NYCRAA

Section 8 Panel Discussion

darcy56 — Tue, 15 May 2012 14:47:01 +0000

Join NYCRAA Wednesday May 16 from 11:30 am – 1:30 PM at Wolf’s 111 Wolf Road Colonie for an open panel discussion with representatives from Watervliet and Cohoes Section 8.

A complimentary lunch will be served.

RSVP today to 518.456.0927 or email cbell@nycraa.com

Section 8 Panel Discussion

darcy56 — Mon, 07 May 2012 19:13:35 +0000

Join NYCRAA at Wolf’s 111 on Wednesday May 16, 2012 from 11:30-1:30 PM for an open panel discussion with representatives from Cohoes, Watervliet, and other Section 8 offices.

This program is free and a complimentary lunch will be served.

RSVP today to: 518-456-0927

darcy56 — Mon, 07 May 2012 19:11:18 +0000

Imagining a world without HUD

By Mark S. Alper, RHM, vice president of compliance

I’ve been getting emails and telephone calls from people in the housing management industry asking me for feedback on the much-publicized statement of presumptive GOP presidential nominee Mitt Romney that, if elected chief executive, he would abolish the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The fact that the candidate’s father, the late George Romney, served as Secretary of HUD during the Nixon administration—when NCHM was created—is an intriguing angle that I will not explore at this time, as it might lead me into the kind of political discussion that I have always strived to avoid in this space. But the impact that abolishing HUD would have on issues of compliance and housing management is clearly fair game, so here are my thoughts.

First, and by way of introduction, it is not a simple thing to “abolish” a cabinet-level agency that has evolved a culture and body of regulations over the course of almost five decades. The U.S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare (HEW)—the first federal agency to issue Section 504 regulations, by the way—was abolished, but two federal agencies sprang up in its place: the US Department of Education and the US Department of Health and Human Services.

But let’s assume an abolition of HUD takes place. There would be two options, in my view. The first would be folding the agency’s regulations into another federal agency, the US Department of Health and Human Services making the most sense (let’s remember that EIV is a Health and Human Services creation). The second option, which does not cancel out the first, is providing federal housing dollars to the individual states for allocation and monitoring—possibly through state housing finance agencies.

From a compliance perspective, one of the better things about HUD is that it is a top-down system: headquarters issues handbooks, notices, and regulations, the field offices follow those, and there is substantial uniformity in interpretations and approaches. Which isn’t to say that the system is perfect, nor that differences in emphasis and interpretations are unknown.

A state-focused system, on the other hand, implies a de facto decentralization in which state agencies could be called upon to establish their own priorities, standards, and interpretations. Larger housing management organizations operating in several states may find that they’ll have to make adjustments in compliance that differ for each jurisdiction in which they operate. While its true that they may already experience some form of that if they have an involvement with Low Income Housing Tax Credits, it will not even begin to approach the degree of adjustments that could result from an abolition of HUD.

Many states are hurting economically, just as millions of people are. Giving states responsibility for administering millions and millions of dollars in housing assistance payments is going to demand more of state government systems which, in many cases, are already overburdened. My point is simply this: Abolishing an agency like HUD doesn’t solve problems. It simply creates new ones. And for my colleagues in the field of compliance, the job will continue to be challenging. Administrations change, priorities change, but the need to provide decent, safe and sanitary housing to families and seniors who haven’t been blessed with a great many options will remain.

1-90 Exit 2 Closure

darcy56 — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 16:59:32 +0000

I-90 Exit 2 Ramp Closure Schedule for Fuller Road Project

Avoid a traffic nightmare and plan ahead as the final phase of construction of the roundabout at Exit 2 of the corridor project moves into overdrive on Friday, May 4^th. Fuller Road between Washington Avenue Extension and Railroad Avenue and the access to I-90/Exit 2 westbound will be closed for an 11-day period. Weekend closures will mean all access will be closed and all traffic detoured. Weekday traffic changes mean that vehicles exiting from westbound I-90 at exit 2 will be allowed with one lane heading south toward Washington Avenue and another north toward Central Avenue. During the weekday traffic pattern change, Fuller Road will be closed to through traffic and I-90 westbound entrance from Fuller Road will also be closed.

Emergency and police vehicles will be allowed complete access during the entire construction phase.

The closure schedule will be as follows:

Friday, May 4th 7:00 pm to Sunday, May 6th entirely closed,

Monday, May 7th 7:00 am to Friday, May 11th 7:00 pm, one lane open off the ramp allowing north and south bound traffic to flow

Friday, May 11^th 7:00 pm closed thru the weekend

Monday, May 14^th 7:00 am, it should be fully open to traffic.

Please be advised, the proposed schedule is subject to change due to weather or construction related conflicts. Thank you in advance to all motorists for your patience and cooperation.

Albany County’s work on the Fuller Road Project should be entirely completed by the end of May 2012. The NYS Department of Transportation will continue its work throughout the summer on the relocation of Washington Avenue Extension and flyover.

Webinar

darcy56 — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 16:33:24 +0000

NCHM TRAINING NEWS

APRIL 2012

Tomorrow, April 24, 2pm EST

When both federal and state regulations come into play, the decision-making process can get complicated. In this live webinar, NCHM VP of Compliance Mark S. Alper will review examples and provide guidance to help you through issues of compliance that are particularly murky.

$95 (online) • More info

Top 5 LIHTC
Compliance Errors

May 29, 2–3:30 pm EST

Jo Ikelheimer reviews the most common errors that bedevil LIHTC compliance, from income calculation to allowable rent, and explains how to fix them.

$95 (online) • More info

Our once-a-year RHM Crash Course takes place in Boston, June 18-29, and features a fabulous savings opportunity: Register for two events at the regular cost and get a third event for free! Early-bird savings apply, so don’t wait!

• Download registration form

National Center for
Housing Management
333 North 1st St., Suite 305
Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250
TEL: 800-368-5625
www.nchm.org

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NCHM training near you

• Click an event to register and pay online, or
• Download and fax a printable registration
• View a complete listing of events and locations

Please visit our website to view the full schedule of upcoming events.

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS:

Blended Occupancy Spec. (BOS)
Advanced training for those involved with properties receiving both HUD subsidies and tax credits.

Cert. Occupancy Specialist (COS)
A comprehensive analysis of all core occupancy standards as defined in HUD Handbook 4350.3, Rev. 1.

COS Advanced (COSA)
A two-day class that focuses on policy development, supervisory issues, and the evaluation and analysis of compliance data and processes.

COS Masters (COSM)
COSM explores advanced topics in occupancy and compliance through a blend of classroom and online instruction.

COS-Public Housing (COS-P)
A thorough review of HUD’s Public Housing Occupancy Guidebook.

Cert. Mgr. of Maintenance (CMM)
Presents a framework for planning preventative maintenance to avoid unexpected expenses and increase productivity.

Certified Mgr. of Housing (CMH)
Focuses on decision-making and crisis-management skills–necessary complements to compliance training.

Certified Voucher Specialist (CVS)
Looks exclusively at the occupancy and compliance issues of tenant-based Section 8 voucher programs.

Energy Reduction Specialist (ERS)
Covers the practical and financial aspects of energy management and conservation for affordable housing.

EIV 1-Day Workshop (EIV)
A one-day review of Enterprise Income Verification, covering implementation, reporting requirements, and more.

Fair Housing Essentials (FHE)
A one-day seminar that looks at the requirements of the Fair Housing Act and other important civil rights statutes.

Fair Housing Roundtable (FHR)
Two-day certification course covering the important aspects of Fair Housing law through case studies and role-playing.

Housing Quality Standards (HQS)
A one-day program exploring the inspection standards HUD sets for Section 8 housing.

MOR Specialist (MORS)
What to expect from the Management Occupancy Review and how to avoid errors that prevent a favorable review.

Group training works!
“The NCHM trainers were excellent, we saved time and money, and we were able to customize our questions specifically to our properties. We look forward to more on-site trainings with NCHM!”
Teresa Bracht-Williams Compliance Director Conifer Realty, LLC Rochester, NY
Intrigued? Email us or call 800-368-5625 to learn more.

Realistic Approaches to Drug and Alcohol Reduction (RADAR)
Teaches participants how to identify, assess, and resolve drug- and alcohol-related threats to their community.

Registered Housing Manager (RHM)
The industry’s highest professional designation. Requires certification in the Four Pillars and completion of a CD-ROM-based management review.

Site-based Budgeting Spec. (SBS)
Fnancial training that teaches participants how to plan, implement, and adjust an operating budget.

Tax Credit Specialist (TCS)
A detailed look at the Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program and managing tax-credit properties.

Uniform Physical Condition Standards (UPCS)
A review of the physical conditions standards that HUD requires subsidized housing meet.

Non-classroom training:

Fair Housing Primer (eFHP)
An overview of Fair Housing law that helps housing professionals avoid the risks and costs of non-compliance.

Spotlight On
An ongoing series of webinars that examine important and late-breaking issues in housing management and compliance.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
How to identify PTSD and ensure the well-being of both the affected resident(s) and the community.

Security Primer (eSP)
A primer of the issues, policies, and practices impacting tenant safety and property security.

NYCRAA Event April 17, 2012 Wolf’s 111

darcy56 — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 14:16:58 +0000

Join NYCRAA and Butch Lawyer from Cornell Cooperative Extension at Wolf’s 111 located at 111 Wolf Road, Colonie, NY on Tuesday April 17 from 11:30-1:30 PM. Mr. Lawyer will be on hand to explain the Weatherization Assistance Program. There are funds available and you could be receiving up to $6500.00 if qualified. GET YOUR SHARE Continue Reading

Golf Title Sponsor

darcy56 — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 19:39:34 +0000

Welcome to Time Warner Cable our Title Sponsor

NYCRAA/HATAS Golf Outing

darcy56 — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 19:42:00 +0000

Join Title Sponsor Time Warner Cable and mistress of ceremonies Benita Zahn for the 4th Annual NYCRAA Golf Outing on Friday June 8, 2012 at 12:00 noon at the Normanside Country Club in Delmar, NY.

Contact Christine Bell at 518.456.0927 or cbell@nycraa.com for more information regarding team sign up and sponsorship opportunities.

2012 NAA Education Conference & Exposition discount

darcy56 — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 19:34:30 +0000

Apartment Finder is offering a discount to NYCRAA members for the 2012 Education Conference & Exposition at the Boston Convention Center, Boston MA June 28-30, 2012.

Follow the instructions below and sign up today!

$100 NAA Registration Discount – Compliments of Apartment Finder!

NAA has created an exclusive registration web page for Apartment Finder customers to save $100 off their full conference registration (new registrations only)

To take advantage of this $100 Discount Offer, simply go to the Apartment Finder page:

http://educonf.naahq.org/Apartmentfinder

Click Register Today or Register Now, click the Registration button, check the box to enter the Promo Code: PSC12, log in

On the next page, enter Sponsor Code Afinder to receive your $100 discount.

Important Webinars

darcy56 — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 15:25:49 +0000

st chance – two key webinars focusing on new rules Trouble viewing this email? View it in your browser

PUBLISHED BY THE NATIONAL CENTER FOR HOUSING MANAGEMENT

FEBRUARY 2012

This week – don’t miss out!

LIHTC Student Issues

Feb. 28, 2–3:30 pm EST

Updates to HUD Handbook 4350.3 and the IRS’ Guide to Completing Form 8823 have created some confusion regarding the issues of student eligibility and student income. This webinar will provide clarity on the various regulatory distinctions.

$95 (online) • More info

Back by popular demand!

New HUD Policy on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity

Feb. 29, 2–3:30 pm EST

Last month, HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan announced HUD’s Final Rule on equal access to HUD programs regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. In this webinar, Mark S. Alper will help participants review and modify their own policies accordingly.

$95 (online) • More info

COS Advanced picks up where COS leaves off, providing housing managers with the analytical skills and subject-matter expertise required to operate at the highest level of occupancy management. It’s timely training—and there’s no better time to register! Buy two seats for any COSA event by March 31, 2012, and get a third seat free!

• Download registration form

• Visit COSA Web page

• Download COSA datasheet

National Center for
Housing Management

333 North 1st St., Suite 305
Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250
TEL: 800-368-5625
www.nchm.org

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Big changes proposed for LIHTC program

By Jo Ikelheimer, MPA, RHM

The Obama Administration recently released its proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2013 which includes several significant changes for the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program. If the budget manages to pass Congress (and given the current political climate we know how ugly that prospect is), a couple of the items will present additional complexity for LIHTC management–even as the ultimate intent is to provide incentives to promote regional growth and strengthen the program.

For a number of years, there have been murmurings about increasing the income-targeting requirements at LIHTC properties and even the possibility of changing the program name to the “Moderate to Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Program.” It appears that part of this rumor may become fact if the budget proposal is passed as written as there are changes afoot that will “encourage mixed income occupancy by allowing LIHTC-supported projects to elect a criterion employing a restriction on average income.”

What it boils down to is that a third minimum set-aside option would be available for owners to elect at the end of the first year of the credit period, allowing for at least 40 percent of the units in the project to be qualified by and occupied by households having incomes that average no more than 60 percent of Area Median Income (AMI). The cap on income-targeting would be 80 percent of AMI and any set-asides less than 20 percent AMI would be included in the average as having 20 percent targeting. Of course this will open up the LIHTC applicant pool to a larger portion of qualifying families which will increase the income diversity and hopefully help meet the goal of serving the needs of those “in low-income communities that are being revitalized and in sparsely populated rural areas.”

Read the full text of this article online

Why not change the Fair Housing Act?

By Mark S. Alper, RHM, VP Compliance

HUD’s new program regulation affording equal access to the department’s programs without regard to sexual orientation or gender identity becomes effective on March 5. I have received many inquiries asking why HUD decided to make a program rule instead of adding sexual orientation and gender identity as protected classes under the Fair Housing Act. While what I offer here is somewhat speculative on my part, it seems to me a highly probable scenario.

The Fair Housing Act is actually Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968. That law specifically excludes protection for individuals who are gay. In order for HUD to amend the Act to include sexual orientation and gender identity, both the House of Representatives and the United States Senate would have to vote in favor of the amendment. Instead of taking this route (and we can easily imagine the political gamesmanship that would ensue), HUD has the authority on its own to amend its program rules. Thus the final rule that it issued.

I believe that the approach HUD has taken is more than just politically expedient. By making this program rule, and smartly including heterosexuality along with gay and bisexual in its definition of “sexual orientation,” HUD does two things: (1) It makes absolutely clear its intent and (2) It establishes a greater penalty for non-compliance than would exist with a Fair Housing Act amendment. Adverse action alleging violation of the Fair Housing Act requires a complaint and an accompanying resolution process if the complaint is not settled. Whereas HUD, and HUD alone, has broad latitude in areas of program non-compliance—all the way from corrective action to termination of the HAP contract.

Learn how the Final Rule impacts your program management – Join Mark for a special Spotlight On webinar on Wednesday, Feb. 29, at 2 p.m. Eastern time, as he helps participants understand the rule and review and modify their own policies in order to be in compliance. Register now.