HAC National Rural Housing Conference 2008: Working for Change: Building Our Future
Concurrent Workshop Descriptions
Concurrent Workshops Wednesday, December 3 -- 10:00 am – 11:30 am
A1 Rehabbing it Right: Effective Rehab for Single- and Multifamily Housing Housing rehabilitation can be more complicated than new construction. Hear from seasoned rehab specialists about new techniques, funding sources, and technologies that can help make your rehab process run more smoothly. Panelists will also share information on green rehabilitation, including Energy Star and other techniques. A2 Single-Family I: An Overview This workshop will provide an overview of the various approaches to developing single-family housing. Participants will learn how to plan and design a single-family housing program, acquire and develop land, and identify and manage multiple funding sources. Expert panelists will share tips for succeeding in rural America, qualifying homebuyers, and identifying subsidies.
A1 Rehabbing it Right: Effective Rehab for Single- and Multifamily Housing Housing rehabilitation can be more complicated than new construction. Hear from seasoned rehab specialists about new techniques, funding sources, and technologies that can help make your rehab process run more smoothly. Panelists will also share information on green rehabilitation, including Energy Star and other techniques.
A2 Single-Family I: An Overview This workshop will provide an overview of the various approaches to developing single-family housing. Participants will learn how to plan and design a single-family housing program, acquire and develop land, and identify and manage multiple funding sources. Expert panelists will share tips for succeeding in rural America, qualifying homebuyers, and identifying subsidies.
B1 Connecting with Policy Makers With broad new housing legislation, foreclosure problems, and budget constraints confronting a new President and Congress in 2009, practitioners need a strong message and proven approaches in support of affordable rural housing. This workshop will cover both broad strategies and specific steps for communicating with elected and appointed officials to win support for vitally needed housing programs. B2 Building and Maintaining Strong Nonprofit Staffing and Leadership Finding and keeping skilled staff can be a challenge, particularly in rural areas. A panel of experts will share human resource development tools and discuss ways of maximizing their effectiveness. Other topics will include attracting for-profit talent to your nonprofit organization, tapping into the existing talent in your community, and providing learning opportunities for current staff members. Panelists will also share information on succession planning and nurturing the next generation of rural housing leaders.
B1 Connecting with Policy Makers With broad new housing legislation, foreclosure problems, and budget constraints confronting a new President and Congress in 2009, practitioners need a strong message and proven approaches in support of affordable rural housing. This workshop will cover both broad strategies and specific steps for communicating with elected and appointed officials to win support for vitally needed housing programs.
B2 Building and Maintaining Strong Nonprofit Staffing and Leadership Finding and keeping skilled staff can be a challenge, particularly in rural areas. A panel of experts will share human resource development tools and discuss ways of maximizing their effectiveness. Other topics will include attracting for-profit talent to your nonprofit organization, tapping into the existing talent in your community, and providing learning opportunities for current staff members. Panelists will also share information on succession planning and nurturing the next generation of rural housing leaders.
C1 Accessing Intermediary Loan Fund Capital Community development financial institutions (CDFIs) can provide critical financing to complete rural housing development projects. Participants will hear from a panel of intermediary organizations that provide affordable housing capital. These experts will provide an overview of alternative financial products, discuss eligibility requirements, and review the process for obtaining funds. Participants will engage in an interactive discussion on combining financial resources on a sample deal. C2 Innovative Revenue Generation Models for Nonprofits As government and foundation funding are becoming increasingly limited, nonprofits are turning to innovative methods to sustain themselves and better serve their missions and communities. Practitioners from across the country will share their experiences and illustrate the opportunities and potential pitfalls of revenue generating projects. C8 Fundraising for Self-Help Housing Development Organizations Finding and using the right source of funding can mean the difference between deficit and surplus budget balances for a self-help housing development organization. Workshop participants will learn how to access and use the Federal Home Loan Banks' Affordable Housing Program and HUD's HOME funding, as well as foundation and state programs, to complete self-help housing projects.
C1 Accessing Intermediary Loan Fund Capital Community development financial institutions (CDFIs) can provide critical financing to complete rural housing development projects. Participants will hear from a panel of intermediary organizations that provide affordable housing capital. These experts will provide an overview of alternative financial products, discuss eligibility requirements, and review the process for obtaining funds. Participants will engage in an interactive discussion on combining financial resources on a sample deal.
C2 Innovative Revenue Generation Models for Nonprofits As government and foundation funding are becoming increasingly limited, nonprofits are turning to innovative methods to sustain themselves and better serve their missions and communities. Practitioners from across the country will share their experiences and illustrate the opportunities and potential pitfalls of revenue generating projects.
C8 Fundraising for Self-Help Housing Development Organizations Finding and using the right source of funding can mean the difference between deficit and surplus budget balances for a self-help housing development organization. Workshop participants will learn how to access and use the Federal Home Loan Banks' Affordable Housing Program and HUD's HOME funding, as well as foundation and state programs, to complete self-help housing projects.
D1 Innovative State HFA Models for Rural Communities State Housing Finance Agencies (HFAs) have financed almost 3 million affordable apartments for low-income households and helped 2.6 million families buy their first homes. Many rural nonprofit developers have successfully collaborated with HFAs to fund housing programs for low-income families. A panel representing HFAs and nonprofit developers will discuss replicable strategies and programs specifically targeted to rural communities. D2 Reentry Housing Safe and affordable housing is one of the critical indicators of successful reentry for people coming home from jail or prison. Housing providers and community corrections officers in small and rural communities are challenged not only by a lack of adequate housing, but also by state and local policies that may restrict housing options for people coming home from jail and prison. Panelists will discuss ways to improve access to stable housing for those reentering individuals and their families.
D1 Innovative State HFA Models for Rural Communities State Housing Finance Agencies (HFAs) have financed almost 3 million affordable apartments for low-income households and helped 2.6 million families buy their first homes. Many rural nonprofit developers have successfully collaborated with HFAs to fund housing programs for low-income families. A panel representing HFAs and nonprofit developers will discuss replicable strategies and programs specifically targeted to rural communities.
D2 Reentry Housing Safe and affordable housing is one of the critical indicators of successful reentry for people coming home from jail or prison. Housing providers and community corrections officers in small and rural communities are challenged not only by a lack of adequate housing, but also by state and local policies that may restrict housing options for people coming home from jail and prison. Panelists will discuss ways to improve access to stable housing for those reentering individuals and their families.
Concurrent Workshops Wednesday, December 3 -- 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
A3 Financing Affordable Rental Housing This workshop will explore available financing sources for affordable rural rental housing projects, including Low Income Housing Tax Credits, HOME, and USDA. Participants will learn to analyze cash flow, maximize private investment, and bridge financing gaps with public resources. Hands-on exercises will include an analysis of development budgets and operating pro formas. A4 Single-Family II This workshop will provide participants with more in-depth information on developing affordable single-family housing with a focus on subdivisions. Participants will examine the overall risk, assumptions, financial considerations, site planning, construction, and development issues inherent in affordable single-family housing development. A6 Self-Help Housing Development Issues The acquisition and development of building lots can help self-help developers control costs and take advantage of other development opportunities. However, there may be unique issues related to land development for self-help housing projects. Workshop presenters will discuss both in-fill and subdivision development issues related to self-help housing developments. Detailed topics will cover feasibility, budgeting, environmental issues, and construction management.
A3 Financing Affordable Rental Housing This workshop will explore available financing sources for affordable rural rental housing projects, including Low Income Housing Tax Credits, HOME, and USDA. Participants will learn to analyze cash flow, maximize private investment, and bridge financing gaps with public resources. Hands-on exercises will include an analysis of development budgets and operating pro formas.
A4 Single-Family II This workshop will provide participants with more in-depth information on developing affordable single-family housing with a focus on subdivisions. Participants will examine the overall risk, assumptions, financial considerations, site planning, construction, and development issues inherent in affordable single-family housing development.
A6 Self-Help Housing Development Issues The acquisition and development of building lots can help self-help developers control costs and take advantage of other development opportunities. However, there may be unique issues related to land development for self-help housing projects. Workshop presenters will discuss both in-fill and subdivision development issues related to self-help housing developments. Detailed topics will cover feasibility, budgeting, environmental issues, and construction management.
B3 Measure Twice, Cut Once: Performance Measurement for Rural Housing Organizations Data and assessment are increasingly essential to an organization’s ability to meet its housing mission and gain financial and community support. Participants will learn about the program data they should collect on an ongoing basis and how to use these data effectively. Panelists will also demonstrate performance measurement tools that assist local housing practitioners to collect data, assess their impact, and improve productivity. B4 Telling Your Story: Developing a Communications Plan A practical communications plan can help your organization craft its message and implement tools that raise interest in your organization. Panelists will identify the pieces of an effective communications strategy. Discussion topics will include targeting, creating a central message, and using electronic tools. Participants will receive tips on improving their messaging from experts. Attendees are encouraged to bring a current press release or other informational piece to work on in the session.
B3 Measure Twice, Cut Once: Performance Measurement for Rural Housing Organizations Data and assessment are increasingly essential to an organization’s ability to meet its housing mission and gain financial and community support. Participants will learn about the program data they should collect on an ongoing basis and how to use these data effectively. Panelists will also demonstrate performance measurement tools that assist local housing practitioners to collect data, assess their impact, and improve productivity.
B4 Telling Your Story: Developing a Communications Plan A practical communications plan can help your organization craft its message and implement tools that raise interest in your organization. Panelists will identify the pieces of an effective communications strategy. Discussion topics will include targeting, creating a central message, and using electronic tools. Participants will receive tips on improving their messaging from experts. Attendees are encouraged to bring a current press release or other informational piece to work on in the session.
C3 Grantwriting 101: From Opportunity to Award This workshop will provide an in depth review of grant writing fundamentals. The session will focus on providing participants with the skills, tools, and techniques that will help them identify funding and grant opportunities, build relationships, and prepare proposals. Expert panelists will provide attendees with a basic knowledge of grant writing and a road map on how to translate ideas into fundable projects. C4 Establishing and Managing a Revolving Loan Fund A revolving loan fund can provide a community with much needed financial resources and provide an organization with a source of funding. This interactive session will give participants a thorough overview of all aspects of fund management. Topics associated with starting and managing your own revolving loan fund include raising funds, credit analysis, loan servicing, and default and special asset management.
C3 Grantwriting 101: From Opportunity to Award This workshop will provide an in depth review of grant writing fundamentals. The session will focus on providing participants with the skills, tools, and techniques that will help them identify funding and grant opportunities, build relationships, and prepare proposals. Expert panelists will provide attendees with a basic knowledge of grant writing and a road map on how to translate ideas into fundable projects.
C4 Establishing and Managing a Revolving Loan Fund A revolving loan fund can provide a community with much needed financial resources and provide an organization with a source of funding. This interactive session will give participants a thorough overview of all aspects of fund management. Topics associated with starting and managing your own revolving loan fund include raising funds, credit analysis, loan servicing, and default and special asset management.
D3 Rural Rental Housing Preservation Practice and Policy This session will focus on successfully navigating the intricacies of a deal to preserve USDA or HUD rental housing. Experts including agency staff and experienced practitioners will explain how to address key issues such as the required environmental reviews, green building considerations, the project budget, and the rehabilitation process. Case studies will be provided, and participants are encouraged to bring questions about pending projects. The workshop will also provide a brief policy update. D4 Green Building in Rural America: Best Practices Rural housing development organizations have successfully incorporated a range of green techniques that result in a reduced impact on the environment and cost savings for the residents. This workshop will showcase several outstanding rural projects from across the country. Workshop participants will learn how others have succeeded in building green and affordable housing in rural America.
D3 Rural Rental Housing Preservation Practice and Policy This session will focus on successfully navigating the intricacies of a deal to preserve USDA or HUD rental housing. Experts including agency staff and experienced practitioners will explain how to address key issues such as the required environmental reviews, green building considerations, the project budget, and the rehabilitation process. Case studies will be provided, and participants are encouraged to bring questions about pending projects. The workshop will also provide a brief policy update.
D4 Green Building in Rural America: Best Practices Rural housing development organizations have successfully incorporated a range of green techniques that result in a reduced impact on the environment and cost savings for the residents. This workshop will showcase several outstanding rural projects from across the country. Workshop participants will learn how others have succeeded in building green and affordable housing in rural America.
Concurrent Workshops Thursday, December 4 -- 10:30 am – 12:00 noon
A5 Using the 502 Program: Best Practices More than 2.4 million rural families have become homeowners using the USDA Section 502 program. Learn first hand from nonprofit affordable housing developers about how to make this critical homeownership program work in your community.
B5 Planning for a Crisis Nonprofit executives must always be ready to think on their feet and make tough decisions on key issues. Preparation is key, but how do you prepare yourself and your organization for a crisis? Hear from nonprofit managers who have "weathered the storm” about the resources and skills they needed to address organizational crises. Panelists will also discuss the importance of developing a crisis management plan and will share critical planning tools you can use. B6 Financial Management: A Refresher Course on Federal Compliance for Nonprofits What you don't know can hurt your organization. This session will provide an introduction to some major issues in nonprofit financial accounting regulations and practices. Hear updates from experts on IRS reporting requirements and the accounting standards most federal funding agencies require nonprofit organizations to follow. B9 Post-purchase Counseling and Foreclosure Prevention for Self-Help Homebuyers How has the foreclosure crisis affected self-help homeowners? How can my organization help self-help families protect their sweat equity? Join USDA staff and self-help housing practitioners from across the country as they discuss post purchase counseling and foreclosure prevention for self-help families. The session will also include a discussion of long term affordability, including possible resale and recapture requirements.
B5 Planning for a Crisis Nonprofit executives must always be ready to think on their feet and make tough decisions on key issues. Preparation is key, but how do you prepare yourself and your organization for a crisis? Hear from nonprofit managers who have "weathered the storm” about the resources and skills they needed to address organizational crises. Panelists will also discuss the importance of developing a crisis management plan and will share critical planning tools you can use.
B6 Financial Management: A Refresher Course on Federal Compliance for Nonprofits What you don't know can hurt your organization. This session will provide an introduction to some major issues in nonprofit financial accounting regulations and practices. Hear updates from experts on IRS reporting requirements and the accounting standards most federal funding agencies require nonprofit organizations to follow.
B9 Post-purchase Counseling and Foreclosure Prevention for Self-Help Homebuyers How has the foreclosure crisis affected self-help homeowners? How can my organization help self-help families protect their sweat equity? Join USDA staff and self-help housing practitioners from across the country as they discuss post purchase counseling and foreclosure prevention for self-help families. The session will also include a discussion of long term affordability, including possible resale and recapture requirements.
C5 Foundation and Corporate Philanthropy for Rural Housing Private funding sources provide critical financing for affordable housing development and nonprofit operations. But securing such funds is difficult, and rural areas often get left behind in philanthropy. In this session program officers of major private and corporate foundations will discuss the outlook for rural giving, their roles in supporting rural housing, and the components of a successful application. C6 Funding Green Affordable Housing Development This workshop provides participants with the opportunity to hear first-hand from several “green” funders as they provide information and answer questions on applying for and accessing grant and loan funding for affordable green housing projects. A list of funding resources will also be made available to help both new and expert developers pursue green funding opportunities.
C5 Foundation and Corporate Philanthropy for Rural Housing Private funding sources provide critical financing for affordable housing development and nonprofit operations. But securing such funds is difficult, and rural areas often get left behind in philanthropy. In this session program officers of major private and corporate foundations will discuss the outlook for rural giving, their roles in supporting rural housing, and the components of a successful application.
C6 Funding Green Affordable Housing Development This workshop provides participants with the opportunity to hear first-hand from several “green” funders as they provide information and answer questions on applying for and accessing grant and loan funding for affordable green housing projects. A list of funding resources will also be made available to help both new and expert developers pursue green funding opportunities.
D5 Connecting with Your Community By working in collaboration with other community stakeholders your organization may be better positioned to achieve its mission. But what types of organizations make good partners and how do you establish mutually beneficial collaborations? This workshop will illustrate how nonprofit organizations can identify community partners and help you overcome some of the hurdles to successful collaboration. D6 Housing Trust Funds: National Update, Local Results Years of successful experience with state and local housing trust funds have inspired efforts to create a national housing trust fund – an ongoing, dedicated source of revenue for affordable housing that does not need annual appropriations. Panelists will explain how trust funds work, how they can be created and used at the local or state level, and what some of them have accomplished. The workshop will also include an update on the recently authorized national fund.
D5 Connecting with Your Community By working in collaboration with other community stakeholders your organization may be better positioned to achieve its mission. But what types of organizations make good partners and how do you establish mutually beneficial collaborations? This workshop will illustrate how nonprofit organizations can identify community partners and help you overcome some of the hurdles to successful collaboration.
D6 Housing Trust Funds: National Update, Local Results Years of successful experience with state and local housing trust funds have inspired efforts to create a national housing trust fund – an ongoing, dedicated source of revenue for affordable housing that does not need annual appropriations. Panelists will explain how trust funds work, how they can be created and used at the local or state level, and what some of them have accomplished. The workshop will also include an update on the recently authorized national fund.
Concurrent Workshops Thursday, December 4 -- 2:30 pm – 5:30 pm
A7 Rental Housing Property Management Managing a rental property efficiently, ethically, and profitably can be challenging. Understanding your rights and responsibilities, whether you manage the project yourself or hire someone else to do it, is critical to success. In this interactive session, experts will provide participants with an overview of the tools needed to be their own residential property managers and share strategies to locate and hire reputable property management firms. In recognition of the 40th anniversary of the Fair Housing Act, participants will also review the rights and responsibilities of property residents by examining the Fair Housing Act. A8 Going Green on a Budget: Low- and No-Cost Greening Techniques for Single-Family Housing Development Contrary to popular opinion, you sometimes get more than you pay for. Rural green building experts will share low- and no-cost green building techniques that can result in long term cost savings for low-income families. Featured green building principles will include water conservation, integrated design, and energy efficient building components, appliances, and systems.
A7 Rental Housing Property Management Managing a rental property efficiently, ethically, and profitably can be challenging. Understanding your rights and responsibilities, whether you manage the project yourself or hire someone else to do it, is critical to success. In this interactive session, experts will provide participants with an overview of the tools needed to be their own residential property managers and share strategies to locate and hire reputable property management firms. In recognition of the 40th anniversary of the Fair Housing Act, participants will also review the rights and responsibilities of property residents by examining the Fair Housing Act.
A8 Going Green on a Budget: Low- and No-Cost Greening Techniques for Single-Family Housing Development Contrary to popular opinion, you sometimes get more than you pay for. Rural green building experts will share low- and no-cost green building techniques that can result in long term cost savings for low-income families. Featured green building principles will include water conservation, integrated design, and energy efficient building components, appliances, and systems.
B7 Using HOME in Rural Areas Participants will learn how they can access and utilize the HOME Program to develop affordable housing in their communities. The discussion will include a review of eligible activities, tips on accessing CHDO set-aside funds, and a summary of HOME program requirements. B8 Creating a Foreclosure Counseling Program This session will provide an overview of foreclosure prevention principles including foreclosure and mortgage industry terms, foreclosure timelines, loss mitigation, the workout process, and the counseling skill set necessary for handling such cases. Session participants will be introduced to core components of a foreclosure counseling program, counseling certification standards, and funding sources.
B7 Using HOME in Rural Areas Participants will learn how they can access and utilize the HOME Program to develop affordable housing in their communities. The discussion will include a review of eligible activities, tips on accessing CHDO set-aside funds, and a summary of HOME program requirements.
B8 Creating a Foreclosure Counseling Program This session will provide an overview of foreclosure prevention principles including foreclosure and mortgage industry terms, foreclosure timelines, loss mitigation, the workout process, and the counseling skill set necessary for handling such cases. Session participants will be introduced to core components of a foreclosure counseling program, counseling certification standards, and funding sources.
C7 Rural Rental Housing Preservation Deals: Feasibility and Financing Experts including agency staff and successful practitioners will provide practical how-to information about the numerous public and private resources available to help preserve USDA and HUD rural rental properties. Panelists will walk participants through the intricacies of financing a successful preservation deal, from determining feasibility to identifying and securing resources to make a deal work.
D7 Manufactured Housing: Challenges and Opportunities in Rural America Manufactured housing is an important, yet often overlooked and maligned form of housing in rural America. Hear from experts and practitioners who are creating affordable housing options using manufactured housing and bypassing the traditional pitfalls associated with this type of housing. Then join a discussion that will include important issues such as finance, new installation guidelines, and manufactured home park preservation. D8 Minimizing Rural Homelessness: Methods that Work Rural homelessness can be difficult to see and difficult to serve. Hear from national and local experts about approaches to ending homelessness that have worked in rural communities. Practitioners will share their experiences in implementing rapid re-housing, permanent supportive housing, and other housing models to meet the needs of rural homeless persons. The session will also include a policy and program update. D9 Working With Families and Your Community Today’s economy will make it more difficult for many self-help organizations to identify and qualify homebuyers. Workshop presenters will share new techniques on how to recruit and qualify families in a soft economy. Attendees will also explore ways of working more effectively with churches, youth groups, and other community organizations to identify self-help families. The session will also provide more information on Rural Development’s loan packaging requirements and provide information on how to become a HUD certified housing counselor.
D7 Manufactured Housing: Challenges and Opportunities in Rural America Manufactured housing is an important, yet often overlooked and maligned form of housing in rural America. Hear from experts and practitioners who are creating affordable housing options using manufactured housing and bypassing the traditional pitfalls associated with this type of housing. Then join a discussion that will include important issues such as finance, new installation guidelines, and manufactured home park preservation.
D8 Minimizing Rural Homelessness: Methods that Work Rural homelessness can be difficult to see and difficult to serve. Hear from national and local experts about approaches to ending homelessness that have worked in rural communities. Practitioners will share their experiences in implementing rapid re-housing, permanent supportive housing, and other housing models to meet the needs of rural homeless persons. The session will also include a policy and program update.
D9 Working With Families and Your Community Today’s economy will make it more difficult for many self-help organizations to identify and qualify homebuyers. Workshop presenters will share new techniques on how to recruit and qualify families in a soft economy. Attendees will also explore ways of working more effectively with churches, youth groups, and other community organizations to identify self-help families. The session will also provide more information on Rural Development’s loan packaging requirements and provide information on how to become a HUD certified housing counselor.
~Workshops in gold print are self-help sessions.
~Workshops in green print are green building sessions, sponsored in part by the Home Depot Foundation.
~Workshops in burgundy print are preservation sessions, sponsored in part by the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation.
~Workshops in purple print are homeownership/asset building sessions.
Additional Conference Information, Housing Assistance Council, Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill
Need to contact HAC's National Rural Housing Conference 2008 staff? Phone: 202-842-8600, ext. 108 | Fax: 202-347-3441 | email: HACconference2008@ruralhome.org