Making a Collective Impact

NAHRO family, the year is not even halfway done, and I am so proud of the things we’ve accomplished together. Here are just a few of our accomplishments thus far:

Leading NAHRO into the Future: Vision, Mission and Goals

Last month, at NAHRO’s Washington Conference, our leadership passed NAHRO’s new vision, mission statement, and the four goals of our first-ever five-year strategic plan. Like all accomplishments, the new vision, mission, and strategic plan are built by the hard work of many. Thank you to NAHRO’s dedicated servant leaders, NAHRO staff, and our facilitator, Debra Simmons Evans, for the hours and hours of in-person and remote work, spirited discussion, and collaboration. We worked hard to ensure that every voice was heard, and every concern addressed, and we are proud of the result.

NAHRO Vision

Thriving communities with affordable homes for all.

NAHRO Mission

To advance the creation of strong, sustainable, and affordable communities through advocacy, professional development, and empowerment of our diverse members.

NAHRO Strategic Goals

Goal A – Enhance innovative and comprehensive resources to increase the professional expertise, skills, and integrity of housing and community development professionals.

Goal B – Optimize the flow of funds, time, technology, and other resources while adapting to changing circumstances to maximize resiliency and efficiency.

Goal C – Champion and advocate for innovative and resourced housing and community development policies and programs.

Goal D – Amplify and unify the vital work of NAHRO’s national, regional, and state members in our communities.

No matter how well-designed they are, strategic plans and goals aren’t the end of the work. NAHRO leadership is now creating measurable outcomes for the four approved goals so we can hold ourselves accountable, measure our progress, and continue to build on this mighty foundation. We’ll have an update on these outcomes soon.

Collaborating for Our Communities

During the Washington, D.C. conference, more than 350 NAHRO advocates visited the offices of their senators and representatives. Each conversation gave voice to the tribulations, triumphs, and needs of agency staff and residents in cities, towns, suburbs, rural areas and on Indian land across the nation. I’m incredibly grateful to our dedicated advocates who continue to attend these meetings, send letters and emails, invite local and national officials to their agencies, and ensure that our national leaders consistently hear about the vital work we do and the resources we need. We must keep building these relationships with our lawmakers and speaking with a unified voice, so now is the time to prepare for our upcoming August advocacy campaign!

My administration prioritizes partnerships, both within and outside our industry. Soon after the conference, NAHRO and our sister groups PHADA, CLPHA and the MTW Collaborative met with longtime houser, former NAHRO CEO and HUD Acting Secretary Adrianne Todman.  At our first of anticipated regular meetings on May 3rd, we discussed being intentional and realistic with the launch of the Housing Information Portal (HIP) and implementing the HOTMA income and asset provisions. We also discussed the importance of ensuring the financial stability of housing agencies, thoughtful implementation of the NSPIRE-V inspection protocols for the Housing Choice Voucher Program, and the need for additional technical assistance and training for MTW Expansion agencies. The partnership between HUD, housing agencies, and industry groups is critical to successful outcomes for the families we serve, and these meetings between the industry leaders and HUD leadership allow for constructive and substantive discussion at the highest levels of our industry and government.

It was an honor to be in the same room, focusing on common priorities to achieve common goals. While we may not always agree with our sister organizations on some issues, we never lose sight of the fact that we work together on behalf of the communities we serve. We’re also looking to expand NAHRO’s reach outside our industry and build partnerships with historically black colleges and universities, educators, international housing groups and more. You’ll hear more about these efforts soon.

I would like to shout out Seattle Housing Authority for the work they’re doing in community and people development. I had the opportunity to visit CEO Rod Brandon and the team and see their collaborative efforts to develop their community. I also want to acknowledge West Virgnia President Belinda Harness, and Nebraska President Gloria Rita Morales, and their efforts to increase collaboration within their respective states. Their leadership is inspiring and I am looking forward to collaborating with them to accomplish their goals.

Celebrating the Past, Building the Future

This summer, I’m excited to welcome you all to my home region of NCRC – and specifically to NAHRO’s birthplace, Chicago – for the 2024 Summer Symposium!  We’ve put together a very intentional agenda that includes opportunities to honor our illustrious past, take stock of our present, and prepare to build the future of affordable housing and community development. You can find a full agenda and speaker list on NAHRO’s website. I look forward to seeing you there!