• NEIGHBORHOOD HOUSING SERVICES has new homes for sale. Affordable loans are available for qualified low income buyers. CLICK HERE for information.

• HAVEN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, INC. has affordable homes for sale. CLICK HERE to see the current list of properties. For questions contact Mark Spergel at 305-801-5868 or 954-478-7178. Affordable financing available for qualified low income buyers. CLICK HERE to visit their website.
  

• NORTH MIAMI PARTNERSHIP is a collaboration between Little Haiti Housing Association, NANAY, Inc., Neighborhood Housing Services and the North Miami CRA.  The Partnership is up and running and is making affordable housing available to residents. CLICK HERE to view a news article

• CENTRO CAMPESINO is seeking a new executive director to replace Steve Mainster who is retiring in a few months.  CLICK HERE for application information.

• NEIGHBORHOOD RENAISSANCE, a nonprofit affordable housing developer in West Palm Beach County, has released information about its accomplishments in 2007 and its plans for 2008.  CLICK HERE to view it.

• MEETING - Florida Alliance of Community Development Corporations will hold a membership meeting at the Covenant Palms Apartments (Urban League of Greater Miami) 8400 NW 25th Ave. in Miami. CLICK HERE to register. CLICK HERE to visit their website.

• NEW MARKETS TAX CREDIT: The U.S. Department of the Treasury announced the opening of the sixth round of competition for tax credits on $3.5 billion of equity investments under the New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) program. The allocation application deadline is March 5, 2008.  CLICK HERE to learn more  

• NEW MARKETS TAX CREDIT (MORE) - The U.S. Department of the Treasury will conduct a application workshop in Miami on January 18, 2008 for those interested in learning how to apply for the sixth round of competition for New Markets tax credits. CLICK HERE to register online

• FORECLOSURE PREVENTION - Neighborhood Housing Services has implemented a program to assist homeowners facing the threat of foreclosure. For more information call 305-751-5511 ext. 229.  CLICK HERE to visit the NHS website

• AFFORDABLE HOMEOWNERSHIP.  Neighborhood Housing Services has a number of affordable homes for sale in Brownsville and Homestead. Qualifying buyers will have access to low interest purchase loans. CLICK HERE to visit the NHS website
  

• CONFERENCE - The 8th Annual CHAM Asset Management Professionals' Conference will be held November 4-6 at the Trump Sonesta Hotel, Miami Beach, Florida. This is a  professional development and networking event devoted solely to building the capacity of affordable housing asset managers. The event is co-sponsored by LISC, Neighborworks, and others.  CLICK HERE for more information
  

• EDUCATION SESSIONS regarding Single Family FHA Programs will be held in Ft. Lauderdale September 18 - 19, 2007. The sessions are sponsored by United States HUD and involve a hands-on application of credit underwriting requirements followed by an overview of property underwriting and fraud indicators. Participants should have experience, and good knowledge of FHA underwriting criteria. A calculator, pen, and paper, are needed for this course. - Free - CLICK HERE to register on line.
  

• WEB PUBLICATION - The Journal of Florida Community Real Estate Development is now on-line (CLICK HERE). The site is designed to increase awareness and understanding of affordable housing and economic development issues. Students and practitioners are invited to participate in brainstorming the possibilities and advancing innovative ideas and best practices.  Special thanks to Tom Zuniga for spearheading this effort.
  

• CONFERENCE: BluePrint for Prosperity  - September 29th in Miami - sponsored by the Human Services Coalition - CLICK HERE to register
  

• WORKSHOP: "Miami-Dade Does GREEN, Affordability Symposium", Hyatt-Regency Hotel, Miami. November 12-14, 2007. For information contact Joan Taylor at 305 373 9750- x 13 or jtaylor47@bellsouth.net.  To see the flyer for the event CLICK HERE
  

• WORKSHOP:  Stopping Foreclosure and Predatory Lending - sponsored by United States HUD. The sessions are targeted at faith-based and community-based organizations. September 20 & 21, 2007 - 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM at Miami Dade College – Wolfson Campus - 300 NE Second Ave, Chapman Conference Room, # 3210, Miami, FL 33132-2297. Contact Don Vargas for more information (305 536-5678, x 2271). CLICK HERE to view the flyer.
  

• EMPLOYMENT - Bame Development Corp of South Florida is seeking to hire a Program Director for its Mattie Koonce Learning and Technology Center. The mission of the Center to ensure that residents of Overtown have access to and assistance in the use of computer technology. CLICK HERE to learn more

• Forum With County Housing Director - Kris Warren, the director Miami-Dade Housing Agency, will meet with the South Florida Community Development Coalition to explore ways of expanding the production of affordable housing. The meeting is open to the public and will take place on Wednesday, July 25, 2007 at 11 a.m.at Tuscan View Apartments in the community room, 600 NW 6th St in Miami. Contact Andrea Baker for more information (305 751-5511).  Click Here for a map showing the location.

• Annual Statewide Affordable Housing Conference - Register now for the 20th Annual Statewide Affordable Housing Conference September 5-7 at the Omni Orlando Resort in ChampionsGate, FL. Register by visiting the Florida Housing Coalition website
  

• Alleviation of Homelessness. The Miami-Dade County Homeless Trust is soliciting offers to purchase property under its Building Better Communities General Obligation Bond Program for Homeless Housing Development. The solicitation is seeking offers to sell multi-family-zoned properties to the County. Copies of the invitation package will be available b at the Miami-Dade County Homeless Trust 111 N.W. 1st Street, 27th Floor, Suite 310, Miami, FL  33128. Contact David Raymond for more information (305) 375-1490. The deadline for submission is August 13th, 2007.

• South Florida HUD - Click Here to view the latest issue of the Newsletter put out by Miami's HUD office.

Jobs Available

• Little Haiti Housing Association is seeking to hire a FT bookeeper/office manager. Attention to detail, knowledge of QuickBooks are required.  English/Creole desired.  Email resume to btrigg@littlehaitihousing.org or fax to B Trigg at 305-754-9200, including salary history.

•  Carrfour Supportive Housing seeks to hire a "Director of Operations and Quality Improvement". Click Here to get more information

• Miami Beach CDC - On May 7-8, 2007  Miami Beach Community Development Corporation sponsored a "Green Building Design Charrette". CLICK HERE to see the report summarizing what was learned. .

• Foreclosure Prevention - Neighborhood Housing Services is aggressively seeking to assist families who are experiencing foreclosure problems. NHS will counsel families in foreclosure and those who are victims of predatory lending as well as refer them to the NeighborWorks® Center for Foreclosure Solutions. Families will receive immediate assistance when calling the hotline at 1-888-995-HOPE. - CLICK HERE to visit their website
  

• Affordable Housing Advocacy: Legal Services of Greater Miami and the Dade County Legal Aid Society have recently been awarded funding from the Florida Bar Foundation to undertake an aggressive new advocacy effort designed to (1) slow down the continuing loss of affordable rental housing units and (2) advocate for the adoption of more effective policies by local and state governments so that the production of new units can be dramatically increased.  Call John Little for information at 305 438 2461

• The Community Development Clinic at the Florida International University College of Law will reopen for intake in mid-August.  The Clinic provides free legal assistance to both start-up small businesses and small nonprofit corporations. Call Zoraya Ledesma for information or to schedule an appointment  (305 348 3482).  CLICK HERE to visit the Clinic's website.

• Employment Opportunities:
  

• Broward Housing Solutions is seeking to hire a housing administrator. CLICK HERE for the details
  

• Neighborhood Housing Services seeks to hire a Community Organizer for multi-cultural grassroots organizing and teaching.  Excellent compensation package.  Stable position.  Start immediately.  Fax detailed resume to 305-751-2228.  Call Deb Goldsmith for information - (305) 751-5511 - CLICK HERE to visit their website

• Carrfour Supportive Housing Corporation seeks an office manager.  CLICK HERE for the details.

• BAND (Broward Alliance for Neighborhood Development, Inc) is seeking an executive Director. CLICK HERE for the details.

• EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY - AFFORDABLE HOUSING ADVOCACY: Legal Services of Greater Miami seeks to hire two attorneys who will engage in advocacy to (1) stem the loss of affordable rental housing units, and (2) identify and attack the barriers that inhibit the creation of new affordable homeownership and rental housing. The attorneys will coordinate their work with a task force composed of nonprofit developers, community organizers, and other advocates. The work will involve a combination of litigation, policy development and policy advocacy. Mail resumes to John Little at Legal Services of Greater Miami, 3000 Biscayne Blvd., Suite 500, Miami, FL 33137. For more information call John at (305) 438-2461.

• FUNDING - The deadline for applying to Bank of America for a Neighborhood Excellence grant is June 29th.  The program is designed to provide funding to strengthen the capacity and infrastructure of selected nonprofit groups and to promote the professional development of their leaders.  CLICK HERE for information.
  

• MANAGER SOUGHT: The Funders’ Network for Smart Growth and Livable Communities is seeking to hire an executive manager to be based in its Coral Gables offices. CLICK HERE for information.
  

• Orlando Cabrera, Assistant Secretary , U.S. HUD
• José Cintrón, Director, M-D County Office of Community & Econ. Dev.
• Linda Couch, Deputy Director, National Low Income Housing Coalition
• Charles Elsesser, Esq., Housing Attorney, Florida Legal Services
• Gihan Perera, Executive Director, Miami Workers Center

• Moderator:   Tom Fiedler, Former Editor, The Miami Herald
  

• ALLAPATTAH HOMEOWNERSHIP SUCCESS - On March 12, 2007 there was a ribbon cutting ceremony for the "Ralph Plaza II" townhomes project developed by the nonprofit Allapattah Business Development Authority. The 30 spacious units are affordable to low income first time homebuyers.  Attending the ceremony were Miami Mayor Manny Diaz along with City Commissioners Angel Gonzalez and Michelle Spence-Jones.  Allapattah is one of Miami's largest and most ethnically diverse communities.  CLICK HERE to see photos the new units and the event.

• FUNDING.  The First American Homeownership Foundation is accepting grant applications from eligible nonprofit organizations in Florida focused on: (1) Creation of Affordable Housing, (2) Homebuyer Education, (3)  Real Estate Financial Literacy, and (4) Neighborhood Revitalization.  CLICK HERE to view a press release about the program. CLICK HERE to see the eligibility guidelines. CLICK HERE for application instructions. CLICK HERE for additional information from the Florida Community Loan Fund's website.
  

• GOULDS CDC - JOINT VENTURE PARTNER SOUGHT.  Goulds Community Development Corporation is seeking a joint venture partner to develop three parcels of land in the "Storeporch" historic district adjacent to one of the stations on the new South Dade Busway.  CLICK HERE for the details. CLICK HERE to go to their website.
  

• LIBERTY CITY - "HOPE VI":  After seven years of fighting there has been a settlement of the lawsuit filed by residents after Miami-Dade County demolished the Scott Carver public housing complex and scattered the 800+ low income families.  Despite  promises that were made little of the new housing has been constructed (other than a few units created by Habitat for Humanity). CLICK HERE to view the settlement document
  

• EMPLOYMENT - The Seminole Tribe of Florida is accepting resumes for the position of Housing Services Manager.  The position will supervise the tribe's housing service programs on its several Florida reservations and with regard to its off-reservation housing activities. CLICK HERE for more information.
  

• FUNDING - The City of Pembroke Pines has funding available for low income households for home repair assistance, up to $25,000 per household for roof repair, code violation correction, shutter installation, painting, electrical and other non-cosmetic related home repairs. Funding is on a first-qualified, first served basis until funds run out. There is currently no waiting list for low income households. For more information contact contact Shekeria Brown 954-431-7866.  CLICK HERE for more information.
  

• CITY OF MIAMI's HUD COMPLIANCE.  The City of Miami has failed to implement significant portions of its current five year "Consolidated Plan" that was submitted to federal HUD (covering the years 2004 through 2009).  By law local governments cannot qualify for federal housing and community development funding unless a satisfactory Consolidated Plan has been submitted and approved. In its Plan the City committed to creating seven innovative "Neighborhood Development Zones" to be located in its most distressed areas. Three years into the Plan only one of the seven promised Zones has been partially implemented (Little Havana). According to the Plan the Zones are to be "a holistic approach that calls for sustained, multiyear commitments from local governments, the private sector, foundations, and community based organizations". Each Zone is supposed to have a "community decision support infrastructure". The City promised to provide "sustained, multi year commitments" of funding" to carry out the recommendations of the "sustainable development plan" that was supposed to be the result of the collaborative process.  The City promised to provide "incentives to stimulate housing development" and to "increase capacity of non-profit housing providers".  In Overtown the City has not only failed to set up the promised collaborative structure but it is backing off from whatever minimal commitments that it might have once had to create affordable homeownership (no Overtown projects have current City homeownership funding commitments). St. John CDC, an Overtown faith based nonprofit, owns a number of significant vacant parcels suitable for development. Most of the land was donated by a slumlord in 2000 after some creative advocacy. The remainder was purchased using LISC and Knight Foundation money. Late last year St. John CDC submitted four funding proposals to the City in response to an RFP.  Despite receiving the highest scores during the City's evaluation process only one of the four proposals resulted in a (partial) funding commitment (which the City is now in the process of rescinding). The only homeowership funding provided to St. John CDC by the City since 2000 was the result of a settlement in a lawsuit filed by St. John CDCs former joint venture partner.  Besides Overtown, the other Zones that have not been implemented are those stated for Allapattah, Coconut Grove, Edison/Little River/Little Haiti, East Little Havana, West Little Havana, Model City, and Wynwood.  Noncompliance with the federal regulations is possible grounds for adverse action by HUD. You can CLICK HERE to view the City's five year Consolidated Plan.
  

• MEETING WITH OCED DIRECTOR: The next general membership meeting of the South Florida Community Development Coalition will be held at 2pm on February 27th, 2007 at Bethal AME Church in Miami's historic Overtown community (245 NW 8th St.).  Attending the meeting will be Jose Cintron, the new director of Miami-Dade County's Office of Community and Economic Development.  Also attending will be OCED administrators Rick Glasgow and Zafar Ahmed.  The discussion will focus on ways that we can work together to reverse the downward spiral of social and economic conditions in the most distressed neighborhoods.  Contact John Little for additional information (305 348 2461)

• INFILL HOUSING ORDINANCE. On 1/25/07 the Miami Dade County Commission adopted amendments to the Infill Housing Initiative. Under this program County owned building lots are provided to developers for the construction of affordable housing. The primary purpose of the amendment was to prevent homeowners from reselling without getting the express prior written approval of the Miami-Dade Housing Agency. Resale prices would be regulated by the government for many years into the future. Home owners would be permitted to sell only to a relatively small pool of County certified and approved buyers. The amendment included adoption of an "Administrative Order" that (for the first time) provides written regulations for the program. CLICK HERE to view the amended Ordinance. The Commission apparently rejected the County Manager's October 2005 recommendation that a Community Land Trust be created as the preferred mechanism for preserving affordability on these parcels.
  

• PREQUALIFICATION FOR INFILL DEVELOPERS; Miami Dade County has started the process for selecting developers for participation in the amended Infill Housing Initiative.   The County has issued an RFQ ("Request for Qualifications"). Only prequalified developers will be allowed to participate. Interested persons must respond to the RFQ by 2pm on February 23, 2007. CLICK HERE for more information.
  

• EMPLOYMENT: Carrfour Corporation is seeking an experienced construction manager. Carrfour develops affordable housing with supportive services for the formerly homeless. CLICK HERE to view the complete job description. Contact Doug Mayer for more information.(305 371 8300 x 329). CLICK HERE to visit their website.
  

• STATE FUNDING FOR WORKFORCE HOUSING: The Florida Housing Finance Corporation has announced funding for 11 projects under the State's new Community Workforce Housing Innovation Pilot Program (CWHIP).  None of the projects are in South Florida! CLICK HERE to view the announcement.  Visit the Florida Workforce Housing Network for additional information.
  

• DECREASING AFFORDABLITY IN MIAMI-DADE.  New research has documented that housing is becoming less and less affordable in Miami Dade County.  CLICK HERE to view a breakdown of the latest data (this tip was provided to you courtesy of former Coalition Coordinator John Ise).

• MIAMI BEACH COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION is seeking to hire two experienced bilingual housing counselors (one  fluent in Spanish and the other in Creole. Send resume to Karl Kennedy at karl@miamibeachcdc.org (tel 305 538  0090). CLICK HERE to visit their website.

• JOB OPENING - South Florida LISC is seeking to hire a Deputy Director to be based in its Miami Office to manage the day-to-day operations of its entire three county program. This individual must have a solid understanding of real estate development in distressed urban environments and be able to structure complex deals. Interested candidates should send their resumes to GUISearch@aol.com (include salary history and cover letter). CLICK HERE to visit their website.
  

• WORKSHOPS - NEXT STEPS FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING. Three workshops to explore how recent recommendations for Miami-Dade County can be moved forward. Sponsored by the "Housing Within Reach Partnership". Each workshop will be held from 11AM – 12.30PM at the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce Conference Room located in the Radisson Hotel at 1601 Biscayne Boulevard. For more information, or to RSVP, contact Abi Vladeck at the Human Services Coalition:  abigailv@hscdade.org.  305-576-5001 ext. 28 - CLICK here to for more information

• Tuesday, January 30: The Infill Housing Program

• Wendi Norris, General Services Administration
• John Little, Legal Services of Greater Miami
• Gus Dominguez, Greater Miami Neighborhoods
• Kris Warren, Miami-Dade Housing Agency

• Tuesday, February 6: The Financing Process

• Patricia Braynon, Housing Finance Authority
• Ann Kashmer, Fannie Mae
• Barry Goldmeier, Advanced Housing Corporation
• Bob Smith, Northern Trust

• Tuesday, February 13: Oversight and Accountability

• Cynthia Curry, County Manager's Office
• Kris Warren, Miami-Dade Housing Agency
• Charles Elsesser, Florida Legal Services
• Jose Cintron, Office of Community and Economic Development

• OVERTOWN: The Miami Dade College/HUD/Overtown forum will meet January 29, 2007, 10:00 - 11:30 AM at Miami Dade College - Wolfson Campus, ETCOTA Room # 7166, 500 NE 2nd Ave., Miami, FL 33132. Contact Don Vargas for information at 305 536 5678 x 2271

• NORTHWOOD RENAISSANCE, INC. is a successful community development corporation in West Palm Beach doing innovative work.  CLICK HERE to view their most recent newsletter

• WORKSHOP: Beyond Charity - Moving from Betterment to Genuine Empowerment. Sponsored by the Family & Children Faith Coalition.  The trainer will be author Robert Lupton  Thursday, February 8, 2007. 9 am - 3:00pm in Miami. CLICK HERE for more information.

• GIS TRAINING: Calm River Demographics is offering workshops on Demographic Analysis and GIS Mapping in both Orlando and Tallahassee in February, 2007. These workshops offer hands on, in-depth instruction on acquiring and using detailed demographic data and then mapping this data for their community. They are specifically designed for those involved in community planning, program design, proposal writing, needs assessments, epidemiology and fund raising.  For information call 800 707 2256.  CLICK HERE to register on-line.

• INCLUSIONARY ZONING - A proposed Ordinance that would have required certain developers to include affordable units in their projects (as a precondition for the issuance of a building permit) has been watered down.  The affordability requirement would no longer be made mandatory. Instead, incentives would be offered to encourage voluntarily compliance. CLICK HERE to read the news story.
  

• "AFFORDABLE HOUSING TRUST FUND" (SHIP/Surtax)- On 11/28/06 the County Commission adopted on first reading an Ordinance that would formalize the administration of the SHIP/Surtax Program. These programs are used to provide affordable purchase loans for homebuyers and construction loans for rental units.  The funds are generated from fees that are charged upon the recording of deeds. A public hearing is scheduled for 1/16/07. The prior (informal) procedures apparently allowed for some of the abuses that were documented in the Miami Herald's "House of Lies" series). CLICK HERE to view the proposed Ordinance.
  

• ADMINISTRATION OF SHIP/SURTAX: On 12/18/06 the County Commission adopted on first reading an Ordinance that would shift administration of the SHIP/Surtax programs away from the County's troubled Housing Agency and put it with the County's Housing Finance Agency (which has more experience in loan administration). Nonprofit developers hope that this move will help to eliminate the frustrating time delays that it currently takes to put a low income homebuyer into a completed unit. A public hearing is scheduled for 1/16/07. CLICK HERE to view the proposed Ordinance.
  

• APPROVAL OF FY 2007 SURTAX ALLOCATIONS - On 12/19/06 the County Commission approved the County Manager's recommendations for the allocation Surtax funds for loans to finance the construction of affordable rental housing. CLICK HERE to view Manager's recommendations
  

• A MID-YEAR SHIP/SURTAX RFP - Developers of affordable rental housing, in order make their projects more economically viable, often combine the federal Low Income Housing Tax Credit with low interest loans from the County's "Surtax" program.  Until now "Request for Proposals" (RFP's) under the Surtax program were issued once a year (in June).  The timing of these RFP's make Miami-Dade County projects less competitive in the dog eat dog process of trying to qualify for a tax credit allocation through the Florida Housing Finance Corporation.  In January, therefore, the County Commission will vote on a proposal to have a mid-year RPF for Surtax. The item passed the Community Empowerment & Economic Revitalization Committee on December 12th. CLICK HERE to see the proposed ordinance.
  

• ADOPTION OF WRITTEN RULES FOR THE "INFILL HOUSING INITIATIVE".  At a meeting held 11/28/06 the County Commission deferred consideration of an Ordinance adopting an "Administrative Order" that would have, for the first time, provided written rules and regulations governing the Infill Housing Initiative. The matter is expected to be taken up again in early 2007. The program was recently transfered to the General Services Administration (GSA) away from the troubled Miami-Dade Housing Agency after the publication of the "House of Lies" series in the Miami Herald. CLICK HERE to view the proposed Administrative Order. Under the Infill Housing Initiative vacant County owned tax foreclosed lots are deeded to developers for the creation of new affordable housing. The proposed Administrative Order would make substantial changes in the rules for the methodology of awarding lots and the conditions under which title is to be conveyed. Until now lots were either (1) sold to high bidders over the internet or (2) given to nonprofits on an ad hoc basis (often upon the recommendation of particular County Commissioners).  Parcels were often deeded to developers with little or no experience in affordable housing. Oversight of the developers who had been awarded the lots was sporadic and (apparently) incompetent. Legitimate developers were hindered by the fact that the lots were often not in a "ready to build" condition (for example, parcels frequently had title and zoning issues were costly and time consuming to resolve). As a result, few units were actually built. Little thought was given towards the mechanism for maintaining affordability. Under the proposed Administrative Order (1) lots will only be offered to qualified developers as determined through an RFQ process, (2) parcels would be conveyed at fixed administrative fees rather than via competitive bids that artificially increase the final cost of housing, (3) lots will be conveyed with revised deed language and restrictive covenants to protect long-term affordability, and (4) problems with individual lots (such as bad title, the need for a zoning variance and platting issues) will be corrected prior to conveying them to developers thus leaving the parcel immediately ready for permitting and construction.
  

• AMENDMENTS TO "INFILL HOUSING INITIATIVE" ORDINANCE - At the 11/28/06 meeting of the County Commission a proposal to drastically re-write the section of the Code governing the Infill Housing Initiative was withdrawn and was deferred until some time in early 2007. The item passed on first reading in September of this year with little or no input from experienced developers. The deferment (hopefully) will allow more time to get feedback from experts so that the proposal can be revised to remove some of the problems. CLICK HERE to view criticisms that had been offered by the South Florida Community Development Coalition.  CLICK HERE to see the proposed Ordinance.

• SPEEDING UP ZONING APPROVAL FOR INFILL HOUSING INITIATIVE PARCELS: An Ordinance was adopted on first reading by the County Commission on 12/19/06. It would speed up the zoning approval process for County owned lots in the Infill Housing Initiative (such approvals are often needed because vacant lots in older neighborhoods frequently are not large enough under current standards to qualify for a building permit). The Ordinance would allow the County to bypass the Community Zoning Appeal Board thus speeding up the process. The public hearing is scheduled for 1/16/07.  CLICK HERE to see the proposed Ordinance.

• INFILL HOUSING INITIATIVE - CANCELLATION OF INVITATION TO BID. Up until now County owned parcels in the Infill Housing Initiative have been packaged together and put out to the highest bidder. The most recent auction was called "Invitation to Bid No. 8".  Negotiations with the successful bidders bogged down over the requirements for them to build affordable units (none of the bidders had prior affordable housing experience). On 12/19/06 the County Commission canceled these bids and authorized the returned of the deposits. Under the proposed Administrative Order (see above) GSA is recommending substantial changes. In the future parcels will likely be conveyed for a fixed administrative fee rather than for a competitively bid price that artificially increase the cost of the housing.  CLICK HERE to read the manager's memo and the Ordinance.

It may seem ridiculous, but it can take up to 9 months to get a building permit for a simple single family home. Developers of affordable units (where profit margins are extremely low) are frustrated and discouraged by the expensive and time consuming process.

Why not create a collection of 10 or 12 of pre-approved and pre-permitted building plans that developers of affordable housing could "take off the shelf" at no charge.

There is an existing mechanism for doing this! The Florida Department of Community Affairs administers a plan review and approval process called the "FLORIDA PROTOTYPE BUILDING PROGRAM". Housing designs that are to be constructed over and over again can be submitted to the program. Such plans need only to undergo review and approval one time at the State level. Once an approval number has been issued the design can be used anywhere in the State over and over again. Local building departments are required to grant quick approval.

So what's the bottleneck? Local government must show some some leadership in implementing such an effort.  They need to spearhead a collaboration that can provide leadership in creating the plans and having them approved. The effort could start off with a modest three or four initial designs and then eventually expand to ten or twelve.

• MIAMI-DADE - The County Commission will hold a public hearing on affordable housing on December 11, 2006 from 9:30am - 11am at the Commission Chambers 111 NW 1st. St in Miami. CLICK HERE for more information

• MIAMI DADE INCLUSIONARY ZONING- The County Commission will hold a public hearing on the proposed inclusionary zoning ordinance on December 12, 2006 at 10 am. in the commission chambers NW 1st. St in Miami. The objective of the Ordinance would be to require certain developers to include "affordable" units in their future projects.  A previous draft was  criticized because the income targets were not set low enough. It is our understanding that the only change in the new draft is the removal of the Community Councils from the process.  CLICK HERE for more information
  

• MIAMI-DADE AFFORDABLE HOUSING REPORT - The long awaited report the Community Affordable Housing Strategies Alliance has been released with its recommendations. CLICK HERE to view the report.  Nonprofit developers generally support all of the recommendations but are disappointed that the Report says little if anything on how to remove the many specific barriers the inhibit the actual development of new affordable units.  These barriers include the high costs of development in distressed neighborhoods; the high costs of land; expensive "brownfield" cleanup; expensive lien clearance; high relocation expenses; having to deal with a patchwork pattern of real estate ownership; the burden of of having to redevelop decrepit infrastructure (sewers, water, etc.); a cumbersome and time consuming permitting process; the low appraised values of property in distressed neighborhoods; lack of predevelopment financing; and a patchwork of uncoordinated and sometimes poorly administered local subsidy programs.
  

• PALM BEACH - Northwood Renaissance, Inc. has received Bank of America's 2006 Neighborhood Builders Award.  CLICK HERE to learn more.
  

• REDUCING CONSTRUCTION COSTS - An innovative new steel frame panelized construction method for single family homes has a potential of dramatically reducing the cost of producing affordable homes in low income neighborhoods.  CLICK HERE to learn more.
  

• CARRFOUR CORPORATION - South Florida LISC has given Carrfour Corporation's Harding Village development its “Signature Community Development Project” award. Harding Village is a project that faced such a ferocious NIMBY battle.  With luck the new building will receive its CO this week and begin moving in residents. CLICK HERE to read a news article.  CLICK HERE to go to their website
  

• JOB OPENINGS- HOPE, Inc. has an opening for a fair housing counselor. CLICK HERE for the details

• PROBLEMATIC MIAMI-DADE AFFORDABLE HOUSING LEGISLATION - Tomorrow the Miami-Dade County Commission will considera new Infill Housing Ordinance.  The law will modify the County's program of deeding vacant building lots to developers for the construction of affordable housing. The proposed law if adopted will encumber the parcels with "Restrictive Covenants" that will make it difficult for lenders, brokers, and developers to participate and will make it difficult for low income owners to sell their homes (even at the artificially low re-sale prices that the Ordinance would mandate). The proposed amendment is apparently being pushed through in reaction to a series of Miami Herald articles about the County's housing policy. The legislation was written without consulting lenders or experienced developers. Some advocates for affordable housing have urged that the Ordinance not be rushed through without getting additional input.

• Click here for and in depth discussion of problems with the ordinance
• Click here to view a copy of the proposed legislation
• Click here to view information from the County's website
  

• SUPPORTIVE HOUSING - The Florida Supportive Housing Coalition has raised concerns about policies to support the creation of affordable special needs housing. CLICK HERE to see the letter recently written by the Coalition's board president.

• NORTHWOOD RENAISSANCE, INC., a nonprofit CDC operating in Palm Beach County was recently awarded the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta's prestigious EDGE AWARD for 2006.  The award came with a loan for Northwood's Village Centre project which is a 5 story mixed-use residential and commercial redevelopment project to be built in the heart of the West Palm Beach's Northwood Business District.  Additional financing is being provided by LISC ($3 million for acquisition and predevelopment), the Florida Community Loan Fund ($300,000 for acquisition) and Palm Beach County (a $900,000 housing subsidy to produce a set-aside of affordable homes).  CLICK HERE to visit Northwood's website.

• MIAMI BEACH CDC has been awarded funds to assist homeowners in Miami-Dade County to improve their home's security against hurricanes. Recipients must have incomes below 80% of median income and the house value cannot exceed an insured value of $500,000.  Call Karl Kennedy for more information (305) 538-0090. Visit their website by CLICKING HERE
  

• JOB OPENING:  The Miami Beach Housing Authority has an opening a "Family Self Sufficiency" Coordinator to assist Section 8 families to reach self-sufficiency by providing case management and coordinating social service activities.  CLICK HERE to get more information

• ST JOHN CDC - The ribbon cutting ceremony for the newly completed St. John Village townhouse project will be held Friday, July 14, 2006 from 2-4 pm at 1600 NW 1st Ave. in Overtown (Miami). The Mayor, City Commissioners and other dignitaries will be attending.  There will be food and entertainment. The 14 units (one and two bedrooms) have sale prices ranging from $130,000 to $180,000.  Subsidized 2nd mortgage financing has been made available for low income homebuyers. CLICK HERE for more information.

• MIAMI BEACH CDC - You are invited to attend a preview reception for the rehabilitation of the historic Hampton Court Apartments (formerly known as Villa Maria). The event will be held on Thursday, July 20th at 4pm at 2800 Collins Ave., in Miami Beach. CLICK HERE for more information

• TRAINING: The Grantsmanship Training Program is coming to Fort Lauderdale, August 14-18. The training covers all aspects of researching grants, writing grant proposals and negotiating with funding sources. CLICK HERE for information and registration.

• TRAINING - There will be a free grant writing workshop sponsored by HUD for faith-based and other nonprofit organizations. Learn how to successfully apply for federal funding. September 6 & 7, 2006, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM (you must attend both days). At Miami Dade College, Wolfson Campus, 300 NE Second Ave. in Miami (Chapman Conference Room). For additional information contact Don Vargas at (305) 536-5678, x 2271. CLICK HERE to register on-line

• LIBERTY CITY AUDIT - the Model Cities Trust is a City of Miami agency. It is our understanding that its original primary mission was to acquire vacant lots in Liberty City, clean up the title, put them in a "ready to build" condition and then place them in the hands of private developers (nonprofit and for-profit) with safeguards to insure that affordable housing was actually produced.  Several years have gone by and very few home have been created. The City's Inspector General recently released an audit that found short comings in program. To the best of our knowledge the Agency has never made much of an effort to get input from developers who have actual hands-on experience in building homes in these "tough to develop" markets (certainly no effort was made to ever communicate with the author of this newsletter). CLICK HERE to view the full audit report ("pdf" file)

• NEIGHBORHOOD HOUSING SERVICES - On Friday, July 14, at 9:00 am NHS will break ground on eight new affordable homes in the City of Homestead.  The units are being developed by a subsidiary called NHS Housing Development, LLC. The ceremony be held at 637 SW 7 Street. The mayor and several County Commissioners will be speak.  CLICK HERE to go to NHS's website.
  

• UNIVERSAL TRUTH CDC is cosponsoring a meeting to recruit organizations interested in conducting HUD funded Homebuyer Education/Counseling Programs.  Faith based organizations and others are invited to attend. Mission of Peace (A HUD funded Intermediary) will be the facilitator for the meeting. A special representative from the White House will be present to provide information on funding sources.  The meeting will be held Tuesday, July 18, 2006, 9 AM - 4 PM at St. Thomas University in the Bobcat Room - 16401 NW 37 Ave., Miami, FL 33054. For more information Rose Mincey at 305 624 4991
  

• LISC TRAINING - Fundraising/Resource Development - The event will be held July 20, 2006,  8:30-4:30 at FAU's downtown Ft. Lauderdale campus (Askew Tower, 111 East Las Olas Blvd., Suite 724)- CLICK HERE to register.
  

• TRAINING - The Grant Institute's "Grants 101: Professional Grant Proposal Writing Workshop" will be held at the University of Miami - James L. Knight International Center, August 9-11, 2006.  Interested development professionals, researchers, faculty, and graduate students should register as soon as possible, as demand means that seats will fill up quickly. CLICK HERE for information on the training and registration.
  

• LAND TRUST HOMES AVAILABLE - Northwood Renaissance, Inc. has fourteen 3 or 4 bedroom homes available through the community land trust. Mortgages start at $140,000 and homes have central air and full and half porches. To become a Community Land Trust home buyer one must attend an Orientation Meeting which are held at Northwood Adult Learning Center (723 39th St., West Palm Beach, FL) starting at 6 PM. The next dates are July 10, July 19, and July 26. CLICK HERE to visit their website. For more information call or email Ripley Harrison - 561-832-6776 ext.107, rharrison@northwoodrenaissance.org
  

• THE ALLIANCE FOR HUMAN SERVICES is seeking presenters for its 4th Annual Institute on Friday, October 27, 2006, at the Miami Beach Convention Center. The theme is Building a Livable Community for All: Creating Connections, Strengthening Skills and Implementing Best Practices. CLICK HERE to for complete information.  CLICK HERE to view the Alliance's website for information on the Social Services Master Plan.
  

• MIAMI-DADE WORKFORCE HOUSING - Commissioner Barbara Jordan will be having a series of "sunshine" meetings with other commissioners regarding the proposed Workforce Housing Ordinance.  By Florida Law, commissioners are not allowed to discuss an item they will be voting on unless that discussion is publicly noticed and in an open forum (in the "sunshine"). All of these meetings are scheduled in the second floor conference room A at the Stephen P. Clark center.

• with Commissioner Edmonson, July 10 at 8:30 a.m.
• with Commissioner Diaz, July 11 at 8:30 a.m.
• with Commissioner Seijas, July 13 at 9:30 a.m.
• with Commissioner Gimenez, July 19 at 2:00 p.m.
  

If you are planning to attend, be aware that there is often little or no public input during these conversations.  There are exceptions, though. Also, call Commissioner Jordan's office closer to the dates to make sure things haven't changed.

• OVERTOWN: The Miami Dade College/HUD/Overtown forum meets July 17, 2006, 10:00 - 11:30 AM at Miami Dade College - Wolfson Campus, ETCOTA Room # 7166, 500 NE 2nd Ave., Miami, FL 33132 from 10:00- 11:30 AM. Contact Don Vargas for information at 305 536 5678 x 2271

• LISC TRAINING: There will be a two day workshop sponsored by LISC's Community Development Training Institute. It will be held at the FAU Campus in downtown Ft. Lauderdale.  The topics include how to access LISC's loan capital and green development strategies.  CLICK HERE for more information ("pdf" file). CLICK HERE to register on-line or contact Lynda Charles at 561-471-7700
  

• MIAMI-DADE INCLUSIONARY ZONING; Miami-Dade County retained a consulting firm to provide it with recommendations regarding the proposed Inclusionary Workforce Zoning Ordinance.  CLICK HERE to download their report. Caution, the document is a large "Word" file (1.3 mg).
  

• The FLORIDA LEGISLATURE adopted some significant provisions affecting affordable housing at its recently concluded session.  CLICK HERE to review a summary.
  

• LISC CELEBRATION announcing $800,000 in new grants to South Florida CDCs. June 19, 2006 at 9am at the Sheraton Ft. Lauderdale Airport Hotel 1825 Griffin Road, Dania Beach, FL.  Contact Sydel Hotson for more information @ 305-381-7967 or 561-471-7700 Ext: 4017
  

• FLORIDA AFFORDABLE HOUSING STUDY COMMISSION will meet at the Orlando International Airport Hyatt on June 14 and 15. CLICK HERE visit their website or call Odetta MacLeish-White (850) 488-4197.
  

• FLORIDA COMMUNITY LOAN FUND has a new initiative called the New Markets Fund which is designed to provide longer term, below-market rate loans for much larger projects to non-profit and for-profit borrowers. New Markets projects must be located in areas of low income and high poverty, Because of the associated costs to put the funding together, the minimum loan size is $3,000,000. CLICK HERE for more information ("pdf" file). CLICK HERE to visit their website.
  

• MIAMI-DADE OFFICE OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT has released its FY 2007 "Action Plan Policies".  These policies will govern the County's allocation of FY 2007 funding for community development and affordable housing.  CLICK HERE to view them.

• NEW MARKETS TAX CREDIT: The U.S. Treasury has announced the winners of New Markets Tax Credits for Allocation Round number four.  Once again, there were no Florida allocatees.  There were, however, six national applicants that included Florida in their geographic service areas:
  

• Wachovia Community Investments--$143 Million
• LISC--$140 Million
• Citibank--$100 Million
• Bank of America--$143 Million
• NCB Development--$54 Million
• Structured Products--$62 Million

• FORUM ON THE HOUSING CRISIS - Wednesday, April 26, 2006, 3 pm – 6 pm at the Miami-Dade Housing Agency Board Room (building in back by the river) - 1401 NW 7th Street, across from the Orange Bowl.  Refreshments
  

• FUNDING - The Bank of America Charitable Foundation is accepting applications for its Neighborhood Excellence Initiative, a program designed to recognize, nurture, and reward organizations, local heroes and student leaders helping to rebuild and revitalize communities in thirty-eight of the bank's major markets across the United States (including South Florida). The application deadline is June 30. For more information, CLICK HERE to visit the Bank of America website:
  

• FORUM - LISC of South Florida is sponsoring a forum to discuss workforce/affordable housing issues.  It will be held Tuesday, April 25th at 9am at the South Florida Water Management District at 3301 Gun Club Road in West Palm Beach, FL.  Call 561-471-7700 ext 4016 for information.

• SUMMIT - Affordable, Accessible Housing Training and Strategy Development - April 24th and 25th in Aventura.  CLICK HERE to download the registration and information packet ("pdf" file).

• LITTLE HAITI HOUSING ASSOCIATION (LHHA):  There will be grand opening and ribbon cutting for LHHA's "North Miami Computer Clubhouse" on April 28, 2006 at 4 pm at the Valentine Community Center located at 13130 NE 8th Ave. in North Miami, Florida.  The Clubhouse, LHHA's second, will provide a creative after-school learning environment where young people from ages 8 - 189 from undeserved community work with adult mentors to explore their own ideas, develop skills, and build confidence through the use of technology.  For more information call 305 759 2542 ext 105

• OVERTOWN: The Miami Dade College/HUD/Overtown forum meets May 22, 2006, 10:00 - 11:30 AM at Miami Dade College - Wolfson Campus, ETCOTA Room # 7166, 500 NE 2nd Ave., Miami, FL 33132 from 10:00- 11:30 AM. Contact Don Vargas for information at 305 536 5678 x 2271

• FUNDING: Kitchens With Mission has been awarded a grant by the Charitable Venture Foundation of NY to assist other organizations interested in exploring, planning and executing social ventures that provide culinary/food-service training and job placement to disadvantaged populations (models similar to Seattle’s FareStart.org).  Call David Carleton for more information 206-427-9651.  Click the following weblinks to learn more:  http://www.kitchenswithmission.org and http://www.farestart.org
  

• JOB OPENING: The Housing Partnership, Inc. (Palm Beach County) has an opening for a Housing Division Director.  CLICK HERE for more information
  

• JOB OPENING - Fortune 500 financial institution seeks community relations/philanthropic executive for Florida location. This highly strategic candidate will lead, manage and execute regional community strategy to drive “Outstanding” CRA rating; maximize impact of philanthropy and community involvement; provide strategic guidance to help brand institution as a top community-oriented financial services company; represent organization on select community boards and groups; and serve as advisor to Regional President. Requirements include Bachelor’s degree and senior level experience in a financial institution with CRA audits, philanthropic programs, and /or community development. Send resume in confidence to: professional@internalgroup.com.

• MIAMI BEACH CDC - Mayor David Dermer recognized Miami Beach Community Development Corporation on its 25th Year Anniversary at the State of the City presentation on Friday, April 21, 2006. The Mayor sited the organization's substantial accomplishments in promoting the Art Deco District, contributing to economic revitalization, rehabilitating historic buildings and increasing opportunities for affordable housing. Visit the CDC's website by clicking the following link: http://www.miamibeachcdc.org/

• EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY - The Florida Alliance of Community Development Corporations is seeking an executive director. CLICK HERE for details ("pdf"file)

• THE FLORIDA AFFORDABLE STUDY COMMISSION will be holding its next meeting on April 5 and 6, 2006 at the Sheraton Ft. Lauderdale Airport Hotel.  The meeting will start at 1pm on April 5th and adjourn in the early afternoon of April 6th.  CLICK HERE to go to their website

• MIAMI-DADE INCLUSIONARY ZONING; The Miami-Dade County Commission will hold a workshop on its proposed Inclusionary Zoning/Workforce Housing legislation.  The workshop will be held on April 3, 2006 from 9:00-11:00 AM in the Commission's  chambers at 111 NW 1st. Street.  CLICK HERE to examine the legislation that was first proposed in December (we understand that some revisions are to be announced at the workshop that will address comments that have been submitted).

• FUNDING OPPORTUNITY: Miami-Dade County, in partnership with the Alliance for Human Services, is requesting proposals for its District Responsive Grants. Grants of up to $25,000 each are available to community based organizations. $100,000 is being made available in each of Miami-Dade County's 13 Commission districts. Proposals are due by noon on Friday, March 31, 2006. CLICK HERE to get information from the County's website or, alternately, CLICK HERE if you would prefer getting it from the Alliance.

• IRS TAX TRAINING: The Internal Revenue Service will hold three one-day workshops for small and mid-sized tax-exempt organizations in Miami on May 9, 10 and 11, 2006 The workshops will cover the procedures tax-exempt organizations must follow to maintain their tax-exempt status and comply with their tax obligations. CLICK HERE for more information

• JOB OPENING: Carrfour, a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to develop supportive housing and maximize the self-sufficiency of the formerly homeless and those at risk of homelessness is seeking a Full-Time Employment and Training Specialist to work with participants at its North Miami Program.  CLICK HERE to view a the full position description and requirements or call Sandra Newson at (305) 628-8140 for further information.

• FUNDING AVAILABILITY: Bank of America has announced their "Neighborhood Excellence Initiative".  $450,000 worth of grants will be made available to nonprofits in the Miami market. CLICK HERE to learn more

• OVERTOWN (correction): The Miami Dade College/HUD/Overtown forum meets April 3, 2006 (not April 1st) at Miami Dade College - Wolfson Campus, ETCOTA Room # 7166, 500 NE 2nd Ave., Miami, FL 33132 from 10:00- 11:30 AM. Contact Don Vargas for information at 305 536 5678 x 2271

• EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY: Northwood Renaissance, Inc. of West Palm Beach is seeking a Community Land Trust Manager. CLICK HERE for detailed information about the job. CLICK HERE to go to their website..

• CDBG CUTS - According to a new survey funding under the Community Development Block Grant program has fallen 14 percent in the past year.  An additional 25 percent reduction is being proposed by the Bush administration for fiscal 2007. CLICK HERE To view the survey ("pdf" file)

• FIRST TIME HOMWBUYERS - WEST PALM BEACH: Northwood Renaissance, Inc. has announced the next round of their first time homebuyer workshops. CLICK HERE for more information ("pdf"file)

• FEDERAL FUNDING: United States HUD has released its humongous annual "SuperNOFA" funding announcement. $2.2 billion is being made available. CLICK HERE for more information
  

• FEDERAL FUNDING: The U.S.  Department of Health & Human Services is soliciting proposals for its "community development" funding program (through its Office of Community Services, or OCS). "Community Development Corporations" experienced in implementing economic development projects are eligible. Applications are due May 12, 2006.  CLICK HERE for more information

• JOB OPENING: New Visions Community Development Corporation in Ft. Lauderdale is seeking a Project Manager. CLICK HERE for more information.

• MIAMI-DADE URBAN DEVELOPMENT BOUNDARY: The Urban Environment League is hosting two events: (1) a Bus Tour of the Redlands, Friday, March 24th (CLICK HERE for more information), and, (2) a Smart Growth workshop seminar on Monday, April 3rd (CLICK HERE for more information).
  

• AFFORDABLE HOUSING POLICY: A new report issued by Florida International University's Research Institute on Social and Economic Policy cautions that Miami-Dade County's proposal to provide housing for middle-income workers will not help most of the people that it purports to target. CLICK HERE to view the report.

• HURRICANE RELIEF HOUSING FUNDS: South Florida has been included in the Gulf Opportunity Zone Act recently adopted by Congress. Because of this affordable rental housing projects are now eligible for 30% more funding under the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) than they would have been otherwise. CLICK HERE for more information

• OVERTOWN: The Miami Dade College/HUD/Overtown forum meets April 1, 2006 at Miami Dade College - Wolfson Campus, ETCOTA Room # 7166, 500 NE 2nd Ave., Miami, FL 33132 from 10:00- 11:30 AM. Contact Don Vargas for information at 305 536 5678 x 2271

• SAVE THAT DATE:  Legal Services of Greater Miami will hold its 40th Anniversary Luncheon on June 9, 2006.  For more information contact John Little at 305 438-2461.

• FEDERAL FUNDING CUTS - click the following link for a quick summary of the proposed federal budget cuts affecting community development efforts: http://www.floridacdc.org/zzz/2007-budgetcuts.html

• JOB OPENING - The NW Riviera Beach CDC is seeking to hire an executive director.  Click the following link for information: http://floridacdc.org/zzz/060222-riviera.html
  

• JOB OPENING - The Funders Network is seeking to hire an Associate Director.  Click the following link for more information http://www.fundersnetwork.org/info-url_nocat2778/info-url_nocat_show.htm?doc_id=354725
  

• FUNDING: The federal Office of Community Services will award Community Economic Development discretionary grant funds for operational projects to Community Development Corporations that are experienced in implementing economic development projects.  The purpose of these grants is to create new employment and business development opportunities for low-income individuals. Click the following link to learn more. http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/open/HHS-2006-ACF-OCS-EE-0019.html
  

• NONPROFIT ETHICS TRAINING - The University of Miami School of Law's Center for Ethics and Public Service provides conflict of interest training for nonprofit corporations. The presentations are designed to assist the directors and officers of nonprofit corporations in recognizing effective conflicts of interest and to implementing effective conflict of interest policies and procedures. Training sessions are tailored to the needs of each client and include real-world examples illustrating conflict of interest policies used by nonprofit corporations. No fees are charged for these services. Interested parties please contact Brette Wolf at 305-284-3934 or by e-mail at Bwolf@law.miami.edu

• TAX CLINIC.  Legal Services of Greater Miami now has a full time tax clinic that serves low income people. The clinic takes cases involving things such as levy letters, garnishment of wages, denial of credits, freezing of refunds, etc. No appointment is necessary. Intake is conducted at the firms main office (3000 Biscayne Blvd, 5th Fl. in Miami). Contact Kimberly Sanchez for more information (305) 438-2423. Visit their website by clicking the following link: http://www.lsgmi.org
  

• SUPPORTIVE HOUSING COALITION - There will be a planning meeting to discuss the possibility of organizing a South Florida chapter of the Florida Supportive Housing Coalition. The meeting will take place on February 27, 2006 during the "Welcome Home to A Place of Your Own" conference at 4:30 pm immediately following the "Building a Local Coalition" workshop.  The conference will be held on Monday and Tuesday, February 27th and 28th, at the Wyndham Hotel, 1870 Griffin Road, Dania Beach, FL. Contact María Baeza for more information - mariabaeza@flsupportivehousing.org or (786) 293-2441.  Click the following link to visit the Coalition's website: http://www.flshc.org/

• TRAINING: LISC Experts Online - Leading Your Organization from Good to Great! will be held March 1 at 2:00 p.m. Features Peter Carey, Executive Director of Coachella Valley Housing Coalition and John Mealey, Executive Director of Self-Help Enterprises for a discussion about capitalizing on core competencies, making good strategic decisions, and navigating rapid organizational growth and change with LISC Organizational Development Initiative's Maria Gutierrez. Contact Shelia Slemp for information sslemp@lisc.org or click the following link: http://www.lisc.org/content/calendar/detail/1215/
  

• TRAINING: The University of Miami's Center for Non-Profit Management has announced its upcoming series of seminars.
• March 16, 2006 - Fearless Fundraising
• April 20, 2006  - How to Conduct Special Events
• May 18, 2006 - Successful Grants Writing
• June 15, 2006 - The Internet as a Resource

Call (305) 284 5670 for more information or click the following link. http://nonprofit.miami.edu/

• Homebuyer Counseling and Training at the Ft. Lauderdale Marriott Northon March 1, 2006. 
• Enhancing Your Housing Strategies on February 7, 2006 at the Omni Colonnade Hotel in Coral Gables, FL.

http://www.flhousing.org/workshopseriesNEW.asp