U.S. Conference of Mayors President to Address Housing Forum Oct. 15

Press Contact Only:

Margaret Matrone, NCHFA, 919-877-5606, 


Thomas M. Menino, President of the U.S. Conference of Mayors and Mayor of Boston will address members on North Carolina’s affordable housing industry, Tues., Oct. 15, at 9:40 a.m. at the Sheraton Imperial Hotel in Research Triangle Park. Sponsored by the N.C. Housing Finance Agency, the fifth annual Housing Forum is expected to attract 400 developers, lenders, nonprofit housing providers, funders and housing advocates.

Under Mayor Menino’s leadership, the U.S. Conference of Mayors has made housing a top priority for the year, along with homeland security.  As Mayor of Boston, Mayor Menino has initiated a comprehensive housing strategy for the city, and launched the nation’s first citywide Main Streets Program, which is revitalizing 21 neighborhood business districts. He will speak on Building Community Support for Affordable Housing.

Other highlights of the one-day conference include:

The 2002 Housing North Carolina Awards, 12:30 – 2:00 p.m.

Six affordable housing properties will be recognized as models of homeownership and rental development and supportive housing for persons with special needs. Winners of the 13th annual awards are located in Asheville, Greenville, Rutherfordton, Salisbury, Wilmington, and Wilson. (Advance information is available on request, embargoed until Oct. 15.)

Status of National Housing Legislation, 9:00 a.m.

Garth B. Rieman, Director of Housing Legislation and Policy, National Council of State Housing Agencies, Washington, D.C., will review the status of proposed federal housing initiatives that would bring millions of dollars into North Carolina. These include the proposed national housing trust fund, new rental production program, recommendations of the Millennial Housing Commission established by Congress, as well as proposed improvements to the Housing Credit and Mortgage Revenue Bond Programs.

Workshops on How to Use Federal Housing Credits and Housing Resources, 11:00 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.

Nuts and bolts workshops on how to use federal and state tax credits to develop affordable apartments, and how to use the N.C. Housing Finance Agency’s loan programs for home ownership and special needs housing and housing rehabilitation.

Editors: This is an excellent opportunity for reporters covering affordable housing to learn about the industry and meet the players. The registration fee is waived for members of the press. For a description of workshops and times see www.nchfa.com. For free registration, call Margaret Matrone, 919-877-5606.

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