Document Recording Fee Legislation Moves Quickly
More Oregonians Qualify for State Services Under New Poverty Line
OHCS: Report on Poverty Describes the Problem at Local Level
OCPP: Oregon Needs to Modernize Unemployment Insurance Fast
City, County, PDC, and HAP Fund 6 Projects to House Most Vulnerable
17th Annual BEST Awards Now Accepting Applications
PovertyBridge Seeks Help for Opportunity Conference
Comprehensive Housing Solutions for the Federal Stimulus Bill
Fish, Wyden Call for Public Housing in Federal Stimulus
Ron Sims Nominated as HUD’s Deputy Secretary
Survey on Foreclosure and Homelessness Underway, Respond by Feb 6
Residential Services Sister Adele Scholarship
Rural Awards of Excellence Call for Nominations Due Feb 6
REACH, TriMet to Celebrate Opening of Patton Park Apartments Feb 12
Lents Homeownership Initiative General Meeting Feb 18
Managing Financial Crisis Seminar to Benefit Habitat Feb 18
NPF Training: Good Asset Management Feb 26
NeighborWorks Community Stabilization Training Mar 2-6, Deadline Feb 6
Document Recording Fee Legislation Moves Quickly -top
After receiving bill number HB 2436 last week, the Document Recording Fee had its first hearing on Monday, February 2 in the House Revenue Committee. The bill passed with seven votes in favor, three opposed, and now will move on to the Ways and Means Committee for a hearing this Thursday.
Representative David Edwards of District 30 opened the testimony at Monday’s hearing with strong support for the Document Recording Fee, which he stated would secure much-needed funding for affordable housing and homeless services. John Van Landingham of Lincoln County Law and Advocacy Center, Janet Byrd of Neighborhood Partnership Fund, and Lincoln County Commissioner Bill Hall followed Hunt’s testimony explaining the document recording fee mechanism and the way the funds would be used to provide housing reliefs for Oregonians priced out of the market. Representatives from the Oregon Bankers Association, Oregon Home Builders Association, and the Oregon Association of Realtors also testified in strong favor of passing the bill.
The bill’s next hearing is today (Feb 5) at 3pm with the Joint House and Senate Ways and Means Committee. The Housing Alliance is urging supporters to call their Representatives and Senators and ask for the swift passage of HB 2436.
To contact your State Legislators, click here.
Click here for talking points.
More Oregonians Qualify for State Services Under New Poverty Line -top
On January 23 Oregon Center for Public Policy ran an article, “Federal Government Issues New Poverty Line for 2009,” which reports that the federal government’s decision to raise the poverty line will allow more Oregonians to qualify for Employment Related Day Care and the Oregon Health Plan:
The federal government today raised the poverty line, which Oregon uses to determine eligibility for some public assistance programs. As a result, more Oregonians now qualify for Employment Related Day Care, the state’s child care subsidy program, and the Oregon Health Plan, the state’s Medicaid program, at a time when the state faces a revenue shortfall.
“Today there are more vulnerable Oregonians who will see their access to certain public assistance programs affected by the legislature’s budget decisions than there were yesterday,” said Michael Leachman, policy analyst with the Oregon Center for Public Policy.
The 2009 Federal Poverty Income Guidelines, published in today’s Federal Register, set the definition of poverty that Oregon uses to determine eligibility for programs such as child care subsidies, Head Start, food stamps, school lunches, energy assistance and some health care programs.
The poverty guidelines vary by family size. This year, for example, a family of three with an annual income of $18,310 or under qualifies as poor, up from $17,600 in 2008. A four-person family would be poor if their annual income is $22,050 or less.
“As the poverty line rises, more Oregonians fall under it and become eligible for certain programs,” said Leachman.
But one of those programs, Employment Related Day Care, takes a large hit under Governor Ted Kulongoski’s proposed budget.
For full article, click here.
OHCS: Report on Poverty Describes the Problem at Local Level -top
In 2007, 13 percent of the state’s population, or 474,189 Oregonians, lived on incomes less than the federal poverty level. Nearly 40 percent of families headed by single mothers lived in poverty.
These troubling facts are reported in new Report on Poverty 2008 released by Oregon Housing and Community Services and the Community Action Partnership of Oregon at the state capitol.
“When economic conditions change, people in poverty are among the first to feel the pain and the last to benefit from improvements,” said OHCS Director Victor Merced.
Noting that the economy has changed dramatically in the last year, Merced commented, “As the recession deepens, it has begun to touch people unfamiliar with hardship. Each day, new faces appear at food banks, soup kitchens and social service offices.”
Sharon Miller, President of the Community Action Partnership of Oregon, hosted an Education Day at the capitol. Directors of community action agencies from around the state joined her to share the poverty report and to educate legislators on a variety of local solutions directed at reducing the suffering of people experiencing hunger, poverty and homelessness.
To read the full report click here.
OCPP: Oregon Needs to Modernize Unemployment Insurance Fast -top
OCPP’s January CenterPoints column, “Not Your Grandfather’s Workforce, but It’s Still His Unemployment Insurance System,” argues that Oregon needs to modernize its UI program fast in order to serve the growing number of unemployed Oregonians:
Let’s say you often bike to work and your Oldsmobile stays in the garage half the work week. On a day when you drive, you get into an accident. Although you dutifully pay insurance every month, your claim gets denied. “Sorry,” your insurer says, “you don’t drive enough.” It’s crazy, right? But that scenario is not too different from what many laid-off Oregon workers experience when attempting to collect unemployment insurance (UI) benefits.
Oregon’s antiquated UI program often excludes part-time and temporary workers whose employers paid into the system on their behalf. Modernizing the program so that it better serves today’s workforce is more urgent today, as a severe recession leaves more Oregonians without work.
To read more click here.
Val Valfre Appointed Housing Services Director for Washington County -top
Washington County Administrator Robert Davis announced January 23 that Adolph A. “Val” Valfre, Jr. will lead the county’s Housing Services Department.
Valfre has held the position of interim director for the county department for the past several months. Prior to his interim appointment, he served for four years as the department’s assistant director. The department has a mission to provide affordable housing opportunities to help break the cycle of poverty and improve the quality of life in the community.
Valfre came to Washington County after 11 years of service to local housing authorities and community development departments, primarily with the City of Tucson, Ariz., and the West Valley Housing Authority inDallas, Ore. Before his government experience, Valfre served for 24 years in the U.S. Air Force where he rose to the rank of lieutenant colonel. Valfre holds master’s degrees in public administration, national security and strategic studies, business and human resource management. He also earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of California at Los Angeles.
“Val is an experienced manager with expertise in an array of housing-related matters, from public housing to our 10-year Plan to End Homelessness,” said County Administrator Robert Davis. “I am pleased that Val has chosen to continue leading the enormously important work of our Housing Services Department.”
Washington County’s Housing Services Department is responsible for 1,878 rental units of affordable housing, the distribution of 2,609 Section 8 vouchers through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, ownership and maintenance of 247 units of public housing and participation in a multi-organizational partnership to address homelessness. The department is supported by an annual budget of $30 million and is staffed by 41 full-time employees.
To read more click here.
City, County, PDC, and HAP Fund 6 Projects to House Most Vulnerable -top
This week, a consortium of Portland-area agencies announced grants totaling $5.4 million dollars, and 16 Section 8 project-based vouchers, had been awarded to six housing projects. They were selected in part because the majority of these projects will be able to provide leased units for the area’s most vulnerable homeless population by July 1, 2009. Together, the projects provide 37 new units of permanent supportive housing (PSH) while creating or preserving an additional 160 units of housing affordable to low-income households.
“Until every person in our community has a safe, stable home, we need to make sure that our limited resources are serving the people who need our help the most. These grants show our commitment to directing our resources to the most vulnerable people first,” said City Commissioner Nick Fish.
For full statement from Nick Fish, click here.
17th Annual BEST Awards Now Accepting Applications -top
17th Annual BEST Awards: Businesses for an Environmentally Sustainable Tomorrow
Now Accepting Applications
January 15 – February 13, 2009
Best Awards asked to receive more affordable housing submissions for this year’s BEST Awards – Green Building category. Projects must be built and located within the City of Portland.
Since 1993, the BEST Awards have been presented annually to Portland area companies demonstrating excellence in business practices that promote economic growth and environmental benefits. The mission of the BEST Awards is to inspire the business community by showcasing innovation and commitment to sustainability.
The BEST Awards are presented by: City of Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability
For more information, or to apply, click here.
To read more click here.
PovertyBridge Seeks Help for Opportunity Conference -top
The PovertyBridge Portland Metro Area Opportunity Conference is scheduled for Saturday March 7, 2009 at PCC Sylvania. Based on the work of national poverty expert and advocate Dr. Donna Beegle, the Opportunity Conference is part of a “strengths perspective” model developed for and by people living in poverty.
Approximately 200 attendees will experience the Opportunity Conference curriculum that is designed to build hope, capacity, and connections. Volunteers will help make this happen. 100 people are needed to serve as “Navigators” — people who receive training about poverty and resource materials from Dr. Beegle and who commit to staying in touch with at least two conference attendees for a period of 6 months. Navigators will listen and evaluate what resources are needed. Referrals will be made to “Specialty Navigators” — people who are specialists in relevant categories (tenant rights, housing, child care, medical issues, workforce development, etc.).
If you are interested in serving as a NAVIGATOR or SPECIALTY NAVIGATOR, please contact Susan via email or call 503-719-4757. General day-of-conference volunteers are also needed.
For more information about PovertyBridge and the Opportunity Conference, click here.
Comprehensive Housing Solutions for the Federal Stimulus Bill -top
by Julie Massa, Oregon ON
For nearly a quarter of a century, the Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) has served as an example of an effective Public-Private Partnership that creates and preserves rental housing for lower-income people. The LIHTC has resulted in the construction and preservation of over 2 million affordable homes and the creation of millions of jobs.
However, the financial crisis and recession have dramatically reduced private sector investment in this program. The result is that last year many state approved LIHTC developments were not able to move forward. Unless Congress takes action very soon, the outlook for this year is no better. This comes at a time when the need for quality affordable rental housing and the economic activity its production generates is great. We are confident that hundreds of “shovel- ready” projects could start construction in a matter of weeks, creating thousands of new jobs and generating millions in tax revenue, if the proposals we are advancing are enacted as part of the economic recovery bill.
What is needed at this time is a comprehensive approach that provides new incentives to re-invigorate investment in the Housing Credit program while simultaneously giving State LIHTC Allocating Agencies new financing tools to allow Housing Credit developments to proceed in the near term, while the investment market recovers and expands. The proposals described below will accomplish these goals. We believe these proposals will work best if all their elements are adopted.
HOUSING CREDIT PROPOSALS FOR INCLUSION IN THE STIMULUS BILL:
1) Congress should appropriate $5 billion in dedicated funding to be allocated through State Housing Credit Allocating Agencies for the sole purpose of filling financing gaps in developments to which Credits are awarded but cannot raise any equity capital or have generated too little equity with their sale of Credits to make the development financially viable. This proposal is in the jurisdiction of the appropriations committees. Recent estimates in the Senate version of the bill call for $2.5 billion in gap financing money. $5 billion was in the House version.
Point to share with our elected officials: Gap-financing for affordable housing projects is critical. Please make the Senate version gap-financing proposal match the House version — $5 billion in gap financing. We need to ensure that housing projects are viable and this provision is a means to that end.
2) Congress should adopt a proposal, based on the House-passed provision, to permit Housing Credit Agencies to exchange a portion of their 2009 Housing Credits for cash grants that could be used as a temporary measure to provide gap financing necessary to augment the appropriated funding described above and to be used for the same purpose. This proposal is within the jurisdiction of the tax-writing committees. Oregon Senator Jeff Merkley has sent a letter to Senator Harry Reid (D-Nevada) requesting that the exchange be included in the Senate version of the bill. Since Oregon Senator Ron Wyden sits on the Senate Finance Committee, it’s critical for him to receive the message that developers in Oregon favor this provision.
Point to share with elected officials: Allowing state housing agencies to exchange some LIHTCs for federal grants, which they would then distribute to developers for the production of affordable rental housing, is a good solution. The tax credit exchange option offers the most cost-effective way to promptly and reliably restore LIHTC-funded affordable housing production and stimulate substantial economic activity.
3) On a temporary basis, taxpayers should be permitted to elect to accelerate the Low Income Housing Credit by up to 200 percent per year for each of the first three years of the ten-year credit period (i.e., 20 percent of the total credit would be taken in each of the first three years). The remainder would be taken on a straight-line basis for the last seven years of the credit period. This proposal would significantly broaden the existing base of investors, which are almost exclusively financial institutions, by making the return to the investor much more attractive, while maintaining the pricing efficiency of the program. This proposal is within the jurisdiction of the tax-writing committees.
Point to share with elected officials: A tax credit accelerator will render the LIHTCs more favorable to investors. This would be a critical move to free up credit markets.
4) Congress should adopt a proposal, based on the Finance Committee-passed provision, to permit taxpayers to carry-back the Housing Credit for up to five years and allow these Housing Credits to offset AMT liability during that period. The Finance Committee proposal applies to all general business credits.
Point to share with elected officials: A five year LIHTC carry-back will allay concerns by potential new investors about their ability to use LIHTCs in the future if their tax liability changes dramatically and will help discourage wholesale selling of existing portfolios of Housing Credits, which selling would interfere with raising fresh capital for new affordable housing developments. Please include the carry-back in the Senate version of the bill.
Congress is deliberating on the Stimulus bill for the rest of this week. It is critical to contact the Oregon delegation as soon as possible and talk to them about the provisions above. It’s especially important to contact Senators Wyden and Merkley today.
Click here for Oregon Sentaor contact information.
Click here for Oregon Representative contact information.
Fish, Wyden Call for Public Housing in Federal Stimulus -top
On January 26 Portland City Commissioner Nick Fish and Oregon Senator Ron Wyden joined officials of the Housing Authority of Portland and local labor unions to call for the inclusion of local dollars for jobs and public housing in the federal economic stimulus package currently being crafted by President Obama and Congress.
“During this unprecedented time of change in our nation we are calling on our federal leadership to take bold action that will help Oregonians survive this troubled economy,” said Commissioner Fish. “Federal dollars will translate into more local family-wage jobs and critical upgrades to existing public housing for those who need it.”
Oregon has recently seen an increase in unemployment, and the Housing Authority of Portland has a $50 million backlog of deferred maintenance on public housing properties.
The requested funds would create local jobs to address the energy efficiency and maintenance upgrades needed by public housing.
For full statement, click here.
Ron Sims Nominated as HUD’s Deputy Secretary -top
Visionary urban leader tapped to serve during time of crisis & opportunity
On February 2, HUD released news that President Barack Obama will nominate Ron Sims, County Executive of King County, Washington, to become the Deputy Secretary at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
“As the Deputy Secretary, Sims will be charged with managing HUD’s day-to-day operations, a nearly $39 billion annual operating budget and the agency’s 8,500 employees.
Sims has earned numerous accolades and a national reputation for his environmental stewardship, aggressive reforms of government, and for willingness to make the tough choices necessary to ensure that American tax dollars are spent wisely.
‘Ron’s track record as an innovative leader with an exciting vision for the future of our nation’s communities make him the perfect Deputy Secretary candidate as we tackle the nation’s housing crisis amidst the biggest economic downturn in decades,’ said HUD Secretary, Shaun Donovan. ‘His experience at the helm of a large urban government provides a critical perspective and his collaborative approach to problem-solving has prepared him to effectively lead HUD’s operations as the agency charts a new aggressive course.”
For more information visit Nick Fish’s ‘News’ section.
To read more click here.
Read more HUD Highlights, including news and funding opportunities, through HUD newsletter.
Survey on Foreclosure and Homelessness Underway, Respond by Feb 6 -top
The National Coalition for the Homeless and other national organizations request responses by February 6 from advocates, service providers, and people surviving foreclosure.
Click here to take the one-page survey online or to obtain printable copies.
Residential Services Sister Adele Scholarship -top
CASA of Oregon announced this year’s Sister Adele Memorial Scholarships: Five $1,000 scholarships and two $2,500 scholarships will be awarded. The purpose of the Sister Adele Memorial Scholarship is to encourage and provide individuals of farmworker families that live in Oregon with the opportunity to further their academic or technical education. Application due date is March 20, 2009. Please see application for details on requirements and due date. Click here to download the application.
Rural Awards of Excellence Call for Nominations Due Feb 6 -top
Rural Development Initiatives is calling for nominations for their 2009 Rural Awards of Excellence. Created in 2002, the ‘Rural Awards of Excellence’ will be presented during Regards to Rural VI, where RDI will showcase what is possible when thoughtful committed citizens come together to invoke positive change within their communities. RDI writes, “We cannot think of a better way to recognize you and/or your community for progress above and beyond what is expected from any group or individual (including youth) than to be a recipient of the 2009 ‘Rural Awards of Excellence’!”
You may self-nominate or recommend for nomination a group, organization or individual you feel is most deserving. Information and the nomination application is available online.
The deadline date to submit your nomination packet has been extended to Friday, February 6, 2009.
2009 ‘Rural Awards of Excellence’ winners will be recognized at the Regards to Rural VI Conference during the ‘Rural Awards of Excellence’ luncheon on Saturday, March 21, 2009 where representatives will be invited to attend and accept their award.
REACH, TriMet to Celebrate Opening of Patton Park Apartments Feb 12 -top
Patton Park Apartments
5272 N. Interstate Avenue, Portland, Oregon
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Grand Opening: 11am – 1pm
Open House: 6:00 – 8:00 pm
Enjoy light refreshments and a special artwork dedication as REACH Community Development and Trimet celebrate this unique addition to Portland’s thriving Interstate transit corridor. Sponsored by TriMet and built by REACH Community Development, Patton Park is the first affordable housing development to open since the MAX Yellow Line was built.
Meet the artists Issaka Shamsud-Din and Mo as their special art pieces are presented to the public at 7:00. Both artists will speak about how their work connects the community. REACH commissioned the artwork through a partnership with the Interstate Firehouse Cultural Center.
Self-guided tours will run from 6:00 – 8:00 pm.
Ride MAX to the party! Go to www.trimet.org
Lents Homeownership Initiative General Meeting Feb 18 -top
Join Rose CDC in celebrating the Lents Homeownership Initiative’s (LHI) 2008 accomplishments and launching a NEW Campaign to expand community building through homeownership across East Portland. Looking for new partners!
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Noon - 1:30pm
South Powellhurst Building (David Douglas School District Bldg), 2900 SE 122nd, Portland, Click here for Directions
RSVP by February 16 to (503) 788-8052 x105 or via email.
Lunch provided. Event sponsored by: ROSE Community Development, Portland Development Commission, and Wells Fargo.
OPEN to anyone interested in neighborhood revitalization – business owners, community members, organizations, and others!!
To find out more click here.
The Lents Homeownership Initiative is comprised of more than 50 nonprofit, public and private sector organizations, and businesses working together to increase homeownership and improve the quality of life in the Lents Town Center Urban Renewal Area. ROSE Community Development is the organizer of LHI. ROSE has provided affordable housing and other neighborhood improvements in outer southeast Portland since 1992. ROSE gives families a secure place to build lives, raise children, and feel like part of the neighborhood.
Managing Financial Crisis Seminar to Benefit Habitat Feb 18 -top
“Looking Beyond the Financial Storm: Managing In Today’s Crisis Economy”
A benefit to support Habitat for Humanity Portland/Metro East, co-hosted by Executive Forum
Chartered Market Technician Fred Dickson shows business decision makers how to respond to today’s challenges, understand trends, and find opportunities in the emerging economy. Fred will talk about how our local economy is coping, and what kind of balanced solutions are proving most effective in public and private sectors. The seminar is designed so that participants will take away specific things to do right now to build a stronger and more resilient 2009. Contact Executive Forum for more information and to register: 503.475.6503 or by clicking here.
$149, non-profit staff rate available.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009 – 8:30AM – 12:00PM The Abernethy Center, Oregon City.
NPF Training: Good Asset Management Feb 26 -top
Neighborhood Partnership Fund will host a training on good asset management on February 26th, 2009. Registration Deadline is February 19, 2009
This training will explore how CHDOs use and manage information to respond to external reporting requirements and how to make internal management decisions about their portfolios. During the training participants will evaluate organizations’ current strategies for meeting reporting requirements, overseeing portfolio performance, and providing information to the Board of Directors. Participants will outline strategies for improving the effectiveness and efficiency of their information management systems through an analysis of the various technological systems required to meet their complex financial and compliance needs. In addition, there will be materials from vendors from property management and accounting software systems.
The training is targeted toward Executive Directors, Asset Managers, and Finance Directors of organizations with small to mid-size housing portfolios. Following the training there will be technical assistance opportunities for CHDOs that have attended the training. A total of 82 hours of technical assistance will be available from HDC and TACS.
THE TRAINING WILL INCLUDE
Assessment of types of asset management information, types of decision making, and reporting requirements from funders
Application of an “information systems map” for organizations to clarify roles and improve communications and information management within organizations
Develop an outline of strategies for organizations to streamline various information management systems or to prepare for developing a new system
OUTCOMES
Participants will obtain increased knowledge and skills to apply to their organization’s asset management activities as determined by a post-session evaluation.
TRAINERS
Molly Rogers, The Housing Development Center
Margaret Mahoney, Technical Assistance for Community Services
COST: No charge for training
LUNCH:$10, payment must be received no later than February 19. You will receive a lunch ticket with your confirmation email to print and bring with you on the day of the training.
DATE: February 26, 2009
LOCATION: Black Bear Inn, 1600 Motor Court NE, Salem OR 97301
TIME: 8:30AM-4:30PM
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: February 19, 2009.
REGISTRATION FORM: Click HERE to download your registration form.
SPACE IS LIMITED TO 25 PARTICIPANTS!
RSVP: Haley Cloyd 503-226-3001 x100
Please fill out and fax your registration form to Haley at 503-226-3027 or via email.
NeighborWorks Community Stabilization Training Mar 2-6, Deadline Feb 6 -top
Offering Full-Week Tuition and Lodging Scholarships*
March 2nd – 6th
LA Marriott Downtown (333 South Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, CA 90071)
Registration Deadline: Friday, February 6th Scholarship
NeighborWorks is running the Community Stabilization Training Event, which will be held in Los Angeles March 2nd – 6th with FREE TUITION AND LODGING. Take part in top-level training on REO and scattered site housing. Apply for a scholarship today to make it even easier to be a part of the best community stabilization training available.
Scholarships are open to all nonprofit organizations and municipalities involved in a HUD National Stabilization Program (NSP) or National Community Stabilization Trust (NCST) effort or similar programs — As part of the scholarship review process, upon submission of your scholarship application you will be e-mailed a questionnaire requiring that you briefly describe the NSP, NCST or other efforts your organization is involved in.
These FREE tuition and lodging scholarships apply to the NeighborWorks Community Stabilization Training in Los Angeles, CA, March 2 – 6, 2009 (scholarships will cover the cost of training tuition and lodging only). Scholarship applicants must select at least one of the following courses:
AH291 REO Solutions: Property Assessment, Acquisition and Financing
AH292 REO Solutions: Approaches to Efficiently Rehabbing REO Properties
AM230 Managing Scattered Site Housing
*preference will be given to those applying for a scholarship to attend the full week of training — all 3 courses.
Click here learn more about eligibility requirements and to apply online.
Other community stabilization training scholarships may also be made available for trainings conducted in your area.
