The complete SDHF 16th Annual Affordable Housing and Community Development Conference program is available on the Federation website. It is also being mailed to members. Highlighting the theme of "It's Easy Being Green", the October 12 conference includes 18 sessions and a keynote presentation by Kimberly Vermeer, Urban Habitat Initiatives, a leading green building practitioner who specializes in affordable housing.  Sponsorships are still available. Registration will be open Monday on the website.

 

Monday, September 10 is the deadline for comments on the state Department of Housing and Community Development guidelines to implement the Transit Oriented Development program. Tom Scott, Federation Executive Director, presented a list of suggested changes at HCD's San Diego hearing this week.  Developers are encouraged to review the guidelines and send a letter or email to HCD regarding the proposal. Emails should be sent to cahouse@hcd.ca.gov with TOD Guidelines Comments in the subject line.  The proposed guidelines can be seen here.
 

The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) is accepting feedback on a proposal to implement the California Solar Initiative Multifamily Solar Program (MSP). MSP is a $108 million incentive plan designed to encourage affordable-home developers or third-party investors to own and operate solar systems that benefit low-income tenants. Applicants will be judged on their ability to use funds to increase energy efficiency and to provide maximum benefits to low-income tenants.

 

Applicants may choose to install solar systems for common areas or in individual units and can opt to sell 100 percent of the energy generated to the local utility company or use it to decrease utility bills.  To comment on the proposal, e-mail a request to "be added as an appearance to the service list" to process_office@cpuc.ca.gov and CC: dot@cpuc.ca.gov and meb@cpuc.ca.gov.

 

 

Nine meetings have been scheduled by the County's Department of Housing and Community Development during September to discuss the disposition of $11.6 million in federal community development and affordable housing funds.  The money comes from four programs: Community Development Block Grant, HOME Investment Partnerships, Emergency Shelter Grant, and Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS.  The deadline to submit proposals for CDBG funding for community development projects in the County unincorporated area is October 26, 2007.  For a list of community meetings, information and applications go the the County website or call April Torbett at 858-694-8724.