Governor's Housing Conference Brings Experts, Opportunities to Boise Sept. 7-9

BOISE - Housing experts and advocates will gather to shape Idaho's future housing strategy at the 1997 Idaho Governor's Conference on Housing, Sept. 7­9, at the Boise Centre on the Grove. The conference theme, "Pathways, Partners, Solutions," reflects the cooperation and common direction required to create effective housing opportunities for all Idahoans.

The conference has attracted national speakers with expertise in all areas of housing and finance, from mortgage banking leaders to affordable housing and community development advocates. Dave McConnell, Oregon State Director of the Enterprise Foundation, is a good example. He will discuss Enterprise's role in innovative housing and community development projects throughout the country.

The Enterprise Foundation is a national, nonprofit housing and community development organization with a focus on lasting community change. Enterprise goals include developing affordable housing, along with community and individual assets, and enhancing community safety.

"Enterprise has great success stories to share," said McConnell, "I'll bring several examples of creative deals and resource use, including a Housing Trust Fund established by the State of Oregon. These models could be of great benefit to Idaho, and I look forward to expanding Enterprise partnerships within the housing community there." Currently, Enterprise works with more than 700 nonprofit organizations in more than 200 locations across the country.

Idahoans could also benefit from a Housing Trust Fund, which would provide partial funding for low-income housing projects, home ownership opportunities and emergency housing needs. Local housing advocates have expressed an interest in creating this type of fund to expand housing opportunities at the local level. Although Trust Fund grants are relatively small, they encourage leveraged funding from other sources.

Other conference presenters include Jim Woods, Community Affairs Liaison with the Department of Treasury's Office of Thrift Supervision, and Craig Nolte, Community Affairs Advisor with the Federal Reserve Bank. They will provide an overview of the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) and the criteria used to evaluate CRA projects. Banks can earn CRA credits for investing in qualified community development projects, such as affordable housing, community services targeting low- to moderate-income individuals and activities that promote economic development in targeted areas.

HUD Secretary's Representative Bob Santos will present "The HUD 2020 Management Plan" on the Federal policy panel. The plan is a complete change of direction and overhaul for the department and seeks to restore HUD's credibility.

Over the next four years, HUD will improve the effectiveness of programs, operations and provisions of service. The plan entails a complete reorganization of the department. Staff will be reduced and services consolidated into various "service centers" in 17 locations around the country.

A limited number of conference scholarships are still available. Those wishing to participate in the conference should contact IHFA at 208-331-4884. Conference registration fees are $150 for profit and $100 for 501(c)(3) nonprofit agencies. Information on the conference can also be obtained via the Internet at: www.ihfa.org.