The Massachusetts Association of
Community Development Corporations

MACDC is thrilled to unveil its new website at the  same address - www.macdc.org.  There is a new look, convenient navigation, easier access to research and information, as well as other new features.

Along with our new website, MACDC's Executive Director Joe Kriesberg has launched a new blog - Making Connections: MACDC's Blog. 

As community economic development continues to change and evolve, this is a forum for Joe and guests to engage, challenge and reflect.  Read Joe's first blog post "Welcome to my new blog" and let him know what you think.

 

MACDC and CDCs lead the way to securing grant funds for Energy Retrofits

Beginning in early 2010, utilities in Massachusetts will offer a new statewide energy efficiency retrofit program.  This program will provide direct services and grants totaling approximately $17 million in 2010 to owners of multifamily properties (5 or more units) owned by a nonprofit or a public housing authority.  The funds will be used to undertake a wide range of energy efficiency upgrades that will be identified through a comprehensive energy audit.  The program will be administered by the utilities in collaboration with LEAN (Low-Income Energy Affordability Network), advised by a committee that includes DHCD, public housing authorities, CDCs in conjunction with MACDC, and others.  This program was developed by MACDC and its members in collaboration with other allies, including Boston LISC and New Ecology.  Two CDC practitioners, Noah Maslan of Urban Edge and Jane Carbone of Homeowners Rehab, played a particularly strong and effective leadership role in securing this resource, and will continue to serve on the Advisory Committee.
 
View the preliminary program description and application process for the new Low-Income Multifamily Energy Retrofit Grant Program.  As detailed in the program description, the Program anticipates that it will be accepting applications in February, and suggests that nonprofits look at the materials now and start thinking about how your buildings could benefit from this. This is a new energy retrofit resource for existing multifamily buildings, pending final approval by the State's Department of Public Utilities (DPU).  If you have questions about this program, you can contact
Don Bianchi at MACDC, Noah Maslan or Jane Carbone.
 
The Energy Efficiency Retrofit Program is the most recent of MACDC's long-standing efforts to support its members' efforts to create green, energy efficient and sustainable neighborhoods and communities, dating back to the early part of this decade when MACDC joined forces with LISC and New Ecology to provide technical and financial assistance to CDCs that were starting to explore green housing development strategies.  MACDC's current efforts include advocating for more resources for energy efficiency, bringing together MACDC members with green design professionals to discuss best practices, launching the Green CDC Retrofit Initiative with LISC, and joining the steering committee for the Massachusetts Workforce Alliance Down to Earth Campaign which will explore ways to ensure that the "green movement" is creating jobs in low-income communities.

 

The Alliance featured in New England Planning Newsletter

This month, the New England Planning newsletter is focused on diversity in planning and includes a feature on The Alliance - Advancing Community Development by Confronting Racism. The article provides an overview of the Alliance, highlights from the last coalition meeting, tips for organizations in advancing professionals of color and creating inclusive community development organizations.

To learn more, read the article and entire newsletter by clicking here: New England Planning newsletter.

 

MACDC Members Prominent in DHCD Rental Round Awards

On January 8, the Patrick-Murray Administration announced funding for 26 projects statewide, to provide 1,305 rental units, which included Federal Recovery Act funds for 3 stalled projects.  DHCD awarded funds to 23 newly funded projects statewide, which will provide 1,050 rental units, 926 of them affordable to low-and moderate-income families.  Overall, MACDC Members fared well, with funding awarded to 10 projects with 229 units, all affordable.  Twenty-five percent of the affordable units will be developed by MACDC Members, a significant increase from DHCD's prior rental round, where MACDC Members developed 14% of the affordable rental units.

DHCD recognized the important community benefits of these 10 projects by awarding them over $17 million in DHCD subsidy (48% of the total awarded) and $4.5 million in federal and state tax credits (28% of the tax credits awarded).  Valley CDC received funding awards for two projects, with a combined 21 units, to provide housing for homeless households in Northampton.

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This week the legislature enacted An Act Preserving Publicly Assisted Housing (S 2190) and the Governor has until December 1st to sign the bill into law.   MACDC worked in coalition with CHAPA, Mass Senior Action Council, Boston Tenant Coalition and the Greater Boston Legal Services to get this bill passed.

The legislation will help address expiring use in three ways: 1) notification for tenants prior to a change in the building's affordability, 2) a housing authority, local nonprofit or responsible for-profit developer designated by the Department of Housing and Community Development would have a right of first refusal to match the purchase price of any transaction between the owner and a third party that does not preserve affordability to put the building in the hands of responsible affordable housing owners, and 3) tenants that do not qualify for federal assistance would receive modest tenant protections similar to our condominium conversion laws. 
 
In addition, the Get the Lead Out Program reopened in late October to provide loans to low-income families with children under age 6 to remove lead paint from their homes.  MACDC led the 18-month budget campaign to restore $4M of funding for this critical program.

MACDC received an award along with Senator Jack Hart from the Boston Lead Action Collaborative in honor of its work to reopen Get the Lead Out. 

 

2009 Community Development Award Recipients

The 2009 MACDC Community Development Award Recipients were honored at our annual meeting that was held on October 29th.  Nine recipients from both the public and private sector were recognized for their exceptional leadership and support of community development initiatives across the state.  

This year's honored members include:
 
Ann Lisi: Executive Director of the Greater Worcester Community Foundation 
The Jeffry Graham Award- Presented to a person or organization from the private sector that has provided exceptional support and leadership for the community development movement in Massachusetts.

Nelson Buttén: Director of Collective Action and Mobilization at Lawrence Community Works
The Ricanne Hadrian Award- Presented to a CDC project manager or organizer who meaningfully engages local residents in building economically and racially just communities.
 
Danny LeBlanc: Chief Executive Officer of the Somerville Community Corporation
The Richard Smith Award- Presented to a CDC staff person or board member who exemplifies outstanding commitment, leadership and achievement on behalf of the statewide movement.

Rising Star Awards
Presented to five dedicated CDC employees who have demonstrated the potential to be major leaders of the Community Development Field.

• David Thibault-Munoz: Director of Community Organizing at Twin Cities CDC
• Karla Torrez: Jobs for JP Manager at Jamaica Plain NDC
• Jennica Petrik-Huff: Assistant Project Manager for Housing Development at Valley CDC
• Katie Provencher: Community Building and Organizing at Urban Edge
• Erica Schwarz: Executive Director of the Waltham Alliance to Create to Create Housing

 

Federal Stimulus Bill Provides Much Needed Funding for Low Income Housing Tax Credit Projects

Last February, Congress passed and President Obama signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), commonly known as the federal stimulus bill.  Although many of its provisions impact the work of CDCs in Massachusetts and nationwide- among the most important were the federal funds provided to assist affordable housing projects relying on the Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) Program, under two provisions of the stimulus bill: the Low Income Tax Credit Grant Exchange Program (TCEP) administered by the U.S. Treasury Department, and the Tax Credit Assistance Program (TCAP) administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
 
The national collapse of the tax credit investor market due to the economic recession has meant that many affordable housing projects that were awarded tax credits by DHCD were unable to secure investors. At one point earlier this year, there were about 31 projects that had been awarded 9% tax credits prior to 2009, as well as a handful of projects using 4% tax credits with tax exempt financing that could not move forward.  Approximately 1/3 of these projects were sponsored by MACDC Members.  Many of these projects were at risk of not being able to proceed until the federal government stepped in with TCEP and TCAP funding, and DHCD awarded the funds.
 
In August, DHCD announced its TCAP awards.  MACDC members receiving TCAP awards included Jamaica Plain NDC (for 2 projects), Nuestra Comunidad, and Neighborhood of Affordable Housing; collectively, these 4 projects received $24 million for 144 units.    In October, DHCD announced its TCEP awards, including awards to the following MACDC members: HAP, Inc. (for two projects), Watertown Community Housing, and Domus, Inc.  Collectively, these 4 projects received just over $16 million for 102 units.  Other CDC projects that received tax credit awards prior to 2009 from DHCD are in line for additional TCAP and TCEP awards.
 
The fate of more recent projects is less certain: projects awarded tax credits by DHCD last spring, projects whose tax credit applications are currently under review by DHCD, and tax credit projects in the pipeline.  The remaining TCAP and TCEP funds at DHCD's disposal are not sufficient to provide funding for all of these projects.  MACDC has joined CHAPA and other key housing organizations nationally to request that Congress immediately enact the consensus LIHTC Proposals: requesting extension of the Tax Credit Exchange Program for another year, to maintain the housing development pipeline and allow both 9% and 4% tax credit projects to proceed, and addressing other implementation issues to make the program more effective.
 
Beyond enactment of this immediate legislation, MACDC and its members feel that additional action should be taken to ensure that the projects sponsored by community-based nonprofits, with their emphasis on deep levels of affordability, commitment to smart growth and energy efficient development, and robust community involvement- continue to be able to access the necessary federal funding in the years ahead.

 

New Ideas and Strategies Highlighted at Innovation Forum Events

The Community Development Innovation Forum has had a busy fall with two large public events and significant activity occurring on several projects and initiatives.
 
On September 17, more than 75 people attended an event in Framingham where Action Media (www.actionmedia.org) presented a workshop on innovative strategies for how we can more effectively communicate about our work. Entitled "Telling Our Story: Building support for building better places," the workshop provided concrete ideas and tools for how to more effectively convey the impact of our work in ways that will gain support for the community development field. Action Media has conducted extensive research across the country and found that community developers are most effective when we talk about how we expand opportunity, inclusion, participation and connection in ways that benefit everyone. Attendees were very pleased with the session and there was significant interest in doing more training and more in-depth work with Action Media in the future. The Innovation Forum and the Mel King Institute for Community Building are now developing plans for how to continue that work in 2010.
 
On October 16, more than 60 people attended an event co-sponsored by the Innovation Forum, the Boston Foundation and the New Sector Alliance at which the Alliance presented new research on CDC collaborations that are helping CDCs to expand their impact and effectiveness. Carole Carlson and Hollis Van Inwagen from New Sector Alliance researched two major CDC collaborations - the Fairmount Rail Line Collaborative in Boston and the Homeownership Center in Worcester or order to document how these collaborations work and to glean lessons that may inform similar efforts in the CDC sector. After the presentation, there was a panel including Jeanne Dubois from The Fairmont Collaborative, Miguel Rivera from The Homeownership Center of Worcester, Carl Nagy-Koechlin from Southshore Housing and Steve Stanton from New Sector Alliance. Dubois and Rivera spoke of their organizations' successes while Nagy-Koechlin presented a report about different types of CDC collaboration. 

Several other Forum inspired projects have also been moving forward this fall. The Legislature's Joint Committee on Community Development has voted to favorably report out a bill to update the CDC enabling law. The proposal which was originally developed during Phase 1 of the Innovation Forum is gaining support with legislative leaders and we are hopeful that it could be voted on in the House soon. MACDC has also begun convening a Community Building practice group comprised of CDC leaders interested in expanding their efforts in this arena, and we are rolling out a series of trainings with the King Institute on this subject. LISC has also been working to strengthen such efforts by exploring opportunities for bringing LISC's National Sustainable Communities program to Boston.  There are also numerous conversations going on throughout Greater Boston about opportunities for how CDCs can more sustainably advance real estate development agendas through new collaborations, expanded service areas, and shared infrastructure. 
 
The Forum has also begun to gain significant national attention. Carl Nagy Koechlin was invited to speak at the Surdna Foundation annual grantee conference about the work of the Forum and Joe Kriesberg has received similar requests from colleagues in New Hampshire, New Jersey, Minneapolis, New York City and Connecticut. Many other CDC associations around the country are considering launching similar efforts in their states.

 

Mel King Institute for Community Building

The Mel King Institute for Community Building co-sponsored two trainings with MHP this spring on "Creating a Development Pipeline."  This two day course was led by Viva Consulting and offered in Sturbridge and Boston.  For a list of upcoming trainings in the area, or to post your events please see the calendar.

The Mel King Institute is now offering scholarships to MACDC members, board and staff.

 

Alliance: Advancing Community Development by Confronting Racism

Leaders as Active Bystanders in Professional Relationships

 
Please join us for a celebration of the mentoring program and an interactive discussion exploring Bystander Awareness and Action presented by Maureen Scully, UMass Boston.
 
The Boston Foundation, Thursday, December 17, 2009 from 9:30am-12pm
To RSVP click here to register online. 

 

Save The Date

MACDC LOBBY DAY
Massachusetts State House
April 6, 2009

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Network Opportunities - Get Connected!

MACDC Practitioner peer groups meet regularly to network, build relationships, and share their expertise. To join a peer group or email distribution list, please contact the appropriate staff member.

Housing and Real Estate Development - will meet on October 8, 2009 from 10am-12pm at MACDC. For more information, please contact Don Bianchi.

Organizers Network - meets on September 16 from 9:30am-12pm at the Julia Martin House, 90 Bickford Street, Jamaica Plain - two blocks from the Jackson Square T stop. Contact Pam Bender if you are interested in this group.

Small Business - will meet on September 15, 2009 from 2-4pm at MACDC. Call-in number is also available. Please contact Joe Kriesberg for more information.

The Alliance - Advancing Community Development by Confronting Racism - is holding its quarterly meeting on October 6, 2009 at Boston Private Bank from 9:30-11:30am. Keynote Speaker: Tyra Sydberry, Director of TSNE's Diversity and Inclusion program, will join us and share her insights on the ongoing diversity work happening locally in nonprofits. We will also highlight resources for anti-racism, diversity and inclusion strategies for your organization. For more information, please contact Shirronda Almeida.

 

Mel King Institute for Community Building

The Community Development Innovation Forum Presents
"Telling Our Story: Building Support for Building Better Places"
September 17, 2009 : 9am - 1:30pm
Plymouth Church in Framingham, 85 Edgell Road, Framingham, MA 01701

Join us at the first of four quarterly gatherings to be held during Phase 2 of the Innovation Forum. The session will follow up on one of the key recommendations to emerge from Phase 1: that the Community Development Sector needs to be much more effective about telling our story in the context of today's economic and social environment.

Action Media will present a workshop on how to effectively communicate about our field and our work and give attendees an opportunity to begin applying those tools to their current work. Action Media, a nationally-known organization with deep expertise in values-based messaging and how to apply those tools to the housing and community development sector.

Training Registration Link

Please contact Allison Staton at MACDC if you have any questions about the September 17th session.

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Project Managers Seminar
led by Henry Joseph

This seminar will provide CDC project managers with an opportunity to develop their knowledge of real estate development and their project planning and problem-solving skills in a manner that draws on the knowledge and experience of their peers, as well as the seminar leader. The seminar will meet once a month, for four hours, over six months.

The application deadline is September 28, 209. Please contact Kristin Blum at LISC for an application or more information.

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For a list of upcoming trainings in the area, or to post your trainings please see the calendar.

 

Benefits - Saving Members Money!

Please contact Shirronda Almeida for more information on these benefits.

TANGO - MACDC members are now a part of TANGO, The Alliance for Non-Proft Growth and Opportunity, which offers a range of professional services at a great value. Non-profits tap into the collective clout, expert insight, and management resources at rates ordinarily beyond the reach of individual organizations. Together, members can collaborate with other non-profits while benefitting from negotiated employee benefit plans, receive discounted consulting, and business services.

Join us on September 23, at 10am for an MACDC Member Webinar on TANGO benefits. RSVP with Shirronda Almeida.

BU Metropolitan College - MACDC is now a Preferred Educational Partner with Boston University's Met College, a fully-accredited, highly-ranked institution whose purpose is to serve the educational needs of working professionals. The College is well known for its exceptional programs and convenient study venues - from the Boston and Chelmsford campuses to desktops online.

MACDC Members are eligible for a 5% tuition discount each semester and may choose from undergraduate, graduate and certificate programs at Boston University's Metropolitan College. Check out our webpage by clicking here.

Professional Education Scholarships - The Mel King Institute for Community Building recognizes the importance of supporting the professional development of our field and contributing to the growth of individual practitioners, volunteer board members, as well as organizations. Professional Education Scholarships help defray registration or tuition expenses for community development staff and board members allowing them to participate in courses or trainings, locally and nationally.

To apply, candidates must be a full member of MACDC or a board member for a member CDC. Scholarships will be offered from $150 to $500. Scholarships cannot be more that 75% of cost to attend. Click here for more information and the application form.

Hiring? Looking for an intern? - Post your job and other opportunities on MACDC.org! Send your postings to Rosa Nin.

Group Sponsored Insurance Program - MACDC offers our members a group sponsored insurance program, through Mazonson, Inc. which provides specialized property and casualty insurance products at a discounted price. This program offers a full range of insurance products. Please contact Mark Baily to learn how your organization can save!

 

MACDC Annual Meeting - October 29, 2009

On Thursday, October 29th all of MACDC's members can come together to network, learn and celebrate at Holy Cross College in Worcester.

We will have interactive plenary sessions where you can learn about the innovations and accomplishments of your peers, small group sessions in which you can discuss key issues and we will present our annual awards to leaders and rising stars of the field. Just click on this link to register.

Contact Pam Bender for more information.

 

MACDC Campaign for Our Neighborhoods Update

Most State House activity slows during August so we are now gearing up for increased efforts to promote our various campaign initiatives. Coming on the heels of the unanimous Senate vote in July for the "Expiring Use" bill (An Act Preserving Publicly Assisted Affordable Housing), MACDC is working with our member and with CHAPA, Boston Tenants Coalition, Mass Senior Action Council and others to ensure the bill is taken up for a vote by the House. In addition we await committee action on the Foreclosure bill (An Act Relative to Stabilizing Communities) and our two bills focusing on the CDC field (An Act to Strengthen Community Development in the Commonwealth and An Act to Create the Community Development Partnership Program).

For more information on the Campaign or MACDC's policy work, please contact Allison Staton.

 

MACDC Community Development Awards - Appreciating Leaders

Acknowledge and appreciate staff, board members, and allies who work tirelessly on revitalizing your neighborhoods.

2009 MACDC Community Development Awards - MACDC is now seeking nominations from members for our annual Community Development Awards. The awards will be presented at MACDC's Annual Member Meeting on Thursday, October 29, 2009, at Holy Cross in Worcester.

Deadline for nominations: September 15, 2009

Community Leadership Award - Want to honor an outgoing board chair or outstanding leader in your organization? Consider presenting someone with a Community Leadership Award at your next Annual Meeting or gala event!

If you would like to honor a leader in your community at a local event, please contact Shirronda Almeida 4-6 weeks prior to your event. An MACDC staff member will come and present this award, celebrating your community leader. Recipients will be listed in MACDC's Newsletter which is distributed locally and nationally.

 

Strategic Planning

MACDC recently established a Strategic Planning Committee to help the organization develop a strategic plan for the next three years. The Committee will be in touch with the membership in the coming weeks and we will also be discussing the plan at our upcoming Annual Membership Meeting on October 29 in Worcester.

At the Committee's first meeting this summer, we identified four areas where we think it makes sense to focus our attention:

1. How should MACDC balance its role as an association of members and its role as an organization trying to promote and strengthen community development in the state?
2. Should MACDC significantly expand its role sponsoring research, including more research on the impact/success of the field, best practices, scholarly research as well as action research, etc.
3. Should MACDC become more actively involved in directly supporting CDC programs, projects and operations either through pass-thru funding or by developing operational infrastructure that members can access?
4. Should we update our current mission, vision statement and core values statement to see if they need updating.

The committee members: Richard Thal (JPNDC), Jess Andors (LCW), Charles Ruck (Springfield NHS), Ann Houston (Chelsea ND), Steve Laferriere (WATCH), Emily Rosenbaum (CBA), Loni Willey (Women's Institute), Corinne Williams (CEDC-SM), Marcia Thornhill (Nuestra Comunidad), Mullen Sawyer (Oak Hill), Joe Kriesberg, Allison Staton, Shirronda Almeida.

Contact Joe Kriesberg if you have questions or ideas that you would like to share.

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It has been a tremendous time for MACDC's Campaign for Our Neighborhoods.  While the news for the FY10 State Budget has generally been bleak, MACDC's budget priorities were included: 

• The Small Business Technical Assistance Grant Program was funded through Outside Section 129 which requires the Massachusetts Development Finance Authority to fund the program.
• The Foreclosure Counseling Grant Program language was included in the budget (line item 7006-0011) directing the Division of Banks to use some of the funds it is already collecting from mortgage licensing fees towards community based counseling.
• The Get The Lead Out (GTLO) Program received the $4 million funding transfer from the Septic Loan Repair program in Outside Section 131. 

Unfortunately, the Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP) (line item 7004-9024) was cut to just $32.5 million ($29.997 million in appropriations and $2.5 million in  MassHousing funds, $3 million less than FY '09 expenditures.   This could mean that up to 500 households will lose rental subsidies in FY10.

 

Western MA CDCs Enlist Commonwealth Corps Volunteers

Members of the Western Massachusetts Community Development Collaborative (WMCDC) are completing a successful year of utilizing the assistance of twelve dedicated Commonwealth Corps Volunteers.  WMCDC is a collaboration of CDCs in the four Western Massachusetts counties, who meet regularly, share information and resources, and collaborate on initiatives of mutual interest.  Funding for the volunteers was awarded to the Western MA CDCs last summer by the Massachusetts Service Alliance (MSA).

Six CDCs, led by Quaboag Valley CDC and its Executive Director, Susan Rutherford, collectively utilized 12 full-and part-time stipended Volunteers, selected through each CDC's individual outreach.  The other CDCs involved in this effort are Springfield Neighborhood Housing Services, Hilltown CDC, Franklin County CDC, Valley CDC, and Solutions CDC (with Solutions CDC since having merged with Nuestras Raices of Holyoke).  While each CDC utilized its volunteers to match its particular needs, all were engaged as "Publicity Assistants", whose primary role was to provide outreach and information on the good work being done by the CDCs, and to seek out new community volunteers for the CDCs.

 

Community Development Innovation Forum
Phase 2 Begins with Numerous Projects Already Underway

The Massachusetts Community Development Innovation Forum launched its second phase this month as numerous projects initiated during phase one began to gain momentum. The Forum is a partnership of MACDC and the Boston office of the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) created in 2008 with the purpose of engaging a robust and thoughtful process that advances innovative practices in the community development field. Phase one concluded with an event in April (see prior newsletter) and the completion of several research projects and policy recommendations.  Phase two is now well underway with Forum participants actively engaged in several new projects and different agencies taking a leadership role to ensure those projects move forward.
 
Working groups and project teams are now focusing on the following topics and projects:

• A research study on the financial health of the CDC sector;
• A research project to determine the viability of creating a new entity that could provided shared real estate development capacity for multiple CDCs;
• A stakeholder group that is working to support CDCs during these challenging economic times and ensure that the sector emerges from the current crisis in a position to be successful for years to come;
• A research project on models for deeper collaboration among CDCs;
• A practice group for CDC professionals engaged in broad community change and community building efforts;
• A training program to educate and train all members of the sector on how we can more effectively communicate about our work and gain the support we need to succeed; and
• An effort to institute policy reforms that will make the affordable housing and real estate development finance system more supportive of long term community development goals and outcomes.

The Forum will also convene quarterly Innovation Forums that will provide opportunities for working groups to report back on progress made, and allow for an in-depth discussion on a particular topic. The first of these four gatherings will be September 17, 2009 and will focus on how we can adopt more effective communications strategies. Action Media, a renowned national organization with significant experience in this work, will be leading the workshop and discussion.

 

MACDC Attends National Summit on Future of Community Development

MACDC President Joseph Kriesberg and Board Member Jeanne Pinado (Executive Director at Madison Park DC) attended a National Summit on the Future of the Community Development field in Arlington, VA last month. The event was sponsored by the major national community development organizations and assembled 35 of the leading practitioners in the field to discuss strategies for ensuring that the field survives the current economic crisis and emerges financially strong and ready to rebuild our neighborhoods and communities. The two day meeting focused on developing both new policy proposals for the federal government as well as innovative ways to better support local CDCs and CDFIs. The sponsoring organizations plan to convene additional meetings and take up implementation actions in the coming weeks.  The Massachusetts Community Development Innovation Forum was frequently cited during those meetings as a model for how the field can proactively address the challenges we face.

 

Mel King Institute for Community Building

The Mel King Institute for Community Building co-sponsored two trainings with MHP this spring on "Creating a Development Pipeline."  This two day course was led by Viva Consulting and offered in Sturbridge and Boston.  For a list of upcoming trainings in the area, or to post your events please see the calendar.

The Mel King Institute is now offering scholarships to MACDC members, board and staff.

 

2009 MACDC Community Development Awards

MACDC is now seeking nominations from members for our annual Community Development Awards. This is a great way for our members to acknowledge and appreciate their staff, leaders, board members, and allies who work with CDC's tirelessly in revitalizing your neighborhoods.  The awards will be presented at MACDC's Annual Member meeting on Thursday, October 29, 2009, at Holy Cross in Worcester.

Deadline for nominations: September 15, 2009

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MACDC's state campaign continues to move forward in the State House. This spring, both the House and Senate have developed their versions of the FY10 budget. In April, the House partially funded the Small Business Technical Assistance Grant Program at over $710,000. The Senate included an outside section that would require Mass Development to fund the program at $1 million. In light of the state's fiscal crisis, it was a significant victory to have the program in the budget at all. In addition, MACDC led efforts to pass an amendment in both the House and Senate to permit a funding transfer to the Get the Lead Out loan program and a second amendment to restore language authorizing use of the mortgage licensing fees for foreclosure prevention counseling which was created by the Foreclosure Prevention Law of 2006. MACDC was also part of a coalition of housing advocates that successfully restored funding for MRVP in the House and partial funding in the Senate.

Next for the budget is reconciling the differences between the House and Senate budgets. The conference committee budget is expected to be released in mid-June.

In early May, Southwest Boston CDC Executive Director Mike Feloney testified for MACDC before the Joint Committee on Housing in support of S. 666/H. 3573 An Act Preserving Publicly Assisted Affordable Housing.

He also submitted written testimony from NOAH, Valley CDC and Somerville CDC. Other CDC directors attended the hearing to show their support for this bill that would, as Felony wrote "dramatically change the terms under which community-based, nonprofit developers operate, by providing - among other things - critical leverage."

On May 19th the foreclosure bill, H. 3571/S. 1379 An Act to Stabilize Neighborhoods, was heard before the Joint Committee on Housing. Juan Bonilla from Lawrence Community Works testified on behalf of MACDC. He noted in his testimony that "in many communities across the State, much of the investment and revitalization gains experienced in [Lawrence] over the past decade are being threatened by the onslaught of foreclosures." He noted the provisions in the bill would help give Lawrence and the rest of the Commonwealth tools to address foreclosures.

For additional information about any part of MACDC's Campaign for Our Neighborhoods or advocacy efforts in general, please contact Allison Staton or Pam Bender.

 

Community Development Innovation Forum Wraps Up Phase 1 Work - Phase 2 Set to Begin

More than 70 Community Development leaders from across the state came together on April 15 to attend the final Phase 1 working session of the Massachusetts Community Development Innovation Forum.

The event at the Boston Foundation provided an opportunity for people to hear reports from each of the five working groups established last June and to discuss recommendations for specific projects and initiatives being proposed for Phase 2. The Forum is a sector-wide effort to critically examine the models and practices used by the community development field and to explore how they need to change or evolve to meet new challenges and opportunities in today's environment. Phase 2 will provide an opportunity to accelerate the innovative work being done to:

• Enhance the financial stability and long-term viability of community based development organizations through reforms to the real estate development finance system as well as changes in CDC business and operational models.
• Seize exciting new opportunities through deeper and longer term collaborations, partnerships and potentially mergers.
• Undertake and sustain comprehensive community building initiatives that leverage partnerships and networks to impact broader community change.
• More effectively communicate about the community development movement to diverse audiences, including policy makers, funders, investors, media, and local neighborhood residents.
• Promote and support "disruptive innovations" at the local, regional and statewide level that have the potential to significantly increase the field's impact and long term sustainability...

To continue reading, please click here.

 

Event Honors Mel King and Launches Institute for Community Building

Community Developers from throughout the state came together on May 20th to honor Mel King and celebrate the launch of the new Mel King Institute for Community Building. The King Institute is a new program created by MACDC, LISC and other public and private partners to advance the skills, knowledge and leadership ability of community development professionals and volunteer leaders in Massachusetts. The Celebration held at the Villa Victoria Center for the Arts was fun, inspiring and full of people representing all aspects of the community development movement who came together to both officially inaugurate the Mel King Institute for Community Building and to honor Mel King for his years of service to the community. MACDC wishes to thank everyone who participated in the event, in particular Chuck Grisby, our Founding Committee Chairperson, Rep. Byron Rushing, our master of ceremonies, and the Boston Children's Chorus and Foxx and Idrees who provided entertainment. We also extend our appreciation to our sponsors.

Click here for more on the Institute and to view the photo gallery.

 

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At the start of the 2009-2010 Legislative session, over 200 community development leaders convened at the State House at MACDC's 16th Annual Lobby Day. On March 24th MACDC's members and allies came together to meet with over 25 legislators and legislative aides about The Campaign for Our Neighborhoods.

MACDC staff provided two briefings on The Campaign for Our Neighborhoods so that both community leaders and legislators could learn about the legislation it includes that will protect tenants living in foreclosed properties, preserve and build affordable rental housing, assist locally-owned small businesses and strengthen community-based development in our neighborhoods. Hattie Plehn, a board member of Hilltown CDC in Chesterfield spoke about the crucial services the CDC provides to her rural community. Rep. Steven Walsh, of Lynn, reminded everyone of the impact they can have by meeting with legislators. One of the participants told us Lobby Day "is a great opportunity to showcase the presence and importance of CDC's around the state and to learn what others are doing."

 

Campaign for Our Neighborhood Update

Last week the House Ways and Means Committee released its version of the FY10 state budget and the Small Business Technical Assistance Grant program (line item 7007-0334) was funded at $710,086. While considerably less than needed, this is a success considering the current budget.

However, several important items were not funded and MACDC is fully behind restoring these programs:

• Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP) funding was cut almost in half to $18 million (line item 7004-9024). This proposed cut would eliminate housing assistance for between 2,500-2,900 families, elders and persons with disabilities.
• Get The Lead Out (GTLO) needed language (not new money) in the budget to allow the Governor to transfer funds from one program to GTLO.
• Foreclosure Counseling Grant Program was eliminated from the budget (line item 7006-0011). This is not new money but language authorizing use of the Mortgage Licensing Fees for community-based counseling.
• In addition, two of MACDC's bills have public hearings scheduled at the State House before the Joint Committee on Housing:
  • An Act to Preserve Publicly Assisted Affordable Housing (S. 666 and H. 3573) will be heard on Tuesday, May 5.
  • An Act Relative to Stabilizing Communities (H. 3571/H. 3692 & S. 1379) will be heard on Tuesday, May 19.

Please contact Pam Bender or Allison Staton for additional information about MACDC's Campaign for Our Neighborhoods.

 

MACDC at NACEDA Summit in Washington, D.C.

MACDC Board Chair Richard Thal and Policy Committee co-chair Danny LeBlanc attended the Third Annual National Alliance of Community Economic Development Associations (NACEDA) Summit in Washington, D.C. with Joe Kriesberg and Allison Staton. It was a different city from last year's conference with all the excitement from the new administration. The Secretary of Agriculture Toma Vilsack spoke to the conferees as did Senator Jack Reed (D-RI). It is clear that NACEDA is building momentum and MACDC is playing a key role in its growth.

Joe moderated the panel "Housing and Community Development in the Obama Administration" with Xavier de Sousa Briggs, formerly at MIT and now the Associate Director of Housing Office of Management and Budget, as the featured speaker. Allison presented MACDC's Donuts with Your Delegation initiative during a session on state-based advocacy efforts. Several other state associations commented that they planned to help their member CDCs host local Donuts meetings next year.

In addition, the MACDC team visited Capitol Hill for meetings with the Massachusetts congressional delegation. The group spoke with both Congressman Olver and Congressman Lynch and met with the staff of five legislators including the staff of Congressman Frank's Financial Services committee. In all of these meetings, MACDC stressed the importance of supporting the core capacity needs of CDCs, fully funding the National Housing Trust Fund and passing the CRA Modernization Act.

For more information about MACDC's visit to Washington, D.C. please contact Allison Staton.

 

MACDC Members Well Represented in DHCD Funding Awards

The Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) recently announced its Affordable Rental Housing Awards, $108 million to 39 projects statewide. Despite the immense financial challenges, and major disruptions in the tax credit market, MACDC members received 12 of the 39 awards, which will create 326 affordable rental units statewide. One of MACDC's newest members (and our neighbors in our new office building), the Women's Institute for Housing and Economic Development, received awards for two projects.

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 MACDC staff members Pam Bender and Allison Staton joined Twin City staff and board members and Fitchburg community leaders for a Legislative Learning Session in early February. Participants learned about the legislative and budget process, talked about ways to engage legislators and ended with a mock State House hearing. Several participants became instant Senators or Representatives and one even became the Governor! More than one participant commented that this made advocacy more fun and that they looked forward to going to the State House for MACDC's Lobby Day.

Other Legislative Learning Sessions are scheduled in Worcester on March 10th and in Lowell on March 18th. For more information about these sessions or holding one in your community, please contact Pam Bender.

 

MACDC Lobby Day 2009!

Over 200 community economic development leaders from across Massachusetts will convene at the State House for MACDC's Lobby Day on Tuesday, March 24th to advocate for MACDC's Save Our Neighborhoods campaign. MACDC's Lobby Day is an opportunity for the community economic development movement to show its strength and advance MACDC's legislative agenda through meetings with legislators and exhibiting information about CDC's work in the Great Hall of the State House.

We hope you will come to the Great Hall to network with staff, board and community members from community economic development organizations from every part of the state and learn more about the Save Our Neighborhoods campaign.

 

Campaign for Our Neighborhoods is Off and Running!

In January and early February, MACDC members reached out to their Representatives and Senators to support the Campaign for Our Neighborhoods. The Campaign addresses affordable rental housing, foreclosures and the tools and resources necessary for CDCs to effectively work in communities. Four bills needed co-sponsorship and over 60 Representatives and Senators signed on to at least one of our bills. Franklin County CDC and Somerville CDC were able to get their State Senators to sign on to all four bills while Franklin County, Oak Hill CDC and Quabog Valley CDC were able to get their State Representatives to sign on to all four bills.

The new computer system at the State House continues to have some technical difficulties so the bills with the complete sponsorship lists are not posted online. When they are we will have links at the MACDC website. In the meantime, the general overview about the Campaign for Our Neighborhoods can be found at our website.

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MACDC is pleased to present to you our first online annual report, Moving Communities Forward. The Annual Report allows readers to offer comments to each section of the report, similar to blogs, and provides website links so readers can easily obtain even more information about our work and its impact on local communities.  Our hope is that this document will be a place for on going dialogue about community development in Massachusetts.
 
What gives us the most pride is the important work that MACDC and its members do to build and sustain communities so low and moderate income people can have access to opportunity and fulfillment. While the economy struggles, we have been successful at helping to prevent and avoid foreclosures and at putting in place the policies and programs needed to rebuild our neighborhoods. You can read all about it in our annual report.
 
In addition, the economy poses new challenges for MACDC. Like all non profits we are struggling to sustain our efforts in the face of declining resources and increased need. We would like to ask you - our friends and supporters - to consider making a special end-of-the-year donation to MACDC.  You can do so quickly and efficiently by clicking here or by sending a donation to MACDC, 89 South Street, Boston, MA 02111.  We would appreciate contributions of any size, including personal and business donations.
 
Thank you again for your support and partnership. We wish all of you a wonderful holiday season and a very happy New Year!"

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The Community Development Movement in Massachusetts demonstrated its vibrancy, diversity, energy and power on Saturday, November 15 when more than 700 people crowded into the Westin Seaport Hotel in South Boston for the 4th Biennial MACDC Convention. Attendees were able to celebrate our individual and collective achievements over the past year, honor outstanding individuals in our field, learn new information and skills in seven different workshops, connect with peers from across the state, learn about MACDC's new Campaign for Our Neighborhoods and participate in our Foreclosure Forum with Congressman Barney Frank. See photos of the convention by clicking here.

This year's convention was similar to those in the past with a diverse gathering of CDC practitioners, board members, volunteers, residents and youth members, as well as many allies from the non-profit, government and corporate sector. Some of this year's highlights included: youth from Lawrence Community Works and Oak Hill CDC who entertained the crowd with spectacular dance performances, the MACDC Member Roll Call - a popular MACDC convention tradition - during which every member organization is able to highlight one recent accomplishments

Award presentations to Tina Brooks, the Commonwealth's Undersecretary for Housing and Community Development, Mazonson Insurance, Inc., and several outstanding individuals from member organizations. Seven outstanding workshops on a wide array of topics. Stories from community residents about the challenges that they face and the ways that CDCs are helping to provide economic opportunity and hope to their communities. The launch of MACDC's new Campaign for Our Neighborhoods - a two year policy campaign to stem the economic pain in our communities and ensure an equitable and sustainable recovery for our residents and our neighborhoods. The release of MACDC's Mortgage Industry Report Card which grades large mortgage service companies in Massachusetts based on their responsiveness to homeowners facing foreclosure. A Forum on the Foreclosure Crisis with Congressman Barney Frank, Chairman of the House Financial Services Committee.

The Convention was made possible by the generous support of our many sponsors in particular our leadership sponsors, State Street Corporation and LISC, and our Major Sponsors, Citi, Boston Private Bank, and Sovereign Bank. MACDC also thanks the Westin Hotel for accommodating us on short notice when we decided to cancel our reservation at the South Boston Convention Center in order to honor a boycott sponsored by the SEIU on behalf of the food service workers at Aramark who are negotiating for a better contract. Finally, the Convention could not have happened without the help of numerous volunteers from our member organizations and other friends. Click here to see the list of volunteers.

 

MACDC Launches Campaign for Our Neighborhoods

Massachusetts, like the entire country, is facing a serious economic crisis. While this crisis impacts everyone, it is having a disproportionate impact on low and moderate income neighborhoods and families. These communities, which include urban, rural and suburban areas of the state, are experiencing the highest rates of foreclosure, the steepest drops in home values, the highest rates of unemployment and neighborhood decline, the worse displacement, and the greatest obstacles to safe and affordable housing. In response, MACDC launched the Campaign for Our Neighborhoods, at the MACDC Convention on November 15.

For more information on MACDC's Campaign for Our Neighborhoods or our legislative work in general, click here or contact Allison Staton at 617-426-0303 ext 24 or by email.

 

MACDC Hosts Foreclosure Forum with Congressman Barney Frank

The highlight of this year's MACDC Convention was a Forum on the Foreclosure Crisis with Congressman Barney Frank. Rep. Frank is the Chair of the powerful House Financial Services Committee and has been the leading champion in Washington on behalf of homeowners, tenants and neighborhoods impacted by the foreclosure crisis.

Rep. Frank talked about the current efforts in Congress and within the Bush Administration to contain the financial crisis and begin addressing the foreclosure issue. He criticized the Bush Administration for failing to tackle the foreclosure crisis directly and expressed confidence that the incoming Obama Administration would be more pro-active. He voiced his support for a proposal by the FDIC (also endorsed by MACDC) that would enable servicers to modify large numbers of loans quickly and efficiently in order to avoid unnecessary foreclosures and restore balance to the housing market. Read more...

For the results of the Mortgage Industry Report Card, click here.

 

MACDC Presents Rising Star Awards

This year, MACDC's "Rising Star Awards" were presented to Emily Loomis, Chelsea ND; Joanna Ain, Housing Corp of Arlington; Evelyn St. Hilaire, Arlington Community Trabajando; Alex Zhang, Asian CDC and Luz Colon, Madison Park DC. Congratulations. Click here for photos.

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Do you want to learn more about community development? Or have you been active in the community development movement for a long time and want to learn something new about it? Do you serve on the board of a community development organization and want to be a more effective board member? Or are you a CDC staff member who would like to know how to ensure your organization is diverse?

Then one of the seven workshops offered at the November 15th convention at the Westin Boston Waterfront Hotel in South Boston is for you. We have designed the following participatory workshops that address real issues facing community activists, CDC staff and board members of all ages and levels of experience: · Best Practices for CDC Board Members · Advocating for change! · Sustainable Community Development: Issues & Approaches · Youth in Community Development: Leaders Revitalizing Communities · Dealing with foreclosures in your community · Community Development Innovations · Race in Recruiting, Hiring, Retention & Advancement.

We invite everyone to attend the convention, learn something new and share your own experience and skills in one of our workshops. Register for the convention through your local CDC or on our website. Some of the things that MACDC and the Task Force are currently working on include: support for aggressive action to secure properties that have been foreclosed upon and often neglected by lenders, a centralized, online data source for non profits, cities and others to obtain comprehensive information about foreclosed properties in their neighborhoods, more efficient and effective access to the decision makers within these institutions so non profits can buy foreclosed properties at a reasonable price and in a reasonable time frame, adequate subsidy funding to ensure that the properties are renovated, and support for the nonprofit organizations that play such a crucial role in this effort. For more information on this effort, contact Don Bianchi.

 

MACDC Announces 2008 Community Development Awards

We are pleased to present the recipients of this year's Community Development Awards. The awards will be presented at our Convention on November 15, 2008. For more on the awards and previous recipients, visit our archives.

1. The Richard Smith Award is presented to a CDC staff person or board member who exemplifies outstanding commitment, leadership and achievement.
   • Susan Rutherford, Executive Director, Quaboag Valley CDC
2. The Ricanne Hadrian Award is presented to a CDC project manager or organizer who meaningfully engages local residents in building economically and racially just communities.
   • Paul Hernandez, Community Organizer, Oak Hill CDC
3. Excellence in Community Development is presented to an individual or agency from the public sector that has provided exceptional support and leadership for the community development movement in Massachusetts
   • Tina Brooks, Undersecretary of Housing and Community Development
4. Jeffry Graham Award is presented to a person or organization from the private sector that has provided exceptional support and leadership for the community development movement in Massachusetts.
   • Mazonson Insurance LLC
5. Rising Star Awards are presented to CDC Directors, staff or board members, less than 40 years old, who have demonstrated outstanding innovation, leadership and achievement on behalf of the statewide movement. This year's Rising Stars are:
   • Emily Loomis, Project Manager, Chelsea ND
   • JoAnna Ain, Outreach Coordinator, Housing Corp. of Arlington
   • Luz Colon, Community Organizer, Madison Park DC
   • Alex Zhang, Community Organizer, Asian CDC
   • Evelyn Hilaire, Board Member, Arlington Community Trabajando (ACT)

Congratulations to all the awardees!

 

Congressman Barney Frank to Speak at MACDC Convention

Congressman Barney Frank, Chairman of the House Financial Services Committee, will speak at the MACDC Biennial Convention on November 15, 2008 as part of the Foreclosure Forum being held that day. Congressman Frank is playing a central role in shaping the Federal response to the Foreclosure Crisis impacting neighborhoods and communities across the country. As Chair of the House Financial Service Committee, he helped to write the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 which has provided over $55 million to Massachusetts to help us stabilize neighborhoods with large numbers of foreclosed properties and established the Hope for Homeownership program which is designed to help homeowners stay in their home. Congressman Frank will speak about what he thinks Congress and the new President will do in 2009 to address the ongoing foreclosure crisis.

The Foreclosure Forum at the MACDC Convention is scheduled to start after lunch and will include speakers from across the state who have been impacted by the crisis and who are doing something about it. The Forum will highlight what CDC's have been doing and can do to both keep people in their homes and address the destabilizing impact of foreclosed and abandoned homes in our neighborhoods. We will also call on the industry to be more responsive to these concerns and to adopt practices that will help homeowners, neighborhoods and the entire national economy. Everyone in Massachusetts who is concerned about this issue is encouraged to join us at 1:30pm for the Foreclosure Forum, even if you are not attending the entire convention. Please RSVP by mailing Pam Bender. The Convention will be held at the Westin Seaport Hotel in South Boston.

 

MACDC Strongly Opposes Question 1 on the Ballot

This would repeal the state income tax and have a disproportionate impact on low and moderate income households. Even with so much happening around us - ongoing foreclosures, global market meltdown, state budget cuts - there is a ballot measure that could have dire consequences for the health of our communities.

There is a web-based tool available at VoteNoQuestion1.com to assess what the impact would be on your city or town. For example, the City of Fitchburg would lose over $6 million in school funding alone. The City of Worcester would lose over $40 million in city funding not including school funding. Go to the map on the site, click your city or town and find out what the consequences would be if the income tax were repealed. MACDC strongly opposes Question 1 and asks that all CDCs alert their staff, board members and community leaders to the detrimental consequences. Please consider volunteering some time - either making calls to encourage folks to Vote No on Question 1 or help on Election Day - by contacting the appropriate Vote No on Question 1 field organizers.

Vote No on Question 1

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 On July 1, at an event hosted by Chelsea Neighborhood Developers (formerly Chelsea NHS), Governor Patrick announced the Neighborhood Stabilization Loan Fund, a $20 million initiative to spur the redevelopment of foreclosed properties that are currently de-stabilizing neighborhoods throughout Massachusetts. While any community experiencing high levels of foreclosure can apply, the program will initially be focused on seven cities (Boston, Brockton, Chelsea, Lawrence, New Bedford, Springfield and Worcester). Projects financed under this Program must be part of a municipally-supported strategic neighborhood development plan.

The Fund, administered by the Massachusetts Housing Investment Corporation (MHIC) in conjunction with the Massachusetts Housing Partnership (MHP) and DHCD, will provide $20 million in low interest and flexible loan funding, from public and private sources, to nonprofits and others. The Fund will provide two complementary financing products: (a) a short-term acquisition line of credit based primarily on the credit-worthiness of the borrower, to allow sponsors to quickly purchase properties at risk; and (b) interim financing for rehabilitation (including first mortgage loans and subsidy funds of up to $60,000/unit) to allow the properties to be resold to homebuyers or preserved as affordable rental housing. Inquiries should be directed to the Massachusetts Housing Investment Corporation.

The Neighborhood Stabilization Loan Fund is the first funding to be offered as a direct result of the work of the Foreclosed Properties Task Force. The Task Force was formed through the initiative of MACDC, CHAPA, and the Urban Land Institute, which hosted a forum on foreclosed properties in January that was a springboard for the Task Force. As a co-sponsor of the Task Force MACDC continues to advocate for a broad-based state initiative to reclaim foreclosed properties that are threatening our communities. Some of the things that MACDC and the Task Force are currently working on include: support for aggressive action to secure properties that have been foreclosed upon and often neglected by lenders, a centralized, online data source for nonprofits, cities and others to obtain comprehensive information about foreclosed properties in their neighborhoods, more efficient and effective access to the decision makers within these institutions so nonprofits can buy foreclosed properties at a reasonable price and in a reasonable time frame, adequate subsidy funding to ensure that the properties are renovated, and support for the nonprofit organizations that play such a crucial role in this effort. For more information on this effort, contact Don Bianchi.

 

MACDC Advocacy Succeeds: Division of Banks Issues Opinion Letter to Ease Licensing Burden on Nonprofits

In response to aggressive advocacy by MACDC, its members and allies, the Massachusetts Division of Banks (DOB) has issued an Opinion Letter clarifying how the new licensing provisions in the recently passed Foreclosure Prevention Law impact nonprofits. Nonprofit organizations that administer publicly funded programs are now exempt from the new licensing requirements; without this exemption nonprofits would have been subject to stringent and costly requirements relating to net worth, financial disclosure and bonding. The full text of the Opinion Letter can be accessed at the DOB website.

The exemption does not cover all loan programs run by MACDC members; certain types of mortgage lending (by nonprofit and for profits alike) are still covered by the new licensing requirements. However, the DOB recognized that essential publicly funded programs (such as lead paint abatement, home repair for low and moderate income households, septic repair, modifications to improve access to homes for people with disabilities, and down payment assistance programs) were not intended to be covered by the licensing provisions in the new law - and its Opinion Letter explicitly exempts such programs.

 

Several CDC Staff Employees from Around the State Graduate from IDCL

The Initiative for Diversity in Civic Leadership (An initiative that involves ¿Oíste?, Suffolk University and MassVOTE) is developing a new generation of leaders of color committed to public service to ensure a more representative democracy and diverse civic communities in Massachusetts.

On June 16, 2008, 27 talented men and women graduated from the IDCL 2008 program. Held at the State House, nearly 200 people gathered to honor the graduates for all their hard work and dedication over the 16 weeks of the program. Participants brought a wealth of experiences and skills from diverse sectors of the Greater Boston Community, including Roxbury, Cambridge, Worcester, Lynn and Watertown.

The graduates are: Prabal Chakrabarti, Board Director Asian CDC; Joseph Corazzini, Board Director Oak Hill CDC; Lang Le, Viet AID; and Rev. Teresa Walker, Office Manager MACDC who also received from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts an Official Citation from the State Senate signed by Senator Thomas McGee and from the House of Representatives signed by Representative Robert Fennell both whom serve the City of Lynn.

 

LIFT Campaign Coming at an End

With only days left before the legislative session ends, MACDC staff and members continue to work on the LIFT campaign. Earlier in July the final FY09 state budget included over $1.2 million for the Small Business Technical Assistance Grant Program. In the middle of the month the Senate unanimously passed the Expiring Use bill, and Act Preserving Publicly Assisted Affordable Housing (S. 2799). Many members have been calling their Representatives to ask for their support on behalf of the bill. We are hearing that Representatives are walking up to Housing Committee Chairman Kevin Honan and telling him they had heard from their CDCs and want to help with the bill.

Our August e-newsletter will include a full round-up of the LIFT Campaign. For more information on the campaign, please contact Allison Staton or call 617-426-0303 ext 24.

 

Mentoring

Are you thinking about advancing your career? Do you want to build your professional network? Become a mentee or mentor!

For Mentoring application, please click here.

 

Save the Date - MACDC 4th Biennial Convention!

MACDC is holding our 4th Biennial Convention on Saturday, November 15th at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center from 9am to 3pm. Two years ago 700 community economic development leaders came together to attend workshops, hear speakers and kick off MACDC's advocacy effort, the LIFT Campaign. The convention is a great opportunity to network, learn new skills and get energized. We hope to see you there.

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The new State foreclosure prevention law, championed by MACDC and enacted last November by the Legislature, is already having an impact on reducing foreclosures. According to a June 9 article in Banker & Tradesman, petitions to foreclose statewide dropped to 390 in May, the first time in over two years that fewer than 1,000 petitions to foreclose were filed in a given month. This reduction is directly attributable to the provision in the new law that requires that lenders give a 90-day notice and "right-to-cure" period for any mortgage default of an owner-occupant of a one to four family home.

This provision by itself does not solve the problem for homeowners in default; after 90 days, the lender can pursue foreclosure. However, this provision provides an additional 3 months for a homeowner to make payments to "cure" the default, requires the lender to notify the borrower who they can contact for additional information and assistance, and limits the additional fees that may be charged by lenders during this period.

Other sections of the law are also having an impact. The State's Division of Banks has awarded $2 million to nonprofit agencies around the state to support foreclosure prevention counseling. Households are required to receive independent third party counseling before receiving a subprime adjustable rate loan. And the Division of Banks will soon be issuing draft regulations for monitoring the performance of non- bank mortgage loan originators of 50 or more loans per year under the most comprehensive community reinvestment law in the nation. MACDC, in collaboration with our allies at the Massachusetts Affordable Housing Alliance, Citizens Housing and Planning Association, and the National Consumer Law Center know that much work remains to be done to address the foreclosure crisis, on many fronts. But we are encouraged that barely six months after its enactment, the new foreclosure prevention law that many of our members played such a key role in passing is having an impact- buying time and hope for communities.

 

The Weir Corporation Expands its Service Area

The Weir Corporation has a remarkable track record of achievements that have invigorated the economic development of Taunton's Weir Village. Since its foundation in 1979, the Weir Corporation has significantly improved the quality of life in Weir Village through commercial revitalization, increasing employment opportunities for low-income residents, promoting small businesses, developing affordable housing, and fostering neighborhood safety and health. Over the next six months, the community-based organization will broaden its scope to serve the entire city and Greater Taunton area. With the full support of the community and under a new name, the Neighborhood Corporation will reach out to all neighborhoods of the city and to 13 surrounding communities in southeastern MA. The Neighborhood Corporation is looking forward to developing strategic partnerships with community development offices across Greater Taunton and overcoming new challenges.

 

Lena Park CDC in the New York Times

We are used to opening the Boston Globe, the Worcester Telegram & Gazette or the Republican in Springfield and reading about the accomplishments of our members. But it is very rare, indeed, to read about a member of MACDC in the New York Times. So we were delighted to see an article about Lena Park CDC's Olmsted Green in the Real Estate section on the June 4th New York Times. E. Lorraine Baugh, President and CEO of Lena Park CDC said "Solomon McCown and Company, New Boston Fund's PR firm worked with the reporter at the Times for over a year. We've gotten a tremendous response from the article."

Olmsted Green is newsworthy though. It is being developed by Lena Park in partnership with New Boston Fund in the Dorchester, Roxbury and Mattapan neighborhoods and will have 153 units of affordable rental housing, 83 units of affordable senior housing and 287 market rate condos and apartments.

For the NY Times article, please click here.

 

Mentoring

Please join the Community Development Mentoring Program on, Thursday, June 19th, from 9:30-11am, 89 South St. Boston, for our Informational Session and Leadership Panel Discussion.

For the "Ready to Lead Study," click here.

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Shirronda Almeida, Director of Membership Initiatives

In late April, I was invited by the North Carolina Association of CDCs (NCACDC) to present The Alliance's new Recruitment, Hiring, Retention and Advancement Manual at a two-day conference on Succession Planning. The event was held in Winston-Salem, a former tobacco town now known as the "City of the Arts." My trip was a wonderful combination of learning, sharing and connecting with committed folks in the CED field. From learning about NCACDC's work, to gaining an understanding of the spectrum of issues that transition planning encompasses for an organization.

The summit opened with an inspirational and motivating address on the importance of organizational preparedness by Susan Perry Cole, the President and CEO of NCACDC. Then, Transition Guides led a workshop on the nuts and bolts of succession planning. The workshop provided the participants, mostly Board of Directors and Executive leaders, an overview of strategies and approaches to succession planning, managing organizational change and leadership development. I was asked to present on Expanding the Search for Talent: Linking Diversity to Return on Investment. This was a very dynamic and timely discussion for the participants, especially since the CDC association is exploring how to build relationships or bridges with new comer communities.

The second day featured an energized discussion of the Anne E. Casey article "The Next Shift" with a panel discussion from "the next generation" of leadership. The emerging leadership and seasoned leaders had an open and honest dialogue about how we can work together, support and learn from each other, while revitalizing our communities. The summit was inspiring and a great opportunity for me to share the accomplishments of The Alliance and MACDC. I was able to experience a sister CED association's approach to the current generational shift in leadership that our field and the non-profit sector as a whole is currently facing; as well as learn about tools for ensuring organizational sustainability.

 

Organizers Learning From Each Other

Having a focused conversation, a "one-on-one," with a community member is one of the most powerful tools a community organizer can use. As one-on-ones are time consuming and not designed to achieve an immediate outcome such as asking someone to join a committee or attend a meeting, this effective tool for building relationships is not used as often as it should. So the community organizers that MACDC convenes to network and learn from each other wanted to use one of their networking sessions to brush up and expand on their skills at using one-on-ones. Eight organizers reviewed basic "do's and don'ts" and then practiced by conducting one-on-ones with each other. The session ended with each participant identifying one way in which he or she could implement this practice in their work.

MACDC regularly convenes the organizers who work at our member groups. We have found that bringing together peers to share experiences and expertise is an effective way to support organizers. Future sessions will focus on combining organizing with real estate development and how to do issue organizing.

 

LIFT Campaign Continues to Move

On Thursday, May 29th, Governor Deval Patrick will sign the Housing Bond Bill into law at the Brian J. Honan Apartments. Developed and owned by the Allston-Brighton CDC, it is the perfect setting to sign into law one of the key parts of MACDC's LIFT Campaign. The new law will provide $1.275 in capital spending authorization to preserve and produce affordable housing for low and moderate income households. In addition it will include an increase to the state's housing bond cap to $200 million per year and maintain the Affordable Housing Trust Fund at $40 million annually. MACDC members all worked very hard to make this bill a law.

Another part of our housing advocacy is legislation to ensure that over 80,000 "expiring use" apartments remain affordable to the families and seniors who live in them. The bill was favorably released from the Joint Committee on Housing and now sits in the Senate Ways and Means Committee. MACDC is working in coalition to successfully move this bill through both branches. We encourage members to call their Senators and ask for their support on behalf of Senate 782, An Act to Preserve Publicly Assisted Housing.

 

Community Development Innovation Forum

In January 2007, Carl Nagy-Koechlin, the executive director of the Fenway CDC in Boston, was working with his staff and board of directors to address some of the serious challenges facing their organization and their neighborhood. With the neighborhood substantially revitalized, property values rising and little land available for development, the CDC was having trouble finding new real estate deals and was questioning its traditional role in the neighborhood. As a 34-year-old organization with 400 units of housing in its portfolio, this was unsettling to say the least. At the same time, the CDC was increasingly seeing private developers with more resources entering the neighborhood, while universities and hospitals in the area were seeking to expand. As Fenway CDC was about to embark on a strategic planning process, Carl called a couple of his colleagues to get together for a conversation - were other CDCs facing similar challenges or was Fenway CDC unique? One meeting led to another with new people joining the conversation each time and a number of themes and trends emerged that highlighted the dramatic change occurring in our field. Changes in real estate markets, public policy, private investment, philanthropy, the non-profit sector, generational leadership and other areas are forcing a major rethinking of the community development field and how it needs to evolve to meet the challenges and opportunities of today and the future.

After several months, these informal conversations and meetings suggested the need for a more intentional, inclusive and robust process to examine major changes in our environment and to develop strategies for response. Thus was born the Community Development Innovation Forum. The Community Development Innovation Forum is a one-year process sponsored by MACDC and LISC, and involving many other stakeholders, to examine where the community development field is now, to look deeply at the challenges facing the field, and to think about how we can be more effective in creating healthy communities. The Forum will convene stakeholders from the public, private, non-profit and academic sectors to challenge old orthodoxies and identify creating new opportunities. The Forum will be organized into several working groups that will explore specific issue areas and develop tangible recommendations for how the field can best move forward.

 

Regional EPA Environmental Award

On Earth Day, EPA awarded Dorchester Bay Economic Development Corporation with a Prestigious Regional EPA Environmental Award for improving access to public transportation, redeveloping brownfields, creating urban wilds and deleading homes. Instead of abandoning the inner city, the group works to restore economic vitality in north Dorchester consistent with Smart Growth principles. The corporation recently completed a $180,000 brownfields cleanup to create Dudley Village, which has 50 Energy Star units of affordable housing a quarter mile from a commuter rail station. The group also helped 53 families remove lead from 159 units of housing in the past decade and secured funding for trails at Geneva Cliffs. This non-profit is now in the process of creating a model green business and training center to support green job growth in Dorchester.

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MACDC has learned from several members that the state's lead abatement program, Get the Lead Out, could possibly close due to lack of funds as early as September, 2008. This important state program is administered by MassHousing and provides no- and low-interest loans to homeowners and building owners to remove lead paint from buildings.

While late in the budget process we are working with both the legislature and the administration to ensure this critical housing and public health program is fully supported. If you or your organization works with Get the Lead Out and would like to help in the advocacy efforts please contact Allison Staton at MACDC.

 

House Increases Funding for Small Business TA

Through the excellent work of CDCs around the state, 16 representatives co-sponsored an amendment to the House FY09 budget which increased the Small Business Technical Assistance Grant program (7007- 0334) up to $1.3 million.

We are now moving on to the Senate which releases its version of the budget the week of May 12th. If you are interested in supporting this program and do not get regular updates, please contact Allison Staton.

 

Other FY09 Budget Issues

In addition to working for full funding for the Small Business Technical Assistance Grant Program and the Get the Lead Out Program, MACDC is supporting several other initiatives in the FY09 budget.

1. Ensuring the Individual Development Account program (line item 7004-9317) is fully funded at $2,000,000, and
2. the Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP line item 7004-9024) receives $32,947,202 for FY09.

Please contact Allison Staton if you have any questions about these or other issues in the FY09 Budget.

 

Expiring Use Legislation Decision on 5/14

The Joint Committee on Housing will hold an executive session on Wednesday, May 14th to consider the Expiring Use legislation. There have been many meetings between different constituents to come up with compromise legislation.

MACDC has been playing a leading role in the crafting of this legislation which will focus on (1) requiring owners of such buildings to provide detailed information to tenants and public agencies two years prior to termination and (2) providing the state with a Right of First Refusal to buy the properties at full market value for the purpose of preserving affordability. If the Committee reports out a solid bill, the legislation will still require a vote in the full House and the full Senate before July 31 and the Governor would need to sign it.

We will provide an update next week when a bill is released by the Housing Committee.

 

Housing Bond Bill Awaiting Final Approval

The Housing Bond Bill is waiting for the House and Senate to reconcile the differences between two versions. The primary difference between the House (H. 4594) and Senate (S. 2591) versions are the Senate includes an amendment regarding prevailing wage for certain projects.

 

MACDC's 4th Biennial Convention

Saturday, November 15, 2008, MACDC will host its 4th Biennial Convention at the South Boston Convention Center. Please join us for a day of celebrating our successes, learning from each other and moving forward as our work evolves.

If you have an idea for a workshop, please contact Pam Bender for more information.

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For the second consecutive year, Governor Deval Patrick spoke at MACDC's Lobby Day on March 27th. In addition to the Governor, Senator Sue Tucker, the Senate Chair of the Housing Committee and Joe Corazzini, board member of Oak Hill CDC in Worcester spoke. All three encouraged the 300 people in the Great Hall who had come to meet with their legislators about MACDC's LIFT Campaign. (Can we insert a link here to the LIFT fact sheets?)

After speaking to the standing-room-only crowd in the Great Hall Governor Patrick lingered to look at displays of MACDC's member groups and meet a number of community leaders. Over lunch member organizations' staff, board and community members from 36 organizations networked while looking at over 20 displays about the community economic development work of organizations from Northampton to Lower Cape Cod.

 

MACDC Visits Congress on Behalf of MA Communities

As the cherry blossoms bloomed, MACDC Board members and staff where in Washington DC to visit the Massachusetts congressional delegation and attend the National Alliance of Community Economic Development Associations annual meeting. Board President Richard Thal and board member Danny LeBlanc joined staff members Joe Kriesberg, Shirronda Almeida and Allison Staton for seven meetings with congressional staff and the Governor's Deputy Director of Federal-State Relations. The meetings covered a range of issues including impending national foreclosure legislation, the importance of CDBG and HOME.

For more information about MACDC's visit to Washington DC, please contact Allison Staton or call 617-426-0303 ext 24.

 

MACDC Plays Key Role in Foreclosed Properties Task Force

The active role MACDC and its members are playing in helping families and communities across the State deal with the foreclosure crisis takes many forms: our successful advocacy for passage of a strong State foreclosure prevention law, the counseling provided by many of our members to families to help them avoid foreclosure, and the work we are doing to help communities address the devastating effects that the wave of foreclosures is having on them. Our collective work to address the impact communities are facing has led to the formation of The Foreclosed Properties Task Force. The Task Force, which includes our allies in the nonprofit, for profit, state and local government sectors, is charged with accomplishing the following by this summer: creating a network of programs, policies, products and best practices to enable local entities to implement local strategies to promote neighborhood stabilization and minimize displacement of existing occupants through the sound disposition of properties that are in foreclosure, or at- risk of foreclosure.

 

Staff Changes at MACDC

MACDC wants to extend its best wishes to Chris Harris who has left MACDC to join the Bank of New York/Mellon as a community development officer. Chris provided dynamic leadership to MACDC's small business development agenda, helping to secure $750,000 in state funding for small business technical assistance and ably staffing our Small Business Peer Group. Just prior to leaving, Chris also completed the survey research for our GOALs Initiative in record time by doggedly following up with our members as they completed the on-line survey of their community development work. Our GOALs Initiative Report will be published shortly thanks to his great effort.

As Chris begins his new job, we have begun searching for someone to serve as our Senior Policy Advocate for Economic Development. You can see the posting for that job by visiting our Job Postings page. Please forward the announcement to anyone that you think might be interested.

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Earlier this month, the MACDC staff joined dozens of colleagues from Massachusetts and over 1,500 people from around the country at the National Summit for Regional Equity in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Summit was sponsored by Policy Link, a national research and action institute that advocates for economic and social equity.

The Summit provided a tremendous opportunity to learn about exciting initiatives and programs from across the country and to explore how local community development efforts can better link up to regional strategies and vice versa. The Summit also emphasized the need to connect across disciplines so that local communities can access all of the things they need, including housing, transportation, education, health care, public safety, job creation, business development and parks. MACDC staff attended workshops, plenary sessions, film documentaries and tours of New Orleans' neighborhoods, and met dozens of people from other cities and states who are doing both similar and different work.

For many of us, the most meaningful experience was being in the neighborhoods. The devastation from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita is still very evident, especially in the lower income communities. It was genuinely heartbreaking to see block after block of abandoned homes that had not been touched in more than two years. All of us experience real anger that our country and our government have not been able to do more for this city. At the same time, it was inspiring to see the resilience of the people - their capacity to channel their anger and grief into positive action is truly remarkable. New homes are being built.

 

Lobby Day 2008 - Governor Deval Patrick

Governor Deval Patrick will speak to over 200 community economic development leaders from across Massachusetts at the MACDC Lobby Day on Thursday, March 27th. This will be the second consecutive lobby day that the Governor has attended. In addition to the Governor, Senator Susan Tucker, the senate chair of the Housing Committee and leaders from our membership will speak. MACDC's Lobby Day, our 15th one, is an opportunity for the community economic development movement to show its strength and advance MACDC's legislative agenda through meetings with legislators and exhibiting information about CDC's work in the Great Hall of the State House.

 

Housing Bond Bill

The Housing Bond bill passed the Massachusetts House of Representatives with a unanimous vote on March 13th. A key part of MACDC's LIFT campaign, the bond bill will authorize $1.255 billion over five years in bond spending for the production of affordable housing. MACDC is pleased that the House showed universal support for affordable housing production and preservation. The Bill now moves on to the Senate and is scheduled to be voted on during the week of March 31st. This makes MACDC's Lobby Day even more important since it is a chance to both ask our Senator's to support the Bond bill and thank our representatives for their vote. For more information on the Housing Bond Bill, contact Allison Staton at 617- 426-0303 x 24.

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Save the Date

LOBBY DAY
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Great Hall, State House, Boston

For more information, contact Allison Staton at 617-426-0303 ext 24.

 

Methuen Arlington Neighborhood Celebrates New Community Center

The Methuen Arlington Neighborhood, Inc. celebrated the grand opening of its new Lena Lahey Community Center at 141 Tenney Street in Methuen on February 12th. A standing room only crowd of about 100 neighbors, friends and supporters, and a palpable spirit of community filled the third floor of the Center, as volunteer director Linda Soucy officiated over the ceremonies and gave accolades and awards to members of the community, donors, contractors, public officials, and others who helped make the project come to fruition. Joan Mejia, MAN Inc.'s Youth Programs Director, opened the event with poignant remarks about his experience working with children and teens in the community at MAN's old community center.

Among the several distinguished guests in attendance were the Honorable State Reps. Robert DeLeo of Winthrop, who is Chairman of the House Ways & Means Committee, and the Honorable State Reps. Linda Dean Campbell and Barbara L'Italien, who both represent Methuen. Mayor William Manzi and several other local Methuen officials were also present. Soucy also honored three present family members of the center's namesake, the late Lena Lahey.

 

Doughnuts with Your Delegation

When Valley CDC in Northampton met with their legislative delegation last week the legislators were unaware that the CDC was helping folks who are facing foreclosure and the CDC staff were also unaware that their legislators were getting calls from constituents facing foreclosure. Over breakfast legislators learned where to refer their constituents for more help and the CDC is now able to assist more community members.

This is a perfect example of the information sharing MACDC hoped would occur when we asked our members to hold breakfast meetings - "Doughnuts with your Delegation" - with their state legislators during January and February. Meeting with legislators in the community, in addition to meeting at the State House, is a wonderful opportunity for community economic development organizations to showcase the work they do, talk about MACDC's LIFT campaign and learn what their legislators are working on. It's also a unique opportunity for the legislators to learn more about what is happening in their district. Sitting down and having an informal conversation over breakfast is a great way to build a good relationship with legislators.

 

Massachusetts Housing Partnership

MACDC, in collaboration with our members and with our allies at the Massachusetts Nonprofit Housing Association, have completed discussions with the Massachusetts Housing Partnership (MHP), and we're pleased to announce a new round of multi-year grant funding to support nonprofit housing development capacity.

At its January meeting, the MHP Board of Directors agreed to provide $3 million under a new Production Support Program (PSP) for community based nonprofit housing development, and to set aside an additional $1 million to be made available in the event that MHP receives worthy funding proposals in excess of $3 million. We expect MHP to issue a Request for Proposals by mid-March, and for funding awards to be made in June. More information will be forthcoming in the weeks ahead- if you have questions, contact Don Bianchi.

 

Transitions in the Field!

MACDC would like to acknowledge some career transitions and new staff at our member organizations.

Congratulations to:

Allston Brighton CDC - Bob Van Meter (formerly the Executive Director) recently accepted a position as the Executive Director for Boston LISC. ABCDC's new Executive Director, MH Nsangou, was formerly the CDC's Deputy Director.

Lawrence CommunityWorks - Kristin Harol (formerly LCW Deputy Director) is now the Vice President and Loan Officer at the Life Initiative.

Nuestra CDC - Evelyn Friedman was selected by Mayor Menino as the next Chief of Housing and Director of the Department of Neighborhood Development (DND). She has served as the Executive Director of Nuestra for the past 17 years.

Urban Edge - the Board of Directors recently implemented a new executive leadership structure creating two new positions: Chrystal Kornegay will serve as the CEO and Mossik Hacobian the President.

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"Doughnuts with your Delegation" is MACDC's campaign to have member CDCs host their state representatives and senators either in their office or another site to show what you do for the community. While we are encouraging members to have the meetings some time between January 25th and February 8th, certainly other dates between now and mid-March work as well.

We are thrilled to report that many of you either already scheduled your local meetings with your legislators or are in the process of setting up the meeting. This is a terrific way to promote both the LIFT campaign and local issues impacting your work.

Get in touch with either Pam Bender (617-426-0303 ext 25) or Allison Staton (617-426-0303 ext 24) for the six easy steps to hosting your delegation.

 

LIFT Campaign Soars

2007 was a successful year for MACDC's LIFT Campaign. The Foreclosure Prevention Law was signed by the Governor in early December and the Small Business Technical Assistance Program received funding in the FY08 budget. Both of these are significant wins for the LIFT Campaign.

Both Housing Committee Chairman Kevin Honan and the Governor's Housing bond Bills (H4472 and H 4374 respectively) have been released from the Housing Committee and await a hearing by the Committee on Bonding, Capital Expenditures and State Assets, chaired by Representative David Flynn and Senator Mark Montigny. Both bills would provide over $1 billion in funding for affordable housing. MACDC is hopeful that a good housing bond bill will pass in the spring.

We await the release on Wednesday, January 23rd of the Governor's proposed FY09 budget to see how much he suggests allocating for the Small Business Technical Assistance Grant Program (as well as other key programs like the state IDA program and state housing programs). Once we know the amount we will be able to work with the House and Senate to ensure full funding for this important program.

 

Legislative Learning Sessions - Have You Had One?

MACDC Staff Members Pam Bender and Allison Staton have taken to the road holding regional legislative learning sessions over dinner so that CDC leaders can learn:

• how state legislation and state policies affect you and your community and
• concrete ways you can have an effect on state legislation and policies.

So far there has been one in Northampton and another in Worcester. At the Worcester session, a small business owner from Fitchburg said he had no idea all this work went into making sure there were services for him to access at his CDC (Twin Cities). Also at the Worcester session, teens from Oak Hill CDC's HOPE Coalition served as co-presenters with MACDC staff. In the photo, several teens are working with Oak Hill CDC staff member Paul Hernandez on crafting a message for legislators.

There are several others being scheduled and Pam and Allison are very interested in holding even more. One CDC Executive Director commented that after attending the session his board was excited to work on advocacy including hosting a Doughnuts with their Delegation Meeting. Please contact either Pam or Allison if you are interested in a Legislative Learning Session in your area or at your office.

 

Save the Date - March 27th State House Lobby Day

Be sure to join MACDC and CDCs from around the state as we visit the State House and our legislators on Thursday, March 27th to talk about what is happening in our communities and the role CDCs play in making them better places to live and work.

 

Local Banks Tested on Community Reinvestment Results

Several local banks are currently undergoing exams on their Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) activities, and MACDC encourages its members to be engaged by submitting comments about these banks to their federal regulators (the FDIC or OCC).

Courtesy of the National Community Reinvestment Coalition, we've included on MACDC's website a list of banks in Massachusetts that have CRA exams this quarter, so you can find out if a bank serving your community is having an exam. Also, please read this message to find out how you may send comments to its regulators about the bank's community reinvestment performance.

For more information on how to participate effectively in the CRA process, contact NCRC's Member Organizing and Advocacy Associates, Lita Dunn Grossman at (202) 464-2728, or Sarah Bedy at (202) 464- 2719.

All MACDC members are encouraged to join NCRC, a national leader on CRA issues. NCRC members receive free technical assistance on working with their local banks on CRA issues.

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The Journal of Community Power Building is now available - Get your copy today!
Join us on Wed. January 23, 2008(4-6pm); MACDC, 89 South Street.
Refreshments will be served.

In this year's issue, we're exploring the idea of empowerment -- of individuals and communities - with a specific focus on the relationships that are developed through community empowerment work.

Please email Shirronda Almeida for your copy or to attend the Reception.

 

Legislative Learning Sessions are Fun (Really!)

MACDC staff members Pam Bender and Allison Staton have taken advocacy on the road this fall.

The two hour dinner workshops in Northampton and Worcester led to lively discussions about the role state government plays in the work of CDCs and how community members play a role in shaping state government.

One board member of a Western MA CDC commented that she had stopped calling her legislators because she didn't feel she made a difference. After the workshop, she committed to calling the next morning in support of the foreclosure prevention bill pending in the legislature. Later in November the bill became law - due in part to her phone call.

 

Alliance Meeting: Hiring Staff? Do You Have a Plan or Are You Panicking?

Please join The Alliance for a discussion on The Hiring Process in the Community Development Field.

Come share your experiences in recruiting and hiring professionals of color.

February 12, 2008; 9:30-11:30a
Hosted by: Boston Private Bank & Trust Company, Grand Room; 10 Post Office Square, Boston

We will explore the steps organizations take to recruit, hire and retain diverse community development professionals. We will share resources and strategies for increasing and sustaining diversity. Please feel free to bring your stories, strategies and resources to share with the Alliance Network.

RSVP with Shirronda Almeida if you plan on attending. All are welcome.

 

Upcoming Practitioner Peer Groups!

Please contact the appropriate MACDC staffer for more info:

• Small Business: Jan. 23rd (Chris Harris)
• Housing: Jan. 24th (Don Bianchi)
• Youth Development: Feb. 5th (Shirronda Almeida)
• Organizers: Feb. 7th (Pam Bender)

 

Financial Education Community Toolkit

United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley and Bank of America are announcing a new online resource to help community-based organizations offering financial education give more families the knowledge, tools and resources to make sound decisions and plan for a better financial future. The web-based Financial Education Toolkit is designed to ensure quality and consistency of financial education programs in order to increase the financial stability of Massachusetts' low-income families. The benefits will extend to individuals, families and communities for generations.

Visit FinancialEdToolkit.org today to explore curricula, core competencies, measurement tools, and other useful information that support quality financial education opportunities. Find the tools that fit your needs today!

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MACDC members, friends and colleagues came together on November 16 to celebrate MACDC's 25th anniversary at the ICA Museum in Boston. Nearly 200 people joined us to honor our founders and the many people who have contributed to MACDC's successes over the years. Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino presented MACDC with a proclamation in honor of our anniversary and the state Secretary for Housing and Economic Development, Dan O'Connell shared his appreciation for the work that MACDC and its members do across the state. MACDC President Joseph Kriesberg shared his reflections on MACDC's past and outlined our agenda for the future.

 

2007 Leadership Honorees

Ken Wade, President of Neighborworks America received our excellence in community development award for his contributions in Boston, Massachusetts and across the country. Margaret Harrison received the Jeffrey Graham Award which is presented to someone from the private sector who has provided exemplary support to the community development field.

We also recognized Marc Draisen for his contributions to MACDC during his tenure as President from 1995 to 2002.

 

Save the Date!

Power Journal: Reception and Readings
January 23, 2007 at MACDC

The Journal of Community Power Building or "Power Journal" was originally a publication of the Ricans Hadrian Initiative for Community Organizing (RHICO). For over ten years RHICO, provided resources, technical assistance and learning opportunities for CDCs engaged in power building.

 

Foreclosure Prevention Bill Becomes Law

Late last week, An Act Protecting and Preserving Homeownership became law. Chapter 206 is based on legislation filed by MACDC and the Foreclosure Prevention Coalition including CHAPA, the Massachusetts Affordable Housing Alliance, the Massachusetts Nonprofit Housing Association and the National Consumer Law Center. The law is the most comprehensive foreclosure prevention statute in the United States. It creates a first in the country CRA for mortgage companies and establishes $2 million for community based grants to locally address foreclosures.

 

Jackson Square Project Approved

Read the Boston Business Journal article here.

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The Massachusetts Association of        Community Development Corporations Summer 2010 E-NEWSLETTER   MACDC Priorities Win Legislative Approval MACDC's Campaign for our Neighborhoods - first launched at our Convention in 2008 - secured two more major victories during the final days of the Legislative Session last week.  First, the Legislature voted unanimously to pass the Foreclosure Relief bill  (An Act Relative to Stabilizing Communities) that MACDC, CHAPA and other partners have been advocating for since last year.  The Governor is expected to sign it into law on Saturday, August, 7th. Second, the Governor signed into law on Thursday, August 5th An Act Relative to Economic Development Reorganization, the comprehensive Economic Development legislation that modernized and strengthened the CDC-enabling statute based on recommendations developed by MACDC and the Community Development Innovation Forum. The law also creates a new Growth Capital Corporation charged with advancing small business lending and technical assistance and gives MACDC a seat on the board of directors of the new entity.  These victories follow earlier wins on two other top priorities in our Campaign - passage of Chapter 159   An Act Preserving Publicly Assisted Affordable Housing (the "expiring use" law) in November 2009 and the commitment by the Patrick Administration to fund the successful Small Business Technical Assistance Grant Program in FY 2010 and FY 2011 with a total of $1.2 million in new funding. MACDC is grateful for the legislature and the Governor's efforts to support community economic development throughout Massachusetts.  We also want to take this opportunity to thank our members and our partners for all their work to win passage of these important priorities. MACDC will work to ensure these new laws are fully implemented and look forward to developing a new campaign for the 2011-2012 legislative session.

MACDC Members Invest $308 million into local communities during 2009 CDCs Maintain Production Levels Despite Economy A new report  by MACDC found that our members generated $309 million of economic investment and activity in their communities during 2009 despite the difficult economy and funding cuts across numerous public programs. This investment was made possible by the active engagement of 2,143 community residents and leaders who worked with and through their local organizations to produce or preserve 1,357 homes, create or preserve 2,740 job opportunities, assist 2,008 small businesses, and serve 38,216 families throughout the Commonwealth.  The report, MACDC GOALs Initiative: Growing Opportunities, Assets and Leaders Across the Commonwealth,  is the seventh report in the GOALs Initiative since it began in 2002.  In the colorful 8-page report, project descriptions and photos tell the stories of CDC accomplishments during calendar year 2009.  MACDC's members were able to maintain such high production levels due to important public policies that sustained key programs like the Low Income Housing Tax Credit Exchange, through new partnerships and collaborations, and through creative and tenacious effort that has always been the hallmark of our field. This month, MACDC will publish the GOALs Appendix, which will provide detailed information on the individual accomplishments of MACDC members, in various program areas, during 2009.  This Appendix will also be available on the MACDC website in late August.   Mel King Institute sponsors popular NDC training Sept 14-16 MACDC's Mel King Institute for Community Building is sponsoring a 3-day Mixed-Use Real Estate Finance course from September 14th to 16th in Framingham, MA.  The National Development Council will be facilitating the course while Citi serves as a Co-Sponsor.  This highly popular NDC training is perfect for CDC real estate project managers as well as private developers.  Discussion topics will include: mixed-use development challenges, mixed financing, taxes and real estate development, and financing tools for mixed-use.  For a full course description and registration information, please visit www.melkinginstitute.org .   Save the Date - MACDC Convention is Saturday, October 16th MACDC is holding its biannual convention on Saturday, October 16th at the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester.   This will be our first convention outside of Boston and we expect to draw over 400 community leaders and friends from across the state for a celebration of recent accomplishments, award presentations to outstanding individuals in our field, forums on key issues confronting the community development field, and workshops on advancing our efforts in 2011 and beyond. A major highlight of the event will be a Gubernatorial Forum with the major candidates for Governor all being invited to speak to the attendees. The event will also serve to energize our membership for the final days of the "NO ON 2" campaign to preserve the state's Affordable Housing Law. For more information, please contact Pam Bender. For sponsorship opportunities , please contact Joe Kriesberg.   Ten MACDC Member Projects Receive Awards in DHCD Rental Round Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) recently announced its Affordable Rental Housing Awards , $190 million to 32 projects across the Commonwealth.   MACDC members received 10 of the awards; a significant achievement given the financial obstacles to moving community based projects forward.  These projects will create 362 affordable rental units.  MACDC Members Nuestra Comunidad and Fenway CDC each received awards for two projects.   Smart Growth Alliance Announces Major New Great Neighborhoods Program MACDC is very excited to be part of the Great Neighborhoods Initiative, a new program of the Massachusetts Smart Growth Alliance of which MACDC is a member.  The Great Neighborhoods program will work with local entities such as community-based organizations and municipalities to help create communities with a high quality of life that are affordable, diverse, and walkable. In June the Great Neighborhood's team convened over 450 people from the greater Boston area to learn about and from similar initiatives across the country.  Through Great Neighborhoods, we hope to facilitate the creation of affordable housing, access to jobs and healthy environments in locations that will promote a sustainable pattern of metropolitan development and an equitable sharing of regional power and resources. Click here for more information about the Great Neighborhoods Initiative.   Where are they now? Former MACDC Minority Fellow Brings His Talents to New Orleans A new occasional series highlighting where former MACDC staff, fellows and interns have gone. Earlier this summer, James Buie, in the midst of organizing a press conference and rally to raise awareness of solutions for the Gulf Coasts' Vietnamese-American community, took a few minutes to reflect on his experiences at MACDC. Following a year of grassroots community work in Vietnam, James joined the MACDC Minority Fellowship Program from 2000-2002.  "I was hungry for experience" James said.   "I was trying to pick up skill sets to be effective at a CDC."  He spoke of the need to build and practice skills as well as being part of a team, both at MACDC and Viet-AID, a member CDC in Dorchester, MA.  The Fellowship Program and the community work gave him the opportunity to build "bicultural sensitivity to working with Vietnamese." Once the fellowship finished, James had an opportunity to return to the Gulf Coast region to work with the Vietnamese community, which was hit hard by Hurricane Katrina.  James' connection to the region runs deep.  He spent his elementary and middle school years in Biloxi, MS because his parents' business was to bring up shrimp from Mississippi to Chicago area restaurants. In helping the New Orleans east Vietnamese community, James notes "we realized this is how you build local capacity by working alongside the leaders".  The efforts of the Mary Queen of Viet Nam CDC was "the first time these elders and other residents got to be leaders," he continued. When asked how his experience as a Minority Fellow has played a role, James said, "suffice to say for me MACDC and the Fellowship allowed me to gain skills and then transfer those skills to the communities to become better."

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MACDC Priorities Win Legislative Approval

 

 

MACDC's Campaign for our Neighborhoods - first launched at our Convention in 2008 - secured two more major victories during the final days of the Legislative Session last week. First, the Legislature voted unanimously to pass the Foreclosure Relief bill (An Act Relative to Stabilizing Communities) that MACDC, CHAPA and other partners have been advocating for since last year.

The Governor is expected to sign it into law on Saturday, August, 7th. Second, the Governor signed into law on Thursday, August 5th An Act Relative to Economic Development Reorganization, the comprehensive Economic Development legislation that modernized and strengthened the CDC-enabling statute based on recommendations developed by MACDC and the Community Development Innovation Forum. The law also creates a new Growth Capital Corporation charged with advancing small business lending and technical assistance and gives MACDC a seat on the board of directors of the new entity.

These victories follow earlier wins on two other top priorities in our Campaign - passage of Chapter 159 An Act Preserving Publicly Assisted Affordable Housing (the "expiring use" law) in November 2009 and the commitment by the Patrick Administration to fund the successful Small Business Technical Assistance Grant Program in FY 2010 and FY 2011 with a total of $1.2 million in new funding. MACDC is grateful for the legislature and the Governor's efforts to support community economic development throughout Massachusetts. We also want to take this opportunity to thank our members and our partners for all their work to win passage of these important priorities. MACDC will work to ensure these new laws are fully implemented and look forward to developing a new campaign for the 2011-2012 legislative session.

 

MACDC Members Invest $308 million into local communities during 2009

 

 

CDCs Maintain Production Levels Despite Economy

 

A new report by MACDC found that our members generated $309 million of economic investment and activity in their communities during 2009 despite the difficult economy and funding cuts across numerous public programs. This investment was made possible by the active engagement of 2,143 community residents and leaders who worked with and through their local organizations to produce or preserve 1,357 homes, create or preserve 2,740 job opportunities, assist 2,008 small businesses, and serve 38,216 families throughout the Commonwealth.

The report, MACDC GOALs Initiative: Growing Opportunities, Assets and Leaders Across the Commonwealth, is the seventh report in the GOALs Initiative since it began in 2002. In the colorful 8-page report, project descriptions and photos tell the stories of CDC accomplishments during calendar year 2009. MACDC's members were able to maintain such high production levels due to important public policies that sustained key programs like the Low Income Housing Tax Credit Exchange, through new partnerships and collaborations, and through creative and tenacious effort that has always been the hallmark of our field.

This month, MACDC will publish the GOALs Appendix, which will provide detailed information on the individual accomplishments of MACDC members, in various program areas, during 2009. This Appendix will also be available on the MACDC website in late August.

 

Mel King Institute sponsors popular NDC training Sept 14-16

 

MACDC's Mel King Institute for Community Building is sponsoring a 3-day Mixed-Use Real Estate Finance course from September 14th to 16th in Framingham, MA. The National Development Council will be facilitating the course while Citi serves as a Co-Sponsor. This highly popular NDC training is perfect for CDC real estate project managers as well as private developers. Discussion topics will include: mixed-use development challenges, mixed financing, taxes and real estate development, and financing tools for mixed-use.

For a full course description and registration information, please visit www.melkinginstitute.org

 

Save the Date - MACDC Convention is Saturday, October 16th

 

MACDC is holding its biannual convention on Saturday, October 16th at the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester. This will be our first convention outside of Boston and we expect to draw over 400 community leaders and friends from across the state for a celebration of recent accomplishments, award presentations to outstanding individuals in our field, forums on key issues confronting the community development field, and workshops on advancing our efforts in 2011 and beyond.

A major highlight of the event will be a Gubernatorial Forum with the major candidates for Governor all being invited to speak to the attendees. The event will also serve to energize our membership for the final days of the "NO ON 2" campaign to preserve the state's Affordable Housing Law.

For more information, please contact Pam Bender.

For sponsorship opportunities , please contact Joe Kriesberg

 

Ten MACDC Member Projects Receive Awards in DHCD Rental Round

 

Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) recently announced its Affordable Rental Housing Awards , $190 million to 32 projects across the Commonwealth. MACDC members received 10 of the awards; a significant achievement given the financial obstacles to moving community based projects forward. These projects will create 362 affordable rental units. MACDC Members Nuestra Comunidad and Fenway CDC each received awards for two projects.

 

Smart Growth Alliance Announces Major New Great Neighborhoods Program

 

MACDC is very excited to be part of the Great Neighborhoods Initiative, a new program of the Massachusetts Smart Growth Alliance of which MACDC is a member. The Great Neighborhoods program will work with local entities such as community-based organizations and municipalities to help create communities with a high quality of life that are affordable, diverse, and walkable. In June the Great Neighborhood's team convened over 450 people from the greater Boston area to learn about and from similar initiatives across the country.

Through Great Neighborhoods, we hope to facilitate the creation of affordable housing, access to jobs and healthy environments in locations that will promote a sustainable pattern of metropolitan development and an equitable sharing of regional power and resources. Click here for more information about the Great Neighborhoods Initiative.

 

Where are they now? Former MACDC Minority Fellow Brings His Talents to New Orleans

 

A new occasional series highlighting where former MACDC staff, fellows and interns have gone.

Earlier this summer, James Buie, in the midst of organizing a press conference and rally to raise awareness of solutions for the Gulf Coasts' Vietnamese-American community, took a few minutes to reflect on his experiences at MACDC.

Following a year of grassroots community work in Vietnam, James joined the MACDC Minority Fellowship Program from 2000-2002. "I was hungry for experience" James said. "I was trying to pick up skill sets to be effective at a CDC." He spoke of the need to build and practice skills as well as being part of a team, both at MACDC and Viet-AID, a member CDC in Dorchester, MA. The Fellowship Program and the community work gave him the opportunity to build "bicultural sensitivity to working with Vietnamese."

Once the fellowship finished, James had an opportunity to return to the Gulf Coast region to work with the Vietnamese community, which was hit hard by Hurricane Katrina. James' connection to the region runs deep. He spent his elementary and middle school years in Biloxi, MS because his parents' business was to bring up shrimp from Mississippi to Chicago area restaurants.

In helping the New Orleans east Vietnamese community, James notes "we realized this is how you build local capacity by working alongside the leaders". The efforts of the Mary Queen of Viet Nam CDC was "the first time these elders and other residents got to be leaders," he continued.

When asked how his experience as a Minority Fellow has played a role, James said, "suffice to say for me MACDC and the Fellowship allowed me to gain skills and then transfer those skills to the communities to become better.

 

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