencies Calculator).

“This study demonstrates the value of green building implementation through public-private partnerships to achieve monthly utility savings for residents, maximize equity investments, and support sustainable communities,” said K.C. Bleile, Executive Director at EarthCraft Virginia. “Given these results, we can all feel confident about implementing sustainable solutions and the future of housing.”

Read the full press release and download materials on Housing Virginia’s website here.

0 Comments/in HAND News, Member Events & Success Stories /by H.A.N.D.

New Report on Public Land & Affordable Housing in the Washington, DC Region

February 24, 2015
February 24, 2015
Urban Land Institute (ULI) Washington has released a new report on Public Land & Affordable Housing in the Washington, DC Region.  It was prepared for ULI Washington by the Center for Housing Policy at the National Housing Conference.  The report concludes that identification and use of public land can be a valuable way to reduce development costs, increase development opportunities for affordable housing, and meet the housing needs of lower-income residents, with less need for direct public subsidy.

The report includes case studies in MD, VA and DC, and best practices from around the country.  A link to the report is below.

http://washington.uli.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/56/2015/02/ULI_PublicLandReport_Final020215.pdf
0 Comments/in Uncategorized /by H.A.N.D.

Become a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist

February 24, 2015
February 24, 2015

AARP’s Livable Communities is offering Certified-Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS) trainings. The multi-session program teaches the technical, business management and customer service skills essential to competing in the fast-growing segment of the residential remodeling industry: home modifications for aging-in-place.

Three, one-day courses are scheduled for March 3 through March 5, 2015, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at AARP headquarters.  You may take one, two or all three classes but you need to start with CAPS I.

Registration is required for each course.

  • March 3: Marketing and Communications Strategies for Aging and Accessibility (CAPS I)
  • March 4: Design/Build Solutions for Aging and Accessibility (CAPS II)
  • March 5: Business Management for Building Professionals (Required course to complete the certification)

To Register: Contact Jean Mathis, Maryland-National Capital Building Industry Association, at (301) 445-5411 or jmathis@mncbia.org.

 

0 Comments/in HAND News, Opportunities /by H.A.N.D.

ArtPlace America Offers Community Development Investment in Virginia

February 24, 2015
February 24, 2015

ArtPlace America is accepting applications from place-based non-governmental organizations (NGOs) with a primary mission of community planning and development for its Community Development Investments program.  ArtPlace will select one NGO with a programmatic focus on a metropolitan community in Virginia that is interested in sustainably incorporating arts and cultural strategies into the organization’s work.

This one-time grant program will provide up to $3 million in funding per organization. The selected organization will also work with national creative placemaking experts, a Financial Capital Consortium, a Federal Grants Advisory Team, and a Community Documentation and Research Team.

The Call for Applications is open to place-based NGOs that:

  • have a defined geographical area of focus (neighborhood, town, city, region, etc)
  • are working to achieve a variety of social, economic, and physical outcomes in that geographical area
  • regularly partner and work across sectors to achieve these community outcomes
  • have long-term vision and presence in a community
  • do not have a significant history of working with the arts and cultural sector

For more information on the program and how to apply visit www.artplaceamerica.org/CDI. Applications are due by 5pm ET, March 12, 2015.

0 Comments/in HAND News, Opportunities /by H.A.N.D.

Housing CAN Communications Messaging Platform – Learn How to Strategically Communicate The Need for Housing That is Affordable

February 18, 2015
February 18, 2015

In Washington, DC, region, one of the most prosperous in the world, far too many hardworking people are spending so much on housing that they have a hard time paying for the other basics of life.

In the fall of 2013, Housing CAN retained strategic communications consulting firm, Wainger Group, to help CAN develop clear and compelling messaging that articulates its mission both internally and externally to the business community, real estate community, and government agencies and elected officials, and partners. As part of the process to develop a messaging platform, Housing CAN: Conducted interviews with practitioners, donors and influencers in the area of housing affordability in the District of Columbia; Reviewed media/coverage on housing issues; and Conducted a message development workshop with partners and network members. From this process, a messaging platform was developed. The platform consists of a core message and three supporting messages.

Core Message: Housing that is affordable is essential to our region’s future.

Supporting Messages
· Housing that is affordable is critical to economic growth, a thriving business community and a high quality of life.

· Housing that is affordable is essential to a regional economy that can compete effectively for talent in the workforce and in a marketplace that can attract new business and industries.

· Housing that is affordable is essential to economically and culturally diverse communities.

Download the full platform here to learn methods to strategically communicate the need for housing affordability in the Washington, DC metropolitan region.

0 Comments/in HAND News, Areas Of Need, Member Events & Success Stories /by H.A.N.D.

HAND Member Discount – Marcus & Millichap Commercial Real Estate Forum

February 17, 2015
February 17, 2015

Don’t miss the Marcus & Millichap/IPA Commercial Real Estate Forum: Washington, D.C. on Thursday, February 26 at the Kellogg Conference Center. This thought leadership forum will bring together more than 350 CRE investors, owners, developers, financiers, and other industry principals and deal makers across all asset types. REGISTER ONLINE today using this link for a special $50 discount! Notable speakers include:

  • Jim Dinegar, President & CEO, Greater Washington Board of Trade
  • Vicki Davis, President, Urban Atlantic Development
  • Stan Wall,Director, Office of Real Estate and Station Planning
  • Anthony Greenberg, Principal, The JBG Companies
  • William Hard, EVP, LCOR
  • Aaron Georgelas, Partner, The Georgelas Group
  • Michael Gill, SVP, Akridge
This is a high-level conference where you can:
  • Meet over 30 top owners and investors and discuss the trends affecting commercial real estate throughout the entire D.C. metro area.
  • Learn from top local developers and owners about what is drawing in new tenants and what neighborhoods are showing the most promise for 2015 and beyond.

Please visit the AGENDA for more information.

0 Comments/in HAND News, Opportunities /by H.A.N.D.

HAND Member Spotlight: Georgetown Insurance Service, Inc. – A New Member Collaborates with Partners, Delivers Solutions

February 10, 2015
February 10, 2015

After Georgetown Insurance Service  was referred to HAND Member Arlington Partnership for Affordable Housing (APAH), they spent several months auditing policies and assisting staff in order to get up to speed on APAH’s total insurance program.  When Nina Janopaul, APAH’s CEO, remembers the experience, she was most impressed by the personalized service Georgetown provided:   “APAH started working with Georgetown Insurance in Fall 2013 as we re-bid our insurance portfolio. Joe Smith and Carolyn Paulochik (from Georgetown) educated our staff and audited our policies, identifying gaps in coverage. Despite increasing our coverage limits, Georgetown decreased insurance premiums by 7%. They continue to be responsive to our requests and conscientious about our coverage.”

With the simple goal to “provide the finest quality customized insurance solutions possible and deliver them with exceptional service,” Georgetown Insurance makes it its policy to understand the true needs of its clients in order to match their needs with the right products.

Dedication like that has always set Georgetown Insurance Service apart in the competitive field of insurance brokerage.

Since 1977, the company has been delivering customized insurance solutions to clients who not only want to “buy” insurance products, but who are interested in strategizing on ways to manage risk in their businesses and in their lives. Over the past decade alone, Georgetown Insurance has handled the insurance needs of approximately 1600 businesses and 3500 individuals and families—with more than 95% of the business comprised of repeat customers, including those in the community development industry and in areas such as nonprofit Human Services.

“Many of our housing accounts have trouble getting valid long term risk management advice from brokers and agents,” said Joe Smith, the firm’s Executive Vice President, “It is unrealistic to expect your asset management staff to be able to cut through the typical ‘sales pitches’ that most agent’s use. By working almost entirely on referrals, we’ve been able to help asset managers and smart CFO’s get up to speed on good long term risk management and insurance buying principles and feel comfortable with their choices.”

As a brand new member, Georgetown Insurance Service is excited about its HAND membership and looks forward to networking and getting further involved in the DC area affordable housing community.

HAND is pleased to spotlight Georgetown Insurance, which certainly contributes to our organization’s COLLABORATION, INNOVATION and TRANSFORMATION within the metropolitan area!

0 Comments/in HAND News, Member Events & Success Stories, HAND Member Profiles /by H.A.N.D.

Scholarships Available to HAND Members for NACEDA’s People & Places Community Conference

February 3, 2015
February 3, 2015
What’s working in emerging neighborhoods around the country? Find out from the people making it happen. Community-based organizations from every corner of the country will converge in Washington, DC on March 4-6 to showcase the effectiveness, resolve and passion of those working daily to improve lives in America’s most challenged neighborhoods.

Scholarships are available to HAND members — $100 for 3-day registration and $50 for 1-day registration. Contact Heather Raspberry to receive scholarship funds. Take advantage of the $225 early bird rate through February 6. Use the discount code BB&T to take an additional $25 off conference registration. BB&T is the founding sponsor of the People & Places Community Conference. Register now.

0 Comments/in Member Events & Success Stories, Opportunities /by H.A.N.D.

Take Action! Join HAND & MAHC in Writing Letters Urging Legislators to Fund Rental Housing Works Program

February 3, 2015
February 3, 2015

Governor Hogan’s recently released 2016 Budget only includes $10 Million for Rental Housing Works (RHW) – $15 Million SHORT of what is needed to fund pending developments and maintain level funding at $25 Million.  RHW is funded through GO Bonds, which the Legislature has the ability to increase.  In fact, they have increased funding for RHW the last two years! Therefore, it is imperative that everyone start contacting your Legislators right way to let them know that rental housing matters and encourage them to take the necessary actions to restore funding levels for Rental Housing Works because the program “Really Works!”

How can you help? 

Let your Legislators know that Rental Housing Works is important.  First, contact your Legislators right away to urge them to restore funding for RHW. Second, attend Housing Day so we can send a message that Hou singMatters. By filling the room we can show them that we have a strong base of supporters.

Attend Housing Day:

February 12, 2015

8am – 12pm

House Office Building

6 Bladen Street

Annapolis, MD  21401

 RSVP HERE 

Contact Your Legislators Now:

Email your Legislators now to let them know the following important facts about the RHW Program:

  • RHW has been a major job creator – over 3,000 so far
  • RHW leverages other public and private investment at a rate of $11 to every $1 in State resources
  • RHW brings financial returns much greater than the initial investment through property taxes, impact fees, transfer fees, etc.  Loans are repaid with interest.
  • RHW has a pipeline of applications awaiting approval that exceeds the funding available.  

Encourage them to restore funding for RHW to $25 Million to address this backlog, put people to work, and create much needed affordable housing units across the State.

Contact House Speaker Mike Busch
HERE

Contact Members of the House Appropriations Committee
HERE

Contact Senate President Mike Miller
HERE 

Contact Members of the Senate Budget & Taxation Committee
HERE

DRAFT EMAIL LANGUAGE TO LEGISLATORS:

Dear (insert Legislator Name Here),

I am writing to request that you restore funding for the Rental Housing Works Program to level funding at $25 Million in GO Bonds.  I represent (insert company name and info here, anything personal about a project you own or operate in their district).  The Governor’s budget cut funding for this important program down to $10 Million.  Rental Housing Works has been incredibly successful in its three short years by bringing new investment to Maryland and increasing State and Local revenue.  RHW creates jobs (over 3, 000 to date), and for every $1 the State invests in these properties $11 in new public and private investments is leveraged.  These funds are repaid with interest and the projects funded also generate new revenues to State and local governments.

There are $25 Million in applications in the pipeline and waiting approval, so $10 Million is far short of what is needed to keep this program going.  I urge you to please restore funding for the Rental Housing Works Program

Sincerely,

NAME

 

 

0 Comments/in HAND News, Areas Of Need, Member Events & Success Stories /by H.A.N.D.
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