BOISE - The Idaho Housing and Finance Association (IHFA) will sponsor an interactive community forum September 10 at its main office, located at 565 West Myrtle in Boise. The forum is an opportunity for community leaders and the general public to identify and discuss local affordable housing needs, issues and solutions. The event is being held in conjunction with a series of workshops on financing options for multifamily housing and community infrastructure projects. The workshops are sponsored by IHFA and the Idaho Department of Commerce (IDC).

The community forum will be followed by public hearings on the administrative plan for Idaho's HOME program, the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Qualified Allocation Plan and a presentation on the Idaho Fair Housing Plan. IHFA administers HOME and Tax Credit funds on behalf of the state of Idaho and is seeking public comment on proposed changes to the administrative plans.

"This is an opportunity for Idahoans to learn more about the financing options and incentives available for affordable multifamily housing development." IHFA Executive Director Rod Beck stated. "Public input also helps IHFA address specific housing needs at the local level." Following the first workshop in Boise, IHFA will host additional forums and public hearings Sept. 17 in Twin Falls, Sept. 20 in Idaho Falls, Sept. 25 in Lewiston and Sept. 27 in Coeur d'Alene.

The community forum is designed to combine IHFA staff expertise in multifamily housing finance with participants' knowledge of local community needs. Communities must increasingly rely on local partnerships to develop affordable housing solutions for their residents. Besides providing access to financing options, IHFA also educates affordable housing developers to make best use of limited HOME and Tax Credit resources while exploring innovative partnerships.

The HOME program provides partial financing for multifamily developments that reserve a portion of their units for limited-income households. Proposed developments must meet eligibility requirements that include a source of matching funds, demonstrated economic feasibility and other criteria. Since 1992, IHFA has administered over $9 million in HOME funds statewide, with an additional $1 million in matching funds generated at the local level.

IHFA also allocates Low-Income Housing Tax Credits throughout the state. Tax Credits serve as an incentive for developers to create long-term affordable housing. Like HOME funds, Tax Credits are awarded on a competitive basis to qualified developments. For the fiscal year ending June 30, 1996, IHFA reserved or allocated a total of $2,126,923 in Tax Credits within the state.

Individuals requiring special accommodation to participate in the Fall Multifamily Housing Workshops should contact IHFA at least five working days prior to the workshops at 331-4769 or TDD 1-800-545-1833, ext. 400.

IHFA is a independent public body, corporate and politic, providing funding for affordable housing opportunities in Idaho communities where they are most needed. IHFA must generate all revenue necessary to cover its operation costs. It does this by earning fees for work performed and uses no state funds or state employees. IHFA's main office is located at 565 West Myrtle in Boise, Idaho, with five branch offices throughout the state in Twin Falls, Blackfoot, Idaho Falls, Lewiston and Coeur d'Alene.

For more information on the 1996 Fall Workshops, call (208) 331-4769.