Massachusetts ChapterNational Association of

Housing & Redevelopment Officials July 2013

Published by Massachusetts NAHRO Boston, MA Vol. XXXVII No. 7

NEWSOperating Subsidy Level Funded Small PHA Opportunity Act,

Senate 576, Now in Congress

State Legislators Visit Local Housing Authorities

On June 17, members of the Joint Committee on Housing of the Massachusetts Legislature began their visits to local housing authority properties around the Commonwealth. The visits are part of research being conducted by the Committee relative to legisla‑tion filed by the Governor abolishing local housing authorities, and another bill filed by Representatives Binienda, Collins and Rosa, and co‑sponsored by 78 legislators, to enhance operations and foster interagency collaborations.

First up were the Leominster and Acton Housing Authorities. Leominster is a successful model of locally controlled authorities banding together to strengthen operations and affect cost savings without sacrificing local governance, expertise, resources or pri‑orities. Visiting the two local authorities were the co‑Chairs of the Housing Committee, Senator Jamie Eldridge of Acton and Repre‑sentative Kevin Honan of Boston, accompanied by the Housing Committee staff. It is expected that the Committee will visit as many as 10 local housing authorities as part of their fact finding activities.

The public hearings on the two bills will most likely begin in the summer. Attending the visits were local legislators, housing residents, board members, municipal officials and local supportive service providers. Thank you to the Leominster and Acton Hous‑ing Authorities for volunteering to host the legislative fact finders. The Chairmen found the visits very informative and enlightening.

Small federally‑aided local housing authorities are faced with onerous regulations and disproportionate administrative constraints that negatively impact their ability to serve low income residents. To help alleviate the burden, cut through red tape and provide flex‑ibility to maximize efficiency, two U.S. Senators have filed Senate Bill 576, the Small Public Housing Agency Opportunity Act of 2013.

Senator Mike Johanns and Senator Jon Tester have stated that the goal of the legislation is to relieve small PHAs from unneces‑sary administrative requirements while maintaining accountability, thus allowing local professionals to focus on meeting the affordable housing needs of their communities. The bill also includes major incentives for small PHAs to join interagency consortia, collaborate, design central wait lists, and function regionally while retaining local control and unifying reporting systems, all with the goal of benefiting low income families and seniors while reducing PHA operating costs.

This federal legislation would provide relief to those PHAs with 550 or fewer combined units of public housing and federal vouchers. In Massachusetts 105 small PHAs, managing 3,032 units of federal public housing and 12,628 Section 8 HCVs, would qualify for the relief and innovations proposed in Senate 576. The bill reflects the recommendations offered as the result of an industry wide collabora‑tion guided by a HUD commissioned study. The study found while small federally‑aided public housing authorities represent a small percentage of the housing units overseen by HUD, they account for over 50% of HUD’s oversight efforts. The study concluded that “for core compliance monitoring, HUD’s level of effort for small PHAs is grossly disproportionate to the level of risk, total units involved and the amount of subsidy involved.” In an effort to maximize ef‑ficiencies in government programs, cutting unnecessary regulations to streamline program management and operations makes good sense. Senate 576 is aimed at bringing some relief to compliance requirement overkill, and at helping small PHAs focus more of their resources on achieving their local missions. It represents a bipartisan effort to reduce paperwork, maintain accountability, and provide local housing authorities with the flexibility necessary to achieve maximum efficiency in meeting local needs.

MassNAHRO supports this legislation strongly and has con‑tacted Senator Elizabeth Warren to request she also become a co‑sponsor. Senator Warren sits on the important Senate Banking Committee which has jurisdiction over HUD/PHA authorization legislation. Members should contact Senator Warren through the MassNAHRO Legislative Action Center at www.massnahro.org or any other convenient contact method. The bill is supported by PHADA and CLPHA. Hopefully Congress will respond to propos‑als for reform.

The Massachusetts Legislature has voted to level fund housing authority operating subsidy again for fiscal 2014 at $64.4 million. The final amount is the result of negotiation by the six member Legislative Conference Committee on the FY 2014 state budget. The Senate Conferees were Senator Steve Brewer, Senator Jennifer Flanagan and Senator Mike Knapik. The House Conferees were Representatives Brian Dempsey, John Kulik and Vincent deMacedo. The new fiscal year begins July 1. MassNAHRO thanks all six conferees for restoring the $2 million cut previousy and funding the account at the level requested originally by Governor Patrick. Cur‑rent levels of subsidy are tens of millions short as well documented previuosly by DHCD, the State Auditor, the Harvard Cost Study and the Legislature’s own Joint Committee on Housing.

Adequate subsidy is not being provided as promised to local housing authorities under the Baby Brooke Amendment. The result is a delayed availability of apartments for homeless families, veter‑ans, seniors and the disabled, while shelters and motels are full of families that qualify for public housing. Subsidy has been virtually frozen for five consecutive state budget years. It was highest in fiscal 2009 six budgets ago, at $66.5 million.

July 2013

President’s Corner2

PRESIDENTGene Capoccia

Executive DirectorLeominster, Lunenburg and Sterling Housing Authorities

DIRECTORS - Terms expiring 2015

VICE PRESIDENT - LargeWalter McGuire

Executive DirectorWaltham Housing Authority

VICE PRESIDENT - SmallLeila Botsford

Executive DirectorMashpee Housing Authority

VICE PRESIDENT - CommissionersJoseph D'AscoliCommissioner

East Longmeadow Housing Authority

VICE PRESIDENT - MediumJoanne Toomey

Executive DirectorDedham Housing Authority

VICE PRESIDENT - CR & DDavid Hedison

Executive DirectorChelmsford Housing Authority

TREASURERDan Kelly

Executive DirectorWestfield Housing Authority

IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENTRichard LecoCommissioner

North Attleboro Housing Authority

DIRECTORS - Terms expiring 2014

Massachusetts NAHRO2013-2014 Board of Directors

James Comer Director of Field Operations, Fall River Housing AuthorityLisa Audette Executive Director, Franklin Housing Authority

Matt Mainville Executive Director, Holyoke Housing AuthorityDan Ouellette Executive Director, Salisbury Housing AuthorityColleen Doherty Executive Director, Taunton Housing Authority

OPERATIONS MANAGER MEMBER SERVICES COORD. Jennifer M. Polito Michael P. Lazdowsky

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Thomas J. Connelly, Jr.

DEPUTY DIRECTOR Donna M. Brown, Esq.

Brian Costello Executive Director, Watertown Housing AuthorityConnie Desbiens Executive Director, Dartmouth Housing Authority

Ray Mariano Executive Director, Worcester Housing AuthorityKaren Rudd, Executive Director, Bridgewater Housing Authority

Mark Roy Executive Director, Canton Housing AuthorityJean Vincent Executive Director, Charlton Housing Authority

This spring we entered a new chapter in the way we approach the process of capital investments into our public housing. For years we relied on a funding system that based each application for modernization on a process called the Condition Assessment Report or CAR system. The CAR funding process was invaluable when addressing a comprehensive modernization project, but the availability of funds from the CAR system was unpredictable often leaving five or more years in between each notice of available funds.This left housing authorities out in the cold when it came to the ability to plan capital improvements in advance. Great enhancement to the modernization program came when DHCD introduced the new Formula Funding Program. As the Executive Director of a public housing agency I most appreciate the predictability of the funding under the Formula Funding Program and most importantly the ability to plan for the future capital needs of our properties. However, despite the best efforts of DHCD (clearly the leadership of DHCD are to be congratulated for implementing the formula funding program) the formula funding program has one big shortcoming; it makes implementing a comprehensive modernization program for a single development most difficult, if not impossible.

Enter the world of mixed finance! Resulting from the recommendations of the Governor’s Commission on Public Housing Sustainability and Reform, a Mixed‑Finance Working Group was formed. Representatives from DHCD, Mass Housing Partnership, and MassNAHRO worked together as partners in a collaborative effort resulting in the establishment of the new High Leverage Asset Preservation Program or HILAPP for short. The good news: while we now have the formula funding program for routine upgrades, housing authorities will be able to contemplate a comprehensive modernization approach for individual developments that require more than the routine upgrades. HILAPP is not a return to the past CAR system, in fact it is far better. The HILAPP approach is different from any funding program that we have seen in the past. The key difference is community involvement! No longer will housing authorities be applying for comprehensive modernization funds by themselves, no longer will they be relying solely on DHCD funding; housing authorities will be collaborating with a variety of community resources as well as other state and federal funding opportunities to address the capital needs of our public housing. By collaborating with the community and other funding sources, housing authorities will be able to provide matching funds for the improvements, thus stretching the program's allotted $75 million dollars to $100 or $150 million dollars of actual rehabilitation that will take place on the ground. This new program will go a long way in meeting the capital needs of our public housing developments while providing jobs and making much needed affordable housing a place we

continued on page 4

3July 2013

Section 8 Association Award to Rick Leco

On June 20, 2013, Joe D’Ascoli, President of the Section 8 Administrator’s Association, presented the 2013 Presidents Award to Rick Leco, Immediate Past President of MassNAHRO. The pre‑sentation was made in recognition of Rick’s dedicated advocacy for preservation of local public housing. The Award is presented annu‑ally to that individual who has made a major difference in fulfilling the mission of public housing and enhancing local administration of PHA programs.

Mr. Leco has fought to retain local control, expertise and re‑sources at housing authorities across the state. He worked closely with local housing officials in setting up regional meetings to outline the reform, collaboration and consortia legislation filed on behalf of locally elected or appointed public housing officials and residents. Mr. Leco commended the Section 8 Administrators for all the work they do with greatly reduced resources in getting vouchers into the hands of low income persons. Rick is an elected member of the North Attleboro Housing Authority.

Congratulations to Rick Leco for this award in recognition of his entire advocacy for local governance of public housing.

Proulx and Kirstein Commended for DSC Service

Over the last several years, Peter Proulx and Bernie Kirstein have served diligently as the MassNAHRO designees to the Designer Selection Board at DHCD. Peter was the primary designee for two years and the alternate for four years. He was formerly with the Fall River Housing Authority. Bernie was the alternate for two years and was formerly with the Leominster Housing Authority. Peter is now in Leominster and Bernie is in Worcester. Both did a tremendous job representing the interests of the individual LHAs that came before the DSC for determination of their design professionals for their state funded public housing work.

Thank you to Peter for six years on the DSC and to Bernie for serving as the alternate designee of the Association and to both for being responsive to the needs of their local housing authority colleagues. The new MassNAHRO DSC designee effective July 1 is David Hedison, Executive Director of the Chelmsford Housing Authority and Vice President of MassNAHRO.

The campaign of Steve Merritt, Executive Director of the Norwood Housing Authority, to become Senior Vice Presi‑dent of National NAHRO is gathering momentum. Steve has launched an excellent campaign visiting NAHRO regions and Chapters around the country.

MassNAHRO has endorsed Steve for Senior VP, as has the New England Regional Council of NAHRO and other NAHRO regional councils. He is President of NERC/NAHRO, a Past President of MassNAHRO (2007‑2009), and Chair of the MassNAHRO Workers’ Compensation Insurance Group. He also serves on the MassNAHRO Housing Committee and the Small Authority Task Force.

Voting for Senior Vice President will take place between September 30th and October 17th, 2013. All eligible members will receive their ballots and vote by email.

If your agency is a mem‑ber of NAHRO, it is entitled to designate Associates who will not only benefit from the connection to NAHRO and its prod‑ucts and services, but also be eligible to cast a vote in this very important election. Each NAHRO agency member gets six (6) Associate spots included in its membership, plus an additional Associate spot for every $200 paid in dues. These can include commissioners, staff and others.

To get a CURRENT LIST of your agency's Associates:1. Login to Members Only at www.nahro.org2. Click ‘Member Benefits and Services’ tab3. Click ‘Agency/Organization NAHRO Associates List’4. Enter order # (from dues notice)To ADD/CHANGE/DELETE Associates:1. Login to Members Only at www.nahro.org2. Click ‘Member Benefits and Services’ tab3. Click ‘Associate Information Management Form’If your agency is not currently a member of NAHRO, join

before September 11 to be eligible to vote. Visit the "Member Benefits & Services" tab at www.nahro.org for membership ap‑plications and more information on the benefits of membership.

Given the challenging times facing all NAHRO members nationwide, we believe Steve is uniquely qualified to lead the national association effectively and successfully. His commit‑ment and dedication are unmatched. Be sure and vote for our native son, Steve Merritt of Norwood, for Senior Vice President of National NAHRO.

Merritt Candidacy Gathers SteamThroughout Country

Massachusetts Public Housing Administrator (MPHA) Certification

Financial Elements/Maintenance & Modernization

Teresa Ewald, CPAGene Capoccia

August 20Needham H.A.

For information including registration materials visit the ‘Upcoming Events’ page at www.massnahro.org

July 20134

Insurance Group Officers Elected

The public housing innovation bill, voted as “ought to pass” by the Joint Committee on Housing of the Massachusetts Legis‑lature, has been refiled. The bill authorizes a 10‑housing authority demonstration program designed to explore creative and efficient ways to repair, redevelop, expand state‑aided housing. The bill was refiled by Senator Harriette Chandler and by Representative Jeffrey Sanchez in the Massachusetts House.

The bill sets up a competitive demonstration to streamline regu‑latory and statutory requirements, lessen reliance on subsidy and implement innovative management practices. The goal is to make more units available for occupancy, promote upward mobility and self sufficiency, allow improved management and maintenance plan‑ning, and foster the use of innovative techniques in a master plan that could benefit the 10 participating authorities and their residents. Not more than 5 LHAs can participate within the first two years of the program. The demonstration will be overseen by DHCD, the State Auditor, two independent evaluators, and an advisory committee. This bill would allow housing authorities the flexibility to use true innovation to accomplish major program improvements. The new numbers are Senate 592 and House 1146. A hearing date has not been set by the Joint Committee on Housing.

Public Housing Innovation Bill Refiled

The new Officers of the MassNAHRO Workers' Compensa‑tion Insurance Group were elected at the Annual Meeting held on May 20 in Hyannis. Continuing on the Board as Chairman is Steve Merritt of Norwood, along with Lisa Audette of Franklin as Clerk, and Rosalie Deane of Holyoke as Treasurer. Three members of the Board were elected for new three year terms until May 31, 2016, including Dan Ouellette of Salisbury, Lisa Audette of Franklin and Steve Merritt of Norwood.

The MassNAHRO Insurance Group appreciates the time and effort contributed by these unpaid volunteers towards the success of the Workers' Compensation Insurance Group. The Group now boasts 210 housing authorities as agency members, the newest being the Lowell Housing Authority. All dividend distributions, finances, and administration are subject to supervision by the Massachusetts Department of Insurance and HUD Financial Management head‑quarters in Washington. The Group is exempt from both federal and state competitive bid requirements. Housing authorities that meet the Group’s underwriting thresholds are invited to join.

The Group issues dividends every year, including a record $860,000 last November. For information about joining, contact Dave Matosky at 1‑800‑932‑3112.

The newly elected President of MassNAHRO has a long and distinguished career in public and affordable housing. In addition to being the founder of the first three‑housing authority consortia, Gene has been an innovator for decades. His leadership and entre‑preneurial skills are well documented, as is his ability to interact with officials, residents, developers and regulators. He has had great success in turning around “troubled agencies” through creative planning and management. His professional achievements include: Executive Director of the Leominster Hous‑ing for 23 years, President of the non‑profit Leominster Development Corporation since 1997, Manager of the Sterling and Lunenburg Housing Authorities since 1999, a national trainer for Nan McKay Associates since 1996, Housing Development Coordinator for the Town of Barnstable from 1988 to 1990, Executive Director of the Providence Housing Authority from 1980 until 1987 (pulling it out of troubled agency status), Executive Director of the Islip Housing Authority from 1972 to 1980 and, lastly, an Administrative Assistant for the Waltham Housing Authority way back in 1969 to 1972.

Gene is the recipient of this years “President’s Award” for his dedication and leadership in service to the Association. Clearly his decades of experience, savvy and operational innovation will be valuable assets in the struggle to retain housing authorities as effective, efficient locally governed municipal corporations. Con‑gratulations to new MassNAHRO President Gene Capoccia.

Meet President Gene Capoccia

As of July 1, 2013 there is a vacancy on the Board of Directors of the MassNAHRO Workers Compensation Self‑Insured Group. Candidates must be agency members of the Insurance Group in good standing, willing to attend 4 quarterly meetings annually and become familiar with the extensive regulatory and statutory requirements of a self insured group as overseen by the Division of Insurance and by HUD Financial Management in Washington. There is no compensation but travel costs are reimbursable. Those interested should submit letters of nomination by August 1 to:

Thomas J. Connelly, Secretary ‑ MassNAHRO Insurance Group11 Beacon Street, Suite 722Boston, MA 02108

Vacancy on Insurance Group Board

can all be proud of. This new program highlights the importance of direct community involvement. It is clear that strong community involvement also means community “ownership” of the process and a guarantee that the community at large will highly value the public housing as a real community resource.

Applications for the first round of funding are now in and there are some real surprises. First, there are many more applications than first thought probable. Second, many applications are truly innovative, taking approaches that we had not considered before and lastly, housing authorities have once again shown that they have the “right stuff” to do the job.

Congratulations are in order for the leadership shown by DHCD, MassNAHRO, MHP and others who, by working together, made this new program a reality and to the communities who have stepped up to make the HILAPP approach possible.

PRESIDENT from page 2

5July 2013

Maintenance GarageDartmouth Housing Authority Discovering a very essential need for a safe place in which to store equipment, supplies and maintenance inventory, the Dartmouth Housing Authority sought funding from several sources. Getting no response, they sought the talents of the students at the local regional school, New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School, and under the auspices of Robert Gomes, Department Head, we were approved for their next project ‑ a maintenance garage. This began in the fall of 2011 and is nearing completion in the spring. Together, with the help and cooperation of the local town agencies, maintenance staff will soon be enjoying a new home that will serve as an office, garage and workshop.

For more information contact:Connie Desbiens, Executive DirectorConnie_desbiens@yahoo.com

Affordable, Single Bedroom, Low Income UnitsFranklin Housing Authority The Franklin Housing Authority (FHA) recognizes a need for low‑income housing in our community for single persons or couples that cannot afford the current single bedroom fair market rent of $1,166. FHA was able to purchase a duplex with one bedroom on each side, which was foreclosed. Dean Cooperative Bank funded the purchase and holds the mortgage as part of their Community Reinvestment Act portfolio. As a result, FHA has two affordable units available to people of low‑income who do not fit the requirements of our public housing units.

For more information contact:Lisa Audette, Executive DirectorLisa.fha@verizon.net

Taylor Street Affordable Housing Gloucester Housing Authority The Gloucester Housing Authority’s 5 unit Federal Public Hous‑ing property at 10 Taylor Street, Gloucester was built in 1820 as a blacksmith’s shop and had expanded into a rambling multi family building by the time the GHA acquired the building in the 1990’s. In 2009 the GHA determined the building was structurally unsound and received approval from HUD to demolish the building in 2009. The GHA subsequently received approval from HUD to dispose of the property to a private developer for three affordable homeowner‑ship units. The GHA worked with the developer, Gardner Company, to secure funding from the City of Gloucester Community Preser‑vation Act Committee, Gloucester Affordable Housing Trust and North Shore HOME Consortium to augment Gardner Company’s construction financing from Bank Gloucester. Construction was completed on time and budget, and the completed $125,000 two bedroom units with bonus harbor view lofts and one $90,000 ac‑cessible unit far exceed their sales value and will remain affordable for the next 99 years.

For more information contact:David Houlden, Executive Directordhoulden@ghama.com

Energy Projects Hanson Housing Authority The Hanson Housing Authority has been successful in obtaining

2013 Outstanding Agency Award Winnersenergy grants for all three complexes in Hanson. Karen Reilly, Executive Director, has worked closely with Debra Hall, DHCD; James Collins, ABCD Energy Retro Fit Program; and Larry Weir of Rise Engineering to obtain many grants or rebates to upgrade all three complexes.

For more information contact:Karen Reilly, Executive Directorkreillyhha@comcast.net

Viva Verde-Living GreenHolyoke Housing Authority The City of Holyoke set a goal of increasing recycling in the City. To help meet this goal the Holyoke Housing Authority developed a paper recycling program, Viva Verde‑Living Green, that would educate its residents residing in elderly/disabled buildings of the importance of recycling and offer an easy way to do so. This task was overseen by the Authority’s Resident Services Department.

For more information contact:Rosalie Deane, Executive Director rdeane@holyokehousing.org

Mashpee Housing Assistance ProgramMashpee Housing Authority The Mashpee Housing Assistance Program is a broad‑range pro‑gram, incorporating five different kinds of assistance into one pro‑gram and encompasses assistance in one ore more of the following areas: On‑going rental assistance; assistance for first/last/security deposits; emergency assistance for rent; emergency assistance for a mortgage; down‑payment assistance for first time homebuyers. Veterans were given first priority.

For more information contact:Leila Botsford, Executive Directormashpeeha@capecod.net

FederalizationSpringfield Housing Authority In early 2010 the Springfield Housing Authority embarked on the most ambitious federalization process in Massachusetts, with the goal of converting all three of its state family developments to the federal portfolio. This conversion ensures the preservation of these at risk developments while positively impacting and contributing to the revitalization of their respective neighborhoods. With major support and partnership from DHCD, federalization has produced upgrades in the physical condition and the management systems of 482 apartments in the amount of approximately $20 million.

For more information contact:Isabel Serrazina, Executive Department Manageriserrazina@shamass.org

Sudbury DuplexesSudbury Housing Authority Eleven units of deeply affordable housing on five scattered‑sites in Sudbury were recently created by the Sudbury Housing Authority and occupied in February, 2013. All have project‑based Section 8 vouchers, and five are dedicated to extremely low‑income income households under 30% of area median income. Ten units are in modular duplex buildings created to resemble large single‑family houses, one of which is wheelchair‑accessible, and one is a single family cottage. The ten new units have a total of 20 bedrooms, and

July 20136

replaced four 55‑year old poorly constructed single family houses with a total of 17 bedrooms.

For more information contact:Jo‑Ann Howe, Executive Directorsudburyhousing@verizon.net

Resident ServicesWhitman Housing Authority Annual inspections reveal an array of issues that affect both housing authorities and tenants. Some of these issues include problems with housekeeping, personal care and hoarding. Yearly recertifications reveal the potential eligibility for government funded benefits such as supplemental nutrition programs and MassHealth. As the increas‑ing needs of elderly and disabled tenants become apparent, excessive workloads put on the staff of a small housing authority don’t allow them the time to navigate the agencies available to provide solutions to these problems. We believe that with this knowledge comes the responsibility to help. In order to do that, the Whitman Housing Authority hired a part time social worker to work one day a week to whom it refers those tenants in need of services and benefits.

For more information contact:Eileen Gibson, Executive DirectorEileen.whitha@verizon.net

A Better Life: Helping Families Find Their WayWorcester Housing Authority The Worcester Housing Authority has developed a service‑rich self‑sufficiency program for families living in public housing. This comprehensive program addresses the education, occupational, persona, financial and healthcare needs of each household mem‑ber. Participants receive intensive case management, couples with detailed assessments, an extensive network of support service pro‑viders and specialized workshops providing participating families with the tools needed to achieve true self‑sufficiency and, ultimately, enter the private housing market. In just over a year, participants dramatically increased employment, education, personal savings and income. Additionally, children of participants saw a significant improvement in school.

For more information contact:Raymond Mariano, Executive Directorrmariano923@hotmail.com

OUTSTANDING AGENCY from page 4

Lizbeth

Greetings from Lizbeth Heyer

Rent Calculation WorkshopCatherine M. Luna & Rita Osborne

Execu-Tech Consultants

September 24 - Franklin H.A. October 10 - Woburn H.A.October 16 - Holyoke H.A.

Registration fee: $125Registration fee includes continental breakfast, lunch & materials.

Session will run from 9AM - 4PM

For information including registration materials visit 'Upcoming Events' page at www.massnahro.org

sold out!

Happy 4th of July! Not only does July bring the summer weather and vacation

travels, it is the start of the new fiscal year. As we begin FY 14, I encourage you to get as many of your

approved capital projects underway to stay on or get ahead of schedule by taking full advantage of the construction season. Formula Funding is on track to generate more than 1200 capital improvement projects over the next 18 months, most of which are estimated to cost under $100,000. Housing authorities are responsible for executing and managing these small projects and DHCD continues to look for ways to support you in your efforts.

Many of you benefit from qualified architects and engineers providing professional design services so at the end of May DHCD held the first in a series of training sessions for “House Doctor Lite” to attract and build the qualifications of sole proprietor and small design firms to work with you on many of your “small” capital projects. A listing of those professionals will be published and made available to you. Thank you to Tracy Miner from the Franklin County Regional Housing Authority who joined DHCD’s Architects and Engineers Technical Services Unit staff at the first workshop held in Western Massachusetts. Additional sessions are being scheduled across the state so please watch for more information on sessions to be held in your area. I also encourage you to share that information with local design firms.

We are very excited about the response to the High Leverage Asset Preservation Program (HILAPP) announced in late May as a complement to Formula Funding. Whereas Formula Funding disburses capital bond funds across the entire state‑aided public housing portfolio, HILAPP grants funding competitively for eligible developments. Successful applications must include matching funds as part of the project.

To apply for the program, LHAs were initially required to submit a letter of interest by May 31. A total of 43 LHAs submitted letters of interest for 85 developments. By the June 19th application deadline, 25 LHAs submitted applications for a total of 43 developments throughout the Commonwealth. DHCD staff together with Mass Housing Partnership (MHP) staff will review all completed applications and notify semi‑finalists by August 15, 2013. Semi‑finalists will then be asked to respond to requests for more information and host a review team site visit. After this second stage of review, DHCD plans to award pre‑development funds to finalist projects. DHCD anticipates making the first HILAPP awards in October 2013. We look forward to making these awards that will allow LHAs to do more comprehensive work which will preserve units throughout the portfolio. (More information about the HILAPP program can be found on the DHCD website at PHN 2013‑12.)

Wishing you all a safe and happy holiday!

July 2013 7

CLASSIFIEDSExecutive Director

The Foxborough Housing Authority is seeking an experienced well qualified high performance full time Executive Director with vision and problem solving skills. The director is responsible for the administration of 104 units of (Chapter 667) elderly/disabled housing, 41 units of (Chapter 705) family housing, 16 (689) spe‑cial needs housing, 1 (MRVP) State voucher, 2 Section 8 Federal vouchers and 20 Section 8 project‑based vouchers. Qualifications: : The successful candidate will have a Bachelor’s Degree, at least four years experience in housing, community development, public administration as well as knowledge of the principles and practices of housing management, finances and maintenance systems in public and private housing and two or more years of experience overseeing at least three staff persons or administration. Knowledge of laws regulating State and Federal housing programs required. Computer, written and verbal communication skills required. Must be bondable. Certification as a Public Housing Manager from a HUD approved organization is desired and may be substituted by a certification as a property manager or similar classification by a nationally recognized housing or real estate organization or by certification as a MPHA of a DHCD approved Massachusetts Public Housing Administrator Certification Program. Salary commensurate with experience and DHCD guidelines. Excellent benefit package. Women, minorities, veterans and those with disabilities are urged to apply. EOE/AAE The position is opened until filled. Submit cover letter and resume to:

John H. Michelmore, Chairman Foxborough Housing Authority 90 N Carl Annon Court Foxboro, MA 02035

Executive Director The Topsfield Housing Authority seeks qualified/experienced ap‑plicants to fill the position of Executive Director. The position is PT, 16 hr/wk. The Authority is responsible for 60 units of State funded housing for low income elderly and handicapped persons. Policy di‑rection is provided by a 5 member Board. Salary & benefits are based on DHCD guidelines and commensurate with experience. Salary of $21,936.00. Qualifications: Minimum qualifications: Knowledge of DHCD regulations and procedures, and the principles and practices of housing management, finances & maintenance systems in public or private housing. Strong background in personnel management, organizational, written and verbal communication and computer skills. Willingness to work with people of various socio‑economic backgrounds. A bachelor’s degree or four years in public housing administration or a closely related field. Applicant must have Public Housing Management (PHM) certification from a HUD approved organization, or the ability to receive such certification within 1 year. Certification may be substituted by certification as a property manager or similar classification by a nationally recognized hous‑

ing organization, or by certification from a DHCD‑approved Mas‑sachusetts Public Housing Administrator Certification Program. Applicant must be bondable & shall be subject to CORI. Send resumes & references to:

Board of Commissioners, THA69 Washington St.Topsfield, MA 01983

Applications due by July 12th, 2013 An Equal Opportunity Affirma‑tive Action Employer

Executive Director The Easthampton Housing Authority (EHA) is seeking applica‑tions for the position of a full time (37 ½ hrs. per week) Executive Director. The Director will be responsible for the management of the DHCD State Housing Programs: 151 units of Chapter 667 (El‑derly/Disabled housing) 31 units of Chapter 200 Family Housing, 2 units of Chapter 705 Family Housing and 1 unit of Chapter 689 Special Needs Housing. The Director is responsible for implement‑ing and overseeing policies and procedures under the direction of the Authority’s Board of Commissioners. Duties include the general administration of the Authority’s policies and procedures, supervision of personnel, supervision of maintenance of building and compliance with all State regulations and laws. Qualifications: Must have the ability to work and communicate effectively with Board Members, residents, staff, public officials, funding agencies and people of various socio‑economic backgrounds. Working knowl‑edge of fiscal management, maintenance systems and administrative management systems in public or subsidized housing are required. Strong organizational skills, possess oral and written communica‑tion and computer skills are required. Applicants must have 1 year supervisory experience supervising a staff of two or more. Two years minimum experience in public housing property management, public administration or closely related field is required. Two‑year full time post secondary education in a related field may substitute for up to one year of experience. Certification as a Massachusetts Public Housing Administrator or Public Housing Manager from HUD approved organization or ability to obtain within one year is required. Individual must be bondable and pass a criminal history check. Work hours are 37 ½ hours a week, per DHCD guidelines. Salary range is $48,977 ‑ $50,755 in accordance with DHCD Sal‑ary Schedule. Please send a letter of interest and resume by July 24, 2013 to:

Search Committee, Attn: ChairEasthampton Housing Authority112 Holyoke St.Easthampton, MA 01027

(No electronic submittals accepted) The deadline for applications is July 24, 2013. Easthampton Housing Authority is an Equal Op‑portunity/Affirmative Action Employer.

July 2013

Massachusetts ChapterNational Association of

Housing & Redevelopment Officials11 Beacon Street, Suite 722

Boston, MA 02108617-367-0008

www.massnahro.orgFollow us on Twitter

@MassNAHRO

ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED

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a r trainings, conferences & events…

SEPTEMBER 21Board Member Certification ProgramTopic: EthicsAuburn Housing AuthorityAtty. Jeffrey L. Driscoll will present! Visit www.massnahro.org to register today!

NOVEMBER 18-192013 MassNAHRO Fall ConferenceThe Verve - Crowne Plaza NatickSave the date!

AUGUST 20Massachusetts Public Housing Administrator (MPHA) CertificationTopic: Financial Elements/Maintenance & ModernizationNeedham Housing AuthorityTeresa Ewald, CPA and Gene Capoccia will present! Visit www.massnahro.org to register!

SEPTEMBER 20Massachusetts Public Housing Administrator (MPHA) CertificationTopic: The Occupancy CycleFranklin Housing AuthorityKaren Ahlers, Esq. will present! Visit www.massnahro.org to register!

OCTOBER 10Rent Calculation WorkshopWoburn Housing AuthorityExecu-Tech Consultants will present! Visit www.massnahro.org to register today!