Newsletter, 2008 July

July 2008 Newsletter
DCA Will Sponsor/ Co-Sponsor These Events In July 2008
Community Planning Institute July 15-16 Helen
For more information, please visit www.georgiaplanning.org or call (404) 679-5279.
Historic Buildings-Fire Codes Training July 22 Columbus
For more information, please visit www.mainstreetgeorgia.org or contact DCA's Cindy Eidson at ceidson@dca.state.ga.us or (404) 679-3101.
**Deadline To Apply For FEMA Assistance July 22**
Georgia residents impacted by the May 2008 storms may apply for FEMA assistance through 7/22/08. Counties included in the 5/23/08 Federal Disaster Declaration issued by President George Bush were Bibb, Carroll, Crawford, Douglas, Emanuel, Glynn, Jefferson, Jenkins, Johnson, Laurens, McIntosh, Treutlen, Twiggs
and Wilkinson. Please check with your local officials for "county-specific" information. To apply for assistance, impacted Georgia residents may call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-FEMA (3362) (or TTY 800-462-7585 for speech/ hearing-impaired applicants. Lines are available daily from 8 AM-8 PM EDT) or
apply online at www.fema.gov.
Public Hearing (Proposed Changes To Opportunity Zone Regulations) July 30 - Atlanta
For more information, please contact DCA's Dawn Sturbaum at (404) 679-4940 or dsturbau@dca.state.ga.us.

Executive News

DCA Elects Sheppard As New Board Chairman -- Croker To Serve As Vice Chairman and Dean To Serve As Secretary. When the DCA) Board meets in
August 2008, its new leadership team will be in place.
At its June 2008 meeting, Board Members elected H. Clifford Sheppard, Jr., James "Billy" Croker and Nathan Dean as the new chairman, vice chairman and secretary, respectively.

Previously, Dr. Willie Adams, H. Clifford Sheppard, Jr. and James "Billy" Croker served as the board's chairman, vice chairman and secretary, respectively. The newly elected officers assumed their positions on July 1, 2008.
"We welcome Cliff, Billy and Nathan into their new leadership roles. Each of these gentlemen has been an asset to our board. As DCA looks to make a more significant impact by partnering with Georgia communities, we look forward to the counsel the new leaders and other board members will provide," said DCA Commissioner Mike Beatty. "We would also like to thank Dr. Willie Adams for his dedicated service as board chairman. Since his appointment to the DCA Board in 2005, Mayor Adams has provided valuable insight regarding many issues of importance to Georgia communities. His leadership kept DCA moving forward."
Brief biographical information about the newly elected board leaders is provided below:
New DCA Board Chairman H. Clifford "Cliff" Sheppard, Jr. is the president of Howard Sheppard, Inc., a
company that provides common and contract services in the transportation of bulk commodities, particularly kaolin, carbonates and non-hazardous chemicals. Sheppard is also Chairman of the Board of Citizens Bank in Washington County, Chairman of the Board of the Brentwood School (Sandersville, GA) and a member of the First Baptist Church in Sandersville. He is a graduate of Georgia Southwestern State University. He and his wife, Dianne, live in Sandersville and have two children and three grandchildren. Sheppard was appointed to the DCA board in 2005 to represent the state's 12th Congressional District.
New DCA Board Vice Chairman James "Billy" Croker is the president of Billy Croker Realty and a retired
owner of Croker Hardware. He serves as Chairman of County Chief Elected Officials of North Georgia and Coosa Valley Regional Development Center. He also serves as a board member for the Association County Commissioners of Georgia (ACCG) - Board of Managers, Polk County Chamber of Commerce and the West Georgia Regional Water Authority. Previously, Croker served as a Director of Regions Banks, Chairman - Polk County Board and President - ACCG. He is a member of the Cedartown Valley Shrine Club. Croker and his wife, Patsy, have five children and are active members of the First Baptist Church (Cedartown). He is serving his second term on the DCA board, being appointed in 2000 and re-appointed in 2005 to represent the state's 11th Congressional District.
New DCA Board Secretary Nathan Dean is the president of Nathan Dean Agency, Inc. He previously served
in both the Georgia House of Representatives and Georgia State Senate. Dean is a member of the Chambers of Commerce for Bartow, Haralson, Paulding and Polk Counties. He is a Mason, Shriner and a Lifetime Honorary Member of the American Legion. Dean attended Shorter College. He and his wife, Ann, live in Rockmart and have two children and one grandchild. Dean was appointed to the DCA board in 2006 as an At Large Member.
DCA Senior Staff Changes Finch, Foil & Swaim. DCA Commissioner Mike Beatty recently
announced three changes to the agency's senior staff. These changes were effective July 1, 2008.
Assistant Commissioner Jim Finch has been promoted to Deputy Commissioner External Affairs. In this capacity, Finch will continue to lead DCA's Local Government Assistance Division, Signature Community/ Communities of Opportunity (Co-Op) programs and efforts to transition the state's Regional Development Centers to Regional Commissions. He adds overall responsibility for coordinating DCA's state legislative activities.
"Jim's enormous knowledge of Georgia's communities, state government operations and economic and community development practices has been invaluable. A well-respected state government veteran, he has led a number of strategic efforts for DCA and our partners. We congratulate him on this well deserved promotion," said DCA Commissioner Mike Beatty.
Deputy Commissioner Phil Foil was named Deputy Commissioner Internal Affairs. He will have responsibility for DCA's organizational development, customer service, strategic planning and internal operations initiatives. In this new capacity, Foil will work with internal and external organizations to strengthen the agency's operations. He will continue to serve as DCA's Congressional Affairs Liaison.
"Phil has done an excellent job of combining his private and public sector expertise to move our agency forward. He's a champion of customer service and operational excellence. We look forward to supporting him in this new

role as he leads DCA's efforts to deliver faster, friendlier and more efficient service to our customers," added Beatty.
Senior Advisor Bill Swaim was appointed as DCA's newly created Chief of Staff. In this new role, Swaim will manage DCA's Executive Office operations, which include the agency's communications, policy, scheduling, board support functions and state legislative relations.
"Since joining the DCA team, Bill has been recognized for his ability to challenge and encourage his colleagues to pursue excellence and identify the best way to respond to issues. His strong professional background, tenacity and determination will allow him to bring unique skills to this very important position," said Beatty.
"DCA has a strong and dedicated team of board members, leaders and staff. Every member of Team DCA is committed to working with our customers toward mutually successful outcomes. I believe that today's senior changes will make DCA even more efficient, with greater customer service delivery and productivity," said Beatty. "I also extend my personal thanks to the 400+ DCA staff throughout Georgia that work hard each day for our customers and our state. Together, we are making a difference for Georgia."
Stevens Receives Prestigious Award For Dedicated Government Service. The location was
Savannah, not Hollywood. Yet, you could've heard a pin drop as Georgia Municipal Association (GMA) leaders approached the microphone to announce annual award winners.
One of the most special moments of the day was reserved for DCA's "Go To" Guy, Bobby Stevens.
Robert "Bobby" Stevens was the recipient of GMA's 2008 State Government Service Award. The State Government Service Award is given annually to state employees who exemplify integrity, diligence and energetic service to Georgia's citizens. That's definitely Bobby!
Stevens earned his BA degree from Georgia College in Milledgeville and began his state government career with the Georgia Department of Labor. He joined DCA in 1983. During his "results-oriented" and "customer service-focused" career, he has played key roles in developing and executing a number of statewide initiatives, including the Job Training Partnership Act Program and the Office of Rural Development.
Stevens also helped craft the guidelines for the allocation of private activity bonds and has managed the state's Bond Allocation Program for 25 years.
"Bobby is an asset to the DCA team. His knowledge, dedication and exemplary service allow DCA to serve its customers at the highest possible level. He is an invaluable resource to his DCA colleagues and our agency's public and private partners. As well, his enthusiastic and diligent approach to his work provides a great example for all to follow," said DCA Commissioner Mike Beatty.
"Bobby is a true professional and an expert on state government services. He is the first person our staff contacts when they have a question about DCA programs," said GMA Executive Director Jim Higdon. "But most importantly," added Higdon, "I consider Bobby to be my friend and a great asset to the cities of the state."
TOP Photo DCA Commissioner Mike Beatty and Bobby Stevens. Photo Credit: DCA's Art Gibert. BOTTOM Photo: GMA Official Paul Radford and Bobby Stevens. Photo courtesy of GMA.

New DCA Website & Email Addresses Are Coming "Changes" Slated To Be In Place By Late Fall. This month, DCA's Information Technology gurus began working "behind the scenes" to implement a
new e-mail naming standard for DCA staff. The change, slated to be in place by late fall, will make DCA's email addresses consistent with many other state agencies and support Governor Perdue's plan for a common email naming standard.
Along with the new email addresses, the IT Team is also working to make the DCA Website address consistent with new state government wide standards.
When "all systems are go" for the new email addresses and website, we will alert DCA's customers so that you can modify any DCA addresses on your email lists, in your address books and other relevant locations. Thanks in advance for your support of this important effort.

Community Development & Finance News

DCA Requests Public Input On Proposed Changes The

State's Opportunity Zone Job Tax Credit Regulations

Comments Due July 29, Public Hearing July 30. DCA

requests public comment on proposed changes to the Opportunity Zone

Job Tax Credit regulations due to an amendment from the 2008

Legislative Session (H.B. 1273). A copy of the Proposed Regulation is

available

at

www.dca.state.ga.us/economic/DevelopmentTools/programs/downloads

/OZRegulationAmendmentMarkupforWeb.PDF.

A public hearing will be held July 30, 2008 at 1:30pm at DCA's Central Headquarters in the Board Room. For directions to DCA's offices, visit www.dca.state.ga.us/Main/AboutDCAMap1.pdf or call (404) 679-4940.

Comments are due on or before Tuesday, July 29, 2008 at 5:00 PM. Comments may be submitted one of three ways: (1) EMAIL: Emails should be sent to Dawn Sturbaum at dsturbau@dca.ga.gov; (2) POSTAL MAIL: Comments may be mailed to Dawn Sturbaum, Georgia Department of Community Affairs, 60 Executive Park South, Atlanta, GA 30329 or (3) FACSIMILE: Comments may be faxed to Dawn Sturbaum at (404) 679-0563.

Additional questions may be directed to Dawn Sturbaum at dsturbau@dca.state.ga.us or (404) 679-0563.

One, Two, THREE Upcoming Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) / Community HOME Investment Program (CHIP) Training Opportunities Mark Your Calendars Now.
DCA's Community Development & Finance Team has will host three training opportunities. Summary information is provided below.
Recipients' Workshop September 14 16, 2008 - Savannah, GA (Hyatt Regency Savannah). This workshop is designed to provide 2008 CDBG/CHIP recipients (recipients will be announced by mid August 2008) with a broad overview of program management requirements for the CDBG and CHIP programs and a more detailed briefing on important areas of federal compliance such as Civil Rights, Fair Housing, Contracts, Environmental Review, Labor Standards, and Financial Management and Administration.
Housing and Redevelopment Workshop October 2023, 2008 Cordele, GA (The Retreat at Lake Blackshear). This workshop is designed to provide CDBG/CHIP housing recipients with a guide for the development and implementation of their housing programs and federal and state compliance requirements. The workshop will also offer information and practical guidance on integrating

CDBG/CHIP programs into broader local redevelopment programs using such tools as Revitalization Area Strategy (RAS) designations and Opportunity Zones. CDBG Quarterly Reporting Training Fall 2008 (Specific Dates TBD). DCA's Community Development and Finance Division staff is planning a series of workshops in the fall to assist grant administrators with the preparation of CDBG Quarterly Reports. Please be on the look out for additional information. In the interim, please contact Robert Shaw at (404) 679-4806 or rshaw@dca.state.ga.us or Maris Wynn at (404) 679-3134 or mwynn@dca.state.ga.us for technical assistance.
Customer Service News Did You Receive Excellent Service From A DCA Staffer? New "Exceeding Excellence" Customer
Service Recognition Program Allows You To Recognize A Job Very Well Done. In April 2007, DCA announced an innovative effort that would allow DCA team members and our external customers to recognize DCA team members for providing excellent customer service. Excellent customer service goes above and beyond normal job duties. DCA "dubbed" this effort Exceeding Excellence. Previous winners included Jo Childers (Downtown Development), Joseph DeGumbia (Administration), Angela Gregory (Housing Finance) and Joseph Tollison (Information Management). Please consider nominating a DCA staffer that's gone above and beyond! Information is available from our website's front page www.dca.state.ga.us. Questions may also be directed to DCA Chief of Staff Bill Swaim at bill.swaim@dca.ga.gov or (404) 679-4940.
Downtown Development News
Historic Building Fire Codes Training Offered in Columbus July 22. Question: Are you
rehabilitating a historic building in your city and need to know how to bring the building up to today's fire code standards without destroying the historic fabric of building? If the answer is YES, DCA invites you to attend our Historic Building Codes Training on Tuesday, July 22, 2008 in Columbus, GA. The seminar will focus on applying building and fire related codes to existing historic buildings. The workshop will offer creative examples of how the alternative building and fire codes have been used in historic buildings without jeopardizing occupant safety. Workshop attendees will get tips on how to encourage better communication between project developers and building codes officials during renovation. A tour of the historic Eagle Phenix Condo Project, which successfully applied historic building and fire related codes, is also on the agenda. The workshop opens at 9 AM, with registration beginning at 8:30 AM. The day-long session is scheduled to end at 4 PM. Advance and online registration are available. Registration fees are as follows - Main Street/ Better Hometown Cities: $35 per person - All other attendees: $50 per person. Registration fees cover training materials, refreshments, speaker and facility costs. Fees are non-refundable after July 11, 2008.

Registration information is available at www.mainstreetgeorgia.org. Additional questions may be directed to Cindy Eidson at cindy.eidson@dca.ga.gov or (404) 679-3101.
'08 Urban Georgia Network Symposium A Success LOTS Learned About Going Green.
Collaboration, partnership and some great attendees combined forces to make the 2008 Urban Georgia Network (UGN) Symposium in Decatur on June 17-18 a big success.
Discussion topics focused on a wide range of sustainable development tools from smart ordinances, codes, green buildings and roofs, to planting landscapes for climate change, developing organic markets and community gardens. Other "hot topics" included mass transit & eco-tourism and balancing historic preservation with energy savings when retrofitting downtown buildings.
Participants learned how to attract private investors and green businesses to their underutilized corridors and brownfields and state efforts to support eco-friendly entrepreneurs. Cities were challenged to examine every aspect of their public policies and capital facility planning to see how they could be better environmental stewards. Lyn Menne, Assistant City Manager of the City of Decatur, gave an impressive presentation on the many ways Decatur is taking "green" action.
Special thanks to program co-sponsors Southface Energy Institute, American Institute of Architects, the US Environmental Protection Agency and the Georgia Department of Economic Development.
Symposium presentations are available at www.mainstreetgeorgia.org. Additional questions may be directed to Cindy Eidson at cindy.eidson@dca.ga.gov or (404) 679-3101.

Environmental News

DCA-Park Pride Event Marks Final 2008 Great American Cleanup Activity.
Between March 1-June 10, 2008, thousands of Georgia citizens participated in one of 236 local community activities in support of the state's 2008 Great American Cleanup.
(Left Photo: DCA and Park Pride Team prepare to cleanup Little Nancy Creek Park.)
The 2008 Great American Cleanup offered Georgia's citizens numerous opportunities to get

involved in community-building activities that helped keep our roads, rivers, mountains and communities clean.
On June 10, 2008, the GAC hosted its closing event. DCA staffed joined forces with Park Pride to "clean up" Little Nancy Creek Park in metro-Atlanta. The team cleared underbrush, cleaned driveways, collected much and lots more.
Park Pride is a non-profit organization working with City of Atlanta's Department of Parks and Recreation on the maintenance and improvement of green spaces. They provide tools and expertise in park management for volunteer groups up to 50. Little Nancy Creek was recently purchased by the City of Atlanta and is in the process of designing a park visioning plan with professionals at Park Pride.
DCA's Keep Georgia Beautiful Team is currently working to compile data from 2008 GAC cleanup events. This year's activities included roadside cleanups, tree plantings, river cleanups, bulk recycling events, Earth Day festivals, school events and much more. Coordinated nationally by Keep America Beautiful (KAB), the Great American Cleanup is the national's largest community improvement program.
For more information contact Kim Portmess at (404) 679-4940 or kportmes@dca.state.ga.us.
Georgia Commission On Service & Volunteerism
Nearly $2.5 Million Targeted For Georgia's AmeriCorps Programs. DCA Commissioner Mike Beatty and the Georgia Commission
for Service and Volunteerism (GCSV) recently announced the award of nearly $2.5 million in funding for AmeriCorps programs. Funds will be used to support 2008-2009 program efforts.
"Community service is an essential element in community vitality. Our strongest communities have engaged and involved citizens. I applaud AmeriCorps efforts to engage Georgia's young adults in community service projects that yield real value for them and the communities they serve," said DCA Commissioner Mike Beatty. "I also extend congratulations to the 14 Georgia organizations selected to receive funds. We look forward to hearing more about the impact your programs in these important Georgia communities."
Funds To Extend Reach Of Unique Community Service
The Georgia AmeriCorps*State programs are administered and monitored by the GCSV, a part of DCA. Georgia's AmeriCorps programs provide volunteers to work with community service programs statewide. In addition to providing its members as volunteers, AmeriCorps awards organizational grants in two categories: (1) organizations nominated or selected by the Georgia Commission for Service and Volunteerism and (2) grants made directly to organizations from the Corporation for National and Community Service. AmeriCorps grants are funded from federal and state dollars.
The Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) distributes funds to each state Commission using a population-based allocation. Funding amounts are determined on an annual basis. States determine formula funding priorities. Although states are required to follow CNCS-AmeriCorps guidelines when administering funds, states also have the flexibility to support specific state priorities.
Total funds awarded in support of Georgia based programs for the 2008-2009 year were $2,471,787. Program funds were awarded in two categories - continuation and new funding. Organizations/ programs selected for funding are listed below:

Continuation Funding (Total - $1,895,407.00)
Organization
Ga. PAS Corps Communities in Schools AmeriCorps Task Force for the Homeless AmeriCorps Hands On Georgia AmeriCorps Outward Bound Atlanta AmeriCorps Service to Families in Fannin AmeriCorps Inner Harbour AmeriCorps Care Link AmeriCorps Macon Police Cadets AmeriCorps Cobb Youth Build AmeriCorps

Amount
$168,207 $238,680 $153,855 $150,994 $113,397 $179,762 $186,617 $141,666 $192,232 $369,997

Community
Athens Atlanta Atlanta Atlanta Atlanta Blue Ridge Douglasville LaGrange Macon Marietta

New Funding (Total - $576,380.00)
Organization
Albany Police Cadets Georgia State University DeKalb Juvenile Court Refugee Resettlement

Amount
$137,222 $241,999 $ 68,881 $128,278

Community
Albany Atlanta Atlanta Clarkston

Georgia currently has approximately 450 members serving in AmeriCorps programs statewide. Through their community involvement, Georgia's AmeriCorps members seek to instill values of responsibility and a service ethic while preparing for the future by improving their job-readiness, communication, interpersonal and problem-solving skills. Through May 2008, Georgia AmeriCorps members have provided nearly 268,300 hours of service tutoring and mentoring youth, responding to natural disasters, helping make our streets safer, building affordable housing, assisting underserved citizens, cleaning parks and streams, and recruiting, training and managing community volunteers. For more information on Georgia's AmeriCorps programs, please visit www.AmeriCorpsGA.org.

Georgia Rural Development Council News
Volunteers Needed For 2008 Georgia Youth Leadership Summit. The 2008 Georgia Youth Summit is a
statewide sponsored by the Georgia Rural Development Council and organized by the University of Georgia and Georgia 4-H.
The Summit's primary goals are as follows: (1) create an awareness of state/local issues; (2) enhance youth-adult partnerships on the local level; and (3) equip youth to become active locally in the betterment of their community in the areas of economic development, education, health and safety.
Each county receives full scholarships for four youth and one adult to attend the Summit through funding provided by the Governor and General Assembly.
Volunteers are needed to train Georgia's next generation of leaders. More information is provided below.
WHO: We are looking for volunteers with knowledge of government and resource delivery at the state and/or local levels.

WHAT: Volunteers will work directly with county teams to: (1) understand factors related to community issues; (2) develop plan to address local problems; and (3) connect team with resources and potential collaborators.
Volunteers will assist county teams of youth and adults as they develop plans to address local issues related to economic development, education, health & safety which they will take back and implement in their communities.
WHERE: Rock Eagle 4-H Center - Eatonton, Georgia
WHEN: You have two opportunities to volunteer.
Sunday, September 21st, 2:00 pm 4:30 pm Volunteers will meet with county teams individually or in small groups as they discuss project ideas and consider potential collaborators.
Monday, September 22nd, 9:00 am 11:30am Volunteers will listen to County Action Plans as they are presented in a Town Hall Meeting. A facilitator will coordinate the meeting, which will be organized by Service Delivery Regions. Volunteers will provide general feedback on county plans.
HOW: Contact Jeff Buckley, Extension 4-H Faculty - JBuckley@uga.edu (706) 542-8735 OR Kathleen Bowen, ACCG - KBowen@ACCG.org (404) 522-5022 for more information.
Additional Summit information is available at www.georgiayouthsummit.org
Housing News
What Do You Think? DCA Requests Public Comment On The State's Analysis of Impediments To Fair Housing Choice Draft Document. The Georgia Department of Community
Affairs (DCA) requests public comment on the State's Analysis of Impediments To Fair Housing Choice draft document. The document covers fiscal years 2008 through 2012.
The document is available at http://www.dca.state.ga.us/communities/CommunityInitiatives/programs/downloads/AIFinal_04.pdf. Copies of the draft may also be requested by contacting DCA's Lolita Collins at (404) 679-5293/ (800) 736-1155 (TDD) - or lcollins@dca.state.ga.us.
Comments are due on or before Monday, July 14, 2008 at 5:00 PM. Comments may be submitted one of three ways: (1) EMAIL: Emails should be sent to Lolita Collins at lcollins@dca.state.ga.us; (2) POSTAL MAIL: Comments may be mailed to Lolita Collins, Georgia Department of Community Affairs - Office of Special Housing Initiatives, 60 Executive Park South, Atlanta, GA 30329 or (3) FACSIMILE: Comments may be faxed to Lolita Collins at (404) 679-0572.
The draft document describes Georgia's existing fair housing conditions and how the state, local, private, and federal resources will be used to address the identified needs. Public comment is considered as an important component of the State's evaluation process. Document sections are listed and described below:
Executive Summary and Introduction - Provides an overview of the document Jurisdictional Background Information - Describes the State's demographic, income, employment, and
housing data. Evaluation of Current Fair Housing Legal Status - Reviews current fair housing complaints made in the
state of Georgia. Identification of Impediments to Fair Housing - Describes various public and private sector policies that
have or may have the potential to impede fair housing choice.

Other Fair Housing Activities in Georgia - Describes fair housing activities and programs in the state of Georgia.
Actions and Recommendations - Lists goals and objectives for eliminating and mitigating the identified impediments to fair housing choice.
DCA, in compliance with applicable U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) regulations, is updating the document as a requirement to receiving federal funds through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG); HOME Investment Partnership (HOME); Emergency Shelter Grant (ESG); and the Housing Opportunities for People with AIDS (HOPWA) programs.
Questions may be directed to Lolita Collins at lcollins@dca.state.ga.us or (404) (404) 679-5293.
DCA Announces $6.7 Million In Supportive Housing Awards To Assist Homeless Georgians.
DCA Commissioner Mike Beatty recently announced today a total of $6,742,000 in awards for providers delivering supportive housing and related services to homeless and other eligible persons. Both state and federal monies will fund awards. Detailed information regarding the awards is provided at http://www.dca.state.ga.us/housing/specialneeds/programs/eme rgencysheltergrants.asp.
"Substantial public and private resources have been committed to address issues of homelessness. Since 1987, DCA has provided guidance for Georgia on this important quality of life issue that touches every community," said Commissioner Mike Beatty.
"Today, DCA is pleased to join HUD and the State Housing Trust Fund Commission in providing these much needed funds. Based on published criteria, 165 agencies throughout the state have been selected to receive funding to support operational costs, technical assistance and a wide range of related housing support services. We are pleased that these funds will go directly to Georgia's front-line organizations, those working to provide services to individuals and families without homes of their own," added Beatty.
State funding is provided through Georgia's State Housing Trust Fund for the Homeless. Federal funding is provided through three U.S. Department Housing and Urban Development (HUD) programs - Emergency Shelter Grant Program, Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS and Supportive Housing Program.
Upon notification of its award, an agency will be required to submit additional paperwork to Georgia's Office of the State Housing Trust Fund. Over the next month, DCA will host administrative briefings for agencies selected for awards. Briefings will provide general information on federal and state requirements, eligible activities, the reimbursement process, audit, reporting and financial requirements and other matters related to program administration.
HUD is the nation's housing agency committed to increasing homeownership, particularly among minorities; creating affordable housing opportunities for low-income Americans; and supporting the homeless, elderly, people with disabilities and people living with AIDS. The Department also promotes economic and community development as well as enforces the nation's fair housing laws. More information about HUD is available at www.hud.gov.
GeorgiaHousingSearch.org - A Ready Resource During Critical Times. Tornadoes, storms, you name it...when disaster
strikes, everyone needs help. In many cases, finding a place to live is

a top priority. No need to worry or panic as GeorgiaHousingSearch.org offers a FREE, easy-to-use and available resouce to help citizens quickly find affordable housing options in their community.
On the site www.GeorgiaHousingSearch.org -- citizens can search for rental properties statewide. Property postings are detailed, current, and updated bi-weekly. Property managers and independent landlords can post listings for free and reach thousands of potential renters.
The website is bilingual (English and Spanish) and has a toll-free number (877) 428-8844 - available to assist potential renters or property owners and managers. In addition, the site's unique Special Needs Housing Search feature has assisted Georgia caseworkers locate housing for hundreds of traditionally hard-to-place families and individuals.
For more information, please contact Sheila Barry at (404) 679-4855 or sbarry@dca.state.ga.us.
GICH Is Looking For Your Community's Application September 8th Is Due Date. The
Georgia Initiative for Community Housing (GICH) is currently accepting applications for community participation through September 8, 2008.
GICH offers communities a three-year program of collaboration and technical assistance to help communities create and launch locally-based plans to meet their housing needs. Participating communities will create a community housing team to develop new ideas about meeting local housing needs, learn about approaches and available resources to meet housing needs, and produce and implement their community housing plan. GICH partners with Georgia Municipal Association, DCA and the University of Georgia Housing and Demographics Research Center.
Applications for participation in GICH are available at UGA's Housing and Demographics Research Center www.fcs.uga.edu/hace/hdrc/gich/about.html. Interested communities may also contact Karen Tinsley, GICH Program Coordinator at (706) 542-4949.
Local Government Assistance (including Co-Op & Signature Program) News
Williams Joins DCA To Manage Signature Program & Communities of Opportunity Efforts.
On July 1, 2008, Patrice Williams joined DCA in the newly created position of Signature Community and Communities of Opportunity Program Coordinator. Recognized for her wide-ranging state government knowledge and "can do" spirit, Patrice brings to DCA experience in policy development, government relations, program management, communications and event management.
In this position, she will direct activities and related initiatives for both programs. Patrice will work closely with local participating communities to ensure that specified program goals are achieved, provide oversight of departmental resources to ensure efficient and effective operations and manage specific programs that focus on successful local government program implementation and overall community and economic development.
Prior to joining Team DCA, Patrice served as a Community Development Associate/ Policy Development Coordinator with the Georgia Municipal Association. At GMA, her wide-ranging responsibilities included coordination of legislative meetings, representing the organization at outside events, conducting policy research and analysis and serving as a liaison to numerous key organizations. Patrice holds a Master of Science Degree in Urban Studies from Georgia State University and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Political Science from Georgia Southern University.
She will work from a home office and can be reached at pwilliam@dca.state.ga.us or (404) 323-9133.

Signature Program "Kick-Off" Events For Allentown, Danville, Irwinton, Ivey, Gordon, McIntyre, Toomsboro and Wilkinson County City of Jesup/ Wayne County. Commissioner
Mike Beatty "hit the road" to participate in two Signature Community kickoff events in two days.
First stop Irwinton, GA. There, Commissioner Beatty joined Allentown, Danville, Irwinton, Ivey, Gordon, McIntyre, Toomsboro and Wilkinson County leaders, DCA Director Winfred Owens, DCA Regional Representative JoAnna Banks and several other state and local officials to celebrate the community's Signature Community Program selection. Official program participation documents were signed Thursday, June 19, 2008 during an event held at the Wilkinson County Courthouse in Irwinton.
Representing the state's Middle Georgia Super Region (which includes DCA's Service Delivery Regions 4, 6 and 7), Wilkinson County and the cities of Allentown, Danville, Irwinton, Ivey, Gordon, McIntyre and Toomsboro will focus its program assistance on developing a long-term strategic plan.
For many years, the economy of Wilkinson County was based largely on kaolin processing and forestry. As the community experienced a number of growth-related changes, residents recognized its community's need for a strategic and comprehensive strategy for economic development.
Community leaders did not sit idly by and took a number of positive steps, including: (1) hiring of the county's first Economic Development Director; (2) initiating a "re-launch" of the Wilkinson County Chamber of Commerce (which had been dormant for about five years); (3) leading the redevelopment of a brownfield site (which is currently occupied by a biodiesel manufacturing facility); and (4) working to achieve approval of a SPLOST (Special Local Option Sales Tax) to fund infrastructure improvements and economic development projects.
DCA will work with the communities to develop an economic development plan, strategies to protect key corridors and its tourism and marketing efforts. Since 2003, DCA has provided more than $3.04 million in funding to Wilkinson County communities through Community Development Block Grants (CDBG), Local Assistance Grants and other funding sources for various development and redevelopment projects.
Second stop Jesup, GA. There, Commissioner Beatty joined DCA) Commissioner Mike Beatty joined Jesup Mayor Herb Shaw, Wayne County Chairman James "Boots" Thomas, Wayne County Administrator Mike Deal, Jesup City Manager Onda Woodard and Jesup Downtown Development Director Crystal Gill, DCA Director Winfred Owens, DCA Regional Representative Jim Crowdis and several other state and local officials to celebrate the community's Signature Community Program selection. Official program participation documents were signed Friday, June 20, 2008 during an event held at Sybil's Restaurant in Jesup.
Representing the state's Southeast Super Region (which includes DCA's Service Delivery Regions 9 & 12), the City of Jesup and Wayne County will use the program to develop a county-wide green space plan and uniform signage system.
Based on the theme of "There is no place like home," the Jesup/Wayne County green space and uniform signage system plans are expected to enhance the "city-county" link and create a stronger sense of community.
The proposed green space effort will link historic downtown Jesup and several of its key landmarks and facilities, to a major greenway project and facilities associated with the Altamaha River. The community also plans to move forward on a study focused on development of a comprehensive and uniform signage system, landscape development and tourism marketing.
Beyond today's Signature Program kickoff, DCA, the City of Jesup and Wayne County will continue their collaboration on other community development efforts. In addition, since 2003, DCA has provided more than $4.83 million in funding to Wayne County communities through Community Development Block Grants (CDBG), Local Assistance Grants and other funding sources for various development and redevelopment projects.
In July 2005, DCA announced the launch of its Signature Community Program. Communities were invited to submit individual or joint applications (with other cities or the county). Communities were evaluated on nine key "community indicator" criteria, including comprehensive planning, downtown revitalization, economic

development, environmental management, infrastructure development, leadership programs, quality growth, safe and affordable housing and service and volunteerism.
To date, 17 communities have been selected to participate in the program Cities of Allentown/ Danville/ Irwinton/ Ivey/ Gordon/ McIntyre/ Toomsboro/ Wilkinson County; City of Barnesville; City of Calhoun; City of Colquitt/ Miller County; City of Covington/Newton County; City of Dublin; City of Fayetteville; City of Flovilla/ Butts County; City of Forsyth; City of Holly Springs; City of Jesup/ Wayne County; Cities of Kingsland/ St. Marys/ Woodbine/ Camden County; City of Rome; City of Snellville; City of Toccoa/ Stephens County; City of Tifton/Tift County; and the Cities of Valdosta and Remerton;
For more information about the Signature Community Program, please visit www.dca.state.ga.us.
Planning & Quality Growth News
Helen To Host July 2008 Community Planning Institute (CPI) July 15-16. DCA's Office of
Planning and Quality Growth will host its next Community Planning Institute (CPI) in Helen, Georgia. The CPI is scheduled for July 15-16, 2008 and is being held in conjunction with the Georgia Planning Association's Planning
Commissioner Training session.
CPI is one of many resources designed to help planning officials achieve a well-planned community. CPI provides attendees the opportunity to learn the latest in the planning process and obtain hands-on experience in meeting its many challenges. Further, the institute targets the training needs of attendees with a two-day program in planning concepts and procedures conducted by Georgia planning and legal professionals.
Program topics include Community Vision and Planning, Getting the Most out of Your Local Plan, The Good, the Bad, and the Legal, Conducting Meetings and Making Good Decisions. Participants will also be grouped into breakout sessions to complete the popular Quinn County exercise that demonstrates how it feels to face an agenda full of challenging development and zoning issues.
Attendees completing the two-day training program earn twelve hours of education in land use, comprehensive planning and legal issues. Course completion provides participants with "Certified Planning Commissioner" status a "Certificate of Achievement: granted by the Georgia Planning Association and DCA.
Advance registration is required and class size is limited. Registration is $150.00 per person. For more information, please contact (404) 679-5279 or visit www.georgiaplanning.com.
Help For Your Community's Comprehensive Plan Is Coming Soon. DCA's Planning and Quality
Growth team members are working to make the process of preparing and/or updating comprehensive plans faster, friendlier, and easier. The PQG team is currently designing new and innovative training that will focus on Building Your Plan, Implementing Your Plan and Managing Your Plan. The training will aid local governments in the comp plan process and also cover a number of related topics, including How To Make Your Community's Plan Work; Importance of Planning; Elected Officials' Role in the Planning Process; Choosing A Plan Preparer; Public Participation; Defining Character Areas; and Developing the Community Vision.
For more information regarding the training or for assistance with your community's Comprehensive Plan, please call 404-679-5279.

Special Project Team Works Closely With Georgia's Small Communities. Since its launch, the
Special Projects Team has worked with communities large and small, urban and rural on numerous projects. The team's recent efforts with some of Georgia's smaller communities are highlighted below: Coolidge, GA has fewer than 500 residents and a small downtown that straddles Highway 319 in southwest
Georgia. With a very small city budget and only a few staff people, the town's citizens knew they needed a vision and plan to guide their future decision making.
Using Georgia's Local Planning Requirements for a Minimal Plan, DCA worked with city staff, citizen committees and elected officials to create Coolidge's Comprehensive Plan, which the city council adopted at its most recent council meeting.
Midway, GA is home to some of Georgia's most revered historic and natural resources. The 253 year-old community is located in coastal Liberty County, at the crossroads of US Highway 17 and US Highway 84.
The city completed a conceptual master plan in November 2006 that called for infill development to complement the historic cemetery, 215 year-old church building and live oak canopy that were central to Midway's "sense of place."
DCA and citizens worked through an informal discussion to help city officials determine how to proceed with the Master Plan. A final report to Midway provided recommendations that were structured in an adoptionready, comprehensive plan compatible format that the city can use to foster new development consistent with the recommendations of the 2006 master plan.
Baldwin, GA has called on the Special Projects Team to help with preparations for master planning projects in Habersham County. Baldwin, in the foothills of Appalachia, is a small town where many citizens walk to work and for goods and services. Because much of the development since the 1960s follows a car-oriented design, walking, although necessary for many citizens, is not very safe or comfortable. DCA will work with the community to develop a plan that includes a focus on improving its walkability.
Rental Assistance News
Broadway's Neon Lights Shine On DCA Progeny, Cypress Smith.
Rental Assistance Staffer Al Smith has lots to be proud of these days. Cypress Smith, his very talented daughter, just returned from the Big Apple to audition for a part in The Lion King musical.
The Lion King is a Tony and Olivier Award-winning Broadway and West End stage musical based on the 1994 Disney animated film of the same name. The musical made its June 1997 debut at the Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis, MN. The production moved to Broadway in New York, NY in October 1997.
With more than 300 talented artists seeking a role, the competition was tough. Yet, Cypress and her voice were the judges' top choice. She was selected to play Nala, one of the lead characters. Her first appearance will be on Friday, August 29, 2008.
"Cypress is a bright and talented child. We're very pleased that she's been given the opportunity to shine in this beautiful

production," said Mom Laketa Smith. Added Proud Papa Al Smith, "Thank you for all of your well wishes and I am proud as a peacock!
Please join DCA with a "way to go" cheer for Cypress, Al and their entire family. Baby, you're a STAR!
New Start for Old Initiative - DCA Revitalizes Housing Choice Voucher Homeownership Program. DCA has "revitalized" its Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Homeownership Program. Letters have
been sent to eligible Voucher holders informing them that they have meet the threshold requirements for consideration to participate in this homeownership initiative.
DCA originally designed the program to assist voucher holders who were elderly and/or with a disabled household member to transition from subsidized rental housing to homeownership. DCA has modified the program by including families whose voucher holder, for the past twelve (12) months has had full-time employment earning at least $10,300 a year.
Eligible DCA voucher holders have: 1) received rental assistance for at least two years; 2) never owned a home or had an ownership interest in a home within the past three years; and, 3) good credit or are willing to take measures to repair damaged credit.
For more information on the Homeownership Voucher Program, please contact Algernon Roberts (877)807-6232 or aroberts@dca.state.ga.us.
Other Interesting Tidbits That Just Didn't Fit Anywhere Else
Kingsland, GA Celebrates A Century. Known to many as the City of Royal Treatment, Kingsland, GA
will celebrate its 100th birthday in August. On August 6, 1908, Georgia's General Assembly approved the charter of the City of Kingsland and officially incorporated the city.
A number of special events are planned for Wednesday, August 6, 2008 as the city celebrates its rich history. The City of Kingsland's Centennial Birthday Party will feature Kingsland's famous southern fried catfish dinners served with grits and hushpuppies. During this event, the Mayor and City Council will host a time capsule burial ceremony and family fun activities will be hosted by various City Departments including a three-legged race hosted by the Kingsland Police Department and a tug-of-war presented by the Kingsland Fire Department. The City's historic mural series will also be officially unveiled and delicious helpings of birthday cake with Georgia peach tea will be served to top off the day of celebration.
In addition to the planned anniversary activities, several commemorative items available for purchase. For more information, please contact the City of Kingsland at (912)729-5613 or visit www.KingslandGeorgia.com
Biomass South 2008: Charting A Course For Biofuels, Biopower And Bioproducts. Mark
your calendars for Biomass South 2008 on September 22-23, 2008 in Raleigh, NC. This conference will provide a forum for regional collaboration, a snapshot of current opportunities in the South, and an opportunity to influence the development of a Southern Bioenergy Roadmap.
To learn more about the conference and to sign-up for conference updates, visit http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/nreos/forest/feop/biomass-south/2008.html. To learn more about the Southern Bioenergy Roadmap, visit http://www.saferalliance.net/projects/roadmap.html.
Article Documents How A Rural Economy Remade Itself. A recent article by the Annie E. Casey
Foundation tells the story how one rural region in the South has economically transformed itself and can serve as a guide for other communities. The article details the Appalachian region of North Carolina -- devastated by

declines in the production of textiles and furniture and the farming of tobacco. In response to the loss of these traditional employers, entrepreneurs in the region adopted a new model for economic growth -- one that relies on tapping the creative resources of area residents as opposed to attempting to attract new industries. As a result, a host of arts and crafts businesses have flourished, along with small-scale farming and agritourism industries. Learn more by reading the full article at www.aecf.org/~/media/PublicationFiles/handmade4%2011%20FINAL.pdf.
Reader Information
For more information on any of the topics included in this newsletter, please visit the DCA website at http://www.dca.state.ga.us or call DCA's main telephone number at (404) 679-4940 or TDD (800) 736-1155. Look for the next edition of DCA News on August 1, 2008. If you wish to be removed from the DCA Newsletter distribution list, please send an email to unsubscribe@dca.state.ga.us.
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