HAND’s Housing Achievement awards recognize the most outstanding and innovative housing developments, programs and solutions across the metropolitan region. HAND Members, enter your best work for your chance to elevate your organization, stand out among your peers and share with our partners how you are contributing to building vibrant and sustainable communities throughout the metropolitan region. Download the 2013 HAND Housing Achievement Awards guidelines and application here. All entries must be received by mail on Friday, March 15, 2013, 5 PM to Heather Raspberry, Executive Director, HAND, PO Box 48386, Washington, D.C. 20002. Please provide one (1) original and three (3) copies. Late entries will not be accepted.

The City of Falls Church has released its draft affordable housing policy for public comment. The Affordable Housing Policy outlines the City’s strategy to address the diverse housing needs of its current and future populations by encouraging and actively supporting a mix of housing types and price levels. Two community forums are planned to solicit public comment. They will be held on the following January 9 at George Mason High School (TCL Room); and January 17 at Winter Hill Senior Center (Club Room). Both meetings will be held from 7 to 9 PM.  Comments can also be submitted via email to dlewis@fallschurchva.gov, or in writing to: City of Falls Church, Housing and Human Services, 300 Park Avenue, G04, Falls Church, VA 22046. The comment period closes January 26.

Owners of affordable housing projects developed with Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) and HOME Investment funds in the District of Columbia are hereby notified to file the 2012 Annual Owner’s Certifications of Compliance and 2013 Monitoring Compliance Fees (fees are only for Tax Credit funded properties), as required by federal regulations by February 15, 2013. The documents required for the annual owner’s compliance monitoring responsibilities with the District of Columbia, Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), are available here. The LIHTC or HOME Owner’s Certificate of Continuing Program must be submitted and signed by an authorized member of the ownership entity. All other forms and documents must be returned electronically to AOC@dc.gov.