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Monday
Creating a Value-added Work Environment Using Administrative Lean
10:15am – 11:45am
Back by popular demand! The pressure continues to mount for organizations to do more with less, continue to meet customer expectations, and produce results faster. With limited resources, who has time to waste time? Creating value-added work process is critical to sustaining programs and operations. Learn how to take a bottom-up approach to analyze workflow and streamline processes. Participants will learn key concepts of Administrative Lean and become lean thinkers through interactive exercises to eliminate waste and rework, reduce costs, and improve customer satisfaction. This session is ideal for all members of the organization.
Audience Level: Beginner
Moderator: Katie Fritz-CEDAM
Panelist: Connie Bohatch-City of Grand Rapids
Creating and Funding Entrepreneur-Friendly Commercial Corridors
10:15am – 11:45am
A group of advocates who encourage entrepreneurship in the city of Detroit will lead a discussion on best practices useful for any downtown community developer. These include effective creation of environments for entrepreneurial brainstorming, different models of start-up training and funding, and utilizing tax incentives, facade grants, and other tools. While the discussion will focus on current initiatives in Detroit, these ideas and projects are replicable state-wide!
Audience Level: All
Moderator: Aileen Waldron-USDA
Panelists: Jeff Aronoff-D;hive, Elizabeth Garlow-Michigan Corps, Scott Benson-Midtown Detroit, Inc., Emily Doerr-City of Oak Park
Creating Synergy In Your Downtown
10:15am – 11:45am
The invitation read, “If you consider Downtown Brighton your downtown you are invited to a conversation that matters” as the Principal Shopping District board hosts “Envision Brighton-Co-Creating a 21st Century Vision for our Downtown” facilitated in the World Cafe Style. 120 people responded and 110 showed up on a stormy January night. A vision was created and presented to all the city boards and commissions in the following months.
Audience Level: All
Moderator: Claudia Roblee-City of Brighton
Panelist: Lauri French-City of Brighton
Financial Empowerment 101: From Asset Building Basics to Emerging Trends
10:15am – 11:45am
Whether you are a seasoned veteran or first-time learner, this session will provide practitioners, service providers, advocates and policymakers a greater understanding of how to empower financially vulnerable individuals and families to reach greater financial stability. The session will begin with an overview of the basic concepts and policies of the asset building field and then highlight some of the new trends and best practices emerging in the field nationally. Following this, participants will be engaged in an interactive discussion on the challenges and opportunities facing all those working in the field. The innovative approaches and solutions presented in this session will provide potential policy and program solutions to meet the needs of financially vulnerable populations.
Audience Level: All
Panelist: Ross Yednock-CEDAM
HOME Final Rule: Changes in Homebuyer Requirements
10:15am – 11:45am
Learn about the HOME Final Rule changes that affect homebuyer activities in the HOME Program, including changes in underwriting, price/value limits, property standards, deadlines and resale/recapture.
Audience Level: All
Moderator: Sherri Davio-MSHDA
Panelist: Monte Franke-Franke Consulting Group
How Social and Economic Conditions Affect Workforce Development
10:15am – 11:45am
Workforce development is a holistic approach to economic development that “attempts to enhance a region’s economic stability by focusing on people.” Our workforce is shaped by community-wide social and economic conditions. Data to demonstrate the make-up of a Michigan suburban and urban community, and discuss how demographics affect workforce development. The presentation will be a broad overview of community analysis and urban economic methods.
Audience Level: Beginner; Intermediate
Panelist: Justin Arnold-Justin Arnold Consulting
MSHDA’s Homeownership Counseling Program Annual Counselor Training
10:15am – 11:45am
This two-hour session, designed specifically for MSHDA-certified housing counselors, will provide relevant counseling program information on topics including incorporating program policy into the delivery of services, defining program expectations and exploring industry best practices.
Audience Level: All
Moderator: Jodi Mercer-MSHDA
Panelists: Sharon Evans-MSHDA, Renee Ferguson-MSHDA, Karen Lawson-MSHDA,
Sean Chapman-MSHDA
Placemaking in Michigan: What Communities Want!
10:15am – 11:45am
The Metropolitan Planning Council of Chicago says that placemaking is “both an overarching idea and a hands-on tool for improving a neighborhood, city or region. It has the potential to be one of the most transformative ideas of this century.” This session will provide general background and Michigan context for placemaking, and introduce the audience to the MIplace Partnership, a public/private partnership promoting and supporting placemaking activity throughout the state of Michigan. Among the many exciting things the MIplace Partnership has launched is a placemaking curriculum, unparalleled across the nation. State agency representatives will describe and give examples of the work they are supporting collaboratively.
Audience Level: Intermediate
Moderator: Karen Gagnon-MSHDA
Panelists: Susan Erickson-MDEQ, John Bracey-Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs, Nancy Nyquist-MI Department of Agriculture, Katharine Czarnecki-MEDC, Michael Leon-MDOT
The Development Process
10:15am – 11:45am
An entertaining workshop that provides a comprehensive overview of the real estate development process. The session outlines the sequence of activities and the roles played by development team members as you move through the various stages of development planning, design, finance, government approvals, construction, lease-up and operations.
Audience Level: Beginner
Panelist: Mark McDaniel-Great Lakes Capital Fund
The House We Live In: A Historical Journey Through Race, Place and Opportunity in Michigan
10:15am – 11:45am
Embark on a journey through our past and explore local and national housing policies that have contributed to the extreme inequity we see in our housing experiences today. Experience history hands-on through an interactive exhibit of housing in Michigan using the lens of racial equity to analyze past behaviors and assess where they leave us today. Join in conversation with colleagues to create an out of the box plan of action towards more equity. Because where we live does determine how we live.
Audience Level: All
Moderator: Melissa Patrick-MSHDA
Panelists: Freda G. Sampson-Michigan Roundtable for Diversity and Inclusion, Stacey Stevens-Michigan Roundtable for Diversity and Inclusion
Understanding Fair Housing for Housing Providers
10:15am – 11:45am
This training provides an overview of federal and state fair housing laws, protected classes and housing discrimination for housing providers. It will include information on best practices and application of fair housing laws, such as the use of the Equal Housing Opportunity Logo. An advocacy for homeseekers perspective will be included to raise awareness of housing discrimination.
Audience Level: Beginner; Intermediate
Moderator: Ann Mueller-MSHDA
Panelist: Liz Keegan-Fair Housing Center of West Michigan
Back to Life: How Abandoned Buildings in Detroit, Kalamazoo, and Escanaba Became Placemaking
1:30pm – 3:00pm
The rehabilitation of historic buildings keeps people in their traditional neighborhoods and downtowns, intensifies use of existing infrastructure, and is one of the most responsible things you can do to conserve energy and keep construction waste out of Michigan landfills. We will study the adaptive reuse of a 1901 brewery in Escanaba, four 19th century commercial buildings in Kalamazoo, and a 1929 Bell Telephone office tower in Detroit that today provide comfortable homes for residents and competitively distinctive settings for business. With perseverance and creativity, the building owners tipped the balance in their communities toward “placemaking” with vibrantly revitalized historic gems.
Audience Level: All
Moderator: Janet Kreger
Panelists: Joe Heaphy-Neighborhood Service Organization, Joe Agostinelli-The MBA Group, Matt Sviland-Swanee, Inc
Evaluating for Impact: Setting the Stage for Data Driven Decision Making
1:30pm – 3:00pm
In today’s volatile political and philanthropic environment, non-profit and public sector leaders are increasingly challenged to do more with less. The demand to demonstrate impact has never been greater, the pace never faster and the stakes never higher. To move from survival to sustainable, organizational and program leaders must be proactive vs reactive when it comes to evaluating impact. This interactive workshop will engage learners in thinking strategically about purposes and processes for collecting, interpreting, and using data.
Audience Level: All
Moderator: Erica Curry VanEe-Community Research Institute at the Dorothy A. Johnson Center for Philanthropy at Grand Valley State University
Panelists: Alejandra Garcia-Community Research Institute at the Dorothy A. Johnson Center for Philanthropy at Grand Valley State University
HOME Final Rule: Changes in Rental Project Requirements
1:30pm – 3:00pm
Learn about the HOME Final Rule changes that affect rental activities in the HOME Program, including new requirements for underwriting, property standards, deadlines, monitoring and workouts.
Audience Level: All
Moderator: Sherri Davio-MSHDA
Panelist: Monte Franke-Franke Consulting Group
Homelessness: Personal Stories and Journeys Toward Success
1:30pm – 3:00pm
Listen to personal experiences from those that experienced homelessness firsthand. This dynamic presentation will feature individuals who will share their journey from homelessness to being stably housed, as well as challenges and successes of that personal experience. Individual stories can debunk stereotypes of what people who are homeless have experienced and program participants will leave this session with a better understanding of how diverse those that experience homelessness truly are.
Audience Level: All
Moderator: Debra Hendren-Community Housing Network
Panelists: Kim Rosario-Community Housing Network, Michael Carter-Silver Star, LaShonda Campbell-Emergency Shelter Services Inc.
HUD Tax Credit PILOT Program
1:30pm – 3:00pm
Introduction to one of HUD’s newest pilot programs. The Low Income Housing Tax Credit Pilot Program was implemented to increase HUD’s production of affordable housing and to streamline FHA processing of mortgage insurance applications for projects with equity from low income housing tax credits.
Audience Level: All
Moderator: Laurie Coplin-HUD
Panelists: Joseph Davis-HUD, Mark Dominick-HUD, Susie Sapilewski-HUD, Mike Polsinelli-HUD Detroit Multifamily Hub
Incentives and Programs for Downtowns
1:30pm – 3:00pm
Not sure where to get started on revitalizing your downtown? What programs does the state have to help organize your community? How about grants or loans for streetscape or other infrastructure projects? What about upper floor housing? This session will focus on the various state-level programs that can help downtowns organize themselves and execute great projects that better downtown for everyone.
Audience Level: All
Moderator: Sarah Rainero, Michigan Economic Development Corporation
Panelists: Julie Gardner-MSHDA, Amber Thelen-Michigan Department of Transportation, Adam Zettel-City of Owosso
MSHDA Homeownership Products
1:30pm – 3:00pm
For many low-to-moderate income homebuyers and persons with disabilities, saving money for a down payment can be a challenge. Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) has programs to help you buy your dream home sooner.
Federal Tax Credits: Homebuyers taking advantage of the MCC Program may qualify for 20% of their annual mortgage interest paid to be credited against their year-end tax liability. This is not a one time tax credit, but can be taken advantage of each year until the original mortgage is paid in full as long as the property remains the homebuyers primary residence.
Audience Level: All
Panelist: Eric Dusenbury
Neighborhood Revitalization From Engagement to Collective Impact
1:30pm – 3:00pm
Through power point presentations, short-footage videos, testimonials, impact data and pictures from the actual works in the field, LINC will walk the participants through different neighborhood revitalization strategies, best practices, leanings and successes that showcase the importance authentic engagement, affordable and diverse housing opportunities, economic development, and leadership and capacity building play in neighborhood revitalization.
Audience Level: All
Moderator: Darel Ross-LINC Community Revitalization Inc.
Panelists: Jeremy DeRoo-LINC Community Revitalization Inc., Ana Doonan-LINC Community Revitalization Inc., Jorge Gonzalez-LINC Community Revitalization Inc., Venessa Remo-LINC Community Revitalization Inc.
Performance Measurement: What Are Your Words Worth?
1:30pm – 3:00pm
Learn how performance measurement helps leaders of nonprofits enhance the organizations ability to deliver on its mission.
Audience Level: All
Moderator: Tara Gilman-MSHDA
Panelist: Denise Keiser-Center for Financial Health
Placemaking in Michigan: What Communities Have!
1:30pm – 3:00pm
Placemaking is happening all over Michigan, and this session will provide examples of a wide variety of projects in varied types of settings. In addition, a sampling of the state agency tools that played a role in these projects will be described.
Audience Level: Intermediate
Moderator: Julie Hales-Smith-North Coast Community Consultants
Panelists: Suzanne Schultz-Michigan Corridor Project, Louise Gradwohl-Old Town Commercial Association, Robert Hillard-Allegan PlacePlans, Michael Leon-MDOT, Karen Gagnon-MSHDA
Recognizing Diversity: Do You Know What it Takes?
1:30pm – 3:00pm
Join us for an open, interactive discussion on how to approach diversity within your community. Session leaders will offer methods of approach; how to define diversity; why communities lack diversity; and what initiatives are underway in local, state, and federal levels to promote integrated communities. Stories from other community actions will be provided to offer ideas or spur thoughts on how Michigan can replicate or create similar types of programs.
Audience Level: All
Moderator: Terri Sanchez-HUD
Panelist: Liz Keegan-Fair Housing Center of West Michigan
Tried and True Closing Techniques that Result in a Lease
1:30pm – 3:00pm
Tried and True Closing Techniques that Result in a Lease will be an interactive session in which several closing techniques will be reviewed and discussed, using various leasing scenarios. Participants will explore the techniques and discover which techniques to use and when to use them to be able to close more perspective residents…increasing closing ratios and occupancy.
Audience Level: Beginner; Intermediate
Moderator: Elaine Simpson-Occupancy Solutions
Panelist: Elaine Simpson-Occupancy Solutions, LLC
Business to Business Recruitment
3:30pm – 5:00pm
The retail marketplace is increasingly competitive. Communities that have failed to recognize and respond to changes in the market that affect the viability of their traditional downtown or neighborhood commercial districts continue to struggle in their efforts to compete. Those that are successful are continually
re-assessing and refining their position in the market as well as re-asserting the business districts important role as part of the larger communitys economic landscape. Hear the story of four Michigan Main Street communities and how their volunteers have utilized market studies and unique partnerships to fill vacancies in their downtowns. Learn how, with limited budgets, communities can effectively create recruitment strategies and implement them.
Empowering Communities to Respond to Foreclosures: A Demonstration of the Michigan Community Foreclosure Response Toolkit
3:30pm – 5:00pm
Participants will take a guided tour of the Michigan Foreclosure Task Force’s web-based Michigan Community Foreclosure Response Toolkit. Information covered will include how to organize a local response to the ongoing tax and mortgage foreclosure crisis, basic foreclosure-related data and information, available resources, strategies and best practices related to both preventing and responding to foreclosures. Intended for those starting or strengthening a local foreclosure response effort.
Audience Level: All
Moderator: Neeta Delaney-Michigan Foreclosure Task Force
Panelist: Neeta Delaney-Michigan Foreclosure Task Force
Fair Housing, Marketing, and 504 Requirements
3:30pm – 5:00pm
This panel discussion composed of MSHDA, HUD and marketing professionals will address issues concerning Fair Housing Laws and 504 Rehabilitation. Learn how to meet marketing goals while staying in compliance with Fair Housing laws and 504 Rehabilitation laws. Learn how to make your development more accessible to individuals with disabilities.
Audience Level: Beginner; Intermediate
Moderator: Donald Rencher-MSHDA
Panelists: Yvonne Poindexter-Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity, HUD, Elaine Simpson-Occupancy Solutions, LLC, Kathy Banker-Lease Up!
Innovative Financing Strategies for Housing and Community Development
3:30pm – 5:00pm
This will provide an overview of innovative financing arrangements for predevelopment, site control, acquisition, construction and permanent financing for a wide range of community development initiatives. It will include resources generated by Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) and resources available from public agencies. Topics will include private equity, taxable and tax exempt bonds, mezzanine debt, tax increment financing and credit enhanced loans.
Audience Level: All
Moderator: Tom Edmiston-Great Lakes
Capital Fund
Panelists: Jerome Sullivan-Capital Fund Services, Don Bernards-Baker Tilly Virchow Krause, LLP
MSHDA’s Key to Own Program: Converting Your Voucher From Renting to Homeownership!
3:30pm – 5:00pm
By using the Section 8 Voucher, MSHDA participants are able to transition from rental assistance to owning their own home! Learn how MSHDA has been successful in leading Housing Choice Voucher Participants to economic self-sufficiency and homeownership through their nationally recognized program. Working closely with the Family Self-Sufficiency Program, the Key to Own Homeownership Program is one of the top programs in the nation in changing the lives of our citizens here in Michigan!
Audience Level: Intermediate
Moderator: Kerri Nobach-MSHDA
Panelist: Lisa Lehman-MSHDA
Nonprofit Leadership Development: Letting Leaders Lead
3:30pm – 5:00pm
This session will provide an overview of the recently launched nonprofit leadership development program, the BEST Nonprofit Leadership Institute(BNLI), from the perspective of BEST Project staff and an actual BNLI participant. Facilitators will give an overview of the Leadership Effectiveness Analysis (LEA) tool which is at the core of the curriculum and lead a sample activity from the program.
Audience Level: Intermediate
Moderator: Jenni Dones-BEST Project
Panelist: Erin Lamb-Crim Fitness Foundation
Rivertown: A Partnership to Provide Comprehensive Services for Senior Residents
3:30pm – 5:00pm
Learn how a broad range of partners came together to provide unique and comprehensive residential, and long term care resources to seniors in an affordable, continuing care retirement community in downtown Detroit.
Audience Level: All
Moderator: David Layman-Hooker DeJong, Inc.
Panelists: Brian Carnaghi-Presbyterian Villages of Michigan, Nathan Keup-Presbyterian Villages of Michigan, John Thorhauer-United Methodist Retirement Communities
Show Me the Money! Financial Empowerment through Community Events
3:30pm – 5:00pm
Show Me the Money Day is an annual event in Michigan promoting financial capability through free financial workshops and resource fairs. Money Day events bring together local government, community-based organizations, financial institutions, free tax assistance practitioners and educational institutions to promote access to financial resources, products and tools to community residents. Learn how to host your own Show Me the Money Day event in this session!
Audience Level: All
Panelist: Megan Kursik-CEDAM
Technocological Solutions for Remote Service Delivery
3:30pm – 5:00pm
Businesses use video conference for meetings between clients, to connect satellite offices with the corporate headquarters or even hold employment interviews. Educators use video conferencing to teach students in multiple locations, bring in guest lectures from across the globe or attend symposiums that they would otherwise miss. People all over the world use video conferencing to see their new grandchild, catch up with an old friend or see their loved one while serving overseas. Using the same technology, service providers in more populated areas can provide assistance to clients in remote, and previously under-served areas across the state.
In this session, participants will learn about a new and innovative approach that connects low-income individuals living in remote locations with VITA services providers using video conference and other technology. This cutting edge approach to service delivery is being pioneered in southwest Michigan but may provide solutions elsewhere to remote service delivery.
Audience Level: All
Moderator: Ross Yednock-CEDAM
Panelist: Tom Richardson-Van Buren ISD
The Community Development Industry’s Best Kept Secrets Caught on Camera
3:30pm – 5:00pm
Have you seen a stove designed to allow people in wheelchairs to see the food they are cooking? Do you want to know how one group reduced crime in the Midtown area of Detroit by 38%? Would you like to know a different way to handle a vacant property besides demolition? These and more revealed during this special video screening of The Bright Side, where we will uncover and discuss some of the community development industry’s best kept secrets: successes!
Audience Level: All
Panelist: Olivia Courant-CEDAM
Transit Simulation: Navigating Life Without YOUR Car!
3:30pm – 5:00pm
Our lifestyles in America today seem to demand frequent usage of a personal automobile to get around. Unfortunately, for many people facing poverty today, access to a personal vehicle is beyond reach, making all elements of life — from getting to work, to buying groceries, to accessing social services and other errands — rather difficult. With this in mind, we will be exploring the world of the “carless” by spending time in their shoes! Participants in this simulation will go off-site to experience first-hand the challenges faced by those who don’t have ready access to a vehicle of their own.
Audience Level: All
Panelists: Brian McGrain-CEDAM, Lina Chapman-MDOT
What’s Happening in the World of Federal and State Apartment Financing
3:30pm – 5:00pm
In this session attendees will interact with representatives from HUD, MSHDA and USDA Rural Development as they give updates regarding funding, programming, and procedures within each of their respective agencies.
Audience Level: All
Moderator: Aileen Waldron-HUD
Panelists: Laurie Coplin-HUD Detroit Multifamily Hub, John Hundt-MSHDA, Julie Putnam-USDA Rural Development, Ghulam Sumbal-USDA Rural Development
Tuesday
Creating Employment and Economic Growth through Integrated Workforce and Community Development
8:30am – 10:00am
America’s cities have the potential to be the engines of economic growth through integrated Workforce and Community Development. Realizing this potential requires integrated investments not only in places, but also in people. Despite a growing interest in working together, it has been challenging for local community development and workforce development practitioners to collaborate, even as both know that coordination is essential for improving the skills and employability of low-income individuals and for more efficiently using limited public resources. This workshop will provide three examples of efforts in Michigan that are working to bridge the worlds of community and workforce development locally.
Audience Level: Beginner
Moderator: Sue Peters-Michigan LISC
Panelists: Jacqui Mieksztyn-Michigan Economic Development Corporation, Sonja Dean-Michigan LISC, Rey Guzman-Workforce Development Agency, State of Michigan
Gap Funding for Affordable Housing
8:30am – 10:00am
The Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis (FHLBI) provides gap funding for the development or preservation of affordable housing through partnerships with its member financial institutions and affordable housing developers. The best practices for creating successful partnerships and projects with the Affordable Housing Program (AHP) will be discussed, as well as the 2013 funding information and scoring criteria.
Audience Level: Intermediate
Moderator: MaryBeth Wott-Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis
Panelists: Trish Lewis-Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis
It Is Time To Invest In Permanent Supportive Housing For Those Leaving Corrections
8:30am – 10:00am
Every day, people are discharged from jails and prisons with little or no access to stable housing. Federal policies and community practices provide a patchwork of assistance and support, but those exiting the corrections system remain at very high risk of homelessness. Presenters will identify best practices and funding sources to bridge re-entry gaps, and discuss avenues for improving public policy.
Audience Level: All
Moderator: Lisa Chapman-Corporation for Supportive Housing
Paneliss: John Fallon-Corporation for Supportive Housing
Land Banks as Partners in Preserving Historic Structures
8:30am – 10:00am
Between the housing crisis, job losses and population decline, many of Michigan’s communities face complex challenges — challenges that sometimes divide engaged stakeholders rather than unite them around preserving historic structures that may define their communities. To create safe, vibrant, competitive, and healthy cities and towns, it is necessary to balance the preservation of valuable historic buildings and neighborhoods carefully with the difficult decisions of demolition and reimagining the physical environment. As entities that acquire and hold inventories of vacant and abandoned properties, land banks can be ideal partners. Come to this session to hear best practices that have been implemented and utilized via land banks in historic neighborhoods across the United States.
Audience Level: Intermediate
Moderator: Courtney Knox-Center for Community Progress
Panelists: Michael Freeman-Center for Community Progress, Juanita Jones-Detroit Land Bank Authority, Nancy Finegood-Michigan Historic Preservation Network
Making Transit Work for Your Local Community
8:30am – 10:00am
Just as it does in urban environments, public transportation in small towns and rural areas provides mobility choices and promotes sustainable economies. Hear about providing transit services in both an urban and rural setting, including how transit is being customized to work well within each community based on the needs of the local population.
Audience Level: All
Moderator: Valerie Shultz-Michigan Department of Transportation
Panelists: Lauren Essenmacher-Gladwin City/County Transit, Ed Benning-Flint Mass Transportation Authority, Patricia Baird-Eastern Michigan Legan Services
Promoting Your Downtown’s Successes
8:30am – 10:00am
Everyday Michigan communities are doing incredible things. They are working to improve the physical appearance of their downtowns, recruiting and retaining businesses, and bringing people together through fantastic festivals and events. Our communities are investing in their downtown’s in many ways both large and small. But perhaps the most important component of this investment is making sure others are aware of these efforts locally, regionally, and even nationally. Good promotion positions our downtowns as destination locations and provides the basis for future growth and revitalization. This session will focus on the importance of promoting your downtown and getting the biggest bang for your buck.
Audience Level: All
Panelists: Jessy Harger-MSHDA, Dana Kollewehr-Grand Haven Main Street DDA, Hugh Conklin-Boyne City Main Street
Public Housing Authorities (PHAs), CoCs and HARAs: Successful Collaborations Which Create and Operate Supportive Housing — Part One
8:30am – 10:00am
This two part workshop will detail the resources that local Public Housing Authorities (PHAs), Continuum of Care Organizations (CoCs), and Housing Assessment and Resource Agencies (HARAs), can successfully utilize in their efforts to prevent and end homelessness. Part one will provide detailed information regarding PHA housing and rental subsidies; the centralized/coordinated intake, assessment and referral functions of the HARA; and the myriad services provided by CoC member organizations.
Audience Level: All
Moderator: Stephanie Oles-MSHDA
Panelists: John Peterson-Corporation for Supportive Housing, Stacey Vandenberg-West Michigan Therapy Recovery & Housing Center, Tenisia Moore-Grand Rapids Housing Commission
Take the Proactive Approach to Environmental Management for Community Redevelopment
8:30am – 10:00am
Any entity involved in community redevelopment faces numerous environmental regulatory compliance issues during renovation. Information presented to attendees will assist them in recognizing, addressing, and evaluating environmental risks and compliance challenges associated with contaminated sites and/or regulated building materials. Representatives of MSHDA will detail the NEPA environmental review process, including the various levels of environmental review that may be utilized, what comprises an environmental review and a discussion of consultant qualifications that are most desirable to the landowner/developer.
Case studies highlighting the advantages of performing a thorough environmental assessment (a key component of the redevelopment plan) will be presented by Testing Engineers & Consultants, Inc.
Audience Level: All
Moderator: Steven Cretsinger-Testing Engineers & Consultants, Inc.
Panelists: Scott Chandler, CIH, LEED AP-Testing Engineers & Consultants, Inc., Donald Kaylor, CPG, EP-Testing Engineers & Consultants, Inc., Dan Lince-MSHDA, Michael Vollick-MSHDA
The Super-Vitamin: Integrating Professional Financial Counseling
8:30am – 10:00am
Addressing underlying financial instability of clients is critical to the effectiveness of any anti-poverty program. Across the country, innovative approaches for integrating quality one-on-one financial counseling with traditional services models have yielded improved outcomes in programs and services ranging from workforce development to ex-offender services to homeless prevention. In this session, you will learn from one of the nation’s top experts in integrating financial counseling with service delivery, the Financial Clinic. Located in New York City, the Financial Clinic has helped clients to save over $300,000, access over $7 million in tax returns, and settle almost $1 million in debt obligations in it’s first five years of existence. The Clinic is also the 2012 Winner of the Ideas for Action Award.
Audience Level:
Moderator: Megan Kursik-CEDAM
Panelist: Mae Watson Grote-The Financial Clinic
Utilizing the 4.0% Low Income Housing Tax Credit
8:30am – 10:00am
Join us to learn about accessing 4% Housing Tax Credits with tax exempt bonds. We will use case studies to discuss the wide range of financing options available including loans for acquisition,
construction and permanent financing from HUD, Fannie Mae, MSHDA and other lenders.
Audience Level: All
Moderator: Tom Edmiston-Great Lakes Capital Fund
Panelists: Mark Wiedelman-St. James Capital, Jerome Sullivan-Great Lakes Capital Fund, John Hundt-MSHDA
Workplace Wellness (Service, Sacrifice, Selflessness and Your Health)
8:30am – 10:00am
Long, busy days at the office spent serving a mission improving the quality of life for others can drive you to work too hard. Perhaps you spend hours in front of the computer, sitting for the whole day, or you snack on unhealthy items, too swamped to get up and take a walk or to plan for a healthy lunch at work. Perhaps your stress levels are high, or you have trouble sleeping.
Living a life of service doesn’t mean sacrificing your own wellbeing. In fact, ignoring sleep and the signals the body sends us prevents us from being our best. Learn how to nurture a more whole and healthy you so you can be of better service to others.
Healthy food choices, combined with mind-body practices like yoga and tai chi have been used for centuries to help maintain balance, reduce stress and encourage whole-body or holistic health. Their benefits are recognized not only in their native countries but in the U.S.
Audience Level: Beginner; All
Moderator: Sharon Evans-Michigan State Housing Development Authority
Panelists: Kaitlin Skwir-Food Bank Council of Michigan, Belinda Thurston-Just B Yoga & Tai Chi LLC
Above PAR: Planning for Place, Access, and Redevelopment
10:15am – 11:45am
Above PAR’s Planning for Place, Access, and Redevelopment is a project that integrates placemaking, complete streets, and redevelopment ready principles into the community’s planning policies and regulations. The Michigan Association of Planning and the Land Information Access Association worked with Bay City to provide education, asset mapping, community engagement, and a charrette and make system-wide recommendations, all through the lens of place and connecting places. Attend this session and learn about techniques used, lessons learned, and outcomes.
Audience Level: Intermediate
Moderator: Lisa Pung-MEDC
Panelists: Holly Madill-Michigan Association of Planning, Harry Burkholder-LIAA, Jim Bedell-City of Bay City
Expanding Services to Meet the Needs of Transitioning Post Foreclosure Clients
10:15am – 11:45am
In every community, there are many homeowners that are unable to retain homeownership and will transition to rental housing. Many homeownership organizations are focused only on foreclosure intervention services and need to evaluate options to expand their services to meet the changing needs of their community. Homeownership organizations need to position themselves to add services that complete a holistic continuum of asset building and/or preservation services to include education on transition, rental and how to be a good tenant, financial capability, pre-purchase, and post-purchase to preserve housing opportunities that are sustainable and affordable.
Consumers that transition from homeownership can continue the education process with rental education to obtain and retain housing opportunities that are sustainable and affordable. Additionally, many consumers will also benefit from financial capability training and potentially pursue pre-purchase homeownership education to reach homeownership again. The continuum should also provide for post-purchase education and ongoing support to existing homeowners in retaining long term sustainable home ownership.
Audience Level: Intermediate
Moderator: Karen Lawson-MSHDA
Panelist: Suzanne Merusi-Suzanne Merusi Consulting, LLC
Extreming Volunteering
10:15am – 11:45am
Volunteers are emerging as a creative way (and with creative ways) to meet the various challenges communities and downtowns are facing. From mower gangs easing urban blight to volunteers dry walling prospective retail spaces, hear stories of these efforts and learn how your downtown can tap into the powerful energy of volunteers.
Fix Up or Give Up: Code Enforcement as a Tool to Prevent Abandonment
10:15am – 11:45am
Code enforcement operations can help prevent properties from becoming vacant, keep neighborhoods healthy and safe and even catalyze revitalization-but only if they are well-designed and effectively used. In an era of reduced revenue and increasing blight, it is more important than ever to effectively develop and manage code enforcement resources. Speakers will use case studies and personal examples of successes (and failures) to explore these issues, and will also look at central components of effective code enforcement departments, from methods that help replenish your budget to those that enhance or detract from your efforts.
Audience Level: Beginner; Intermediate
Moderator: Courtney Knox-Center for Community Progress
Panelists: Michael Brady-Center for Community Progress, Erin Kelly-Next Energy
Food Trucks
10:15am – 11:45am
Interested in starting a food truck? Want to know the hurdles you will need to overcome with start-up costs and city zoning ordinances? Come hear from two current food truck operators, along with the SBTDC and a restaurateur on the plusses and minus of food trucks.
Audience Level: All
Moderator: Katharine Czarnecki-MEDC
Panelists: John Schmitt-MI-SBTDC, Scott Moloney-Treat Dreams, Nina Santucci, Colleen Layton
Home Purchase, Construction and Repair Financing for Rural Michigan
10:15am – 11:45am
Join us as we discuss how USDA Rural Development funds the purchase, construction or repair of rural homes throughout Michigan for moderate, low and very low income families. Rural Development works to provide safe and affordable housing that is modest in size and design and meets the needs of the homeowner. With no down payment and favorable rates and terms, Rural Development is a great financing option for many families.
Audience Level: All
Moderator: Aileen Waldon-United States Department of Agriculture
Panelists: Amanda Rogers-USDA, Aileen Waldon-US Department of Agriculture, Rick Anderson-USDA
Housing Tax Credit Syndicator Panel
10:15am – 11:45am
Tax Credit syndicators who are active in the Michigan Housing Tax Credit equity market will give their outlook for the Housing Tax Credit market. Panelists will talk about what investors are looking for in future housing investments and the outlook for the program in the post fiscal cliff political environment.
Audience Level: Beginner; Intermediate
Moderator: Tom Caldwell-Great Lakes
Capital Fund
Panelists: Rachel Rhodes-National Equity Fund, Jim Logue-Great Lakes Capital Fund, Peter Kaplan-PNC Tax Credit Capital, Don Beatty-The Summit Group
Integrated Service Delivery Models: Practitioner Best Practices and Lessons
Learned
10:15am – 11:45am
Across the country organizations are working in embedding financial stability and asset building services into the current social service delivery system. In Michigan, organizations are exploring integrated service models. This session will highlight several models of building wealth through integrated service delivery.
Audience Level: Intermediate
Moderator: Anita Martinez-United Way of Southeast Michigan
Panelists: Yolanda Crain-Focus HOPE, Christopher Walden-Goodwill Industries of Central Michigan’s Heartland, Miryam Lulion-Wayne Metropolitan Community Action Agency, Anne Zobel-Wayne Metropolitan Community Action Agency
Language of Leadership-Mastering the Skills
10:15am – 11:45am
The Language of Leadership-Mastering the Skills teaches participants to uncover the commitment behind complaints and how to use that knowledge as a success tool. Equipped with this knowledge and insight, participants will identify their leadership styles and how to choose the most effective approach to overcome obstacles and accomplish goals. Tools to turn complaints into commitments to empower. A clear picture of each person’s success style and how to use it effectively. Skills to identify co-worker and staff success styles. Strategies and approaches to tackle difficult situations.
Audience Level: Intermediate; Advanced
Moderator: Christi Narayanan-Opportunity Resource Fund
Panelist: Denise Stein-Art of Leadership Advisors
Leveraging private Veterans resources to serve Veterans experiencing homeless
10:15am – 11:45am
Presenters will discuss how their programs have utilized private Veterans resources to supplement their work.
Audience Level: All
Moderator: Ann Mueller-MSHDA
Panelist: Lisa Todd-Southwest Counseling Solutions
Pop Up Retail & Other Uses
10:15am – 11:45am
Pop-Ups are a relatively new phenomenon that temporarily uses a vacant space for retail or other purposes. This session will give a few examples of how pop-ups are being used in Michigan and here from people who are working with them.
Public Housing Authorities (PHAs), CoCs and HARAs: Successful Collaborations Which Create and Operate Supportive Housing — Part Two
10:15am – 11:45am
This two part workshop will detail the resources that local Public Housing Authorities (PHAs), Continuum of Care Organizations (CoCs), and Housing Assessment and Resource Agencies (HARAs), can sucessfully utilize in their efforts to prevent and end homelessness. Part two will demonstrate the ability of PHAs to develop and operate existing or new multi-family housing, in collaboration with CoCs and HARAs, following best practices and quality standards for permanent supportive housing.
Audience Level: All
Moderator: John Peterson-Corporation for Supportive Housing
Panelists: Victoria Sluga-Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services, Dionna Bracey-Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services, Caroline K. Schnarrs-Adams Park Apartments
Affordable Assisted Living: The Michigan Method
1:30pm – 3:00pm
Overview of the Affordable Assisted Living program; explanation of the MI Choice Medicaid Waiver and how it is integrated in assisted living developments; service provider selection; market specific considerations and site selection; learn about two distinct assisted living developments: Heron Manor in Grand Rapids and Rivertown Assisted Living in Detroit.
Audience Level: Intermediate; Advanced
Moderator: JT Johnston-MSHDA
Panelists: David Allen-MSHDA, Tim McIntyre-United Methodist Retirement Communities, John Thorhauer-United Methodist Retirement Communities, John Wynbeek-Genesis Nonprofit Housing Corp, Mike Daeschlein-MI Department of Community Health
Aging In Place: Where “In Home” Services Plus Affordable Housing = Success!
1:30pm – 3:00pm
The Home & Community Based Services “MI-Choice Waiver” program is a national pioneer and leader. There are over 3000 in-home success stories over two years where Michigan residents live more independently. Waiver Agencies from various Michigan Regions AND Senior Housing Developer (who has provided housing for OVER 200 participants in this program) will detail services offered, program qualifications, successful housing models and discuss unmet needs & opportunities.
Audience Level: All
Moderator: Jennifer Scally-Region IV Area Agency on Aging
Panelists: David Layne-MORC, Natalie Parraghi-American House Senior Living, Mary Frisby-248-854-7067, Denise Price-HHS Health Options
An Overview of Year 15 Disposition Process
1:30pm – 3:00pm
Session will review and discuss transition options for Rental Housing financed with Tax Credits. Panelists will discuss the disposition planning process, tax implications, and syndicator expectations prior to the end of the 15 year tax credit compliance period as well as various exit strategies and options for stakeholders (developers, investors, syndicators, MSHDA, etc.) including restructuring, repositioning, and re-syndication. Year 11 in the life of a tax credit deal is an ideal time to begin planning and taking action.
Audience Level: All
Moderator: James White-Great Lakes Capital Fund
Panelists: James White-Great Lakes Capital Fund, Greg Cahalan-Plante Moran, Mike Witt-MSHDA
Building Trust to Build Michigan Communities
1:30pm – 3:00pm
Trust-the key to success in any relationship, business or personal. Although we all know this statement to be true, why is it so difficult to put our finger on the key to building trust in our relationships? This workshop will help you to clearly and succinctly define trust, assess your personal credibility, and identify specific action steps to take to build trust into even your most challenging relationships. Once trust is established, even the most difficult tasks become easier, faster, and more fun!
Audience Level: All
Moderator: Christi Narayanan-Opportunity Resource Fund
Panelist: Denise Stein-Art of Leadership Advisors
Complimenting Financial Capability Programs with Financial Coaching
1:30pm – 3:00pm
The Housing Counseling Industry is moving toward a consumer directed approach with expectations and accountability. As well, much of the funding for the industry is based on behavior changes. Financial coaching is an emerging and evolving strategy for achieving financial capability for consumers.
Coaching is not a replacement for counseling and education. Financial coaching is the next level where consumers take the knowledge they learn in classes and or counseling and begin to make behavior changes that helps them achieve their personal goals.
Many Housing Counseling organizations are interested in incorporating coaching into their existing financial education work. The role of the coach is to facilitate realistic goals, enhance accountability and provide opportunities for practice.
This session will provide a broad overview of financial coaching, models of delivery, the importance of evaluation and resources for participants.
Audience Level:
Moderator: Renee Ferguson-MSHDA
Panelist: Suzanne Merusi-Suzanne Merusi Consulting, LLC
Lafayette Place Lofts: A Catalyst of Growth in Historic Downtown Pontiac
1:30pm – 3:00pm
An overview of the steps & processes taken to launch the construction of Lafayette Place Lofts, a $20 million residential and commercial use development consisting of the restoration and redevelopment of the historic Sears Department Store in Downtown Pontiacs Commercial Historic District. When complete the project will consist of 46 new upscale urban rental lofts, a fresh foods market and a fitness center.
Presentation will focus on the three key steps for this project:
1.
Developer Kyle Westberg of West Construction Services will discuss the concept and the background of the project
2.
Architectural Brian Gill of TDG Architects will discuss the architectural work including the steps taken to receive historic tax credits and LEED certification
3.
Finance Rochelle Lento of Dykema Gossett, PLCC will discuss the financial steps taken, including overview of the parties and mechanisms involved as well as the legal aspects of the project.
Audience Level: Beginner; Intermediate
Moderator: Audra Westberg-West Construction Services
Panelists: Kyle Westberg-West Construction Services, Brian Gill, RA-TDG Architects, Rochelle Lento,-Dykema Gossett PLLC
LIHTC Allocation & Compliance Update
1:30pm – 3:00pm
MSHDA staff will provide an overview of the Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) Program. Staff will discuss various aspects of the allocation process, key issues related to Michigans LIHTC Program, credit allocations, and compliance hot topics.
Audience Level: All
Moderator: Chris LaGrand-MSHDA
Panelists: Bob Platte-MSHDA, Dawn Everett-MSHDA, Audriene Patterson-MSHDA
Making and Maintaining Vibrant Accessible Communities: Creating, Finding, Altering, and Improving Accessibility for Our Future
1:30pm – 3:00pm
A panel discussion that will explore the issue of accessibility for people with disabilities in building vibrant communities across Michigan. The panel will address accessibility from multiple viewpoints that will include design, building, enforcement of the Barrier-Free Design Code in addition to related laws and regulations, and utilizing a realtor to find existing accessible housing. This panel will also provide communities with pertinent information to evaluate the parameters and cost in making new home construction and renovations accessible and barrier free.
Audience Level: All
Moderator: Edith Gibson-The Esther Coalition
Panelists: Jared Arnold-Prudential Preferred, Kim DeStiger-DeStigter Architects, Daryl Domke-Michigan Barrier Free Design Board, Thom Phillips-Habitat for Humanity of Michigan, Aileen Waldron-USDA
Money Smart for Small Business
1:30pm – 3:00pm
This session will provide an introduction to the Money Smart for Small Business instructor-led training curriculum. The curriculum provides introductory training for new and aspiring entrepreneurs on the basics of organizing and managing a business. This curriculum was developed jointly by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) and the Small Business Administration (SBA).
Audience Level: Beginner
Moderator: Miryam Lulion-Wayne Metropolitan Community Action Agency
Panelist: Glenn Brewer-FDIC
Permanent Supportive Housing: Scattered Site vs. Single Site
1:30pm – 3:00pm
This workshop will explore the advantages and disadvantages between scattered site and single site permanent supportive housing. Southwest Counseling Solution in Detroit, Michigan has engaged in permanent supportive housing for over 10 years. It currently supports over 450 individuals in both scattered site and single site facilities. This workshop will draw from the experience of SCS to examine vulnerability factors, housing placement, stage match services, blended management and funding streams.
Audience Level: Beginner; Intermediate
Moderator: Michelle Edwards-MSHDA
Panelists: Jamie Ebaugh-Southwest Counseling Solutions, Joseph Tardella-Southwest Counseling Solutions
Redevelopment Ready Communities : Attracting Private Investment and Talent
1:30pm – 3:00pm
In today’s reality it’s about creating quality places that will attract and retain talented workers. Discover what you can do to encourage appropriate development that follows your community vision. Hear views from a panel of developers and community staff on what is looked at when deciding to invest in a community, and how to lay the framework for recognition as a Redevelopment Ready Community .
Audience Level: All
Moderator: Jennifer Rigterink-MEDC
Panelists: Jason Horton-Lormax Stern Asset Advisors, Pat Gillespie-Gillespie Group, Teresa Gillotti-City of Ypsilanti
What Do They Really Want? Interactive Funder Panel Discussion
1:30pm – 3:00pm
Having a sustainable fund development strategy is essential to any nonprofit organization’s success. Learn directly from grant-makers what they are looking for in the projects that they choose to fund. This panel will provide insights, tips and how to’s for project development and grant writing. Then, the panel will open up the discussion to questions from participants.
Audience Level: All
Moderator: Megan Kursik-CEDAM
Panelist: Benita Melton-C.S. Mott Foundation, Kathleen Moore-PNC Bank, Patricia Hemingway-Capital Area United Way
Construction Lending for Affordable Housing Developments
3:30pm – 5:00pm
The session will provide an overview of the typical constuction loan for a 4% and 9% affordable housing development. The panelists will discuss why a construction loan may be needed, the major underwriting critera for construction lending and the issues that arise with the borrower/investor and how these are resolved.
Audience Level: Beginner; Intermediate
Moderator: Tom Caldwell-Great Lakes Capital Fund
Panelists: Jack Bernhard-Chase Bank, Jerome Sullivan-Great Lakes Capital Fund, Jeffrey Sykes-MSHDA, Keith Burgess-Huntington National Bank
CQI & Taking the Temperature on Outcomes Round 2:
3:30pm – 5:00pm
This session will explore the successes and challenges CoCs and/or agencies have encountered as they have begun their local outcomes review process. Using a CQI meeting format, the participants will create a list of successes and challenges they have encountered and select one for more detailed review. The session will also review the newest CQI tools and redesigned processes coming from agencies,CoCs, Regions and PIMIT.
Audience Level: All
Moderator: Eric Hufnagel-MICAH
Panelists: Shanna Cherubini-Michigan Coalition Against Homelessness, Barbara Ritter-Michigan Coalition Against Homelessness
Engaging Youth Downtown
3:30pm – 5:00pm
Getting young people involved in the community and with downtown projects seems to be on everyones wish list, but who is really doing it? HOW are they doing it? In this session youll hear from communities who seem to have cracked the code to engaging youth to better their communities.
Fostering Inclusion for People with Disabilities Through The Working with Continuum of Care Bodies Programs
3:30pm – 5:00pm
Learn about three programs across the State that were funded by the DD Council to provide resources to those with disabilities to utilize the CoC process for advocacy efforts in developing more inclusive communities. Each funded program will provide an overview of the programs that were developed to meet local community needs:
Community Housing Network (CHN) recognized the need for people with developmental disabilities to be involved in the CoC process so their voices could be heard and therefore have impact on funding decisions relative to housing in their communities. Out of this need, the Working with Continuum of Care Bodies program was built from “scratch.” The program was originally designed to educate and empower people with developmental disabilities and secondary stakeholders to advocate for themselves and others, but also to be able to fully participate in the decision-making process. Due to the success and demand of the program, it recently expanded to include people with mental illness, because of similar housing issues/needs.
The Institute at Copper Country Community Mental Health Services CoC program serves the four counties in Northwestern Upper Peninsula (Baraga, Houghton, Keweenaw, and Ontonagon) by facilitating the participation of people with disabilities and their allies in their local CoC in order to reduce homelessness and develop additional residential options for people with disabilities.
The Disability Advocates of Kent County’s (DAKC) project is to work toward a housing system that is affordable, accessible, and inclusive. Activities span the leadership development, collaboration, and advocacy components of the initiative.
Audience Level: Beginner
Moderator: Connie Hackney-MSHDA
Panelists: Juanita Harper-Community Housing Network, Frank Lynn-Disability Advocates of Kent County, Marja Salani-Developing Residential Options through Participation and Training, Copper County Mental Health, Robert Rinaldi-Center for Urban Studies, Wayne State University
HUD Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) Program
3:30pm – 5:00pm
Introduction to one of HUDs newest pilot programs. The Rental Assistance Demonstration Program or RAD allows proven financing tools to be applied to at-risk public and assisted housing. RAD is a central part of the Department’s rental housing preservation strategy, which works to preserve the nation’s stock of affordable rental housing, promote efficiency within and among HUD programs, and build strong, stable communities.
Audience Level: All
Moderator: Laurie Coplin-HUD
Panelists: Joseph Davis-HUD, Mark Dominick-HUD, Susie Sapilewski-HUD, Mike Polsinelli-HUD Detroit Multifamily Hub
Matrix Mapping — A Graphic Approach to both Mission & Financial Sustainability
3:30pm – 5:00pm
An introduction to the concept of a nonprofit organization as a business driven by dual bottom lines, both mission and financial. The session will orient both Board and management team members to the perspective that the organization is a business with its operations defined as distinct, manageable business lines. Operating results, financial and mission, can be depicted graphically for ease of understanding and operational & strategic implementation.
Audience Level: All
Moderator: James (Jim) Baldwin-James Baldwin Consulting LLC dba Baldwin Consulting
Panelist: Mary Juhnke-Nicholas Day Consulting LLC
Outreaching and Engaging Chronically Homeless Individuals in the Community
3:30pm – 5:00pm
Outreach strategies, engagement techniques, and intergrated psychiatric treatment modalties will be explored through dynmaic group interactions and case presentations. We will also discuss elements of program development specfic for addressing the needs of chronically homelessness individuals.
Audience Level: Intermediate
Moderator: Dave Verseput-Michigan Department of Community Health
Panelists: John Loring-Washtenaw County CSTS, Tim Florence-Washtenaw County CSTS
Recruiting and Engaging a High-Performing Board of Directors
3:30pm – 5:00pm
Join a panel of nonprofit experts and board members to learn about ways you can recruit, engage and retain high-performing nonprofit board members in today’s world. The number one concern about volunteer board members today is “lack of time”. Do you need to look at new ways to recruit and inspire board members? If so join this discussion. Key trends will be shared and we will engage in an exchange of questions and answers. All participants will receive BoardSource’s Governance Index.
Audience Level: Intermediate
Moderator: Diana Kern-NEW (Nonprofit Enterprise at Work)
Panelists: Regina Funkhouser- Nonprofit Network, Jennifer Acree – The BEST Project
Tax Foreclosure: The Other Foreclosure Crisis
3:30pm – 5:00pm
This presentation will provide an in depth review of the property tax timeline and foreclosure process in the state of Michigan. Possible sources of emergency funding, resources and options to prevent tax foreclosure with homeowners will be evaluated. The interaction of delinquent property taxes and mortgage companies will be discussed in addition to choices available when seeking a remedy between the two. Other related concerns such as PRE, assessments and the like will be reviewed as well.
Audience Level: All
Moderator: Heather Mooney-
Panelists: Heather Mooney-Washtenaw County Treasurer’s Office, Ted Phillips-United Community Housing Coalition
Trauma, Attachment and Chronic Homelessness-A Model for a New Care Strategy
3:30pm – 5:00pm
Our stabilization efforts when housing the chronically homeless, whether using Housing First or other approaches, have focused too much on the client’s psychiatric and/or substance abuse conditions when our efforts should be focused on trust and relationship building and emotional self-regulation that have been damaged by years of multiple traumas which have destroyed their ability to interact with the community in a healthy manner.
Audience Level: Intermediate; Advanced
Moderator: Tara Truax-Michigan Department of Community Health
Panelist: Staci Hirsch-Neighborhood Service Organization
Urban and Rural Perspectives on Creating Access to Higher Education for Students
3:30pm – 5:00pm
An interactive presentation will showcase both urban and rural perspectives on creating, developing, and implementing initiatives to assist students in accessing affordable higher education opportunities. This workshop will highlight the established Kalamazoo Promise program and the newly-formed Mason Promise program, and will touch on successes and challenges with increasing accessibility for students to the higher education environment.
Audience Level: All
Moderator: Edith Gibson-The Esther Coalition
Panelists: Janice Brown-Kalamazoo Promise
Wednesday
Aging in Place: Promoting Optimal Living Arrangements
8:30am – 10:00am
Presentation of options available to help frail seniors age more successfully in their residence of choice. Participants will learn about home safety and mobility assessment, home modification, universal design, technology, and resources to promote continued independence of Michigan’s growing senior population.
Audience Level: All
Moderator: JT Johnston-MSHDA
Panelists: Dan Doezema-Office of Services to the Aging, Kim Bowman-Older Adult Resources of Catholic Human Services
Building Your Credit Counseling Program in the New Economy
8:30am – 10:00am
In the wake of the financial crisis and changed economic landscape, credit counseling is increasingly in demand. A wider range of clients are seeking services, including prospective home-buyers and those rebouding from foreclosure/bankruptcy; tools available have also shifted. Emphasizing trust-building and promoting financial resilience, this workshop will focus on strategies to design an effective credit counseling program, including ways to increase collaboration with community partners.
Audience Level: Beginner
Moderator: Tami Farnum-Franklin Street Community Housing Corporation
Panelist: Bill Acheson-Franklin Street CHC
FHLBIs Down Payment and Homeowner Rehabilitation Grants
8:30am – 10:00am
Come to this session to find out how you can work with community lenders, including credit unions and insurance companies to access grant funds to assist homebuyers and homeowners in your community. The Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis (FHLBI) affordable housing programs provide subsidy for homebuyer and other homeownership projects. Funds are available for down payment and closing cost assistance. Single family development and owner occupied rehabilitation grants are also options.
Audience Level: All
Moderator: MaryBeth Wott-Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis
Panelists: Shannon Fountain-Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis, Ronna Edwards-Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis
Hands-On Website Creation Workshop: Part I
8:30am – 10:00am
These days, nonprofits and businesses that don’t have a website can seem invisible and if your website is out of date, it’s even worse. But how can you manage a website when you don’t know HTML, can’t afford expensive software, and don’t have hours every week to spend updating it?
If your small organization needs a website but you don’t know where to start, start here! In this 3-hour workshop, (This is the first half)experienced professionals will help you define your needs, create your new site, and start adding content. You’ll walk out with a live website for your organization and the knowledge to maintain it.
Prerequisites: You must be able to use a web browser, organize files, and create documents. You will also need access to your work email through a web browser. Bring information that you wish to share on your website; if possible, bring text and images in electronic form (USB stick, send yourself an email, etc.).
Audience Level: Beginner
Moderator: Katie Fritz-CEDAM
Panelist: Chris Fritz-Power On LLC, Katie Fritz-CEDAM
Maximizing Tax Credits in a LIHTC Acquisition/Rehab Deal
8:30am – 10:00am
This course will provide an overview of issues surrounding qualifying units for low-income housing tax credit purposes for acquisition/rehabilitation projects. We will examine methods to maximize a projects tax credits in the initial year and common issues that arise during the certification process. Attendees will learn the significance of a units status at the close of each month and how a units status changes when a tenant moves out or transfers to another unit. An overview of acquisition and rehabilitation issues will be discussed including topics such as the ten-year hold rule, how and when units are qualified, and the timing of acquisition, rehabilitation and investor closing and the effect on low-income housing tax credit delivery.
Audience Level: Intermediate
Moderator: Katie Vondra-Great Lakes Capital Fund
Panelist: Tyler Gibbs-Novogradac & Company LLP
Peer Support Involvement in Low Income and Supportive Housing
8:30am – 10:00am
Teri, Don and Mike are all peers who are in recovery from mental illness and/or substance abuse issues. Each will tell their personal story. Teri will also explain the role she played in supportive housing that resulted in her winning the Julia Sandorf Award for 2012. Don will explain how, as a Certified Peer Support Specialist (CPSS), he helped homeless people find housing. Mike will finish by explaining about the CPSS position and how peers have a unique way of helping other peers.
Audience Level: Beginner; Intermediate
Moderator: Paulette Smith-MSHDA
Panelists: Don Inderlied-Recovery Institute, Matt Linihan-Recovery Institute, Teri Durian-The Rickman House (Housing Resources, Inc.)
Placemaking in Michigan: What Residents Want!
8:30am – 10:00am
The session will share information about the impact of placemaking on economic development and quality of life in Michigan communities, and provide some examples of how placemaking can be done in effective and efficient ways. It will include presentations on an MSU Land Policy Institute study about the value and perceptions of placemaking, the Michigan Association of Realtors’ “Creating Great Places” initiative, the State of Michigan’s MIplace initiative, the PlacePlans initiative (a partnership effort by MSU, MML and MSHDA) and the Michigan Municipal League’s PlaceMarket tool.
Audience Level: Intermediate
Moderator: Jamie Schriner-Hooper-Community Economic Development Association of Michigan (CEDAM)
Panelists: Mary Beth Graebert-MSU Land Policy Institute, Gil White-Michigan Association of Realtors, Sean Mann-Michigan Municipal League, Julie Hales-Smith-North Coast Community Consulting
Strengthening Employment Services for Homeless People
8:30am – 10:00am
Data presented by the Employment Workgroup of Michigan’s Campaign to End Homelessness, the session will include results of a focus group of service providers working on employing homeless individuals, results to date, challenges, and promising practices. Data from the Homelessness Management Information System (HMIS) and Michigan Works! databases will also be presented, and covers basic demographics of homeless individuals who are employed; and employment, retention rates, and earnings of homeless individuals who become employed through Michigan Works!, compared to other Michigan Works! customers. The data will be presented for the state and by sub-state regions.
Following the presentation of the data, there will be an interactive discussion of the data and focus group findings. Panelists will weigh in on the data presented and offer insights based on their personal experience. Participants will be encouraged to present their experiences and to ask questions throughout.
Audience Level: Beginner
Moderator: Charlie Mahoney-Monroe
Panelists: Bill Raymond-Ottowa County Michigan Works!, Robert Schnieders-ES Investments, Randy Osmun-The Source
Strong Contracts-Strong Organizations: “The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly”
8:30am – 10:00am
Some tips, tricks, and good ole fashioned common sense on contracting for your organization. Nonprofit Executives keep their organizations moving forward, they fundraise, build champions, and in the course of business sign contracts. But what exactly is in those Consultant Contracts, MOUs, Lease agreements, or grant commitments? This session will shed some light on the basics of contracting, and will provide Nonprofit Executives with a primer on good contracting.
Audience Level: Intermediate; Advanced
Moderator: Justin Sheehan-Michigan Community Resources
Panelist: Bill Perrone-Dykema
The Basics of Grant Writing – How to Write a Winning Proposal
8:30am – 10:00am
Throughout the nonprofit world, grant allocations are increasingly competitive. Would you like to increase your chances of creating a successful grant proposal? Join us for this session where we will discuss the ABC’s of grant-writing; Understanding the Application process, Building your budget, Creating a compelling statement of need, Design and Evaluation. And, we will provide you with valuable tools and resources you can use right away!
Audience Level: All
Moderator: Sharon Evans – MSHDA
Presenter: Diane McDonald – Nonprofit Network, Patrice Martin – Nonprofit Network
Using Strengths Based Housing Resource Specialists to Effectively Rehouse Homeless Households
8:30am – 10:00am
The presentation focuses on using a strengths based service delivery model to partner with consumers. Our Strength-based practice model helps consumers identify and use their own strengths and resources to overcome obstacles and live empowered lives.
The model is an evidenced based, outcome oriented approach to working with homeless households, focusing on what is strong versus what is wrong in a consumers life. This results in an increase in hope and motivation and greater acheivement of goals.
Audience Level: All
Moderator: Stephanie Oles-MSHDA
Panelist: Anna Diaz-Community Rebuilders
About The Michigan Hardest Hit Funds Program ( Step Forward Michigan)
10:15am – 11:45am
The U.S. Department of the Treasury established the Hardest Hit Fund in 2010 to provide targeted aid to families in states hit hard by the economic and housing market downturn.
Michigan received a total of $498.6 million in Emergency Economic Stabilization Act (EESA) or Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) funds to operate its Hardest Hit Funds program. The Michigan Homeowner Assistance Nonprofit Housing Corporation (MHA) was created by the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) to oversee the distribution of the Hardest Hit Funds in Michigan. Michigans Hardest Hit Funds program operates under the name Step Forward Michigan. Homeowners may be eligible to receive assistance on their primary residence with one of four specifically designed programs. Accepting homeowner applications on-line at www.stepforwardmichigan.org.
Audience Level: Beginner; All
Moderator: Katy Twining-MSHDA
Panelists: Chad Coffman-MHA, MSHDA
Green, Historic Preservation and Main Street
10:15am – 11:45am
This session will provide an overview of the inherent sustainable aspects of historic preservation projects. Staff from MSHDA and SHPO will set the stage for an interactive discussion with commentary, insight, and examples of successful projects in Michigan.
Audience Level: All
Moderator: Peter Hughes, MSHDA
Panelists: Kelly Larson-SHPO, Jessica Williams-SHPO, Diane Van Buren-Zachary & Associates
Hands-On Website Creation Workshop Part II
10:15am – 11:45am
Continuation of Part I
Audience Level: Beginner
Moderator: Katie Fritz-CEDAM
Panelists: Chris Fritz-Power On LLC, Katie Fritz-CEDAM
Michigan Financial Empowerment Movement: Round Table Discussion
10:15am – 11:45am
Join asset building and financial empowerment advocates from across the state in this interactive Round Table discussion. Facilitated by Megan Kursik and Ross Yednock of CEDAM, participants will have a chance to reflect on ideas generated in “People-Assets” sessions throughout the BMCC, discuss past achievements and developments in the asset building movement and strategize ways that practitioners, policy-makers, funders and other advocates can push forward a strong financial empowerment agenda in Michigan.
Audience Level: All
Moderator: Ross Yednock-CEDAM
Panelist: Megan Kursik-CEDAM
Mixed Use Projects in Urban Setting
10:15am – 11:45am
Join in on an overview of what it took to develop mixed use projects in an urban setting. Developer and MSHDA representatives will present three case studies, the Herkimer Division and Commerce proposals in Grand Rapids, as well as Lafayette Place Lofts in Pontiac. Panelists will share the concept, the financing structure, the challenges faced and the lessons learned to develop each proposal. The Herkimer Division calls for the preservation and conversion of an existing 122 unit dwelling (107 of which are studio units) with commercial on the first floor, into 55 one bedroom units for Permanent Supportive Housing. The Herkimer Commerce is a new construction proposal for 67 residential units with commercial on the first floor. While Lafayette Place Lofts calls for the restoration and redevelopment of the historic Sears Department Store in Downtown Pontiacs Commercial Historic District and will consist of 46 new upscale urban rental lofts, a fresh foods market and a fitness center.
Audience Level: All
Moderator: John Hundt-MSHDA
Panelists: Kyle Westberg-West Construction Services, Michel Wildman-MSHDA, JT Johnston-MSHDA
New Approaches to and Hot Topics Regarding the Syndication of Low Income Housing Tax and Historic Tax Credits
10:15am – 11:45am
In our ever-changing world of seeking to raise capital for both new construction and the preservation of existing affordable housing developments, this presentation will focus on what is on the cutting edge of the syndication of low income housing and historic tax credits with an emphasis on opportunities to be explored and pitfalls to be avoided.
Audience Level: Intermediate; Advanced
Moderator: Sheldon Winkelman-Honigman Miller Schwartz and Cohn
Panelists: Sheldon Winkelman-Honigman Miller Schwartz & Cohn, Greg DeMars-Honigman Miller Schwartz & Cohn
The Basics of Federal Historic Tax Credits
10:15am – 11:45am
This session will provide a basic overview of how federal Historic Tax Credits work. The panel includes staff from the Michigan State Historic Preservation Office, Plante Moran, and Great Lakes Capital Fund. Topics covered include the application process and National Park Service standards, how the credit is calculated, and the terms and conditions investors have.
Audience Level: Beginner
Moderator: Tom Caldwell-Great Lakes Capital Fund
Panelists: Robbert McKay-MSHPO, Jacob Horner-Great Lakes Capital Fund, Terri Salas, CPA-Plante Moran, PLLC
The Intersection of Domestic Violence and Building a Strong Community
10:15am – 11:45am
When domestic violence happens in a family, it also impacts a community. Learn what one agency does to help build a stronger community through services to victims of domestic violence. Learn: how to use best practice programs and services to move from outcomes to impact; how working collaboratively with community partners, and establishing trusting and cooperative relationships makes a difference; and why empowering survivors through advocacy leads to long terms solutions.
Audience Level: All
Moderator: Ann Mueller-MSHDA
Panelist: Janine Ouderkirk-Shelterhouse
What’s Art Got to Do with It?
10:15am – 11:45am
Come be a fly on the wall for this riveting discussion with national experts on the importance of arts and culture to creating vibrant communities and a sense of place. Vincent Delgado of MSUs Residential College in the Arts & Humanities gets to the heart of the matter with Lyz Crane of the national initiative to accelerate creative placemaking across the U.S., ArtPlace, and John Bracey, Michigans own arts expert and representative on the Board of Directors for the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies.
Audience Level:
Moderator: Vincent Delgado-Michigan State University
Panelist: Lyz Crane-ArtPlace, John Bracey-Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs
