The Bay Area could lose out on historic investments in rental aid and affordable housing if the Build Back Better plan remains at a standstill. “The housing investments from the Build Back Better package are absolutely critical for our most vulnerable communities,” NPH Executive Director Amie Fishman said in a recent article from the San Francisco Public Press.

It is crucial that we tell Congress to protect and advance the bill’s affordable housing investments. You can do your part by calling or emailing your members of Congress today!

Last week, the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG) and the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) announced that Kate Hartley has been appointed as Director of the Bay Area Housing Finance Authority (BAHFA).

MTC and BAHFA Chair, Alfredo Pedroza, explains that “Kate’s experience in this enormously complex field positions us to undertake the comprehensive approach needed to meet the Bay Area’s housing challenges and to chart a course that other metro areas can follow.”

From supporting the regional response to COVID-19 and preventing homelessness, to creating a Regional Housing Portal, to pursuing new regional sources of funding for affordable housing, there are many critical functions and programs that BAHFA will be able to serve.

For example, NPH now has an opportunity to pursue a comprehensive and powerful multi-year campaign for the November 2024 ballot which will include lowering the voter threshold for local housing bonds (to a simple majority from the current ⅔ supermajority), while we work to place a Bay Area regional housing bond through BAHFA on the same ballot. The lower threshold would apply.

There’s still time to acknowledge an amazing houser that’s gone above and beyond in 2021!

Wondering if you should submit a nomination? Definitely – we’re looking to recognize folks from a variety of experiences, levels of achievement, and backgrounds! 

The nominations application for NPH’s 26th Affordable Housing Leadership Awards is open until Friday, February 4, 2022.

Deepen your effort on narrative shift with two upcoming events from our Shift the Bay initiative:

• TODAY: Having Tough Conversations with Reporters, (12PM - 1:00PM PST) This training will explore tactics to correct and constructively improve a reporter’s news coverage to advance housing and racial justice.
   
• The CaseMade Workshop Series: In these virtual workshops, renowned national expert (and long-time Shift the Bay partner) Dr. Tiffany Manuel and her CaseMade colleagues will interactively guide participants on how to sharpen their 2022 narrative strategy.
  • New Year, New Narratives, Wednesday, February 23 (12PM - 2PM PST)
  • Your Narratives in Action, Wednesday, April 6 (12PM-2PM PST)

Socialize and deepen your professional knowledge with the Emerging Leaders Peer Network (ELPN)! Don’t miss these two upcoming events:

• ELPN Trivia Night,Thursday, February 10 (5PM - 6PM PST)
  Virtual team trivia combines smart questions with unique game mechanics in a way that builds meaningful connections. Get all the fun from a pub trivia night without the sticky tables and noise!
   
• Access And Programs To Affordable Housing Homeownership, Wednesday, February 16 (12PM - 1PM PST)
  Policy leaders and practitioners come together to discuss affordable homeownership policies and programs – as well as opportunities to support and expand these housing types.

Learn more about ELPN and join the network here.

1/28, UWBA, Housing Justice Initiative Grants Informational Webinar The United Way Bay Area is hosting a webinar to share information about their recently released Housing Grants! Join them with your questions about the RFP/grant process, application, requirements, and any other questions that may arise.

1/28, SV@Home, Members’ Holiday Party Join SV@Home for a super fun Holiday Party for all their members, whether you’ve been with them for years or joined today.

2/10, SOMAH, Pathway to Low-Cost, Low-Carbon Apartments Join SOMAH and BayREN for a free informational webinar on how affordable housing providers can receive financial incentives and technical assistance to complete green retrofits to their buildings.

Opportunity: Funding for Electric Vehicle Charging Station Installation at Multi-Unit Dwelling Facilities A total of $7 million in grant funding will be available for organizations, including governments, businesses, and non-profits. The 2022 Charge! Program cycle will be a competitive solicitation and all complete applications will be scored and ranked. The Air District will prioritize projects that install EV charging at multi-unit dwellings and projects located in Bay Area Environmental Justice communities.

Opportunity: Apply for the Equitable Community Revitalization Grant The California Department of Toxic Substance Control is introducing the Equitable Community Revitalization Grant. Set a new path for land use that will have immediate and lasting benefits, such as recreational uses (parks and other green spaces), commercial enterprises and housing.

COALITION CORNER: 1/27, NHC: Bridging the Gap Between Health and Housing In this first of a series of webinars sponsored by NeighborWorks America, the National Housing Conference and NeighborWorks will explore the intersection of health and housing and the role it can play in sustainable community development.