On February 16, CDN hosted a forum to learn more about the candidates running for Portland City Council seats #2 and #3, and their strategies for addressing housing need. Participating in the debate were candidates for seat #2 Emilie Boyles, Ginny Burdick, incumbent Commissioner Erik Sten, and candidates for seat #3 Amanda Fritz, Bruce Broussard, Jeff Cogan (on behalf of incumbent Commissioner Saltzman).  Also attending the forum was Lucinda Tate, candidate for Commissioner seat #3.

Candidates generally supported the Affordable Housing Now! (AHN) $30 million Housing Investment Fund goal. Candidates also were warm to the AHN! urban renewal reform proposal that would spending 30% of all tax increment funds on affordable housing.  Other longer term resource ideas included referrals to voters, a real estate transfer tax, and encouraging more foundation and private sector support.  Candidates agreed that homeownership rates for people of color are too low and that marketing, development, education, and savings strategies are critical.

Permanent Supportive Housing Project Aims to Better Serve Hardest to House

In September 2005, the Community Development Network (CDN) launched a year-long project to strengthen the capacity of Portland's affordable housing industry to better meet the needs of the lowest income residents with the greatest barriers to housing. The project aims to identify and address the technical, logistical, and resource barriers to developing Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH), an approach that has been shown to effectively reduce long-term homelessness.

After just four months of work, the Permanent Supportive Housing Project is starting to see results. The City's Spring 2006 RFP will likely look a little different from last year's as a direct result of recommendations from the PSH Project Steering Committee.  Specific changes will be announced soon, but the work is aiming to make the process less onerous on the developers of Permanent Supportive Housing. The City and County are re-thinking the way they support and fund PSH thanks to the input they've heard in the PSH workgroups.  And the workgroups are moving forward on developing boilerplate language and guidelines for PSH Regulatory Agreements, MOUs, and tenant screening and eviction policies.  Earlier this month, staff from the Portland Development Commission and Oregon Housing and Community Services came together with affordable housing developers for a work session on underwriting PSH, led by national experts from the Corporation for Supportive Housing.

Work is also underway to pull together lessons and best practices from successful local and national PSH projects. In addition to a national literature review, and an analysis of national case studies, focus groups have been held with key staff from local organizations with PSH experience. This information will be put into a user-friendly toolkit for CDCs to support planning and implementation of future PSH projects.

For more information, contact PSH Project Consultant Kris Smock at Kristina_Smock@yahoo.com.

Proposed Income Limits Would Harm Those who Need Housing Assistance Most

On February 14, 2005, the National Low Income Housing Coalition (NLIHC) submitted comments on HUD’s proposed 2006 income limits. HUD requested public comments on their proposal to integrate the new FMR area geography, and specifically on related changes proposed to the FMR geography of the New York and Miami areas. In general, NLIHC found that HUD’s proposal would set limits artificially high, likely increasing the already fierce competition for scarce federal housing assistance and making it less likely that housing assistance would reach the families who need it most.

A careful examination undertaken in preparing these comments revealed that the income limits in many areas are already inflated. For example, for many large metropolitan areas HUD still uses FY02 very low income limits based on data collected in 1989. Though HUD has calculated new median incomes based on Census 2000 data and what it refers to as “a new distribution of median family incomes that permit more accurate calculations,” wherever these newer data show lower income levels, HUD has chosen to hold the changes harmless and retain the outdated income limits. HUD’s current proposal is to prevent almost all reductions in income limits in cases where calculations using current data and metropolitan area definitions result in lower limits than those used in FY05. As a result, the income limits in many areas would be based on 17-year-old data and applied to geographies significantly different than those for which they were originally calculated, solely to keep income limits from falling.

The sole rationale that HUD gives for holding harmless declines in median income is to protect the rents, and therefore the financial health, of unspecified Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) projects. However, according to the Internal Revenue Code (Section 42(g)(2)(A)) it would appear that the only floor foreseen for LIHTC rents is the level set using the income limits applicable when a building is initially qualified.

Thus, NLIHC concludes HUD’s current proposal puts an unwarranted premium on constraining declines in income limits year-over-year, apparently to facilitate the operation of a single program, and in the process undermines the accuracy and intent of the income targeting for all HUD programs.

It is important to note that even as it ratchets up income limits, HUD has rejected requests to hold Fair Market Rents (FMRs) harmless, stating it is required to allow FMRs to decrease as well as increase as more current, and up-to-date data becomes available. This is made all the more significant because, as NLIHC laid out in comments in September 2005 (www.nlihc.org/news/092605.html), the current FMR methodology has a distinct downward bias. The likely result of this combination of policies is to reduce subsidies as increasingly higher income households are asked to use their vouchers to access an increasingly price restricted market.

Therefore, NLIHC asks in its comments that HUD use the opportunity provided by the implementation of new FMR areas to implement income limits that 1) are based on the most recent data available for all jurisdictions; 2) for administrative purposes, limit year-to-year variations that are abrupt or likely to be transitory; and 3) are allowed to decline as well as rise.

Finally, NLIHC argues that HUD’s proposals regarding the New York and Miami areas not only further ratchet up income limits, but it also set a precedent of basing the determination of FMR areas primarily on data other than housing costs, a notion and a precedent that NLIHC strongly rejects.

NLIHC’s comments can be found at: www.nlihc.org/news/021606comments.pdf.

On February 2, 2006, Governor Kulongoski appointed Bob Repine as the Director of the Oregon Economic and Community Development Department (OECDD), pending Senate confirmation in April. He will begin his new position with OECDD on March 6, 2006.

The Governor announced this appointment in conjunction with four specific goals for the agency: 1) maintain the momentum of the fifth-fastest growing economy in the nation through strategic job expansion and recruitment of companies that complement Oregon's quality of life in every part of the state; 2) expand and strengthen international trade efforts, as Oregon is the ninth most trade dependent state in the nation; 3) support the mission of Oregon, Inc. to grow the technology sector, and focus on emerging industries for the future; and 4) increase collaboration among state agencies, local and county governments, universities and community colleges, and the private sector industries.

"Bob's experience in the private sector as a small business owner and his commitment to public service make him uniquely qualified to lead OECDD," the Governor said.  "He believes in creating economic opportunity for citizens and communities throughout Oregon, just as I do.  With his rich background and working knowledge of state and local government, Bob will bring a new level of collaboration between the state, local governments, the education community and the private enterprises that hold the key to expanding Oregon's economy." 

Repine became Director of Oregon Housing and Community Services in January 1998, where he spearheaded creation of the Oregon Housing Trust Fund, Manufactured Dwelling Park Community Relations and Oregon Lenders' Credits - all efforts to help more Oregonians buy homes and improve the availability of affordable housing.

 Among the many accomplishments during Repine’s eight years with the agency:

·       An increased supply of affordable housing, particularly for chronically underserved groups, such as farmworkers, people with developmental disabilities and people recovering from alcohol or drug dependencies.

·       Strong partnerships with other governments, non-profits, private sector developers and faith-based organizations providing housing assistance to low-income seniors and families.

·       Significant reductions in hunger and food insecurity through the actions of a reinvigorated Interagency Coordinating Council on Hunger (ICCH). Oregon expanded food stamp outreach, gleaning efforts, and access to farmers’ markets.

·       Increased capacity statewide for providing weatherization services to low-income Oregonians.

·       Reducing or eliminating the barrier to homeownership presented by down payment and closing costs requirement.

·       A high-functioning departmental workforce which sets the standard for innovation and productivity.

·       Data system improvements to ensure that managers, partners and policymakers have the information they need to manage programs and make decisions.

Repine will transition to Economic and Community Development through February. During that time he and Tracy Martineau, OHCS Human Resources Manager, will work with the Department of Administrative Services (DAS) to recruit a new Director for OHCS.

In addition to the loss of Bob, on January 20, 2006, OHCS’s Jack Kenny announced he accepted the position as Finance Manager at the Department of Administrative Services, Budget and Management Division.

"This is a unique opportunity for me to broaden my experience in debt management and investments relative to a number of State programs including Certificates of Participation, Lottery Bonds, Tax Anticipation Notes and more." commented Kenny.

Kenny came to OHCS just over 10 years ago. In that time he served as the Chief Financial Officer, the Acting Director, the Acting Community Resource Division Administrator, and the last six years as the Deputy Director.  He designed and facilitated the agency's strategic plan processes, developed and testified on bills that have changed agency business operations, lead teams on major computer system implementations, negotiated agreements on proposed petitions to ensure financial stability for housing programs, streamlined and championed the conduit bond program.

Kenny will transition to his new position with DAS on February 14, 2006.

PDC Introduces "Project JumpStart" to Help Bring Homeownership Within Reach

The Portland Development Commission (PDC), as the city’s housing agency, has launched a new program aimed at helping first-time homebuyers get into a new home. The program is in response to an escalating housing market and feedback from prospective buyers that high mortgage payments are often a deterrent to homeownership.

PDC’s Neighborhood Housing Program has launched JumpStart, a tool to help first-time homebuyers increase their buying power by temporarily lowering the payment on a first mortgage. JumpStart is a second mortgage loan used in conjunction with a PDC purchase and renovation loan. JumpStart enables a homeowner to move ahead with a home purchase and renovation rather than delay because payments are just a little beyond reach.

JumpStart (www.pdc.us/jumpstart) allows a borrower to increase their buying power and lower payments during the first five years of the loan. PDC places the proceeds from the JumpStart loan in a secured account. Each month, money is withdrawn from this account and added to the buyer’s temporarily-reduced mortgage payment to make the full payment on the loan. Over the next four years, the mortgage payment gradually increases. At the beginning of the fifth year, the JumpStart assistance ends, and the buyer begins making the full payment required.

JumpStart is intended for borrowers who want to purchase and renovate a home and can demonstrate the potential to handle increased monthly payments. Borrowers must meet an income requirement, and purchases are restricted to the Lents Town Center and Interstate Corridor Urban Renewal Areas. JumpStart allows a borrower to qualify for a larger mortgage amount, while having their monthly payment lowered and direct the extra cash towards needed improvements to the property.

PDC’s Neighborhood Housing Program has played a significant role in improving the overall livability of Portland’s neighborhoods by provided loans for purchase and renovation, refinance and renovation, and low-interest home repair loans to low- and moderate-income home owners in targeted neighborhoods. For more information on JumpStart or any of the purchase and renovation loans offered by PDC, call (503) 823-3400 to speak to a loan specialist or contact staff by email for an application packet.

PDC was created by Portland voters in 1958 to serve as the city’s urban renewal agency as laid out in Chapter 15 of the City’s Charter. PDC provides comprehensive housing, development and economic development programs within the Portland region.

On February 13, 2006 USA Today published an article about Oregon Asset Building Micro lending strategies, including microenterprise and Individual Development Accounts (IDAs).  The article captures stories from entrepreneurs around the state of Oregon who are utilizing the strategy as a ladder to wealth.  To view the article, visit:  http://www.usatoday.com/money/perfi/general/2006-02-12-microlending-usat_x.htm

Unsure what nonprofits can do in the political arena? Compelled to advocate for legislative change, but don’t want to jeopardize your tax status? Want to know how to build capacity for effective legislative campaigns?

The Oregon Center for Public Policy, Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon, and the Northwest Area Foundation are presenting a free legislative advocacy training workshop for staff and leaders of nonprofits who want to learn how to influence political decision makers.

The training will focus on two primary areas:

·       Nonprofit Advocacy: The do’s and don’ts of nonprofit advocacy.

·       Legislative Advocacy: Building your organization’s capacity for effective legislative campaigns.

Details:

·       Date: Wednesday, February 22, 2006

·       Time: 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.

·       Place: First United Methodist Church,1838 SW Jefferson St., Portland (Parking available and located near MAX stop)

To Register:

Call (503) 221-1054 to register or for more information. Space is limited, so please register early. Hosted by the Oregon Center for Public Policy (www.ocpp.org) and Ecumneical Ministries of Oregon (www.emoregon.org)

Portland Hosts Public Hearing on Payday Loans February 22

Payday loans are breaking the bank of hardworking, cash strapped Oregonians

Our City Commissioners need to hear from you!  Come to the City Council hearing on Payday Loans on February 22 at 6:00 pm at the Mt. Scott Community Center, 5530 SE 72nd Ave (between Foster & Woodstock).

Portland City Commissioner Dan Saltzman has proposed a city ordinance aimed at providing basic protections for payday loan consumers.  The ordinance would establish some basic protections:

·       Right to cancel loan within 24 hours

·       Pay down the principal with each loan renewal

·       Right to make installment payments after 2 loan renewals

You can testify or simply show your support by coming out for this important conversation. 

OnLine Training: Getting to Work by Transit: Luxury or Necessity? February 23

According to the Center for Transportation Excellence, over 10 million Americans use transit for their daily work commute.  Those living in transit intensive metropolitan areas save $22 billion per year in transportation-related expenses.  Yet more often than not, affordable housing advocates are not involved in the transit discussion.  Given the impact of transit on the daily lives of low-income families it’s about time that changed.

Last year, Congress passed the Safe, Affordable, Flexible and Efficient Equity Act- A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU), which lays the groundwork for expanding transportation choices throughout our communities.  The Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) “New Starts” program is the federal government’s primary financial resource for supporting locally planned, implemented and operated major transit capital investments.  New Starts, and its compliment program, Small Starts, fund new systems and extensions to existing systems in every area of the country, including commuter rail, light rail, heavy rail, bus rapid transit, trolleys and ferries.  In early 2006, FTA will collect comments from stakeholders to help them develop regulations that will guide its evaluation process for new transit projects. 

Why should affordable housing advocates and developers care about a transportation issue?  Transit-oriented development (TOD) has significant impacts on and for low-income communities. Household transportation costs are second only to housing costs…and in some communities actually exceed housing costs.  TOD that considers the needs of the low-income community can provide access to jobs, child care, and economic independence.  The regulations the FTA uses to govern how transit projects will be funded will have a dramatic impact on how transit is provided in low-income communities. 

Join us in this free Live Online Event on Thursday, February 23rd for 90 minutes beginning at 11:03am PT. Click here for more information about the event and how to join.

Please forward this email to all others on your staff who might be interested

If you have any questions about the setup process or joining, please contact Kathy Holmes at 410.772.2411 or kholmes@enterprisecommunity.org

Community Baby Shower for Families in Need March 4

March 4, 2006, is a statewide Community Mom and Baby Shower for new babies in families that suffer from poverty, violence or abuse.   This event is sponsored by Soroptimists.   This service project is endorsed and fully supported by Governor Kulongoski's office.

The Community Mom and Baby Shower will occur on March 4, 2006 throughout the Pacific Northwest sponsored by Soroptimist clubs in Washington, Alaska, Idaho and Montana with more than 120 clubs worldwide participating in Soroptimist Saturday of Service.

The Soroptimist clubs are asking for new (or gently used) donated basic baby items to assist the Department of Human Services and their community partners to provide the needed supplies for new babies in families that suffer from poverty, violence or abuse.  All donated items will be distributed by the local office of the Department of Human Services.

Here are the Portland area locations for the baby shower to support Multnomah and Clackamas County Department of Human Services offices.

Please drop off a baby gift on Saturday, 3/04/06, and help spread the word for this event.

SI of Portland North:  12 - 4pm, at 2446 SE Ladd Avenue, Northwest corner of SE Division and      SE 20th Avenue, Portland

SI Portland:  10AM-3PM  at the Portland Jantzen Beach Safeway

SI Gresham has scheduled their shower for Gresham Fred Meyer, 9AM to 3PM

SI Portland East:  12 - 4pm, at Babies R Us, 9650 SE 82nd Avenue, Clackamas and drop off gifts at Wescott's Auto, 19701 SE Hwy 212, Boring OR 97009

Additional information can be found at www.spiritone.com/~sipe

Soroptimist is an international volunteer organization for business and professional women who work to improve the lives of women and girls, in local communities and throughout the world. 

Questions? Contact Marsha Schauer at 503-813-6157

Home Sweet Home, A Chocolate Celebration to benefit NHA March 9

On March 9th, a few hundred people will gather at Home Sweet Home, Northwest Housing Alternatives' chocolate event at the Wonder Ballroom, 128 NE Russell Portland.  Along with chocolate tasting, we will celebrate recent accomplishments and look ahead to building more affordable housing for Oregonians with low incomes.

Guests will sample chocolate truffles, chocolate cakes, chocolate gelato, chocolate cupcakes, chocolate covered popcorn – you get the idea!  Many of the fine participating merchants will have chocolate treats for sale, too.

Tickets are available for $30.  The event (for folks 21 and over, please) will feature a no-host bar.  To purchase tickets or obtain more information, please call Kate Kealy at 503-654-1007 extension 109.  ONLINE TICKET SALES COMING SOON – check out www.nwhousing.org.  In the meantime, call Kate for ticket info 503-654-1007, extension 109.

Northwest Housing Alternatives' mission is to house those most in need. We build and rehabilitate homes for Oregonians with low incomes, including seniors, families, and people with special needs.  We also operate the Annie Ross House shelter for homeless families with children.