Arizona Department of Housing MATTERS Arizona Housing Finance Authority HOUS NG Vol.8 No.1 Winter 2008 Arizona’s Housing Trust Fund Bringing homes within reach for two decades Whether at the local, state, or federal levels of government, an increasing number of governmental bodies are using Housing Trust Funds to expand affordable housing opportunities. According to the National Association of Realtors, at least 257 housing trust funds operate in the United States, dedicating public revenues to expand a range of affordable housing initiatives such as new construction, preservation of existing housing, emergency repairs, homeless shelters, housingrelated services, and multifamily building for nonprofit organizations. To support the growing housing needs of low-income families here in Arizona, a flexible funding source was created by statute in 1988. Most importantly, however, this funding pool was created without a taxpayer burden. Uniquely, Arizona chose a seldom-utilized revenue source to support affordable housing: unclaimed property. Unclaimed tax refunds, long-inactive bank accounts, interest on unexpended funds, loan repayments and recaptured funds are among the sources that together create a pool of capital. Each year in Arizona, 55 percent of these unclaimed funds are dedicated to the State Housing Trust Fund (HTF). More than 70 percent of all HTF revenues are spent in rural Arizona. Since many rural communities receive few, if any federal funding, HTF is often the only source for developing and preserving housing in those communities. Moreover, these flexible funds support a myriad of activities that are ineligible for a number of federal programs. From FY 2003 to FY 2007, $104.5 million in HTF revenues have helped almost 46,000 Arizonans, many of whom live in rural communities. With each passing year, the benefits of these dedicated values continue to expand affordable housing opportunities for renters and homeowners alike. HTF revenues have also benefited both single-family and multi-family homes. Most importantly, at a time when job growth has slowed in Arizona, the HTF provides multiple and significant economic benefits. Statewide, HTF has had a total economic output of $132,500,016. Its projects generated $44,712,324 in wages and salaries for 1,782 jobs created. An additional $8,989,083 in state and local tax revenues were also generated by the HTF. HOUSING TRUST FUND COMMITMENTS FY2003-2007 ($ millions) Other* $21.9 Rental $25.4 Special Needs Homeownership $25.8 $31.4 * Other includes transfers to the AzHFA programs, planning grants, grantee administration, conference sponsorships, HMIS match, and other miscellaneous housing activities. Inside this issue: AzHFA Activities ..................................................... 2 Arizona Housing Commission .......................... 3 Director’s Message ................................................ 5 Funding Announcements .................................. 6 Training, Conferences & Happenings ............. 7 Legislative Scene ................................................... 9 Staff Contacts........................................................11 These impressive statistics become better appreciated when real-life stories of how HTF measurably improved Arizona families are shared. see HTF, page 4 Leading with solutions. AzHFA Activities Carl Kinney Arizona Housing Finance Authority Programs Administrator (602) 771-1091 carlk@housingaz.com 2008 Board of Directors AzHFA successful in application to Commerce $20M in volume cap awarded Donald E. Brandt The Authority successfully applied to the Arizona Department of Commerce for volume cap not used by December 16,and was selected to receive a carry-forward allocation of $20,761,870. The carry-forward allows the Issuer the ability to issue bonds in the next year. Pinnacle West Corporation Chairperson Ross McCallister Vice-Chairperson The carry-forward allocation will enable the AzHFA to provide loans to approximately 150 homebuyers. The expected annual allocation of volume cap of approximately $44 million in 2008, along with the carry-forward of just over $20 million will give the AzHFA the capacity to issue single family mortgage revenue bonds of over $64 million. MC Companies In 2007, the AzHFA issued just over $61 million in single family MRBs, using their 2007 allocation of a little over $43 million, supplementing that amount with an agreement to use capacity held by Pima County. Frank M. Smith & Associates, Inc. Arthur Crozier Secretary Victor Flores Salt River Project The award of the carry-forward allocation will allow the AzHFA to better meet the demand for financing that has increased due to the reduction in the number of lenders and programs serving first time home buyers , in part a result of the sub-prime loan debacle. Richard Houseworth Capital Bancorp Limited Work is already underway to utilize the carry-forward allocation in a bond issuance expected to close in February, 2008. Bill introduced to help homeowners MRBs would be used to refinance subprime loans Senate Finance Committee members John Kerry (D-MA) and Gordon Smith (R-OR) have introduced a bill (S. 2517) authorizing states and localities to use Mortgage Revenue Bonds (MRBs) for refinancing subprime loans and providing states $15 billion in additional singlefamily Housing Bond authority in 2008. Senator Norman Coleman (R-MN) joined Kerry and Smith as an original cosponsor. The senators went beyond the Administration’s MRB refinancing proposal by permitting the additional authority to be used for first-time homebuyer mortgages, not just mortgage refinancings. The bill also exempts all MRBs issued after December 31, 2007 and before January 1, 2011 from the Alternative Minimum Tax, not just refinancing MRBs as the Administration recommended. The refinancing authority applies to bonds issued after December 31, 2007 and before January 1, 2011. The additional bond cap is to be allocated according to the regular per capita formula and expires on December 31, 2010. The bill defines subprime loans as adjustable rate mortgages originated after December 31, 2001 and before January 1, 2008 with “characteristics that suggest both a reasonable foreseeable risk of default and a reasonable potential to avoid default with the benefit of a lower cost refinancing.” It suggests HFAs consider loan payment adjustments, high loan-to-value ratios, borrower creditworthiness, and borrower mortgage payment history. PARTICIPATING MRB LENDERS · 2 Adobe Financial Corporation AmeriFirst Financial American Mortgage Group Bank of America, NA Bell America Mortgage, LLC Cascade Financial Services Castle & Cooke Mortgage, LLC Consumers Mortgage Corporation Countrywide Home Loans CTX Mortgage Co., LLC DHI Mortgage Company, Ltd. Express One Mortgage Corporation First Horizon Home Loan Corp. First National Bank of Arizona Flagstar Bank FSB Gateway Business Bank GMAC Mortgage Guild Mortgage Co. Homeowners Financial Group imortgage.com, Inc. Indymac Bank, F.S.B. Intellichoice Mortgage Services JP Morgan Chase Bank, NA K. Hovnanian American Mortgage Lighthouse Mortgage USA, Inc. Liberty Financial Group Market Street Mortgage Metrocities Mortgage National Bank of Arizona National City Mortgage New South Federal Savings Bank National City Mortgage Pacific Coast Mortgage The Arizona Housing Finance Authority (AzHFA) Board of Directors is a seven member board that governs the work of the Authority. Board meetings are open to the public and are scheduled to take place at the Arizona Department of Housing, unless otherwise noted. SCHEDULED MEETINGS February 12 March 11 April 8 For additional information on AzHFA Board Meetings contact Ann Pratt at (602) 771-1090 or annp@housingaz.com. Ryland Mortgage Company Secondary Marketing Manager Standard Pacific Mortgage State Mortgage, LLC Suburban Mortgage Territorial Mortgage, LLC U.S. Bank Home Mortgage Wallick and Volk, Inc. Washington Mutual Bank Wells Fargo Home Mortgage Winter, 2008 Arizona Housing Commission Charlene Crowell Government Relations & Communications Administrator (602) 771-1093 charlenec@housingaz.com CURRENT MEMBERS Reid Butler A Word from the Chair Jean Richmond-Bowman 2008 Celebrations and Challenges: Housing as a state priority Arizona Multihousing Association Maria Chavez Arizona Interagency Farmworker Coalition Suzanne DeConcini Long Realty Deb Drysdale-Elias As a New Year unfolds, a disturbing and growing number of Arizona families face uncertainties about their homes, regardless of whether they are homeowners or renters. As housing woes worsen throughout the state, citizens, local governments, and community-based organizations are all turning to state government in search of lasting solutions to the complex problems wrought by foreclosures. Yuma Elementary School District Betty J. Villegas Pima County Helen Hudgens Ferrell Bothands, Inc. Since the beginning of 2006, the number of Arizona homeowners entering the foreclosure process has tripled each month. As of October 31, 2007, 10,272 Arizona single-family homes had fallen into foreclosure. Even worse, an additional 35, 668 homes were in some stage of the foreclosure process. Yet even before this disturbing development, Arizona had another well-documented housing problem: affordability. Rena Van Fleet Colorado River Indian Tribes Irving Hill Fleetwood Homes of Arizona Kelly Langford Tucson Urban League From 2000 to 2006, median sales prices of homes in Arizona increased 85 percent, while family incomes grew by only 15 percent. Moreover, many of the workers who give their time, talent, and dedication to our communities simply cannot afford to live where they work. Public safety officers who protect our homes and businesses, teachers who identify and hone our children’s minds to their innate talents, health care workers who return us to wellness, are among the people who play by the rules, go to work every day, and still cannot find the financial ability to afford their own American Dream of homeownership. Janet Marcus Now, as the Arizona Legislature returns for its 2008 session, another still-evolving issue has emerged: a growing state budget deficit. Originally foreseen to be an approximate $700 million dilemma, the deficit continues to grow, in large part because of the sluggish economy and housing market. Emily Nottingham Because state law requires a balanced budget, the Governor and Legislature must together agree on how best to work with available revenues. The financial pain will likely be spread among every state agency. State employees could be asked to perform more with less. Jean Richmond-Bowman For the Arizona Department of Housing, that looming prospect could become a paradox. Their mission is to meet citizen housing needs, particularly those of moderate to low income. Due to foreclosures, their workloads have adapted to include the concerns of many families whose higher incomes traditionally have not been considered our customers. Due to the scope of the foreclosure crisis, a new kind of poor could yet emerge within Arizona’s struggling economy. That prospect looms as the affordable housing issue still begs for greater understanding, awareness, and support. Public Member Guy Mikkelsen Foundation for Senior Living Marty Moreno Town of Sahuarita City of Tucson Community Services Kathy Pechman National Bank of Arizona Northern Arizona Building Association Roberto Ruiz Ruiz Engineering Juan Salgado City of Phoenix Annette Stein Maricopa County Aneva J. Yazzie Navajo Housing Authority Rest assured that both the Governor and Legislature will be looking in early 2008 for budget solutions. The Arizona Housing Commission stands ready to work with both branches of state government. The entire Commission is unified in our concern to vigorously engage government, our community-based allies, and others who share our commitment to advance housing concerns throughout Arizona. Sen. Tim Bee President, Arizona Senate Rep. Robert Meza Arizona House of Representatives As our newsletter cover story reveals, the Housing Trust Fund has clearly expanded homeownership, provided special needs assistance, and increased affordable rental housing without a dime of taxpayer funding. It is a program deserving of both a 20th anniversary celebration and a future of continued benefits to Arizonans. WINTER MEETING SCHEDULE JANUARY 25 @ ADOH FEBRUARY 20 @ Homes for MARCH 28 @ ADOH Arizonans · 3 Winter, 2008 HTF (continued from page 1) In Sierra Vista, Crystal Creek Townhomes is a testament to how affordable housing can be both attractive and practical. Using a four-plex design with Mediterranean architecture, the development has provided 89-units of housing since its opening in 2004. While four of the units are available at market rate, all of the other 85 units are permanently-affordable, serving low-income families earning 60 percent or less of Area Median Income (AMI). After 15 years of occupancy, residents gain the option of buying their homes at below-market prices. Construction that began in September 2003 was completed in June of 2004. According to manager Carrie Shelley, “Every unit was taken by Thanksgiving.” The almost 10-acre development is close to Cochise College and includes 22 buildings, one of which serves as a clubhouse and leasing office. Additionally, five of the units are handicapped accessible single-story units. All other remaining units are two-story homes. Crystal Creek’s largest floor plans are 1,110 square feet, three-bedroom homes. The two-bedroom units are slightly smaller with 960 square feet. Developed in partnership by Catholic Community Services of Southern Arizona, Industrial Development Authority of the City of Sierra Vista, and the Equity Housing Group, LLC, the $8.6 million development received $400,000 in HTF and another $5.6 million from LowIncome Housing Tax Credits (LIHTCs). An urban example of how HTF benefits densely populated areas is also the first organization in Arizona to successfully use the Community Land Trust (CLT) model. The Newtown Community Land Trust (CLT), based in Tempe, assembled a development package combined funds from Maricopa HOME Consortium and private lenders with HTF revenues to create a community of 32 permanently affordable single-family homes for firsttime buyers in Tempe. Established in October 2001, Newtown requires that homes will permanently benefit first-time homebuyers with annual household incomes at or below 80 percent of the Area Median Income. A sliding scale determines financial eligibility and ranges from an annual income of $33,650 for a single person household to $55,800 for a family of six. For a four-member family, maximum allowable annual income is $48,100. Because of the land trust, if or when homes are sold, they must remain owner-occupied for another incomequalified family. Last year, one of Newtown’s first threebedroom homes, located near downtown Tempe, went on the market, and was appraised at $212,000. Because of the land trust model, Newtown sold the home to another first-time homebuyer for $145,000. Rental Assistance $126,000 AcquisitionRehabilitation $8,869,926 New Construction $16,444,776 HOUSING TRUST FUND DISTRIBUTION FY2003-2007 ($ millions) Homeowner Rehabilitation $12,577,027 Rental Programs New Development $1,700,478 Homeownership Assistance $17,075,070 Support/Operating Costs $2,877,613 Transitional & Shelter Housing $10,747,937 Homeless Prevention $12,223,182 Homeownership Programs “The original owners received a decent return on their initial investment of $3,000 and earned approximately Special Needs Programs $30,000 in equity and appreciation which they used to buy a larger market-rate home to better fit their growing family,” said Executive Director Alan Carlson. “Their household income was approximately 76 percent of AMI when they bought the home.” “For the new owners,” Carlson continues, “The CLT home was actually more affordable at the time of resale. A family of four with a household income around $39,000 – about 65 percent of AMI became homeowners. They were able to buy a decent home in the neighborhood they wanted for an affordable price. Perhaps most importantly, the community’s investment in the home [the subsidy] was retained in the home and increased in value.” As a community developer, Newtown’s Carlson offered his own summary of HTF benefits. “Investment from the Housing Trust Fund is critical to help us meet housing needs. The investment of Housing Trust Funds to create Community Land Trust homes not only provides affordable homeownership for working families that need that opportunity now, it helps ensure affordable homeownership opportunities for future generations,” Carlson concludes. · 4 Winter, 2008 From the desk of FRED KARNAS letters, and made visits on behalf of the bill. Over the years, the statute has been tweaked, improved, and protected by many. DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE CELEBRATING A MILESTONE MOMENT: Arizona Housing Trust Fund’s 20th Anniversary It is hard to believe that it has been twenty years since the passage of the legislation which created the Arizona Housing Trust Fund. I remember the moment of its passage as if it were yesterday. On the final night of the 1988 legislative session, my colleague Fred Gerhard and I sat in the chambers for hours hoping that a vote would take place. As the hour grew later we feared that this bill which we had so arduously championed for months might get lost in the last minute shuffle of legislative wrangling and deal-making. But then, somewhere near midnight, the vote quietly took place and, almost anti-climatically, the Housing Trust Fund became law. The Housing Trust Fund grew out of the efforts of many to raise awareness that housing was indeed the primary solution to homelessness. Fred Gerhard, then of Community Legal Services, handled the legislative interactions and used his persuasive powers to craft a bill acceptable to the legislature, while I oversaw the statewide organizing effort for the bill while running the Community Housing Partnership. Scores of others, including the members of the nascent Arizona Housing Coalition, made phone calls, sent HOUSING TRUST FUND ECONOMIC IMPACT FY2007 Economic Impact Area $1 Million HTF Plus Associated Leverages As I look back, I am reminded that in 1988 we hoped that the Trust Fund might someday result in as much as $6 million for affordable housing. So, to say the least, it is a pleasant surprise that for the past four years, as this newsletter’s lead article reveals, the average annual allocation to the Trust Fund from the State’s Unclaimed Property Fund exceeds $25 million. And, over its life span, the Housing Trust Fund has helped nearly 50,000 low and moderate income Arizonans obtain safe, decent affordable housing. That achievement is, indeed, something to celebrate. It should be noted, however, that as we acknowledge the efforts of the advocates, legislators, and others who made the Housing Trust Fund a reality twenty years ago, the housing challenges facing us in 2008 are even greater than those of 1988. Arizona’s tremendous growth triggered recent skyrocketing housing appreciation, and a dearth of private developable land. These economic factors met in recent months with a mortgage foreclosure crisis, growing homelessness, and loss of affordable rental units. The resulting combination is a significant challenge to policy makers and concerned citizens alike. For all that has been pursued, much has been accomplished. Yet much more work remains. We at ADOH are committed to being good stewards of the Housing Trust Fund dollars and we look forward to working with you to ensure that throughout Arizona, families and communities across remain the beneficiaries of this important resource. $5 Million HTF Plus Associated Leverages $10 Million HTF Plus Associated Leverages $15 Million HTF Plus Associated Leverages $20 Million HTF Plus Associated Leverages $27 Million HTF Plus Associated Leverages 1,296 Employment Impact (Number of Jobs) Rural Counties 48 240 480 720 960 Urban Counties 18 90 180 270 360 486 State Total 66 330 660 990 1,320 1,782 $1,056,267 $5,281,335 $10,562,670 $15,844,005 $21,125,340 $28,519,209 $559,745 $2,798,725 $5,597,450 $8,396,175 $11,194,900 $15,113,115 $8,280,060 $16,560,120 $24,840,180 $33,120,240 $44,712,324 (estimated) Wages and Salaries Impact Rural Counties Urban Counties State Total $1,656,012 State and Local Tax Revenues Impact Rural Counties $205,093 $1,025,465 $2,050,930 $3,076,395 $4,101,860 $5,537,511 Urban Counties $127,023 $635,115 $1,270,230 $1,905,345 $2,540,460 $3,429,621 State Total $332,929 $1,664,645 $3,329,290 $4,993,935 $6,658,580 $8,989,083 $78,647,517 Output or Total Economic Value Impact Note: · 5 Rural Counties $2,912,871 $14,564,355 $29,128,710 $43,693,065 $58,257,420 Urban Counties State Total $1,994,537 $9,972,685 $19,945,370 $29,918,055 $39,890,740 $53,852,499 $4,907,408 $24,537,040 $49,074,080 $73,611,120 $98,148,160 $132,500,016 Estimates above are based on estimated impact of FY2007 HTF commitments. The economic impact of the Arizona Housing Finance Authority’s $100 million in bonding authority is not included. Winter, 2008 Funding Announcements & Notice of Funding Availability continued Following is a list of projects funded by ADOH since July 1, 2007: DATE 7/3/2007 7/3/2007 7/10/2007 7/23/2007 COUNTY Coconino Statewide Maricopa Statewide 8/21/2007 8/21/2007 8/21/2007 8/28/2007 8/28/2007 8/28/2007 9/4/2007 9/4/2007 9/4/2007 9/4/2007 9/4/2007 9/18/2007 9/18/2007 9/18/2007 9/25/2007 9/25/2007 10/9/07 10/30/07 10/30/07 10/30/07 11/14/07 11/27/07 11/27/07 11/27/07 12/3/07 12/3/07 12/3/07 12/17/07 Maricopa Mohave Maricopa Maricopa Coconino Maricopa Pinal Gila Cochise Maricopa Maricopa Yavapai Maricopa Santa Cruz Yavapai Statewide Maricopa Navajo Maricopa Statewide Cochise Statewide Statewide Maricopa Navajo Apache Apache Coconino FISCAL YEAR TO DATE · 6 RECIPIENT Flagstaff Shelter Services University of Arizona’s Drachman Institute Chicanos Por La Causa, Inc. National Association for County Community and Economic Development City of Phoenix Katherine Heights Townhomes II UMOM New Day Center, Inc. Lodestar Day Resource Center Bothands, Inc. Apache ASL Trails, LP Interfaith Coalition for the Homeless Center Ridge Apartments LLLP La Habra 2004 Limited Partnership Nuestra Senora, LP Bell Mirage Estates, LLC Bradshaw Senior Community Amber Pointe Apartments City of Nogales’ Community Development Stepping Stone Agencies Homeless Prevention Programs to 24 entities Rancho Montanas Senior Apartments First Baptist Church of Winslow Central Arizona Shelter Services (CASS) Arizona Community Foundation/LISC Community Services of Arizona CDBG awards to 32 communities Owner-occupied Housing Rehabilitation Programs Newtown Community Development Corporation Yavapai Apache National Tribal Housing Mountain Oaks Senior, LP Hillcrest Duplexes, LP Flagstaff Shelter Services AMOUNT 29,060 133,325 550,000 5,000 20,000 660,000 750,000 140,000 280,000 750,000 35,000 750,000 500,000 750,000 500,000 750,000 250,000 35,000 24,750 1,300,000 500,000 7,000 588,960 50,000 750,000 9,700,000 4,200,000 140,000 700,000 325,000 350,000 22,636 $27,820,731 Winter, 2008 & Training, Conferences Other Happenings Learn the language,skills, concepts, and business practices required to generate and sustain affordable housing development in your community. Whether your development project is a concept or in production, your organization will benefit from this training. This program is for government, nonprofit, and private sector individuals with limited experience in affordable housing finance and/or development, and those individuals who have experience in these areas. Only five teams will be accepted for participation. All classes will be held at Native American Connections, 4520 N. Central Avenue in Phoenix. The fee per student is $575 which includes materials, lecturers, breakfast, lunch, and breaks for all sessions. All AHI students must also complete after-classroom assignments to remain in the Institute. 2008 Dates March 12 & 13 April 16 & 17 Application deadline Questions June 4 & 5 July 9 & 10 January 18, 2008 patb@housingaz.com 2007 AHI Graduate Feedback “This was one of the best, if not the best training class I have ever taken.” a brief CALENDAR 2008 (for details, check the Event Calendar on our website) JANUARY 1 CLOSED - New Years Day Holiday 18 AHI Registration Deadline 21 CLOSED - Martin Luther King Holiday 25 Arizona Housing Commission 30 LIHTC Application Workshop FEBRUARY 12 AzHFA Board Meeting 18 CLOSED - Presidents’ Day Holiday 20 Arizona Housing Commission 20 HOMES FOR ARIZONANS DAY MARCH 11 AzHFA Board Meeting 12-13 Affordable Housing Institute 27-28 LIHTC Compliance Training 28 Arizona Housing Comission “The CD and manual are great.” “I know more items are necessary to do my due diligence. It was helpful to go through ‘critical path’ with a team.” “I have found the AHI to be extremely beneficial. As a lender, the Institute allows me to take a look at the deal from the eye of the developer, and we primarily approach this from the viewpoint of a non-profit. We discuss rental and homeownership deals. The presenters insist that the nonprofit developer be a developer and not a dabbler. This results in the agency taking a realistic look at their capacity to conduct development while still emphasizing their primary mission as a service provider.” free design & construction Accessibility Training Wednesday, April 23, 2008 8:30 am to 12:00 pm Horizon Park Community Center 15444 N. 100th Street, Scottsdale To Register: www.fairhousingfirst.org (click on Calendar link) Sponsored by: For information on the application process or to download an application, see our website, www.housingaz.com. BECOMING A HIGHER PERFORMING CHDO Developed by Monte Franke of Franke Consulting Group, the CHDO Survivor Kit will be the basis of this one-day workshop. The FREE training is open to staff and board members of existing (and those interested in becoming) Community Housing Development Organizations. JANUARY 29, 2008 TO REGISTER: Kino Veterans Memorial Community Center 2805 E. Ajo Way Tucson, AZ E-MAIL: Sarah Nusser@nacced.org Include name, title, agency (indicate if CHDO, nonprofit, or PJ), address, phone number, fax number, e-mail address. CLASS IS LIMITED TO 30 PARTICIPANTS. · 7 Winter, 2008 ‘ Other Events off Note No UPCOMING MEETINGS & CONFERENCES JANUARY 16 27-29 National Multi-Housing Conference Apartment Strategies Conference - Boca Raton Resort & Club – Boca Raton, FL www.nmhc.org/MeetingRegistration Council for Affordable & Rural Housing Mid-Year Meeting Four Seasons Hotel - San Francisco, CA www.carh.org/index FEBRUARY 6-7 Arizona Multi-Housing Association Residential Landlord & Tenant Act Seminar - Punch Woods Facility, Tucson Community Food Bank – Tucson, AZ 7-8 25-26 MARCH 12-14 23-24 National Conference on Ending Family Homelessness, Sheraton Seattle Hotel – Seattle, WA www.endhomelessness.org National Low Income Housing Coalition Annual Policy Conference - Capitol Hilton – Washington, DC Coalition of Community Development Financial Institutions’ Institute - Phoenix Park Hotel – Washington, DC ADOH and The Drachman Institute have partnered to present a series of FREE workshops designed to provide tools and information needed to achieve well-designed affordable housing that integrates cultural considerations, gathers support from the community, and produces a product that enhances the neighborhood. Registration is required to attend any of these workshops. Green in Affordable Housing February 5, 2008 REGISTRATION DEADLINE: January 31 Culture and Affordable Housing March 4, 2008 REGISTRATION DEADLINE: February 22 Good Design in Affordable Housing April 8, 2008 REGISTRATION DEADLINE: March 28 What...Affordable Housing in OUR Community? This workshop will be repeated five times at various sites around the state. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------To register for any session, visit the Event Calendar on our website, www.housingaz.com -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- National CDBG Week April is Fair Housing Month SOUTHWEST FAIR HOUSING COUNCIL RECEIVES LARGE GRANT FROM HUD IN CEREMONY JANUARY 23 Southwest Fair Housing Council in Tucson, a nationally recognized agency for their success in furthering fair access to housing opportunities, will receive a $368,889 HUD grant in a ceremony on January 23 at 11:00 am at the HUD Tucson office. “This award is unique in several respects.” said Sandy Fagan, Deputy Director of SWFHC. “The dollar amount is significantly larger than most fair housing awards... further, our agency is one of only five agencies nationally to hold HUD enforcement and education/outreach grants simultaneously.” The award will be presented by HUD’s Tucson Field Office Director, Phyllis Lim. SWFHC Executive Director Richard Rhey will accept on behalf of the agency. The Tucson HUD Office is located at 160 N. Stone (at Alameda). · 8 FREE SERIES OF WORKSHOPS BEING OFFERED BY ADOH AND THE DRACHMAN INSTITUTE Fair Housing Partnership Annual Event Panelists at last year’s event respond to The Arizona Fair Housing audience questions. Partnership presents its annual fair housing month event. This year’s event theme is Technical Assistance for Multi-Family Housing: Fair Housing Design & Construction. Accessibility First (www.fairhousingfirst.org) will be conducting a three hour training; Arizona Department of Real Estate Continuing Education Credit approval is pending. The registration form is available at www.aaronline. com. The registration form will be located on the upper left of the homepage. Continental breakfast will be served. Date: Where: Time: Wednesday, April 23, 2008 Horizon Park Community Center 15440 N. 100th Street Scottsdale, AZ 85260 9:00 am until Noon For more information please contact Shawna Tarboro, Chair, Arizona Fair Housing Partnership at stswfhc@hotmail.com. Winter, 2008 2007-2008 Federal Initiatives Focus on Housing National Trust Fund, mortgage reform, and homeless initiatives await actions Charlene Crowell Government Relations & Communications Administrator (602) 771-1093 charlenec@housingaz.com A s the number of Americans facing foreclosures continues to rise, Capitol Hill is increasingly turning to legislative remedies on a range of housing issues spanning affordable housing, homeless protections, mortgage reform, and predatory lending. In response to the foreclosure crisis, on December 14, the Senate unanimously passed a bill authored by the chair of the powerful House Ways and Means Committee, Rep. Charles Rangel of New York. In less than a week’s time, President Bush signed the measure into law on December 20 that will now provide financial relief to both prospective home buyers and those already affected by sub-prime foreclosure. The enactment of the Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act, introduced as H.B. 3648, removes federal tax liability for debts forgiven from the sub-prime mortgage crisis. Additionally, for prospective homeowners, the new law extends the tax deduction for private mortgage insurance and eases restrictions for qualifying as housing cooperative corporations. Also on December 14, a 93-1 vote in the Senate approved an FHA reform authored by Sen. Chris Dodd of Connecticut. The lone opposition vote was cast by Arizona’s Sen. Jon Kyl. In a prepared statement, Sen. Dodd said in part, “This measure can shield homeowners from harm by helping families find safe, fair, and affordable mortgages. It can help provide credit, both for new homeowners and those seeking a way out of abusive loans in which they are currently trapped.” Due to a similar measure having previously passed in the House of Representatives, a conference committee will work to resolve differences before it can be forwarded to the President. Several other initiatives are also likely to be resumed in early 2008. The Mortgage Reform and Anti-Predatory Lending Act of 2007 (H.R. 3915) would reform mortgage practices by licensing and registration of mortgage originators, including brokers and bank loan officers. Additionally, this bill would set a minimum standard for all mortgages which states that borrowers must have a reasonable ability to repay. On November 15, 64 Republicans joined 227 Democrats in its 291-127 passage. Referred to the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee on December 3, it now awaits that committee action. · 9 Just days following its receipt, Sen. Chris Dodd, the committee chair, offered his own version of mortgage reform. Joined by 13 colleagues as co-sponsors of the Homeownership Preservation and Protection Act of 2007, the senate version of mortgage reform would: • • • • Establish new lending standards with accompanying protections for all borrowers; Prohibit brokers from steering prime borrowers to more expensive subprime loans; Ban both prepayment penalties for homeowners and up front payment or financing of credit life, credit disability or credit unemployment insurance; Extend enforcement powers to state attorneys general. A third measure is also under consideration by this key senate committee. Two months earlier when the U.S. House of Representatives took an October 10 floor vote on the proposed National Affordable Housing Trust Fund (H.R. 2895), 41 Republicans joined 223 Democrats for its 264-148 passage. Among Arizona’s eight-member congressional delegation, five provided bipartisan support. The fund would provide for the construction, rehabilitation, and preservation of decent, safe, and affordable housing for low-income families. While momentum mounts for foreclosure reforms, two other initiatives focus on an often forgotten population: homeless people. Both would amend and reauthorize funds for the McKinney –Vento Homeless Assistance Act. Since a May 2007 introduction, the Community Partnership to End Homelessness Act of 2007 (S 1518), has stalled and has yet to gain a Senate floor vote. Sponsored by Sen. Jack Reed of Rhode Island, the bill would consolidate three of HUD’s competitive homeless programs— Supportive Housing Program, Shelter Plus Care and Moderate Rehabilitation/Single Room Occupancy — into one “Community Homeless Assistance program. Moreover, the bill would increase flexibility in rural areas. A companion House bill known as HEARTH (The Homeless Emergency Assistance and Rapid Transition to Housing Act, H.R. 840), would also consolidate housing assistance programs for homeless persons and require regional community homeless assistance planning boards. Introduced by the late Rep. Julia Carson of Indiananpolis, the measure had two hearings before her passing on December 15. The measure is still expected to advance and be scheduled for a spring 2008 markup. Winter, 2008 2007 Employee of the Year: NÖEL SCHAUS A Community Development and Revitalization (CD & R) employee has been honored as the Arizona Department of Housing’s Employee of the Year. The 2007 honoree, Noel Schaus, CD & R Specialist for Coconino and Yavapai Counties, provides technical 2007 ADOH Employee of the Year, Nöel assistance and monitors Schaus, poses with CD&R Administrator projects funded by CDBG, ,Kathy Blodgett and Director Karnas. HOME, and State Housing Trust Fund dollars. Housing rehabilitation, emergency home repair, senior citizen center improvements, installation of public utilities, and removal of barriers for the physically challenged are among the kinds of project services she oversees. Commenting on the award, she remarked, “This is not a singular endeavor. I work with many great people within ADOH and in the communities. It is so rewarding to see the positive impact ADOH funds and our collective efforts have in supporting each community’s growth and spirit.” “As her supervisor, I am more than thrilled that Noël received this honor,” exclaimed Kathy Blodgett, CD & R Administrator. “She is very focused, self-motivated, a team leader, and a critical thinker. When she takes on a project, it is as good as done.” As in previous years, the announcement was a feature of the December all-staff staff meeting and holiday gathering. Director Fred Karnas made the presentation. No Scrooges at ADOH A representative of St. Mary’s Food Bank accepts accumulated donations and a check representing the Department’s contribution, from Carol Ditmore, Asst. Deputy Director of Operations for ADOH. During the holidays, St. Mary’s Westside Food Bank relies on donations of food and cash to provide for those in need. ADOH staff made St. Mary’s their holiday project and collected donations of over 405 pounds of food and $570 in cash. According to St. Mary’s, this is equivalent to 4,395 meals. Considering that ADOH has only 67 employees, our level of giving translates into 65 meals per employee! ADOH RECEIVES AWARD FROM APACHE JUNCTION Department recognized for support of City’s programs The Mayor and City Council of the City of Apache Junction acknowledged the Arizona Department of Housing’s support and funding for the city’s community development and housing projects. Apache Junction has received $3,854,742 in Community Development Block Grant monies since 1982. Director Fred Karnas accepted the award on behalf of the department at a presentation on December 4. New FACES In an effort to further improve customer service in home buying, on November 5, staff Rachel Perez became our new Homebuyer Assistance Program Manager. Rachel will be working with programs offered by ADOH and the Arizona Housing Finance Authority (AzHFA). Rachel Perez Prior to her new role, she served as a Housing Grant Specialist for the City of Tempe, working with Community Development Block Grants (CDBG), and HOME funding. Before her government service, Rachel · 10 spent several years working with an area nonprofit organization as their Director of Education. In that role, she aided prospective first time homebuyers to gain the information and preparation to successfully transition from renters to homeowners. Additionally, Rachel brings a commendable record of community advocacy. She has donated her talents to organizations such as Family Self-Sufficiency, Tempe Project Homeless Connect, and Make a Difference. Commenting on her new role, Rachel said, “I hope to convey a positive leadership and team player role.” welcome! Winter, 2008 ADOH STAFF CONTACT INFORMATION DIRECTOR’S OFFICE Fred Karnas 602-771-1007 Karen T. Scates 602-771-1009 PROGRAMS Charlotte Grant-Cobb, PhD Assistant Deputy Director/Programs 602-771-1010 charlotteg@housingaz.com Marla Charlesworth Asst. to the Assistant Deputy Directors 602-771-1069 marlac@housingaz.com Sue Dabbs-Preciado 602-771-1007 602-771-1021 Cindy Perry 602-771-1020 Chantel Key (602) 771-1044 Renee Martucci 602-771-1022 Diane Olsen 602-771-1046 Noel Schaus 602-771-1043 Steven Sims 602-771-1047 Sharon Tolman 602-771-1042 RENTAL PROGRAMS Randy Archuleta 602-771-1031 Lisa Roth 602-771-1030 Julie Barrett 602-771-1032 Lori Hofer 602-771-1033 Katherine Larsen 602-771-1034 kathyb@housingaz.com Administrative Assistant cindyp@housingaz.com CD&R Specialist chantelk@housingaz.com CD&R Specialist reneem@housingaz.com CD&R Specialist dianeo@housingaz.com CD&R Specialist noels@housingaz.com CD&R Specialist stevens@housingaz.com CD&R Specialist sharont@housingaz.com Rental Programs Administrator randya@housingaz.com Administrative Assistant lisar@housingaz.com Rental Programs Manager julieb@housingaz.com 602-771-1024 602-771-1090 Joy Johnson 602-771-1026 Alex Moreno 602-771-1025 602-771-1051 602-771-1050 Lisa Barnard 602-771-1056 Elva Buckles 602-771-1058 Lisa Cooper 602-771-1057 Elizabeth Lopez 602-771-1054 Evie Boone 602-771-1053 Celia Gibbar 602-771-1055 Raquel Lucio 602-771-1059 Rita Mendoza 602-771-1052 DATA DEPARTMENT Diane Langlois 602-771-1080 Carole Abbinanti 602-771-1083 Yolanda Baldwin 602-771-1084 Assistant to the Director sued@housingaz.com paulas@housingaz.com Administrative Assistant luanno@housingaz.com Contracts Coordinator lisab@housingaz.com Data Specialist elvab@housingaz.com Contracts Subsidy Coordinator lisac@housingaz.com HCV Coordinator elizabethl@housingaz.com Data Specialist evieb@housingaz.com Program Specialist celiag@housingaz.com Program Specialist raquell@housingaz.com Program Specialist ritam@housingaz.com Data Manager dianel@housingaz.com Data Entry Specialist carolea@housingaz.com Data Entry Specialist yolandab@housingaz.com lorih@housingaz.com Rental Programs Specialist katherinel@housingaz.com CENTER FOR HOUSING AFFORDABILITY AND LIVABLE COMMUNITIES (CHALC) markl@housingaz.com Administrative Assistant annp@housingaz.com Special Needs/Fair Housing Specialist joyj@housingaz.com Special Needs Programs Specialist alexm@housingaz.com Karia Basta 602-771-1085 Eric Descheenie 602-771-1087 Pat Boland 602-771-1017 Mobin Qaheri 602-771-1088 · 11 Deputy Director karens@housingaz.com Rental Programs Specialist SPECIAL NEEDS PROGRAMS Mark Ludwig Special Needs Programs Administrator Ann Pratt fredk@housingaz.com PUBLIC HOUSING AUTHORITY Paula Scott Public Housing Authority Administrator LuAnn O’Connell COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT & REVITALIZATION Kathy Blodgett CD&R Administrator Director Technical Assistance Coordinator kariab@housingaz.com Tribal Liaison ericd@housingaz.com Training Specialist patb@housingaz.com Housing Economic Research Analyst mobinq@housingaz.com Winter, 2008 OPERATIONS Carol Ditmore 602-771-1062 Marla Charlesworth 602-771-1069 Assistant Deputy Director/Operations carold@housingaz.com Asst. to the Assistant Deputy Directors marlac@housingaz.com Julia Peru 602-771-1063 ASSET MANAGEMENT Marianne Marinucci 602-771-1094 Risk Assessment Officer juliep@housingaz.com Asset Manager mariannem@housingaz.com HUMAN RESOURCES & PROCUREMENT Lori Moreno HR & Procurement Administrator GOVERNMENT RELATIONS & COMMUNICATIONS Charlene Crowell Govt. Relations & Comm. Administrator 602-771-1093 Florinda Obie charlenec@housingaz.com Administrative Assistant (602) 771-1019 Kristina Fretwell florindao@housingaz.com 602-771-1061 Patsy Martinez 602-771-1060 John Lopach 602-771-1000 patsym@housingaz.com Customer Liaison johnl@housingaz.com Legislative Liaison (602) 771-1008 kristinaf@housingaz.com Cic Cicolello 602-771-1092 cicc@housingaz.com Cynthia Diggelmann Publications Specialist 602-771-1016 cynthiad@housingaz.com Special Projects Manager FINANCE & ACCOUNTING Tracy Schmidt Finance & Accounting Administrator 602-771-1065 Jennifer Bunkers 602-771-1068 Martha Graham HOUSING COMPLIANCE Renee Serino 602-771-1071 Holly O’Brien 602-771-1067 Housing Compliance Administrator renees@housingaz.com Kristy Dodge 602-771-1066 tracys@housingaz.com Accountant jenniferb@housingaz.com Accountant martig@housingaz.com Accountant kristyd@housingaz.com Administrative Assistant 602-771-1070 Alicia Flores hollyo@housingaz.com Compliance Officer 602-771-1075 Freddy Hernandez 602-771-1074 Wendy Sanders aliciaf@housingaz.com 602-771-1073 INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY Bill Davis Information Technology Specialist 602-771-1078 billd@housingaz.com Compliance Officer freddyh@housingaz.com Compliance Officer Ayana Weaver LEGAL Dana David Assistant Attorney General wendys@housingaz.com Compliance Officer 602-771-1072 RISK ASSESSMENT Stuart Kritzer 602-771-1064 ayanaw@housingaz.com Senior Risk Assessment Officer stuartk@housingaz.com Arizona Housing Finance Authority Fred Karnas 602-771-1035 Carl Kinney A quarterly publication of Arizona Department of Housing 602-771-1091 Rachel Perez 602-771-1093 Sandra Weis Editor: Charlene Crowell Layout & Design: Cynthia Diggelmann 602-771-1027 Iris Glass 602-771-1028 Berta Enriquez This publication may be made available in alternative formats upon request. Please contact Joy Johnson, Special Needs, Arizona Department of Housing, 1110 W. Washington Street, Suite 310, Phoenix, Arizona 85007; (602) 771-1026 or TTY (602) 771-1001 or joyj@housingaz.com. · 12 lorim@housingaz.com Administrative Assistant 602-771-1003 Ann Pratt 602-771-1090 Executive Director fredk@housingaz.com AzHFA Administrator carlk@housingaz.com Homebuyer Assistance Programs Manager rachelp@housingaz.com Homes for Arizonans Program Coordinator sandraw@housingaz.com Homes for Arizonans Program Specialist irisg@housingaz.com Mortgage Credit Certificate Specialist bertae@housingaz.com Administrative Assistant annp@housingaz.com Winter, 2008 Arizona Department of Housing MATTERS Arizona Housing Finance Authority HOUS NG Vol.7 No.2 Spring 2008 CELEBRATING A MILESTONE MOMENT: 40 YEARS OF FAIR HOUSING Arizona’s dedication to fair housing remains strong On April 11, 1968, one week following the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., a key public policy proposal the slain leader had championed became law. After years of local and national protests, and stymied legislative attempts, President Lyndon Johnson signed the Federal Fair Housing Act. By outlawing discrimination in the sale, financing, or rental of housing because of race, color, religion, or national origin, many long-standing housing practices such as restrictive covenants, racial steering, discriminatory leasing and lending —all became illegal. Within a year of enactment, HUD issued the Title VIII Field Operations Handbook that institutionalized a formal complaint process. In subsequent years, the legal guarantees against discrimination were expanded to include the disabled and gender. Now 40 years later, communities across Arizona will soon host observances that commemorate all that the landmark law intended, celebrate what has been achieved, and will rededicate themselves to the yet-unfinished agenda. For the Arizona Department of Housing (ADOH), the milestone observance offers an opportunity to reflect on an important community partnership pledged to advancing fair housing. Since 2000, ADOH has relied upon the expertise of the Southwest Fair Housing Council to augment staff efforts to increase awareness, understanding and compliance of fair housing throughout Arizona. Since 1988, this Tucson-based nonprofit organization has worked exclusively in fair housing. While their primary focus is to assist people with housing discrimination complaints, that assistance may include investigating and documenting an incident, as well as evaluating cases for future action. According to Sandy Fagan, SWHFC Deputy Director, more than 250 training sessions are held each year throughout Arizona. Additionally, the agency also averages four community appearances each month. Reflecting on four decades of fair housing, Ms. Fagan said, “Fair housing law has followed in the footsteps of fair employment law. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 spoke continued on page 12 Leading with solutions. AzHFA Activities Carl Kinney Arizona Housing Finance Authority Programs Administrator (602) 771-1091 carlk@housingaz.com 2008 Board of Directors New federal grant to expand foreclosure counseling $1.33 million to provide much needed resources Donald E. Brandt Chairperson Pinnacle West Corporation Ross McCallister Vice-Chairperson Governor Janet Napolitano recently announced that the first federal funds wholly dedicated to foreclosure counseling in Arizona will soon expand available counseling services throughout the state. Through a competitive funding process, the Arizona Department of Housing and Arizona Housing Finance Authority will administer $1,333,069 through an existing network of community partners. MC Companies Arthur Crozier Secretary Frank M. Smith & Associates, Inc. Victor Flores Salt River Project “When homes are foreclosed, dreams and hopes are too,” said Governor Janet Napolitano. “Thousands of Arizonans have subprime loans that will jump to higher rates, and many are in danger of losing their homes. This grant expands the options for homeowners, but homeowners must take the first step by reaching out for assistance.” To speed services reaching communities, 13 community-based agencies already providing counseling services for troubled homeowners will gain expanded capacity throughout the state. A 1-800 number dedicated entirely to Arizona residents is expected to launch in April to assist at risk homeowners in accessing this counseling service. In the meantime, homeowners can learn more about their foreclosure options by calling the national HOPE NOW number at 1-888-995-4673. These new and one-time funds became available because of Congressional actions late last year. The FY08 Consolidated Appropriations Bill included the initiative known as the National Foreclosure Mitigation Counseling Program. Administered nationally by NeighborWorks America, an independent, Congressionally-chartered nonprofit organization based in Washington, D.C., the bulk of funds will be targeted to areas of greatest need. In Arizona, NeighborWorks identified the metro areas of Phoenix, Tucson, and Flagstaff as communities with the greatest need. However, through the existing network of community partners, all of Arizona will be assisted. · 2 Richard Houseworth Capital Bancorp Limited The Arizona Housing Finance Authority (AzHFA) Board of Directors is a seven member board that governs the work of the Authority. Board meetings are open to the public and are scheduled to take place at the Arizona Department of Housing, unless otherwise noted. SCHEDULED MEETINGS April 8 May 13 June 10 Board & Planning Meeting For additional information on AzHFA Board Meetings contact Ann Pratt at (602) 771-1090 or annp@housingaz. com. Spring, 2008 Arizona Housing Commission Charlene Crowell ARIZONA HOUSING COMMISSION Government Relations & Communications Administrator (602) 771-1093 charlenec@housingaz.com CURRENT MEMBERS Reid Butler Arizona Multihousing Association 5th Annual Maria Chavez Arizona Interagency Farmworker Coalition HOMES FOR ARIZONANS DAY AT THE CAPITOL Suzanne DeConcini Brings discussion of housing’s “Shrinking Choices” Deb Drysdale-Elias Long Realty Yuma Elementary School District For the fifth consecutive year, the Arizona Department of Housing and the Arizona Housing Commission hosted Homes for Arizonans Day at the Capitol. This year’s February 20 observance included a brief program that spoke to the theme of “Shrinking Choices: Challenges in Affordable Housing”. Betty J. Villegas Pima County Helen Hudgens Ferrell Bothands, Inc. Rena Van Fleet Colorado River Indian Tribes In welcoming remarks, Commission Chair Jean Richmond-Bowman said in part, “This annual event is one that the Housing Commission has embraced as an opportunity to promote what we believe to be one of the most important concerns we can have as advocates for a thriving community – that of safe, decent, housing that is affordable to all residents that live and work in a community. We believe that the mission of the Department of Housing deserves an occasion to pause and reflect on how housing is such a key measure of the vitality of our communities as well as our economy.” Irving Hill Fleetwood Homes of Arizona Kelly Langford Tucson Urban League Janet Marcus Public Member Guy Mikkelsen Foundation for Senior Living Marty Moreno Town of Sahuarita Before an audience of approximately 65 housing stakeholders, local officials, and members of the Arizona Legislature, Director Fred Karnas opened the program by speaking to how growth is affecting affordable housing on a statewide perspective. He then introduced two panelists who offered local perspectives for their communities. Emily Nottingham City of Tucson Community Services Kathy Pechman National Bank of Arizona Jean Richmond-Bowman Northern Arizona Building Association Roberto Ruiz For Michael T. Willinger, Director of Business and Finance for Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Prescott, employer-sponsored housing would enhance their ability to recruit and retain works for this world leader in aviation and aerospace higher education. For Santa Cruz County Manager Greg Lucero, the housing choices are equally challenging for this border community. An Arizona native born and raised in Douglas, Mr. Lucero spoke to the need for all governments as well as the private sector to work cooperatively to increase housing choices. Ruiz Engineering Juan Salgado City of Phoenix Annette Stein Maricopa County Aneva J. Yazzie Navajo Housing Authority Sen. Tim Bee President, Arizona Senate Rep. Robert Meza In thanking the guest panelists, Commission Chair Richmond-Bowman probably best summarized the occasion. “Together, despite dismal economic forecasts, we understand that every family still needs a home”, she told the gathering. “With your continued support, we will continue our efforts to bring homes within reach for every Arizonan.” Arizona House of Representatives SPRING MEETING SCHEDULE APRIL 25 @ ADOH MAY 20 @ NCSHA in JUNE 27 @ ADOH Tucson · 3 Spring, 2008 Homes for Arizonans Day LEGISLATIVE RECEPTION Echoing the theme of the event, a panel discussion related how limited housing choices were at both the state and local levels. Following Director Fred Karnas’ review of the state perspective, Santa Cruz County Manager Greg Lucero, and Michael Willinger, Director of Business and Finance at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Prescott spoke to respective concerns in their communities. Director Karnas, Santa Cruz County Manager Greg Lucero, and Michael Willinger of Embry-Riddle await the start of their panel presentation. Rep. Cloves Campbell (D) is greeted by Charlene Crowell of ADOH. Deputy Director Karen Scates and Rep. Jack Brown (D) AHC member Maria Chavez greets Adrienne Howell of Southwest Gas, one of the reception sponsors. Garry Walters of Southwest Gas, an event sponsor and Deputy Director Karen Scates. Rep. Tom Chabin (D) and Jeff Gray of Southwest Strategy Group. · 4 Spring, 2008 From the desk of FRED KARNAS DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE CELEBRATING A MILESTONE MOMENT: the 40 Year Journey Toward Fair Housing Although the framers of our nation’s constitution wrote of equality and liberty, for many Americans, those ideals were legally delayed. Our history can neither deny nor diminish the vestiges of slavery and Jim Crow. For succeeding generations of minorities, the right to live wherever they could afford was refused despite our constitutional guarantees. Fortunately, for our still-unfolding democracy, the nowhistoric U.S. Supreme Court decisions such as Brown v. Board of Education in 1954, the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and the Fair Housing Act of 1968 together have removed legal barriers to the many dimensions of freedom—educationally, socially, and economically. The graphic below this column is intended to convey how the journey to fair housing for all Americans has been punctuated with related developments. From our federal government institutionalizing the formal complaint process, to the expansion of protected classes to include the disabled, gender, and family status, our nation has made measurable and significant strides towards real freedom. On the state level, the State of Arizona has strengthened the goals of federal fair housing by its own laws and Enactment of the Fair Housing Act; HUD issues first Title VIII Field Operations Handbook, institutionalizing a formal complaint process. For all Arizonans, these words must be honored with actions that move our state towards the fairness guaranteed by our laws. It was the lingering post-1968 discrimination that led to the expansion of protected classes. The disabled who are denied reasonable accommodation, religious minorities whose culture and choice of faith was found unwelcome, families with young children who are often denied housing, and openly gay men and women are among the people who have also known fair housing violations. Fortunately through the force of law, those who are victim to such discrimination, have legal assurances that can bring relief, and in time, justice because of the Fair Housing Act. Through partnership with organizations like the Southwest Fair Housing Council, The Arizona Department of Housing will continue to advance awareness, and training. When circumstances warrant investigation, we will encourage those who believe they have been violated to file complaints. As a month of observances at the state and local level bring events and celebrations of how much has been accomplished, let us be encouraged but not forget that the quest for freedom still goes on. THE ROAD TOWARD FAIR HOUSING Milestones along the Way Gender is added as a protected class under the Fair Housing Act. 1968 1973 Enactment of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act prohibiting discrimination on basis of disability. · 5 administration. The Fair Housing Month proclamation shared by Governor Napolitano recognizes the Arizona Fair Housing Partnership and additionally states in part, “the State of Arizona recognizes and values the efforts of those who seek to reduce barriers to full and fair housing opportunities.” Additionally and in conjunction with an April 16 Fair Housing Workshop and Forum at Glendale Community College, Attorney General Terry Goddard notes, “...whatever the reason, we are working toward the day when fair housing in Arizona is no longer a goal, but a reality.” Fair Housing Amendments Act added disability and family status to the list of protected classes. 1988 1974 1978 Federal court in Ohio rules that the 1968 Fair Housing Act prohibited redlining. 1991 Fair Housing Accessibility Guidelines adopted by HUD. Spring, 2008 HOUSING IS “KEY” RALLY Housing Trust Fund importance underscored On a sunny mid-day in March, approximately 150 housing advocates gathered on the lawn of the Arizona State Capitol to call for state policymakers to preserve the Housing Trust Fund (HTF). “Housing Is Key”, a community awareness and education effort designed and coordinated by community stakeholders gathered more than 45,000 keys from housing advocates statewide. Following the March 10 rally, 45 jars, each containing 1,000 keys, were delivered to the leadership of the State Legislature and all members of state Appropriations Committees. Organized by Phoenix LISC, the Tucson Planning Council for the Homeless, Arizona Coalition Against Domestic Violence, and the Arizona Coalition to End Homelessness, a series of speakers spoke to how housing needs must be protected despite current budget deficits. With two Arizona Senators from different parts of the state and different political affiliations, a bipartisan tone was set and maintained throughout the event. Speaking first, Phoenix Senator Leah Landrum Taylor told the crowd, “We do not want to balance the budget on the backs of the vulnerable.” Her colleague, Sen. Tom O’Halleran of Sedona underscored that same theme and called for a “balanced resolution to the state budget deficit. “ Arizona State Senators Leah Landrum Taylor (D) and Tom O’Halleran (R), amid thousands of keys, stress the importance of HTF as a funding source to meet the needs of the vulnerable in Arizona. Continuing, Sen. O’Halleran termed the HTF as one way to care for the elderly, and closed his comments by adding, “Quality of life should be important to the Legislature.” That concern for quality of life was echoed by a number of other speakers as well. Representing the Arizona Foreclosure Prevention Task Force, Patricia Garcia Duarte of Neighborhood Housing Services stressed the success of the Arizona Department of Housing’s home buyer counseling, and how it “helps one family at a time.” Ms. Garcia Duarte also called for the active participation of the private sector in the effort to preserve funding. After reading a brief message from the chair of the Arizona Housing Commission, Commission Member Betty Villegas told the crowd she was changing hats, and reflected on Pima County’s concerns with the budget. Framing housing as an economic catalyst, Ms. Villegas said that without HTF, local governments would need more funding to meet community needs. She also noted · 6 that as HTF projects made investments in communities, residents benefited from expanded affordable housing choices, and could also reach their places of employment quicker. Other speakers included Ms. Michele White with PAFCO; Allie Bones, Arizona Coalition Against Domestic Violence; and Jacki Taylor, Arizona Coalition to End Homelessness. Spring, 2008 Funding Announcements Following is a list of projects funded by ADOH since July 1, 2007: · 7 Recipient Activity Description Amber Pointe Apartments Apache ASL Trails, LP City of Apache Junction City of Apache Junction City of Avondale Arizona Behavioral Health Corporation (ABC) Arizona Community Foundation/LISC Arizona Housing & Prevention Services Arizona State University Bell Mirage Estates, LLC Town of Bisbee Bisbee Coalition for the Homeless, Inc. Bothands, Inc. Bradshaw Senior Community City of Bullhead City City of Casa Grande City of Casa Grande City of Casa Grande Catholic Charities Community Services - Yavapai County Catholic Charities of Holbrook Catholic Community Services of Southern Arizona, Inc. Center Ridge Apartments LLLP Central Arizona Shelter Services (CASS) Chicanos Por La Causa, Inc. Town of Clifton Cloudbreak Phoenix, LLC Cochise County Cochise County Cochise County Concerned Citizens for Community Health Coconino County Community Services Colorado River Indian Tribes Community Action Human Resources Agency (CAHRA) Community Housing Partnership Community Information & Referral, Inc. Community Services of Arizona City of Coolidge City of Coolidge City of Coolidge City of Cottonwood Desert Mission Neighborhood Renewal Town of Dewey-Humboldt Town of Dewey-Humboldt Town of Dewey-Humboldt Direct Center for Independence Town of Eagar Town of Eager Elfrida Community Alliance City of El Mirage City of El Mirage City of Eloy First Baptist Church of Winslow Flagstaff Shelter Services Flagstaff Shelter Services Town of Fredonia FSL Home Improvement Gila County Gila County Community Service Town of Globe Habitat for Humanity of the West Valley Havasupai Tribe Town of Hayden Town of Hayden Hillcrest Duplexes, LP Town of Huachuca City Town of Huachuca City Hualapai Nation Interfaith Coalition for the Homeless 56 Unit Senior Rental Project 75 Unit Senior Rental Housing Emergency Rehabilitation & Repair Street Improvements Emergency Rehabilitation & Repair Homelessness Prevention Recoverable Grant Fund Homelessness Prevention Ciic Conference 60 Unit Rental Project Street Improvements Homelessness Prevention Acquisition & Rehabilitation 48 Unit Senior Rental Project Owner-Occupied Housing Rehabilitation Owner-Occupied Housing Rehabilitation Owner-Occupied Housing Rehabilitation Owner-Occupied Housing Rehabilitation Homelessness Prevention Homelessness Prevention Acquisition & Rehabilitation 48 Unit Rental Project Emergency Operating Funds And Repairs Substance Abuse Facility Fire Equipment Purchase 20 Unit Veteran Housing Street Improvements Lead Abatement Program Playground Improvements Homelessness Prevention Homelessness Prevention FEMA Trailer Transport Homelessness Prevention Homelessness Prevention Continuum of Care 44 Unit Rental Rehabilitation Emergency Rehabilitation & Repair Owner-Occupied Housing Rehabilitation Owner-Occupied Housing Rehabilitation Street Improvements Emergency Rehabilitation & Repair Owner-Occupied Housing Rehabilitation Demolition And Clearance Guidance Clinic Improvements Emergency Rehabilitation & Repair Owner-Occupied Housing Rehabilitation Emergency Rehabilitation & Repair Homelessness Prevention Emergency Rehabilitation & Repair Owner-Occupied Housing Rehabilitation Park Improvements Emergency Shelter Temporary Shelter Emergency Shelter Public Works Owner-Occupied Housing Rehabilitation Owner-Occupied Housing Rehabilitation Homelessness Prevention Owner-Occupied Housing Rehabilitation Single Family Home Construction FEMA Trailer Transport Wastewater Improvements Senior Center Improvements Acquisition & Rehabilitation Fire Equipment Purchase Recreation Facility Improvements FEMA Trailer Transport Homelessness Prevention Amount 250,000 750,000 110,000 161,634 300,000 20,000 50,000 60,000 10,000 500,000 335,025 37,000 280,000 750,000 746,675 136,854 300,000 700,000 95,000 32,000 750,000 750,000 588,960 550,000 100,000 511,080 268,105 43,780 23,140 24,000 100,000 50,000 85,000 16,000 25,000 750,000 200,000 136,854 300,000 369,999 200,000 185,339 123,671 60,989 345,000 682,000 450,000 30,000 270,000 409,091 136,854 7,000 29,060 22,636 372,353 630,000 136,854 57,000 136,854 350,000 33,100 118,717 18,137 350,000 202,350 132,675 50,000 35,000 (continued on page 8) Spring, 2008 Funding Announcements (continued) · 8 Recipient Activity Description Katherine Heights Townhomes II Town of Kearny La Habra 2004 Limited Partnership La Paz County Labor’s Community Service Lake Havasu City Lake Havasu City Lodestar Day Resource Center Town of Mammoth Town of Mammoth Town of Maricopa Maricopa County Community Services Mesa Community Action Network Town of Miami Mohave County Mohave County Community & Economic Development Mountain Oaks Senior, LP NACOG National Assn. for County Community & Economic Development Navajo County Navajo County Navajo County Navajo County Navajo County Navajo Nation New Hope Ranch New Hope Ranch Newtown Community Development Corporation City of Nogales Community Development Nuestra Senora, LP Parenting Arizona Town of Patagonia Town of Patagonia Town of Patagonia Town of Payson Town of Payson City of Phoenix City of Phoenix City of Phoenix Town of Pima Pima County Community Service Pinal CountyWater System Improvement Project Aware, Inc. Town of Quartzsite Rancho Montanas Senior Apartments San Carlos Apache Tribe City of San Luis City of Sedona City of Sierra Vista City of Sierra Vista City of Somerton SouthEastern Arizona Community Action Program Town of Springerville Town of Springerville Town of Springerville City of Surprise St. Vincent de Paul Society Town of Star Valley Town of Star Valley Stepping Stone Agencies Streets of Joy City of Superior UMOM New Day Center, Inc. United Methodist Outreach Ministries (UMOM) University of Arizona’s Drachman Institute Urban Council, LP Western Arizona Council of Governments White Mountain Apache Tribe White Mountain Catholic Charities Town of Winkelman Town of Winkelman Town of Winkelman Yavapai Apache National Tribal Housing 54 Unit Rental Project Ambulance Purchase 48 Unit Rental Project Public Library Renovations Homelessness Prevention Owner-Occupied Housing Rehabilitation Owner-Occupied Housing Rehabilitation Transitional Housing Food Bank Recreation Facility Improvements Street Improvements Homelessness Prevention Homelessness Prevention Street Improvements Owner-Occupied Housing Rehabilitation Homelessness Prevention Acquisition & Rehabilitation Emergency Rehabilitation & Repair Education and Training Owner-Occupied Housing Rehabilitation Senior Center Improvements Senior Center Improvements County Fairgrounds Parking Library Improvements FEMA Trailer Transport Homelessness Prevention Homelessness Prevention Acquisition & Rehabilitation Housing Counseling And Homelessness Prevention 72 Unit Rental Project Homelessness Prevention Street Improvements Senior Center Improvements Library Improvements Owner-Occupied Housing Rehabilitation Senior Center Improvements Owner-Occupied Housing Rehabilitation Homelessness Prevention Utility Deposits Police Station Construction Homelessness Prevention 136,854 10 Unit Veteran Housing Water Tank Construction 69 Unit Senior Rental Project FEMA Trailer Transport Street Improvements Owner-Occupied Housing Rehabilitation Street Improvements Owner-Occupied Housing Rehabilitation Senior Center Improvements Homelessness Prevention Owner-Occupied Housing Rehabilitation Town Hall Improvements Homelessness Prevention Emergency Rehabilitation & Repair Homelessness Prevention Emergency Rehabilitation & Repair Meals On Wheels Emergency Repair & Rehabilitation Emergency Shelter Park Improvements Transitional Housing Emergency Shelter Technical Assistance 150 Unit Rental Rehabilitation Homelessness Prevention FEMA Trailer Transport Homelessness Prevention Street Improvements Park Improvements Fire Equipment Purchase Downpayment Assistance Amount 660,000 175,000 500,000 193,000 55,000 746,674 300,000 140,000 273,709 300,000 136,854 85,000 40,000 136,859 750,000 110,000 325,000 300,000 5,000 188,800 70,800 33,276 139,974 94,400 33,000 57,027 64,408 140,000 35,000 750,000 24,000 417,799 66,893 11,147 228,709 45,000 750,000 87,000 20,000 388,841 85,000 726,045 246,550 500,000 50,000 573,342 369,999 310,025 25,000 573,343 113,000 124,921 102,419 75,032 250,000 40,000 114,454 22,400 24,750 22,000 136,854 750,000 750,000 133,325 500,000 105,000 50,000 42,000 154,250 119,459 225,000 700,000 Spring, 2008 & Training, Conferences Other Happenings a brief CALENDAR 2008 (for details, check the Event Calendar on our website) APRIL Free series of workshops being offered by ADOH and Drachman Institute ADOH and The Drachman Institute have partnered to present a series of FREE workshops designed to provide tools and information needed to achieve well-designed affordable housing that integrates cultural considerations, gathers support from the community, and produces a product that enhances the neighborhood. Remaining workshops in this series are shown below. Registration is required to attend any of these workshops. 8 16-17 22 25 AzHFA Board Meeting Affordable Housing Institute ADOH/Drachman Workshop Arizona Housing Commission MAY 13 20 22 26 29 AzHFA Board Meeting Arizona Housing Commission ADOH/Drachman Workshop CLOSED - Memorial Day Holiday ADOH/Drachman Workshop JUNE 4-5 10 27 Affordable Housing Institute AzHFA Board Meeting Arizona Housing Commission Good Design in Affordable Housing April 22, 2008 Land Department 1616 W. Adams Street Phoenix, AZ REGISTRATION DEADLINE: April 15 What...Affordable Housing in OUR Community? Analysis of Community Housing Development Organizations (CHDOs) in Arizona now available This workshop will be repeated at various sites around the state. In 2007, thanks to a grant from the U.S. Department of May 22, 2008 OYCC Auditorium 3020 E. Tacoma Street Sierra Vista, AZ Housing and Urban Development, ICF International launched an assessment of all Community Housing Development Organizations (CHDOs) working in Arizona. The extensive review looked at CHDOs who have been certified by the State of Arizona, City of Phoenix, Maricopa HOME Consortium, and the Tucson/ Pima County HOME Consortium. In some instances CHDOs are certified to work in multiple jurisdictions. REGISTRATION DEADLINE: May 16 May 29, 2008 Dr. Martin Luther King Neighborhood Center 300 S.13th Avenue Yuma, AZ REGISTRATION DEADLINE: May 23 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------To register for any session, visit the Event Calendar on our website, www.housingaz.com -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The analysis was completed in early 2008 and is now available for review by downloading the document from the Arizona Department of Housing’s website: www.housingaz.com at Developers & Local Governments. BRIAN MICKELSEN HOUSING HERO AWARDS ADOH is now accepting nominations for the 2008 Brian Mickelsen Housing Hero Awards to be presented at the 2008 Governor’s Housing Forum in Flagstaff, September 9-11. Get information and download a Nomination Form at www.housingaz.com/Training & Events. This year’s categories are Local Initiatives, Innovative Partnerships, Superior Sustainable Design, Tribal Initiatives, Elected Offical Award and Partner in Housing Arizona. Deadline for entry is June 13, 2008. · 9 Spring, 2008 UPCOMING MEETINGS & CONFERENCES Other Events off Note No APRIL 8 Housing & Transportation Human Services Coordination Conference 2008 Maricopa Association of Governments Regional Conference, Desert Willow Conference Center, Phoenix, AZ http://www.mag.maricopa.gov/event.cms?item=8559 8-9 Community and Support Services (CSS) Sustainability Conference sponsored by HUD, New Holly Development, Seattle, WA http://www.hcdi.com/hudhope6/hudhope6_form-index.aspx 8-10 Arizona Interagency Farmworkers Coalition 13th Annual Conference Esplendor Resort, Rio Rico, AZ http://aifc.org/currentevents.htm 8-11 2008 National Fair Housing Conference sponsored by HUD, Hilton Atlanta, Atlanta, GA http://www.hud.gov/calendar 9 18 23 27-30 National Alliance to End Homelessness Annual Awards Ceremony John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Washington, DC http://www.endhomelessness.org/content/calendar/ Arizona Landlord-Tenant & Fair Housing Seminar Sponsored by ADOH and Southwest Fair Housing Council, City of Prescott Council Chambers, Prescott, AZ www.swfhc.com 17-20 National Council of State Housing Agencies 2008 Spring Training Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa, Tucson, AZ www.ncsha.rog/conference.cfm/2680 27-29 Local Economic Development: The Challenges of Community Renewal Co-sponsored by National League of Cities and Municipal Association of S. Carolina, Francis Marion Hotel, Charleston, SC http://www.nlc.org/resources_for_cities/leadership_ng_programs JUNE 1-4 1-5 National Congress of American Indians Mid-Year Conference John Ascuaga’s Nugget, Reno, NV http://www.ncai.org/Home.313.0.html True Urbanism: Designing the Healthy City 46th International Making Cities Livable Conference La Fonda Hotel on the Plaza, Sante Fe, New Mexico http://www.livablecities.org/46ConfSantaFe.htm 15-18 Investment and Philanthropy in Rural America Rural LISC Seminar XVII, The Mayflower, Washington,DC http://ruralisc.org/aboutus/seminar.htm 23-26 2008 Housing Credit Conference & Marketplace National Council of State Housing Agencies Loews Miami Beach Hotel, Miami Beach, FL http://www.ncsha.org/conference.cfm/2617 29-July 1 Thinking and Acting Strategically in Local Government Co-sponsored by the City of Rapid City, SD and South Dakota Municipal League, Rushmore Plaza Hotel, Rapid City, SD http://www.nlc.org/resources_for_cities/leadershiptraining_programs Fair Housing Partnership Annual Event Horizon Park Community Center, 15440 N. 100th Street, Scottsdale, AZ 85260 aaronline.com Partners Building Communities, Michigan Conference on Affordable Housing/Homeless Conference Lansing Center, Lansing, MI http://housingconference.org/08conference 28-30 Urban Forum: Bridging Underserved Communities Sponsored by Commercial Markets Advisory Services and Indianapolis LISC, Indianapolis Marriott Downtown, Indianapolis, IN http://www.lisc.org/content/calendar/detail/6684/ FAIR HOUSING WORKSHOP & FORUM MAY 5-7 12-14 15-16 · 10 Roadmap to Revitalization, The National Brownfields Conference Cobo Center, Detroit, Michigan http://www.brownfields2008.org/en/index.aspx Construction in Indian Country International Conference Del E. Webb School of Construction/Arizona State University Radisson Ft. McDowell Resort, Ft. McDowell, AZ http://construction.asu.edu/ciic/hotel_information.html Nevada Council for Affordable and Rural Housing 2008 Annual Meeting Las Vegas Marriott Renaissance, Las Vegas, NV http://www.carh.org Wednesday, April 16 4:00PM - 7:00PM Glendale Community College, Student Union 6000 W. Olive Avenue Glendale FOR MORE INFORMATION OR IF YOUR COMMUNITY ORGANIZATION WOULD LIKE TO HAVE AN INFORMATION TABLE AT THE EVENT, CONTACT: Arizona Attorney General’s Office Community Services Program 602-542-2123 or www.communityservices@azag.gov Featured speakers include: Terry Goddard, Attorney General Sam Wercinski, Arizona Real Estate Commissioner Spring, 2008 2007-2008 LEGISLATIVE INITIATIVES Focus on Housing Kristina Fretwell Legislative Liaison (602) 771-1008 kristinaf@housingaz.com Arizona Legislative session dominated by state budget Arizona Legislative session dominated by state budget The 48th Legislature began its second Regular Session on January 14h, facing a significant budget shortfall for both fiscal years 2008 and 2009. Planning to take swift action on a budget solution, the Legislature began budget hearings a week prior to the official start of session, however negotiations quickly came to a standstill. With revenue numbers worsening daily, the Legislature and Governor have been exploring several options to fill the budget gap, all of which affect the Department’s Housing Trust Fund (HTF), the only state resource dedicated to addressing Arizona’s housing-related needs. The HTF are flexible dollars that can be used to fund numerous activities that cannot be funded with the limited federal funds that come to the state, including mortgage foreclosure counseling, homeless and domestic violence shelter developments and emergency and disaster-related housing assistance. As the Legislature and Governor work to craft a comprehensive, bipartisan plan, the Department and several recipients of the HTF have continued to educate legislators on the importance of continuing to fund the state’s most urgent housing needs during this economic downturn. A significant funding decrease to the HTF would leave Arizona with few dollars to address the current mortgage foreclosure crisis. Severe shortages would also impact our ability to serve Arizona’s most vulnerable populations. The centerpiece of the agency’s legislative agenda this year is HB 2571. Introduced by Representative Adam · 11 Driggs (R) of Phoenix, the measure would establish and require county assessors to use the income approach to value low-income, multi-family residential rental property. By using the actual income and expenses of a property excluding federal income tax credits, LowIncome Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) properties would pay a lesser tax. On a 59-1 vote, the bill passed out of the House of Representatives on March 26. The measure now advances to the Senate for further consideration. Federal Update On February 13, President George W. Bush signed an economic stimulus bill that would provide 2008 tax rebates for returns filed by April 15. As enacted, the initiative did not include the housing credit and bond modernization reforms that were included during the Senate Finance Committee markup. House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Charles Rangel (D) of New York is expected to introduce a second economic stimulus bill with housing modernization proposals in the coming weeks. Many members of Congress have introduced proposals this year, most of which include increases to the Housing Bond cap, refinancing authority and AMT relief. In addition to several other housing proposals, Congress is also working to enact FHA modernization to increase maximum mortgage loan limits, lower down payment requirements, authorize limited risk-based premiums and allow FHA to insure 40year loans. Both the House and Senate passed FHA modernization bills last year and are working towards a compromise this year. Winter, 2008 CELEBRATING A MILESTONE MOMENT: 40 YEARS OF FAIR HOUSING Arizona’s dedication to fair housing remains strong (continued from page 1) to employment discrimination. The Fair Housing Act was passed in 1968. When asked about the level of awareness of fair housing in Arizona, Ms. Fagan said, “Ignorance of fair housing law is not going to be a defense in the face of an allegation. Part of the challenge in serving greater Arizona is the fact that the State is so large and rural; some of our counties are larger than some states.” A major part of ongoing compliance monitoring includes the use of testers who are trained by the SWFHC. In classroom settings, testers learn what the law requires, how to conduct a test, what to look for, and what questions to ask. One Arizona community that has worked well with SWFHC on training and enforcement issues is Yuma. On April 17 this community will host a morning program at their Martin Luther King Neighborhood Center. The program will focus on fair housing and accessibility. Asked to reflect on fair housing in her community, Valarie Donnelly, a Neighborhood Specialist for the City of Yuma said, “Yuma is an inclusive community. Discrimination is not going to be tolerated. And if we do uncover evidence of problems, we will act to uphold the laws. So far, however, we have found that in general, this community is aware and interested in treating everyone fairly. Most people know where to go for potential discrimination issues. In her community, awareness of fair housing involves another important community partner, Community Legal Services (CLS). CLS assists the City of Yuma with outreach, education and training. Additionally, CLS has begun to measure compliance with testing. In past years, familial status and discrimination with regard to children were found. More recently however and according to Ms. Donnelly, reasonable accommodations for disabled people is a more common issue. While both women take pride in fair housing awareness and compliance, both alluded to a still unfinished agenda. For Ms. Donnelly, predatory lending is an emerging issue. “Given the way the housing crisis skyrocketed here”, she observed, “I am afraid that there are probably a lot more people in homes and situations where they are in loans way over their heads. I am afraid that we have not yet seen the foreclosure issue hit in full force.” “People are often pleasantly surprised to learn”, said Ms. Fagan, “that fair housing is good for business, is less complicated than they thought, and simply makes good sense. Most importantly, this education in fair housing law is available at no cost to both housing providers and consumers due in large part to the support of the Arizona Department of Housing.” New FACES A warm welcome is extended to two new ADOH employees, Kristina Fretwell and Florinda Obie. Our new Legislative Liaison, Kristina Fretwell, joined us in January. Although new to the agency, she is well acquainted with the dynamics of her new role, thanks to previous and related posts with both the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce, and the Arizona Senate. A 2001 graduate of the Kristina Fretwell University of Arizona, where she earned a B.A. in Political Science with double minors in Philosophy and History, she recently said of her ADOH role, “I am thrilled to be a part of ADOH, especially during these challenging economic times.” She and her husband, Bob, reside in Central Phoenix with their two cats and bulldog, Roxy. Florinda Obie Florinda Obie who first came to ADOH as a temporary employee in September of 2007, also joined the staff in January as the Administrative Assistant to the Center for Housing Affordability and Livable Communities (CHALC) and the Government Relations and Communications Divisions. Her new duties also include support for the Arizona Housing Commission. Florinda holds a BA in Sociology from Ottawa University and a MBA from Western International. She is also active in the community. This Girl Scout Leader and Phoenix Rescue Mission volunteer has also served as a commissioner for the City of Glendale Persons with Disabilities Commission, and as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) with Maricopa County Superior Court. The married mother of three said of her role with ADOH, “I am happy to be a part of ADOH, and see how this office helps families to have homes. “ welcome! · 12 Spring, 2008 ADOH STAFF CONTACT INFORMATION DIRECTOR’S OFFICE Fred Karnas 602-771-1007 Karen T. Scates PROGRAMS 602-771-1009 Sue Dabbs-Preciado 602-771-1007 Charlotte Grant-Cobb, PhD Assistant Deputy Director/Programs 602-771-1010 charlotteg@housingaz.com Marla Charlesworth Asst. to the Assistant Deputy Directors 602-771-1069 marlac@housingaz.com 602-771-1021 Cindy Perry 602-771-1020 Chantel Key (602) 771-1044 Renee Martucci 602-771-1022 Diane Olsen 602-771-1046 Noel Schaus 602-771-1043 Steven Sims 602-771-1047 Sharon Tolman 602-771-1042 kathyb@housingaz.com Administrative Assistant cindyp@housingaz.com CD&R Specialist chantelk@housingaz.com CD&R Specialist reneem@housingaz.com CD&R Specialist dianeo@housingaz.com CD&R Specialist noels@housingaz.com CD&R Specialist stevens@housingaz.com CD&R Specialist sharont@housingaz.com LuAnn O’Connell 602-771-1050 Lisa Barnard 602-771-1056 Elva Buckles 602-771-1058 Lisa Cooper 602-771-1057 Elizabeth Lopez 602-771-1054 Evie Boone 602-771-1053 Celia Gibbar 602-771-1055 Raquel Lucio 602-771-1059 Rita Mendoza 602-771-1052 RENTAL PROGRAMS Randy Archuleta 602-771-1031 Lisa Roth 602-771-1030 Julie Barrett 602-771-1032 Lori Hofer 602-771-1033 Katherine Larsen 602-771-1034 Rental Programs Administrator randya@housingaz.com Administrative Assistant lisar@housingaz.com Rental Programs Manager julieb@housingaz.com Rental Programs Specialist 602-771-1024 602-771-1090 Joy Johnson 602-771-1026 Alex Moreno 602-771-1025 DATA DEPARTMENT Diane Langlois 602-771-1080 Carole Abbinanti 602-771-1083 Yolanda Baldwin 602-771-1084 Assistant to the Director sued@housingaz.com paulas@housingaz.com Administrative Assistant luanno@housingaz.com Contracts Coordinator lisab@housingaz.com Data Specialist elvab@housingaz.com Contracts Subsidy Coordinator lisac@housingaz.com HCV Coordinator elizabethl@housingaz.com Data Specialist evieb@housingaz.com Program Specialist celiag@housingaz.com Program Specialist raquell@housingaz.com Program Specialist ritam@housingaz.com Data Manager dianel@housingaz.com Data Entry Specialist carolea@housingaz.com Data Entry Specialist yolandab@housingaz.com Rental Programs Specialist katherinel@housingaz.com markl@housingaz.com CENTER FOR HOUSING AFFORDABILITY AND LIVABLE COMMUNITIES (CHALC) Administrative Assistant annp@housingaz.com Special Needs/Fair Housing Specialist joyj@housingaz.com Special Needs Programs Specialist alexm@housingaz.com Karia Basta 602-771-1085 Eric Descheenie 602-771-1087 Pat Boland 602-771-1017 Mobin Qaheri 602-771-1088 · 13 Deputy Director karens@housingaz.com lorih@housingaz.com SPECIAL NEEDS PROGRAMS Mark Ludwig Special Needs Programs Administrator Ann Pratt fredk@housingaz.com PUBLIC HOUSING AUTHORITY Paula Scott Public Housing Authority Administrator 602-771-1051 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT & REVITALIZATION Kathy Blodgett CD&R Administrator Director Technical Assistance Coordinator kariab@housingaz.com Tribal Liaison ericd@housingaz.com Training Specialist patb@housingaz.com Housing Economic Research Analyst mobinq@housingaz.com Spring, 2008 OPERATIONS Carol Ditmore 602-771-1062 Marla Charlesworth 602-771-1069 Assistant Deputy Director/Operations carold@housingaz.com Asst. to the Assistant Deputy Directors marlac@housingaz.com ASSET MANAGEMENT Marianne Marinucci 602-771-1094 602-771-1093 Florinda Obie charlenec@housingaz.com Administrative Assistant (602) 771-1019 Kristina Fretwell Cic Cicolello 602-771-1092 Patsy Martinez 602-771-1060 John Lopach 602-771-1000 kristinaf@housingaz.com Special Projects Manager cicc@housingaz.com Cynthia Diggelmann Publications Specialist 602-771-1016 cynthiad@housingaz.com 602-771-1071 Holly O’Brien 602-771-1065 Jennifer Bunkers 602-771-1068 Martha Graham Kristy Dodge Housing Compliance Administrator Alicia Flores hollyo@housingaz.com Compliance Officer 602-771-1075 Freddy Hernandez 602-771-1074 Wendy Sanders Ayana Weaver 602-771-1066 jenniferb@housingaz.com Accountant martig@housingaz.com Accountant kristyd@housingaz.com INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY Bill Davis Information Technology Specialist 602-771-1078 billd@housingaz.com Compliance Officer freddyh@housingaz.com LEGAL Dana David 602-771-1012 Assistant Attorney General danad@housingaz.com wendys@housingaz.com Compliance Officer 602-771-1072 RISK ASSESSMENT Stuart Kritzer 602-771-1064 Julia Peru ayanaw@housingaz.com Senior Risk Assessment Officer stuartk@housingaz.com Risk Assessment Officer 602-771-1063 juliep@housingaz.com Arizona Housing Finance Authority Fred Karnas 602-771-1035 Carl Kinney 602-771-1091 A quarterly publication of Arizona Department of Housing Rachel Perez 602-771-1095 Sandra Weis Editor: Charlene Crowell Layout & Design: Cynthia Diggelmann 602-771-1027 Iris Glass 602-771-1028 Berta Enriquez This publication may be made available in alternative formats upon request. Please contact Joy Johnson, Special Needs, Arizona Department of Housing, 1110 W. Washington Street, Suite 310, Phoenix, Arizona 85007; (602) 771-1026 or TTY (602) 771-1001 or joyj@housingaz.com. · 14 tracys@housingaz.com Accountant aliciaf@housingaz.com Compliance Officer 602-771-1073 Customer Liaison johnl@housingaz.com renees@housingaz.com Administrative Assistant 602-771-1070 patsym@housingaz.com FINANCE & ACCOUNTING Tracy Schmidt Finance & Accounting Administrator 602-771-1067 HOUSING COMPLIANCE Renee Serino lorim@housingaz.com Administrative Assistant florindao@housingaz.com Legislative Liaison (602) 771-1008 mariannem@housingaz.com HUMAN RESOURCES & PROCUREMENT Lori Moreno HR & Procurement Administrator 602-771-1061 GOVERNMENT RELATIONS & COMMUNICATIONS Charlene Crowell Govt. Relations & Comm. Administrator Asset Manager 602-771-1003 Ann Pratt 602-771-1090 Executive Director fredk@housingaz.com AzHFA Administrator carlk@housingaz.com Homebuyer Assistance Programs Manager rachelp@housingaz.com Homes for Arizonans Program Coordinator sandraw@housingaz.com Homes for Arizonans Program Specialist irisg@housingaz.com Mortgage Credit Certificate Specialist bertae@housingaz.com Administrative Assistant annp@housingaz.com Spring, 2008 Arizona Housing Finance Authority MATTERS Arizona Department of Housing HOUS NG Vol.7 No.3 Summer 2008 HOUSING PROGRAMS SURVIVE BUDGET CUTS The Arizona Department of Housing would like to thank the many housing advocates who provided their staunch support, defending the State’s housing programs amidst the significant budget cuts needed to erase the starkest budget deficit in the State’s history. In the end, ADOH emerged with a total loss of $22.3 million in funding in FY2008 and FY2009 combined. Although these dollars represent a sizeable sweep of agency resources, the funding that remains available to the agency will allow ADOH to continue to address a number of the state’s most significant housing needs. Looking at a possible $2.2 billion deficit for the FY2009 fiscal year, which started July 1st, Governor Janet Napolitano and Arizona’s legislators, which are required by Arizona law to deliver a balanced budget, faced a number of tough decisions. In the end, ADOH is thankful of the recognition that housing resources are needed now more than ever to address the critical issues currently plaguing many Arizona ($ millions) families and neighborhoods. With the expectation of Total continued hard economic times in the near future, 2-Year ADOH expects an increase in requests for housingFY2008 FY2009 Sweeps related services as more people look for advice on troubled mortgages and seek affordable housing Program budget $10.6 $8.2 $18.8 options. ADOH BUDGET SWEEPS Operating budget According to ADOH Director, Fred Karnas, the agency sacrificed a significant portion of the Housing Trust Fund and operating dollars but considering Fiscal year totals 2.8 0.7 3.5 $13.4 $8.9 $22.3 go to “Budget” on page 5 What’s Inside... AzHFA Activities ...................................................................................2 Arizona Housing Comission ............................................................2 Arizona Foreclosure Help-Line .......................................................3 2008 Governor’s Housing Forum ...................................................4 Director’s Message ..............................................................................5 Training, Conferences ....................................................................... 6 Other Events of Note......................................................................... 6 Legislative Initiatives ......................................................................... 8 Funding Announcements ............................................................... 9 Staff Directory....................................................................................10 Leading with solutions. AzHFA Activities Carl Kinney Arizona Housing Finance Authority Programs Administrator (602) 771-1091 carlk@housingaz.com WELCOME TO CAROL PARRY FOX AND MANNY GONZÁLEZ AND A FOND FAREWELL TO VICTOR FLORES A warm public welcome is extended to two recent appointees to the Arizona Housing Finance Authority (AzHFA): Carol Parry Fox, and Manny González. Manny González Carol Parry Fox Manny, a native of Nogales brings to the AzHFA more than 25 years of public service through posts in the cities of Chandler, Guadalupe, and Phoenix, and Maricopa and Pinal Counties. A member of both the Arizona City/County Management Association and the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO), Manny has served as Assistant County Manager for Administrative Services in Pinal County since December 2005. After a two decade-long distinguished career with Chase Manhattan Bank and its predecessor Manufacturers Hanover and Chemical Bank, Carol Parry Fox became president of Corporate Social Responsibility Associates, a management consulting firm that specializes in helping corporations and non-profits engage in issues such as diversity, the environment, community investment, and philanthropy. In 1995, she was appointed to the advisory board for the Community Development Financial Institutions program, and in 1997 was appointed to the Federal Reserve Board Consumer Advisory council. And a fond farewell is extended to Victor Flores as he begins an advisory position with the Arizona Department of Transportation. Victor was one of the original AzHFA board members appointed by then Governor Jane Hull in 2002, and served in several executive positions over his six-year tenure, including as Board Chair from 2006 to 2007. Arizona Housing Commission Charlene Crowell Government Relations & Communications Administrator (602) 771-1093 charlenec@housingaz.com ARIZONA HOUSING COMMISSION BIDS ADIEU AND WELCOME TO MEMBERS Kim Dorney David Scott Lembke Kathy Pechman The 1997 legislation that created the Arizona Housing Commission was designed to permanently ensure representation from a diversity of perspectives that is truly Arizonan. As a result, the deliberations of the 24-member Commission draw upon the knowledge and expertise of private sector housing interests, rural and urban local governments, nonprofit organizations, and the general public. Appointed to four year-staggered terms of office, each Commissioner serves as a valued volunteer. In recent weeks, three Commission members shared their plans to retire and, as Commission members are appointed to represent specific interests and expertise, they will also conclude their service to the Commission. A fond farewell and best wishes are sincerely extended to Commissioners Janet Marcus, and Annette Stein. And we also offer a hearty welcome to the following new members appointed to represent the following standing interests: Kim Dorney, representing local government in Maricopa County; David Scott Lembke, representing the private sector of real estate; Kathy Pechman, representing the banking and lending community; and Deb Drysdale-Elias named to represent the general public. · 2 Summer, 2008 With Arizona now ranked as the nation’s third highest state for foreclosures, Governor Janet Napolitano recently announced the latest in a series of state initiatives to assist families facing a housing crisis. Families who are either behind on their mortgage or facing foreclosure are urged to dial 1-877-448-1211, a toll-free Arizona help line that connects troubled homeowners with nearby trained foreclosure counselors. In making the announcement, Governor Napolitano said, “In response to a problem that is increasingly affecting so many Arizona families we are launching this new toll free number in an effort to urge homeowners to not delay – to call today. Troubled Arizona homeowners now have a phone number that will connect them to specialized services right here in Arizona. We urge anyone who may be at risk of foreclosure to call a local foreclosure counselor today.” The Governor’s announcement builds upon the services related to the State’s first-ever grant wholly dedicated to foreclosure counseling. The Arizona Department of Housing (ADOH) is administering a $1.33 million grant designed to expand the counseling capacity of a dozen community partners throughout Arizona. The Arizona foreclosure help line arrives at a time when Arizona foreclosures are among the highest in the nation. According to a new research report, Defaulting on the Dream, published by Pew Trusts: 1 in 18 Arizona homeowners is projected to experience foreclosure on their home as the result of a high-cost loan. 63 percent of all Arizona homeowners will feel the ripple effects of foreclosures on their property values. For state and local governments, the combined loss in revenues is projected to be a staggering $8.7 billion dollars. Commenting on the state’s continuing foreclosure initiatives, ADOH Director Fred Karnas said, “Our hope is that by providing these free and convenient counseling services, at-risk homeowners will gain timely and direct access to help save their homes. No one should hesitate to ask for help. As Governor Napolitano has urged, homeowners should call as soon as they believe their home may be in jeopardy.” Earlier this year and in an effort to expand the counseling capacity of partner agencies, ADOH sponsored a week-long training session taught by representatives of a nationally recognized housing organization, NeighborWorks America. A total of 60 counselors throughout the state received training. Costs were underwritten by the agency’s Housing Trust Fund (HTF). Commenting on the combination of federal and HTF funding to respond to the still-evolving issue, Director Karnas added, “The most effective responses will utilize funding from a variety of sources. At a time when Arizona’s economy is struggling to recover, the availability of HTF funding helps us to continue our efforts without burdening taxpayers.” ADOH has also been an visible and vocal participant in a statewide series of foreclosure prevention workshops organized by the Arizona Foreclosure Prevention Task Force, a collaboration of over 200 organizations, lenders, community leaders and government representatives seeking to coordinate outreach and education efforts to assist homeowners facing foreclosure. To date, four forums convened in Apache Junction, Avondale, Tucson, and Phoenix have together attracted over 600 homeowners who registered for the one-on-on counseling available at each session. Another ADOH foreclosure-related initiative made possible through HTF revenues, Eviction Prevention/Emergency Housing Assistance (EPEH), is administered by 22 local partner agencies. For financially-eligible families, this program offers one-time assistance for a range of services that span: rent/mortgage payments, utility assistance, and/or rental deposits. In response to the surge in foreclosures throughout the state, program funding increased in 2008 to $4.2 million. In FY 2007, the 6,210 Arizona households served by the program nearly doubled service counts for the previous year when 3,925 households were served. For a complete list of partnering agencies, visit the agency web at: www.housingaz.com. The Arizona Department of Housing is contracting with Community Information and Referral Services to staff the call center which will connect homeowners to a local, certified foreclosure counselor. Summer 2008 · 3 2008 GOVERNOR’S HOUSING FORUM September 9-11, 2008 High Country Conference Center Flagstaff, AZ In a year when housing headlines have made the news, the array of expert speakers, examples of best practices, and recent research will be shared through the theme of Trends…shaping Arizona’s future. The lofty views afforded by an elevation of 8,000 feet will be showcased in the new High Country Conference Center in Flagstaff. Matching those scenic vistas will be a conference agenda focusing on emerging ideas and innovations. In his first forum keynote, on September 10, Director Fred Karnas will set the tone for the annual conference, sharing his vision not only of where housing stands in 2008; but also new insights as to how local concerns can be met in partnerships and forward strides. An Arizona native and Stanford Universitytrained lawyer specializing in land use planning, state trust lands, and Zoning, Grady Gammage, Jr. will deliver the opening plenary keynote address. His first-ever Forum appearance will examine how Arizona can better manage future growth within the context of economic issues and preserving a quality of life that is uniquely Arizonan. of housing and community development in Arizona and beyond. Panelists confirmed include: Anna Maria Chavez, Deputy Chief of Staff to Governor Napolitano; Jim Rounds, Senior Vice-President with Elliott D. Pollack & Company; Karen Scates, Deputy Director of the Arizona Department of Housing; Melanie Starns, Governor’s Policy Advisor on Aging; Alan Stephens, President &CEO Center for Western Progress; and Tracy Wareing, Director, Arizona Department of Economic Security. The second and closing keynote will be delivered by Barry Zigas who brings a robust understanding of organizational growth and development gained in a career of more than 30 years of leadership in diverse roles in housing, community and economic development. Mr. Zigas helped create market-changing innovations such as the Low Income Housing Tax Credit, the HOME program, and affordable single family mortgage products. KEYNOTE SPEAKER DEADLINE FOR DISCOUNTED REGISTRATION FEE: Also on opening day, Governor Napolitano has been invited to join the presentation of the Brian Mickelsen Housing Hero Awards. The annual awards will be announced during luncheon ceremonies. Capitalizing on the success of last year’s informal plenary panel discussion, on Thursday, September 11 the 2008 breakfast plenary panel will speak to TRENDS in the economy, aging in place, poverty, and Arizona’s culturally diverse population. Discussion is expected to focus on how these trends are affecting the world August 15 Exhibitors Marketplace Returning in 2008 for those of you who want to market products and services to attendees—this is the place to be! Download a registration form at www.housingaz.com at Training & Events. · 4 Summer, 2008 From the desk of FRED KARNAS DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE There is now no doubt that we are in the midst of trying economic times and housing is, unfortunately, at the forefront of the economic challenges that now confront us. On the homeownership front these challenges include an unprecedented number of families facing mortgage foreclosure and entire neighborhoods suffering as a result of abandoned and empty homes and deflated property values. Not to be left out, the rental market is suffering through its own set of difficulties with federal tax credits that have deflated in value along with ever increasing construction costs, making it significantly more challenging to build affordable rental units. a toll-free number to link homeowners with these local counseling agencies. To date over 1,200 homeowners have sought assistance through this avenue. More information on this initiative can be found on page 3. In June, ADOH announced the 2008 Low-Income Housing Tax Credit awards. Sixteen successful projects will provide 887 affordable rental units in 11 counties. As in previous years, the number of applications significantly exceeded the amount of available funding with just slightly over 40 percent receiving a reservation of credits. Given the current market impediments mentioned previously, ADOH will work closely with these projects to provide gap financing where possible to ensure successful projects. As we turned the corner into July, the Arizona Housing Finance Authority closed on a new mortgage revenue bond issuance in the amount of $10 million, as well as provided for the availability of $15 million in mortgage credit certificates. These two investments will ensure ongoing homeownership While the recent budget sweeps made “front page news” in assistance to the 13 rural counties served by the AzHFA for this edition of our quarterly newsletter, and despite the loss the remainder of 2008. of $22.3 million dollars from the agency’s 2008 and 2009 fiscal year budgets, much progress has been made over the past So once again, our pledge to bring homes within reach for quarter on a number of fronts. We at the Arizona Department all Arizona families made significant strides forward. Our of Housing, despite the gloomy economic forecasts, remain collective appreciation is extended to the Governor’s Office, very positive about the work of the department and our role key legislators, and all of our constituents who fought so in addressing these issues. hard to ensure that ADOH’s budget remained intact enough to continue with its core mission. ADOH has been very active this spring in aiding Arizonans caught in the mortgage foreclosure crisis. After sponsoring I look forward to seeing you all in cool Flagstaff this several foreclosure mitigation counseling trainings in the September at the Governor’s Housing Forum, where we state and assembling a cadre of local nonprofit housing will look at housing trends and discuss innovative ways of agencies to assist in the effort, the agency, in May launched meeting the state’s future housing needs. “Budget” continued from page 1 the gravity of budget challenges ADOH is still in a position to continue vital programs. “I have no doubt that FY2009 would be a much more difficult year for the people we serve were it not for their forceful support of our work. Now it is incumbent upon us to be good stewards of the resources we have been given.” ADOH is now considering the full effect of these budget cuts as it moves into FY2009, but remains confident that the agency will move swiftly to provide the resources necessary to fund its core programs. By late July the agency will receive an expected Housing Trust Fund transfer and once the FY2009 sweep of $8.2 million has been applied, will move forward with providing information on the availability of this important resource. Future funding and program opportunities will be posted as updates to the agency website at www.housingaz.com. Summer 2008 · 5 & Training, Conferences Other Happenings a brief CALENDAR 2008 (for details, check the Event Calendar on our website) JULY 4 8 9-10 CLOSED - Fourth of July Holiday Arizona Housing Finance Authority Affordable Housing Institute AUGUST 1 Arizona Housing Commision SEPTEMBER 1 9-11 9 9 29-30 32 GRADUATES TO BE GIVEN CERTIFICATES CLOSED - Labor Day Holiday Governor’s Housing Forum Arizona Housing Commission Arizona Housing Finance Authority LIHTC Compliance Training, Tucson Occasion marks 5-year anniversary of Institute Marking successful completion of a rigorous five month training program, on July 9 Director Fred Karnas will present each participant of the 2008 Affordable House Institute (AHI) with Certificates of Completion. The occasion will also mark the program’s fifth anniversary. Course content spanned: market analysis; project feasibility and design; implementation and management; finance and risk management options; physical and occupancy management; community partnerships and capacity-building. This year, the AHI Class of 2008 attracted 32 participants from diverse communities including Jerome, Lake Havasu City, Marana, Phoenix, Tucson, Window Rock, Yuma, and Winslow. Organized into teams, participants represented a range of professions as well: local governmental officials, architects, tribal leaders, realtors, developers, nonprofits, and for-profit organizations. For former AHI graduates, the time invested in training has already reaped rewards. Two of the projects selected in the 2008 awards for Low-Income Housing Tax Credit awards were former AHI participants. The winning projects with AHI members were Rehoboth Place, a 47-unit family development in Phoenix, and Vida Serena, a 72-unit special needs project in Tucson. Beginning in early spring and continuing through mid-summer, AHI participants attended four, two-day trainings that developed technical skills, resource awareness, and tools for effective project planning. For more information on AHI, visit the ADOH website at www.housingaz. com. Other Events of Note ‘ UPCOMING MEETINGS & CONFERENCES JULY SEPTEMBER 10-11 Arizona Rural Policy Forum Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ www.cba.nau.edu/azrdcForum 11-13 2008 Assets Learning Conference Corporation for Enterprise Development (CFED), Washington, DC http://www.assetsconference.org/index.php 22-23 FHA Processing & Underwriting Training, Illinois Mortgage Bankers Association, Oak Brook, IL http://www.imba.org/files/public/FHATrainingJuly08.doc 24-26 Governor’s Rural and Regional Development Conference Carefree / Cave Creek, AZ http://www.azcommerce.com/CommAsst/RuralDev/RDC.htm 28-30 Annual Conference National Alliance to End Homelessness Washington, DC http://www.endhomelessness.org/content/calendar/detail/1874 17-19 National Indian Justice Center Training in Federal Indian law and Assessing Tribal Courts, Reno, NV http://www.ncai.org/Event_View. 25-27 2008 Summer Conference National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO), Nashville, TN www.nahro.org/conferences/index.cfm AUGUST 19-20 2008 Annual Conference The League of Arizona Cities and Towns, Paradise Valley, AZ http://www.azleague.org/pdf/ac_reg08.pdf 22 Annual Conference Tucson Planning Council for the Homeless, Tucson, AZ www.tpch.org · 6 Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) Compliance Training SEPTEMBER 29-30 · HOLIDAY INN PALO VERDE · TUCSON, AZ To register, visit the Event Calendar at www.housingaz.com Summer, 2008 DIRECTOR KARNAS ATTENDS RIBBON CUTTINGS FOR LIHTC PROJECTS Two small Arizona communities recently provided Director Fred Karnas with an opportunity to see first-hand how agency sponsored projects are meeting local housing needs. The two communities, Safford and Snowflake, each had newly-completed projects with festive ribbon-cutting ceremonies. On April 29 in Snowflake, local, state and federal officials joined with developers and residents of Fairway Manor, a new 60-unit Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) development. Sited among neighboring high-end homes, each apartment home has a front courtyard and backyard patio. Community features include barbeque, picnic and children’s play areas, as well as a basketball court. (Above and below) Casa de Flores’ rehabilitated common areas and exteriors provide an affordable environment for Safford’s senior community. Commenting on his own small town roots, Director Karnas reflected on the visit. “As I was growing up, I learned how important it was to be in a community. This is really a community project. People work together to make everyone feel included. We are trying to duplicate such communities throughout the state.” The following day in Safford, a similar LIHTC project serving families is already fully occupied. An 18 month waiting list reflects the demand for quality affordable housing in this growing community. Later in the day, Director Karnas also toured another Safford project that was supported by the Arizona Housing Finance Authority, Casa de Flores. This 31-unit acquisition/rehab project is a senior community complete with new kitchens, carpets, and paint. The seniors also run their own community garden, providing the opportunity to grow healthy fresh vegetables while lessening the impact of the rising costs of food. (Left) Taking part in the ribbon cutting for Fairway Manor in Snowflake, are, seated from left, Snowflake-Taylor Chamber of Commerce members Larry Matyas and Bob Moffett, Snowflake Snowflake Councilor Charlie Hendrickson and developers Julie Hyatt and Pete Chalupsky. Standing, from left, are chamber members Patty Matyas, Joe Bjorn and Cyndee Larson, Chamber Executive Director Greg Hudson, Architect Tom Wilson, Snowflake Mayor Kelly Willis, Arizona Department of Housing Director Fred Karnas, Snowflake Vice Mayor Kerry Ballard, Ernie Wetherbee from the federal Rural Development program, Snowflake Councilor Sharon Tate, Snowflake Town Manager Paul Watson and chamber member Rene Austin. (Right) Residents enjoy many amenities such as front courtyards. ADOH to present workshop at 2008 Governor’s Rural and Regional Development Conference This September will mark the sixth consecutive year that the Arizona Department of Commerce and its partners will convene the Governor’s Rural and Regional Development Conference. Scheduled for September 24-26, this year’s conference will be jointly hosted by the towns of Carefree and Cave Creek. As in previous years, the annual conference is expected to attract approximately 400 registrants representing private industry, chambers of commerce, education, transportation, real estate, utilities, rural, urban, and tribal community leaders, city council members, and elected officials, and others. Summer 2008 The Arizona Department of Housing (ADOH) will participate in one of the scheduled workshops, The agency’s workshop session reflects this year’s conference theme, Many Communities. One Arizona. planning and community revitalization. As Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) funding opportunities become more limited, attendees will participate in a discussion of holistic approaches to achieving the “growing smarter initiatives”. “A Holistic Approach to Community Development and Revitalization” will be the topic of the workshop where Charlotte Grant-Cobb, PhD, ADOH Assistant Deputy Director/ Programs and Kathy Blodgett, ADOH Administrator, Community Development and Revitalization will together discuss how outcomes can be maximized by combining available resources for strategic For more information on the upcoming conference, visit the web site at: http://www.azcommerce.com/CommAsst/ RuralDev/RDC.htm · 7 2007-2008 LEGISLATIVE INITIATIVES Focus on Housing Kristina Fretwell Legislative Liaison (602) 771-1008 kristinaf@housingaz.com State Update With a goal of completing work by mid-April, the Legislature was still in session, negotiating a budget and finishing final legislation into late-June. This year, 1,380 bills were introduced of which 348 were passed. At press time, among the bills passed, 298 were signed and 27 were vetoed. While preservation of the Housing Trust Fund during budget negotiations was the top priority for the Arizona Department of Housing (ADOH) this year, another focus of ADOH’s legislative agenda was HB 2571, a measure to require county assessors to use the income approach to value low-income, multi-family residential rental property. By using actual income and expenses, excluding federal income tax credits, the bill would have lowered the tax burden for Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) properties to offset restrictions and reduced revenues in exchange for permanent affordable housing for 30 years, a necessary tool for continuing to encourage investment in affordable housing in Arizona. While the bill moved through the House, passing with a vote of 59-1, it ran into some obstacles in the Senate, making it as far as the Commerce and Economic Development Committee. Over the summer months, ADOH is actively meeting with allied stakeholders to reach agreement on the exact method to assess LIHTC properties and anticipates introducing a compromise bill next year. Also on the Department’s radar this year were several measures introduced to address the foreclosure crisis, including a bill to create a loan originator program with the Department of Financial Institutions (DFI). The bill, which passed during the final days of the legislative session, establishes a loan originator licensing program through DFI, to take effect on January 1, 2010. The bill enjoyed widespread support among the lending and real estate community and will enact important safeguards for loan originators into the future. In an effort to bring attention to the mortgage meltdown affecting our state, ADOH also participated in a special public forum on the mortgage foreclosure crisis in early June, hosted by the Senate Democratic caucus. The event brought attention to the range of programs and services offered to residents facing mortgage trouble, including the creation of a toll-free, state-wide foreclosure help line, 1-877-448-1211. As Arizona continues to face its still-unfolding foreclosure · 8 problem, ADOH remains hopeful that some additional legislative steps will be taken to combat the crisis next year. Federal Update As the housing and foreclosure crisis continued to dominate the national spotlight, Congress took action on several foreclosure related measures over the past few months. After offering their own versions of a housing stimulus bill, the House and Senate are close to an agreement on compromise legislation. Prior to their 4th of July break, Senate Banking Committee Chairman Christopher Dodd (D-CT) and Ranking Member Richard Shelby (R-AL) offered a substitute amendment to the housing stimulus bill, HR 3221. While House leaders have some minor objections to the amendment, they are negotiating a compromise and hope to incorporate changes prior to a final vote on the Senate floor. The current language includes an $11 billion Housing Bond cap increase, permanent alternative minimum tax (AMT) relief, temporary mortgage revenue bond (MRB) refinancing authority, a 10 percent Housing Credit cap increase in 2008 and 2009, government sponsored enterprise (GSE) regulatory reform establishing a new state-administered affordable housing fund, Fair Housing Administration (FHA) modernization, a new FHA refinancing program for homeowners at risk of foreclosure, a $150 million increase in foreclosure mitigation counseling and $4 billion in Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) to purchase and rehabilitate foreclosed properties. ADOH is hopeful that this legislation is successful, bringing additional resources to Arizona to invest in additional affordable housing options, expand foreclosure mitigation counseling and provide funds to rehabilitate neighborhoods and homes affected by foreclosure. Negotiations are expected to resume shortly after the 4th of July break, and House and Senate leaders expect to final pass the bill this summer. Remembering Senator Jake Flake All of ADOH extends its belated but sincere condolences to the family of the late State Senator Jake Flake who passed at the age of 72 on June 8. For this agency, he will always be remembered and credited as the House member and leader who single-handedly sponsored HB 2615, the legislation that established the Arizona Department of Housing and the Arizona Housing Finance Authority. Our existence is prominently among his greatest contributions. Although best known for his work in agriculture and state lands, he was also an advocate for affordable housing in rural Arizona as well. In his honor, Governor Janet Napolitano ordered state capitol flags lowered to half mast on Sunday, June 15. Summer, 2008 Funding Announcements Recipient Arizona Behavioral Health Corporation Arizona Housing & Prevention Services Bisbee Coalition for the Homeless Catholic Charities Community Services Catholic Charities of Holbrook City of Phoenix City of Springerville Coconino County Community Services Community Action Human Resources Agency Community Housing Partnership Concerned Citizens for Community Health Gila County Community Services Labor’s Community Service Agency Maricopa County Community Services Mesa Community Action Network New Hope Ranch Nogales Community Development Parenting Arizona Pima County Community Service SouthEastern Arizona Community Action Program Western Arizona Council of Government Besty Ross Apartments Bradshaw Senior Community Cloudbreak Phoenix, LLC /Victory Place II Coral Pointe Apartments CRIT Housing I Katherine Heights Townhomes II Katherine Heights Townhomes III La Posada Apartments Madera Peak Vista Martin Luther King Building Mohave County Community & Economic Development Mountain Pointe Apartments, Phase II Native American Connections/Catherine Arms Pichacho Peak Apartments Project Aware, Inc./Creekview Place Rancho Montanas Senior Apartments Rancho Vista Apartments Rehoboth Place San Carlos Homes IV Santa Fe Springs Sierra Blanca Apartments St. Vincent de Paul Society Sungate Villa II Senior Community Superior Arboretum Tierra del Cielo Tivoli Heights Village Tivoli Heights Village, Phase II Tolleson Gardens UMOM Family Housing Urban Council, LP/Council House Urban League Manor Valley View III Apartments Vida Serena Whispering Sands White Mountain Catholic Charities White Mountain Villas Yuma Senior Terraces Summer 2008 Following is a list of projects funded by ADOH this quarter, including tax credits awarded for the March round: Community Activity Description Homelessness prevention Homelessness prevention Homelessness prevention Homelessness prevention Homelessness prevention Homelessness prevention Homelessness prevention Homelessness prevention Homelessness prevention Homelessness prevention Homelessness prevention Homelessness prevention Homelessness prevention Homelessness prevention Homelessness prevention Homelessness prevention Homelessness prevention Homelessness prevention Homelessness prevention Amount Maricopa County Pima County Cochise County Yavapai County Navajo County Phoenix Apache County Coconino County Pinal County Maricopa County Scottsdale Gila County Maricopa County Maricopa County Mesa Concho/St. Johns Santa Cruz County Winslow Pima County Cochise, Graham, Cochise & Santa Cruz Counties La Paz & Yuma Counties Coolidge Prescott Phoenix Phoenix Parker Bullhead City Bullhead City Yuma Globe Tucson 20,000 60,000 37,000 95,000 32,000 87,000 75,032 100,000 85,000 16,000 24,000 136,854 55,000 85,000 40,000 57,027 Homelessness prevention Homelessness prevention Refinancing and rehabilitation LIHTC rental development 20 unit rental project LIHTC rental development LIHTC rental development LIHTC rental development LIHTC rental development LIHTC rental development LIHTC rental development LIHTC rental development 113,000 105,000 674,000 67,573 511,080 994,505 820,268 70,786 732,363 996,016 897,166 1,000,000 Mohave County Nogales Phoenix Eloy Prescott Phoenix Wickenburg Phoenix San Carlos Sierra Vista Taylor Maricopa County Prescott Valley Superior Somerton Kingman Kingman Tolleson Phoenix Tucson Phoenix Prescott Valley Tucson Page Apache & Navajo Counties Show Low Yuma Homelessness prevention LIHTC rental development GAP financing Refinancing and rehabilitation 10 unit rental project LIHTC rental development Refinancing and rehabilitation LIHTC rental development LIHTC rental development LIHTC rental development Refinancing and rehabilitation Homelessness prevention LIHTC rental development LIHTC rental development 27 unit rental project LIHTC rental development LIHTC rental development Refinancing and rehabilitation LIHTC rental development 150 Unit rental project LIHTC rental development LIHTC rental development LIHTC rental development LIHTC rental development Homelessness prevention LIHTC rental development LIHTC rental development 110,000 32,725 698,694 732,000 726,045 66,041 464,000 646,454 715,122 923,706 477,000 40,000 1,000,000 293,606 600,000 92,692 22,372 867,000 1,000,000 500,000 167,747 83,349 889,338 743,454 42,000 523,096 1,000,000 24,000 85,000 · 9 ADOH STAFF CONTACT INFORMATION DIRECTOR’S OFFICE Fred Karnas 602-771-1007 Karen T. Scates PROGRAMS Charlotte Grant-Cobb, PhD Assistant Deputy Director/Programs 602-771-1010 charlotteg@housingaz.com Marla Charlesworth Asst. to the Assistant Deputy Directors 602-771-1069 marlac@housingaz.com 602-771-1009 602-771-1021 Cindy Perry 602-771-1020 Chantel Key (602) 771-1044 Renee Martucci 602-771-1022 Diane Olsen 602-771-1046 Noel Schaus 602-771-1043 Steven Sims 602-771-1047 Sharon Tolman 602-771-1042 kathyb@housingaz.com Administrative Assistant cindyp@housingaz.com CD&R Specialist chantelk@housingaz.com CD&R Specialist reneem@housingaz.com CD&R Specialist dianeo@housingaz.com CD&R Specialist noels@housingaz.com CD&R Specialist stevens@housingaz.com CD&R Specialist sharont@housingaz.com 602-771-1031 Lisa Roth 602-771-1030 Julie Barrett 602-771-1032 Lori Hofer 602-771-1033 Rental Programs Administrator randya@housingaz.com Administrative Assistant lisar@housingaz.com Rental Programs Manager julieb@housingaz.com Rental Programs Specialist Deputy Director karens@housingaz.com Executive Assistant 602-771-1007 sued@housingaz.com PUBLIC HOUSING AUTHORITY Paula Scott Public Housing Authority Administrator LuAnn O’Connell 602-771-1050 Lisa Barnard 602-771-1056 Elva Buckles 602-771-1058 Lisa Cooper 602-771-1057 Elizabeth Lopez 602-771-1054 Evie Boone 602-771-1053 Celia Gibbar 602-771-1055 Raquel Lucio 602-771-1059 Rita Mendoza 602-771-1052 RENTAL PROGRAMS Randy Archuleta fredk@housingaz.com Sue Dabbs-Preciado 602-771-1051 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT & REVITALIZATION Kathy Blodgett CD&R Administrator Director DATA DEPARTMENT Diane Langlois 602-771-1080 Carole Abbinanti 602-771-1083 Yolanda Baldwin 602-771-1084 paulas@housingaz.com Administrative Assistant luanno@housingaz.com Contracts Coordinator lisab@housingaz.com Data Specialist elvab@housingaz.com Contracts Subsidy Coordinator lisac@housingaz.com HCV Coordinator elizabethl@housingaz.com Data Specialist evieb@housingaz.com Program Specialist celiag@housingaz.com Program Specialist raquell@housingaz.com Program Specialist ritam@housingaz.com Data Manager dianel@housingaz.com Data Entry Specialist carolea@housingaz.com Data Entry Specialist yolandab@housingaz.com lorih@housingaz.com SPECIAL NEEDS PROGRAMS Mark Ludwig Special Needs Programs Administrator 602-771-1024 Ann Pratt 602-771-1090 Joy Johnson 602-771-1026 Alex Moreno 602-771-1025 markl@housingaz.com Administrative Assistant annp@housingaz.com CENTER FOR HOUSING AFFORDABILITY AND LIVABLE COMMUNITIES (CHALC) Special Needs/Fair Housing Specialist joyj@housingaz.com Special Needs Programs Specialist alexm@housingaz.com Karia Basta 602-771-1085 Pat Boland 602-771-1017 Mobin Qaheri 602-771-1088 · 10 Technical Assistance Coordinator kariab@housingaz.com Training Specialist patb@housingaz.com Housing Economic Research Analyst mobinq@housingaz.com Summer, 2008 OPERATIONS Carol Ditmore 602-771-1062 Marla Charlesworth 602-771-1069 Assistant Deputy Director/Operations carold@housingaz.com Asst. to the Assistant Deputy Directors marlac@housingaz.com ASSET MANAGEMENT Marianne Marinucci 602-771-1094 602-771-1093 Cic Cicolello 602-771-1092 charlenec@housingaz.com Special Projects Manager Publications Specialist 602-771-1016 cynthiad@housingaz.com Legislative Liaison (602) 771-1008 Patsy Martinez 602-771-1060 John Lopach 602-771-1000 kristinaf@housingaz.com 602-771-1065 Jennifer Bunkers 602-771-1068 602-771-1071 Holly O’Brien patsym@housingaz.com Customer Liaison johnl@housingaz.com FINANCE & ACCOUNTING Tracy Schmidt Finance & Accounting Administrator Martha Graham HOUSING COMPLIANCE Renee Serino lorim@housingaz.com Administrative Assistant cicc@housingaz.com Cynthia Diggelmann Kristina Fretwell mariannem@housingaz.com HUMAN RESOURCES & PROCUREMENT Lori Moreno HR & Procurement Administrator 602-771-1061 GOVERNMENT RELATIONS & COMMUNICATIONS Charlene Crowell Govt. Relations & Comm. Administrator Asset Manager 602-771-1067 Housing Compliance Administrator renees@housingaz.com Kristy Dodge 602-771-1066 tracys@housingaz.com Accountant jenniferb@housingaz.com Accountant martig@housingaz.com Accountant kristyd@housingaz.com Administrative Assistant 602-771-1070 Freddy Hernandez 602-771-1074 Wendy Sanders hollyo@housingaz.com Compliance Officer freddyh@housingaz.com INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY Bill Davis Information Technology Specialist 602-771-1078 billd@housingaz.com Compliance Officer 602-771-1073 RISK ASSESSMENT Stuart Kritzer 602-771-1064 Julia Peru wendys@housingaz.com LEGAL Dana David 602-771-1012 Assistant Attorney General danad@housingaz.com Senior Risk Assessment Officer stuartk@housingaz.com Risk Assessment Officer 602-771-1063 juliep@housingaz.com Arizona Housing Finance Authority Fred Karnas 602-771-1035 Carl Kinney 602-771-1091 A quarterly publication of Arizona Department of Housing Rachel Perez 602-771-1095 Sandra Weis Editor: Charlene Crowell Layout & Design: Cynthia Diggelmann 602-771-1027 Iris Glass 602-771-1028 Berta Enriquez This publication may be made available in alternative formats upon request. Please contact Joy Johnson, Special Needs, Arizona Department of Housing, 1110 W. Washington Street, Suite 310, Phoenix, Arizona 85007; (602) 771-1026 or TTY (602) 771-1001 or joyj@housingaz.com. Summer 2008 602-771-1003 Ann Pratt 602-771-1090 Executive Director fredk@housingaz.com AzHFA Administrator carlk@housingaz.com Homebuyer Assistance Programs Manager rachelp@housingaz.com Homes for Arizonans Program Coordinator sandraw@housingaz.com Homes for Arizonans Program Specialist irisg@housingaz.com Mortgage Credit Certificate Specialist bertae@housingaz.com Administrative Assistant annp@housingaz.com · 11 Arizona Department of Housing MATTERS Arizona Housing Finance Authority HOUS NG Vol.7 No.4 October 2008 GOVERNOR ANNOUNCES HOUSING ARIZONA Initiative to serve struggling families, ADOH funding priorities to support Governor’s vision An initiative recently launched by Governor Janet Napolitano is expected to bring a record number of state resources to the ongoing fight against foreclosures and homelessness throughout the state. Housing Arizona, the name given to the effort first announced on September 10, dedicates over $13 million from the non-taxpayer funded Housing Trust Fund (HTF) to meet community needs, expand direct services, and strengthen interagency collaborations. Veterans Services will be partners with the Arizona Department of Housing, focusing on various aspects of housing for homeless persons: $2 million will fund a new approach for developing housing for persons experiencing serious mental illness with the Department of Health Services. The joint goal is to expand the number of available affordable units for this population. In a news release announcing the dedicated funding, Governor Napolitano said in part, “The bottom line is that Arizonans are hurting from the multiple impacts of rising costs for gas and groceries to dwindling home values, and the loss of homes. These resources are expected to address the pressing need of two groups of Arizonans particularly hard hit by the current economy: homeowners facing foreclosure and homeless men, women and children.” $1 million will be targeted to ex-offenders who would otherwise be homeless upon the completion of their sentence. In partnership with the Department of Corrections, the collaboration will provide a short term bridge for exoffenders to find safe, decent, affordable housing in the community while reducing the likelihood of recidivism significantly. Throughout the current fiscal year, the initiative will bring together five Cabinetlevel agencies to combine resources and expertise to address a wide range of housing needs. The Departments of Corrections, Health Services, Economic Security, and $1 million will be directed to address the housing needs of homeless youth in cooperation with the Department of Economic Security. Homeless youth often seek to improve their situations by participating in day programs, employment, and counseling only to have to sleep on the streets for lack of affordable housing options. $750,000 will assist the growing number of veterans who, because of a variety of see “HOUSING ARIZONA” on page 3 ADOH to receive $38 million for Neighborhood Stabilization On September 26 and as part of the recent enactment of federal housing legislation, ADOH was notified it would receive $38 million for Neighborhood Stabilization. With several other allocations announced for Arizona, the state will receive more than $121 million. Earlier this summer, Congress instructed HUD to allocate the Neighborhood Stabilization Program grants to areas of greatest need to communities heavily impacted by foreclosures, subprime mortgages, defaults and delinquencies. By December 1st, the agency will develop a plan to utilize these revenues over the next 18 months. As plans unfold, notices will be posted to the agency web at www. housingaz.com. What’s Inside... AzHFA Activities ...................................................................................2 Arizona Housing Comission ............................................................2 Director’s Message ..............................................................................3 2008 Governor’s Housing Forum ...................................................4 Legislative Initiatives ..........................................................................7 Other Events of Note......................................................................... 8 Training, Conferences ....................................................................... 9 Funding Announcements & Welcome ......................................10 Staff Directory....................................................................................11 Leading with solutions. AzHFA Activities Carl Kinney Arizona Housing Finance Authority Programs Administrator (602) 771-1091 carlk@housingaz.com AZHFA ISSUES BONDS FOR RURAL MULTI-FAMILY RENTAL PROJECTS Developments Announced For Kingman, Prescott Valley and Somerton As part of the continuing effort to expand affordable rental housing in Arizona, a September 24 bond issuance will soon benefit rural residents in three communities. In Somerton, the Tierra del Cielo apartments will use $4,275,787 of bond financing to build 33 new units of housing for farm workers. The Developer, Comite de Bien Estar, Inc., will build 16, 2-bedoom units and 17, 3-bedroom units for families with income at or below 50 percent of Area Median Income. Total project costs are estimated at $6.25 million. Kingman and Prescott Valley will be the beneficiaries of four remodeled apartment projects. Arizona Allied Pacific Development, LLC, general partner of APD AZ RD 2008 Partners, LP will acquire and rehabilitate Chaparral Apartments (20 units) and Cimarron Apartments (40 units), both in Kingman. The remaining two communities, Lynx Creek Apartments and Navapai Apartments, each containing 26 units and in Prescott Valley will receive bond financing of $4,240,000 as part of an estimated $8.8 million project. Arizona Arizo Ari izo zo Housing Commission A Word from the Chair Maria Chavez The housing industry is facing many challenges in the year to come, as the economy continues to move at a sluggish pace and many individuals continue to suffer due to the mortgage foreclosure crisis and the rising price of gas and food. As the newly elected chair of the Arizona Housing Commission (AHC), I am honored to lead this group as we work to address some of these and other affordable housing challenges facing our citizens. The AHC is a diverse body, made up of 24 key decision-makers from private industry, community-based nonprofit housing organizations and state, local and tribal governments. With the combined expertise and knowledge of all of the members, the AHC is in a unique position to support the Arizona Department of Housing and the Governor’s office as we work together on solutions. Collectively we will make an impact on housing in Arizona. The Commission’s special committee structure enables us to narrowly tailor our focus and recommendations. For example, the State Land and Workforce Housing Committee was formed this summer to explore how state trust lands could potentially expand affordable housing opportunities. Another special committee, the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Work Group, will soon help to provide policy and guidance for future tax credit allocation rounds. I look forward to serving as the chair of this Commission and tapping into each and every individual member’s unique experience as the AHC moves onward in our quest to seek affordable housing options for each and every person in this state. Fall, 2008 RICHMOND-BOWMAN HONORED AT FORUM Immediate past chair, Jean Richmond-Bowman was honored with a special award by her AHC colleagues at the 2008 Governor’s Housing Forum in Flagstaff last month. “It has been an honor to be her Commission colleague,” said AHC chair, Maria Chavez during the presentation. “ It is equally true that all of the Commission learned from her as well. She brought to our deliberations a vast knowledge of housing that was matched with a vision of principled advocacy. Jean genuinely believes that our great state will be better and stronger when more affordable housing is available for our families. “ · 2 From the desk of FRED KARNAS DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE These are definitely difficult times as we all try to understand the implications of the economic turmoil swirling around us. What we do know is that thousands of Arizonans are struggling with an array of housing issues. Some are trying to hold on to their homes as foreclosures mount across the state. Others are trying to find the resources to just to keep their homes livable. And still others find themselves living on the streets of our cities and towns. The irony is that at a time when many residents turn to government for a helping hand, our ability to respond —whether at the state or local levels—is diminished by the loss of revenues that make programs and services possible. So just like Arizona families, governments continue to struggle with financial stress as well. The two primary funding sources for most jurisdictions, property taxes and retail sales are down due to the housing downturn. And unlike the federal government, this state and its local communities cannot carry deficits from one fiscal year to the next. In tough times, our governmental leaders are facing incredibly tough choices. Despite these harsh realities, Governor Napolitano has shown bold leadership in the introduction of the Housing Arizona initiative. As described elsewhere in this newsletter, this initiative is directed to assist those most impacted by the current economic crisis: persons facing losing their homes through foreclosure; and men, women and children experiencing homelessness. The ability to craft this Housing Arizona initiative is directly related to the availability of the State Housing Trust Fund. The Trust Fund’s flexible resources allow the Department to target resources where they are most needed on an annual basis. The work that the ADOH has been able to accomplish on mortgage foreclosure mitigation would not have been possible without the Trust Fund resources, nor would have the expansion of the Eviction and Foreclosure Prevention program. And now the ability to reach out to homeless youth, homeless veterans, and those experiencing serious mental illness is being made possible by our stewardship of these important resources. The true measure of our lives matters not so much what happens to us; but rather what we do about challenging developments. For the Arizona Department of Housing, Housing Arizona is more than a phrase; it is what a dedicated staff strives to accomplish each and every work day. The Arizona Housing Commission, Arizona Housing Finance Authority, and agency staff, all believe that every family deserves a home where shelter, safety, and comfort are available. Our time and commitment is to forge productive partnerships that bring homes within reach despite economic challenges. “HOUSING ARIZONA”continued health and mental health issues, find themselves homeless. ADOH and the Department of Veterans’ Services will work together to engage the federal Veterans Administration as an additional partner to expand the reach of this effort. The balance of the multi-million dollar set aside will be shared by ADOH as follows: $3.5 million will be administered by local governments and non-profits working with ADOH on eviction and foreclosure prevention services. $2 million in support of first-time homebuyers’ down payment assistance will help Arizona families to better access current affordable housing opportunities. Fall 2008 $2 million will be awarded through a competitive process to develop permanent housing, some of which will include social services for homeless families and individuals. through the complexities of negotiating positive outcomes with lenders and servicers. These services will continue to be available at no charge to the homeowner. $500,000 to ensure local communities can adequately draw down, administer and implement new federal neighborhood stabilization funding coming to the state to assist neighborhoods severely impacted by mortgage foreclosures. $275,000 will continue other ADOH homelessness efforts across the state; and $300,000 to support the continuation of the mortgage foreclosure mitigation counseling program being supported by the department and the federal government. Through this program, including the state-funded foreclosure toll-free hotline (1-877-488-1211), homeowners are matched with foreclosure counselors who guide them $150,000 will be used as a match for additional federal funds serving rural homeless families. Commenting on these dedicated funds, ADOH Director Fred Karnas, recently noted, “Far too many Arizonans work hard and play by the rules, and still cannot afford housing. . . But we are committed to working with our government, for-profit, and non-profit partners to find ways to overcome these challenges.” · 3 2008 GOVERNOR’S HOUSING FORUM September 9-11, 2008 High Country Conference Center Flagstaff, AZ From September 9-11, northern Arizona’s scenic vistas became a backdrop for recent research, engaging dialogue, and visionary plans. The fifth annual Governor’s Housing Forum, held at the new High Country Conference Center in Flagstaff attracted over 350 registrants. The 2008 theme, TRENDS…shaping Arizona’s future, was echoed in plenary sessions and in more than 20 workshops featuring national and state expert presenters. Program highlights included a panel comprised of government and housing experts in both the public and private sectors, and guest keynote addresses by noted lawyer, author and strategist on issues of growth, land use, and economic development Grady Gammage, Jr; and Barry Zigas, a nationally-recognized housing expert and principal with the Washington, DC-based Zigas and Associates. In his first forum keynote, Fred Karnas, Director of the Arizona Department of Housing, set a conference tone that acknowledged the accomplishments of past years, while offering perspectives on what the future holds for Arizona communities. Commenting on the recent trend of falling housing prices, Director Karnas framed that development within a larger economic context. “For most families, the real or potential savings in housing costs have been snatched away by the increased costs of other essentials . . . job insecurity – long commutes – and other economic challenges not only erase any benefits of falling home prices for many families – they challenge the ability of those families to retain the housing they have, whether it be owned or rented.” For renters, increases were found in 26 of the 27 communities surveyed; the average rent increase was $60 per month, or $720 per year, almost double the increase between 2006 and 2007. Tucson was the state’s rental exception, with average rents reduced $10 a month. Fall, 2008 Bolstering the Arizona statistics were figures from the National Low Income Housing Coalition that showed 45 percent of all homeowners and 27 percent of all renters in Arizona are paying more than a third of their income for housing. Moreover, seven in ten families making $15,000 or less are paying more than they can afford for housing. In response, Director Karnas shared agency priorities that will focus on: Preservation of existing affordable housing stock. Providing and preserving homeownership. Meeting the needs of poor and vulnerable populations. Supporting smart growth efforts. Director Karnas called for housing to be a major priority to achieve sustained economic recovery. “The Department’s role is to make sure,” observed Karnas, “that the housing part of the housing – jobs – transportation equation is not lost in the debates about how to best support growth in the state.” The 2008 conference coincided with Governor Janet Napolitano’s announcement of the Housing Arizona initiative that will direct more than $13 million in dedicated housing resources. Detailed information on the effort appears in this edition’s cover story. SAVE THE DATE 2009 Governor’s Housing Forum September 14-16 The Buttes, Tempe, AZ · 4 2008 Brian Mickelsen HOUSING HERO AWARDS LOCAL INITIATIVES Denise Moen Bishop Lake Havasu City ELECTED OFFICIAL Councilperson Shana Ellis City of Tempe HONORING THE MEMORY OF ARTHUR CROZIER Partner in Housing Arizona Award renamed SUPERIOR SUSTAINABLE DESIGN Yavapai College Residential Building Technology Program TRIBAL INITIATIVES Yavapai Apache Nation Tribal Housing PARTNER IN HOUSING ARIZONA Emily Nottingham City of Tucson INNOVATIVE PARTNERSHIPS Northland Pioneer College During the 2008 Housing Hero Awards presentation, a special tribute and posthumous honor was announced in recognition of Arthur Crozier. The annual Brian Mickelsen Housing Hero lifetime achievement award, called the Partner in Housing award, was renamed in his memory. Mr. Crozier, who passed away August 25, had served as a pastchairman and member of the Arizona Housing Commission (AHC) for the better part of a decade. Just this past year he had been named by Governor Janet Napolitano, to serve as a member of the Board of Directors of the Arizona Housing Finance Authority (AzHFA), where he was tapped to serve as secretary of the Board. Commenting on the recent actions, Director Fred Karnas observed, “His statewide commitment to housing was shown through his many years of service to the Housing Commission. Arthur had every right to take a break. Instead he agreed to an appointment on the board of the Arizona Housing Finance Authority where he served over the past year. . . . We have lost a good man; but in his passing Arthur reminds us of the important things in life: family, community, and faith.” A life-long Arizona resident, Arthur was born in McNary, and lived in Pinetop where he was also a realtor and broker for more than 35 years. To view the rest of the photos taken this year, follow this link and use 2008 as the Password: http://www.imagequix.com/photog.php?id=Z97789T&ec=adoh Fall 2008 · 5 To view the rest of the photos taken this year, follow this link and use 2008 as the Password: http://www.imagequix.com/photog.php?id=Z97789T&ec=adoh Fall, 2008 · 6 2007-2008 LEGISLATIVE INITIATIVES Focus on Housing Kristina Fretwell Legislative Liaison (602) 771-1008 kristinaf@housingaz.com Federal Government Enacts Monumental Housing Legislation As families and individuals throughout the country continue to struggle with the economic implications of the mortgage foreclosure crisis, the federal government took action in late July and enacted monumental housing legislation that will bring needed resources directly to our state. The Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 includes a number of initiatives that will benefit Arizonans, including additional loan refinancing options, expanded foreclosure mitigation activities and monies dedicated to neighborhood revitalization efforts. The new resources included in the federal legislation will allow the Arizona Department of Housing (ADOH) to supplement many of the initiatives already underway in our state. Through the use of the state’s Housing Trust Fund (HTF), Arizona has already enacted many foreclosure mitigation efforts including the creation of a tollfree Arizona foreclosure hotline and expanded eviction prevention and emergency housing funding to help families avoid homelessness. The HTF has been critical in maintaining these efforts and will support the state’s ability to leverage and provide required matching funds for the new federal monies and programs made available through the housing stimulus legislation. As a result, the federal money received by the state will be able to go much further in meeting the needs of Arizona’s struggling families and communities. New programs that will help Arizonans as a result of the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 include a foreclosure prevention refinancing program through the Federal Fall, 2008 Housing Administration, additional Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds to help localities and non-profits purchase and rehabilitate foreclosed homes in an effort to mitigate the neighborhood blight caused by abandoned homes, and expanded affordable housing options that will be made available through a temporary increase to the Housing Credit and Bond caps. The bill also includes creation of a National Affordable Housing Trust Fund to help develop housing for very-low income families around the state; but the take over of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac raise questions about the source of funding for the Trust Fund. The much needed federal relief provided through the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 will help Arizona families that are struggling as a result of the mortgage foreclosure crisis and will also allow us another opportunity to strengthen our communities and expand efforts already begun in Arizona. League Passes Resolution Supporting the Housing Trust Fund At their annual conference in August, the League of Arizona Cities and Towns passed a resolution in support of affordable housing efforts throughout the state, including the maintenance and continued funding of the Housing Trust Fund. The resolution is included as part of their 2009 policy statements which are used to represent the collective interests of Arizona’s 90 incorporated cities and towns at the state capitol. As the state continues to struggle with the current economic downturn, ADOH remains committed to providing safe, decent housing for our most vulnerable populations. The HTF is the only state resource devoted to addressing Arizona’s housingrelated needs and the support of the League of Arizona Cities and Towns will strengthen our efforts to continue these activities through preservation of HTF funding next year. ADOH would like to thank the League for their continued support of the Department’s efforts and affordable housing in Arizona. · 7 Over 4400 Arizonans call toll-free Foreclosure Help Line 78 percent of calls come from Maricopa County When Governor Napolitano announced the Arizona Foreclosure Help Line on May 29, the Arizona Department of Housing and its network of statewide partners were ready to connect callers to nearby, convenient housing counseling services. Specially-trained mortgage foreclosure counselors were poised to pursue ways for families to avoid foreclosure. In recent months, the calls have poured in, and the pattern of where the calls for help come from is consistently clear. Maricopa County, home to the state’s most populous area, has dominated the help line each month. Of the more than 4400 calls received as of September 28, over 78 percent have been from Maricopa County. Yet Maricopa is not alone. According to the Southwest Fair Housing council in Tucson, 4,481 homes were foreclosed in Pima County from January through August. As foreclosure counselors continue to work with clients, the Arizona Department of Housing’s goal is for these free services to continue throughout the current housing crisis. Most importantly, we continue to ask families who believe they may be facing foreclosure to seek help right away. Early interaction with a foreclosure counselor usually offers more options to families. Other Events of Note ‘ UPCOMING MEETINGS & CONFERENCES OCTOBER NOVEMBER 21-25 National Preservation Conference sponsored by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Tulsa, OK http://www.preservationnation.org 11-15 2008 Congress of Cities and Exposition sponsored by the National League of Cities, Orlando, FL http://www.nlc.org 25-28 38th Annual Conference & Trade Show – National Council of State Housing Agencies (NCHSA), Denver, CO 16-18 11th Annual National Multi-Family Housing Council (NMHC) Apartment Technology Conference, Atlanta, GA http://www.nmhc.org 26-28 2008 National Conference and Exhibition - National Association of Housing & Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO), San Antonio, TX http://www.nahro.org 19 2008 Enterprise Community Conference, Baltimore, MD https://event.enterprisemeetings.org 21 27-28 15th Annual Arizona Conference on Homelessness, Imagine HOPE: Housing Opportunities for People Everywhere http:// www.azceh.org Arizona Coalition to End Homelessness’ Annual Legislative Summit http:// www.azceh.org 8-12 NeighborWorks Training Institute, Washington, DC http://www.nw.org DECEMBER 5 Fall, 2008 What is Community? Voices and Choices for Sustainability Co-sponsored by St. Luke’s Health Initiatives, ASU Stardust Center for Affordable Homes and the Family, LISC, and the Arizona Community Foundation, Phoenix Airport Marriott · 8 & Training, Conferences Other Happenings a brief CALENDAR 2008 (for details, check the Event Calendar on our website) OCTOBER 13 14 31 2008 2008 Arizona’s Housing Market...a glance Copies are available by calling ADOH or you may download the report from our website. Arizona’s Housing Market NOVEMBER . . . a glance. 11 12 27 CLOSED - Veterans Day Arizona Housing Finance Authority CLOSED - Thanksgiving Day DECEMBER TRENDS 5 . . . shaping Arizona’s future. 2008 GOVERNOR’S HOUSING FORUM www.housingaz.com CLOSED - Columbus Day Arizona Housing Finance Authority Arizona Housing Commission 4FQUFNCFS t)JHI$PVOUSZ$POGFSFODF$FOUFSt'MBHTUBò "; 25 Joint Meeting of Arizona Housing Commission and the Arizona Housing Finance Authority CLOSED - Christmas Day 2009 Affordable Housing institute April 28-30, June 2-4, and July 7-9. Applications for the 2009 Institute will be available after the first of November with a deadline for registration in January, 2009. Call Pat Boland for further information at 602/771-1017. HOME Affordable Housing Development Training Sponsored by HUD, ADOH and RCAC October 21 and 22, 2008 8:30 am to 4:30 pm HUD Phoenix Office One North Central Avenue, 6th Floor Training will focus on affordable rental housing development financed by the HUD HOME Investment Partnerships program, and is designed for CHDOs and State Recipient staff with less than 3 years housing development experience. REGISTER ON-LINE: www.rcac.org ? Fall, 2008 call Mark Wiseman at (916) 447-9832, x1029 or mwiseman@rcac.org · 9 Funding Announcements State Housing Fund Projects Funded: Recipient Re ecipient Location of Project Arizona Behavioral Health Corporation (ABC) Arizona Coalition to End Homelessless (ACEH) Arizona Housing & Prevention Services Catholic Charities Community Services - Yavapai County Catholic Charities of Holbrook Central Arizona Shelter Services (CASS) City of Phoenix City of Springerville Coconino County Community Services Community Action Human Resources Agency Community Housing Partnership Gila County Community Service HMA Public Relations Interfaith Coalition for the Homeless La Posada Apartments/Bethel Dev, Inc. Labor’s Community Service Lodestar Day Resource Center Maricopa Association of Governments Maricopa County Community Services Martin Luther King I, LLC/Metropolitan Housing Corp Mesa Community Action Network Mohave County Community & Economic Development NeighborWorks® New Hope Ranch Parenting Arizona Pima County Pima County Community Service Rural Continuum of Care Planning Process SouthEastern Arizona Community Action Program, Inc. St. Vincent de Paul Society Sungate Villa II/Prescott Valley LP Tucson Planning Council for the Homeless (TPCH) University of Arizona, Drachman Institute Western Arizona Council of Government White Mountain Catholic Charities Maricopa County Statewide Pima County Yavapai County Holbrook Phoenix Phoenix Springerville Coconino County Pinal County Phoenix Gila County Statewide Pima County Yuma Maricopa County Maricopa County Maricopa County Maricopa County Tucson Mesa Mohave County Statewide Apache County Navajo County Pima County Pima County Statewide Southeastern Arizona Maricopa County Prescott Valley Statewide Statewide Western Arizona Apache County Amount Type of Activity $10,000 $5,000 $37,400 $70,000 $23,000 $500,000 $83,000 $20,000 $74,000 $77,000 $10,000 $36,609 $15,000 $35,000 $750,000 $32,200 $140,000 $35,000 $81,000 $750,000 $32,000 $82,000 $7,500 $20,000 $20,000 $25,000 $57,850 $36,770 $85,000 $14,000 $750,000 $1,000 $158,154 $82,000 $27,000 Homeless prevention Homeless conference Homeless prevention Homeless prevention Homeless prevention Emergency operating Homeless prevention Homeless prevention Homeless prevention Homeless prevention Homeless prevention Homeless prevention Hotline marketing Homeless prevention New construction Homeless prevention Homeless prevention Homeless planning Homeless prevention New construction Homeless prevention Homeless prevention Foreclosure training Homeless prevention Homeless prevention HMIS match Homeless prevention Homeless prevention Homeless prevention Homeless prevention New construction Homeless conference Community planning Homeless prevention Homeless prevention Community Development Block Grant Projects Funded: City of Casa Grande City of Page Town of Kearny City of Benson City of Douglas Town of Duncan Town of Thatcher City of Tombstone City of Willcox Town of Wellton City of Eloy City of Coolidge Casa Grande Page Kearny Benson Douglas Duncan Thatcher Tombstone Willcox Wellton Eloy Coolidge $136,646 $366,876 $424,439 $326,903 $326,904 $100,000 $382,006 $326,903 $326,904 $562,942 $273,293 $136,646 Owner-occupied rehabilitation Various Water treatment Street improvements Street improvements Street improvements Street improvements Owner-occupied rehabilitation Community center Public safety Infrastructure Owner-occupied rehabilitation New FACES A warm welcome is extended to a new staff member who recently was named a Housing Programs Compliance Officer. In her new role as a Housing Programs Compliance Officer, Brandi Payne joined the staff on September 15. Ms. Payne will travel statewide, monitoring ADOH-financed rental properties for compliance with state and federal requirements. She brings to her new position a broad knowledge of multi-family housing spanning state and federal programs gained through a series of related positions in various Fall, 2008 Phoenix and Casa Grande developments. She also has more than 15 years of experience in customer service. Commenting on her new role, she recently said, “I come to the ADOH with much enthusiasm and excitement. Having worked in the affordable housing industry for eight years, it became clear to me that this opportunity will allow me to utilize my knowledge and attention to detail to positively impact the community. I am honored to be a part of the Compliance Team.” welcome! · 10 ADOH STAFF CONTACT INFORMATION SPECIAL NEEDS PROGRAMS Mark Ludwig Special Needs Programs Administrator 602-771-1024 Ann Pratt DIRECTOR’S OFFICE 602-771-1090 Joy Johnson 602-771-1026 Fred Karnas Director 602-771-1007 Charlene Crowell fredk@housingaz.com 602-771-1093 Karen T. Scates 602-771-1009 Kristina Fretwell Alex Moreno 602-771-1025 charlenec@housingaz.com Deputy Director karens@housingaz.com Legislative Liaison 602-771-1051 LuAnn O’Connell 602-771-1050 Evie Boone Sue Dabbs-Preciado Executive Assistant Elva Buckles 602-771-1053 602-771-1058 PROGRAMS Lisa Cooper 602-771-1057 Celia Gibbar Charlotte Grant-Cobb, PhD Assistant Deputy Director/Programs 602-771-1010 charlotteg@housingaz.com Marla Charlesworth Asst. to the Assistant Deputy Directors marlac@housingaz.com 602-771-1056 Elizabeth Lopez 602-771-1054 Raquel Lucio 602-771-1059 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT & REVITALIZATION Kathy Blodgett CD&R Administrator Cindy Perry 602-771-1020 Iris Glass 602-771-1028 Chantel Key (602) 771-1044 Renee Martucci 602-771-1022 Diane Olsen 602-771-1046 Noel Schaus 602-771-1043 Steven Sims 602-771-1047 Sharon Tolman 602-771-1042 Sandra Weis 602-771-1027 Rita Mendoza 602-771-1031 Lisa Roth 602-771-1030 Julie Barrett 602-771-1032 Lori Hofer 602-771-1033 Fall, 2008 joyj@housingaz.com Special Needs Programs Specialist alexm@housingaz.com 602-771-1052 paulas@housingaz.com Administrative Assistant luanno@housingaz.com Data Specialist evieb@housingaz.com Data Specialist elvab@housingaz.com Contracts Subsidy Coordinator lisac@housingaz.com Contracts Coordinator celiag@housingaz.com HCV Coordinator elizabethl@housingaz.com Program Specialist raquell@housingaz.com Program Specialist ritam@housingaz.com kathyb@housingaz.com Administrative Assistant cindyp@housingaz.com Homes for Arizonans Program Specialist DATA DEPARTMENT Diane Langlois 602-771-1080 irisg@housingaz.com CD&R Specialist Carole Abbinanti chantelk@housingaz.com Yolanda Baldwin CD&R Specialist 602-771-1083 602-771-1084 Data Manager dianel@housingaz.com Data Entry Specialist carolea@housingaz.com Data Entry Specialist yolandab@housingaz.com reneem@housingaz.com CD&R Specialist dianeo@housingaz.com CD&R Specialist noels@housingaz.com CD&R Specialist stevens@housingaz.com CD&R Specialist sharont@housingaz.com Homes for Arizonans Program Coordinator sandraw@housingaz.com CENTER FOR HOUSING AFFORDABILITY AND LIVABLE COMMUNITIES (CHALC) Karia Basta RENTAL PROGRAMS Randy Archuleta Special Needs/Fair Housing Specialist PUBLIC HOUSING AUTHORITY Paula Scott Public Housing Authority Administrator kristinaf@housingaz.com 602-771-1021 Administrative Assistant annp@housingaz.com Public Information Officer (602) 771-1008 602-771-1069 markl@housingaz.com 602-771-1085 Rental Programs Administrator randya@housingaz.com Administrative Assistant lisar@housingaz.com Pat Boland 602-771-1017 Mobin Qaheri 602-771-1088 Technical Assistance Coordinator kariab@housingaz.com Training Specialist patb@housingaz.com Housing Economic Research Analyst mobinq@housingaz.com Rental Programs Manager julieb@housingaz.com Rental Programs Specialist lorih@housingaz.com · 11 OPERATIONS FINANCE & ACCOUNTING Tracy Schmidt Finance & Accounting Administrator 602-771-1065 Carol Ditmore 602-771-1062 Marla Charlesworth 602-771-1069 Cynthia Diggelmann 602-771-1016 HOUSING COMPLIANCE Renee Serino 602-771-1071 Holly O’Brien 602-771-1070 Freddy Hernandez 602-771-1074 Brandi Payne 602-771-1072 Wendy Sanders 602-771-1073 RISK ASSESSMENT Stuart Kritzer 602-771-1064 Julia Peru 602-771-1063 Assistant Deputy Director/Operations carold@housingaz.com Asst. to the Assistant Deputy Directors marlac@housingaz.com Publications Specialist cynthiad@housingaz.com Housing Compliance Administrator renees@housingaz.com Patsy Martinez 602-771-1060 John Lopach 602-771-1000 602-771-1068 Kristy Dodge tracys@housingaz.com Accountant jenniferb@housingaz.com Accountant 602-771-1066 Martha Graham 602-771-1067 kristyd@housingaz.com Accountant martig@housingaz.com INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY Bill Davis Information Technology Specialist 602-771-1078 billd@housingaz.com Administrative Assistant hollyo@housingaz.com Compliance Officer freddyh@housingaz.com LEGAL Dana David Assistant Attorney General 602-771-1012 danad@housingaz.com Compliance Officer brandip@housingaz.com Compliance Officer wendys@housingaz.com Senior Risk Assessment Officer stuartk@housingaz.com Risk Assessment Officer juliep@housingaz.com HUMAN RESOURCES & PROCUREMENT Lori Moreno HR & Procurement Administrator 602-771-1061 Jennifer Bunkers lorim@housingaz.com Administrative Assistant patsym@housingaz.com Customer Liaison johnl@housingaz.com Arizona Housing Finance Authority Fred Karnas Executive Director 602-771-1035 Carl Kinney fredk@housingaz.com AzHFA Administrator 602-771-1091 Rachel Perez 602-771-1095 Berta Enriquez carlk@housingaz.com Homebuyer Assistance Programs Manager rachelp@housingaz.com Mortgage Credit Certificate Specialist 602-771-1003 Ann Pratt bertae@housingaz.com Administrative Assistant 602-771-1090 annp@housingaz.com A quarterly publication of Arizona Department of Housing Editor: Charlene Crowell Layout & Design: Cynthia Diggelmann This publication may be made available in alternative formats upon request. Please contact Joy Johnson, Special Needs, Arizona Department of Housing, 1110 W. Washington Street, Suite 310, Phoenix, Arizona 85007; (602) 771-1026 or TTY (602) 771-1001 or joyj@housingaz.com. Fall, 2008 · 12