January 2009 Newsletter ***Holiday Observance*** All state offices will be closed on Monday, January 19, 2009 in observance of the MLK Holiday. Offices will be re-open on Tuesday, January 20, 2009. DCA Will Sponsor/ Co-Sponsor These Events In January 2009 Bring One For The Chipper January 3 Statewide For more information, please visit www.KeepGeorgiaBeautiful.org. More than 320 Christmas tree drop-off sites statewide. To locate the most convenient drop-off site, please use the "zip code locator" function available at www. earth911.com or (800) CLEAN-UP. Co-Op "Initial Marketing" Meetings January 1229 Service Delivery Region 9 DCA will host "initial marketing" meetings throughout the state's Service Delivery Region 9 on January 12, 15, 22, 26 and 29, 2009. A detailed schedule is available in the newsletter and on DCA's website. For additional information, please contact DCA Co-Op Coordinator Patrice Williams at (770) 968-6584/ patrice.williams@dca.ga.gov or DCA Regional Representative Jim Crowdis at (478) 272-8700/ jim.crowdis@dca.ga.gov. Community Planning Institute January 13-14 Douglas, GA Advance Registration Required for CPI Sessions. Registration is $150.00 per person. For more information, please contact DCA's Office of Planning & Quality Growth at (404) 679-4940 or visit www.georgiaplanning.com DCA/ Census Bureau Training Classes January 20 Atlanta, GA Workshop will offer info on making updates to annual Boundary & Annexation Surveys. Advance registration Required training is FREE. For more information, please contact DCA's Office of Mapping & Decision Support Systems at (404) 679-4940 or visit www.georgiaplanning.com. DCA/ KSU Homeless Count Exercise Week of January 26th Statewide For more information, please contact Dr. Lindsay Stillman at (404) 327-6813 or lindsay.stillman@dca.ga.gov. Executive News REMINDER: New DCA Email Addresses Are Here. In July, DCA's Information Technology gurus began working "behind the scenes" to implement a new e-mail naming standard for DCA staff. The changes make DCA's email addresses consistent with many other state agencies and support Governor Perdue's plan for a common email naming standard for state agencies. As of December 2008, DCA staffers were given new email addresses. If you need to contact a DCA staffer, please note the following changes: q OLD FORMAT: First Initial and Last Name (up to 8 characters) @ DCA.STATE.GA.US. For example, John Brown's former email address would have been JBROWN@DCA.STATE.GA.US. q NEW FORMAT: First Name.Last Name @ DCA.GA.GOV. For example, John Brown's new email address is JOHN.BROWN@DCA.GA. GOV. Thanks in advance for your support of this important effort. SAVE THE DATE: 2009 Leadership Day Feb. 9th Event Promises To Be A "Can't Miss" Opportunity. 2009 Leadership Day, sponsored by the Georgia Rural Development Council and coordinated by UGA's Fanning Institute, will be held on Monday, February 9, 2009. The event begins at 11:00 AM and will be held at the Georgia Freight Depot (adjacent to Underground Atlanta/ World of Coca Cola in Downtown Atlanta). As in years past, Leadership Day will provide an opportunity for leaders from across the state to come together and share best practices, success stories and discuss ways to improve leadership efforts in Georgia. Last year, more than 700 participants attended Leadership Day. As another large crowd is expected for this popular and FREE annual event, advance registration is REQUIRED. Please contact UGA's Fanning Institute to register and reserve your seat at (706) 542-1108. Building & Construction Codes News January 1st: Carbon Monoxide Detectors Required For All New Georgia Homes. All Georgia homes have one or more smoke detectors. Ever wonder if these same homes have carbon monoxide detectors? If they don't, they should. Often called the "silent killer," carbon monoxide is an invisible, odorless, colorless gas created when fuels (such as gasoline, wood, coal, natural gas, propane oil and methane) burn incompletely. In homes, heating and cooking equipment that burn fuel are potential sources of carbon monoxide. Cars or generators that run in an attached garage can also produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. In recent years, the popularity of carbon monoxide detectors has increased. Yet, many homes still do not have these safety-enhancing devices. As well, many citizens remain unfamiliar with the hazards of carbon monoxide poisoning. CO-Related Injuries Confirm The Need For Greater Awareness Of Safety Risks. An August 2008 Centers For Disease Control (CDC) study cited exposure to high levels of carbon monoxide as a leading cause of unintentional poisoning deaths in the United States. From 1999-2004, the "silent killer" was responsible for approximately 450 deaths. From 1999-2003, carbon monoxide poisoning led to approximately 15,200 emergency room visits each year. The CDC study highlighted other relevant facts, including: q 41% of carbon monoxide-related incidents occurred during the winter (in particular the months of December and January); q Increased use of home heating systems, exposure to motor vehicle exhaust by stranded motorists during blizzards, use of gasoline- powered generators during & after winter storms and indoor use of charcoal grills, portable stoves and space heaters contributed to the higher percentage of occurrences during winter; and q Approximately 73% of carbon monoxide poisoning patients were exposed to the toxic gas in their homes. A 2007 Georgia Department of Human Resources (DHR) publication reported similar facts, including: q 64 Georgia carbon monoxide poisoning deaths in 2005; and q Ongoing serious and persistent health effects after exposure to high carbon monoxide levels- even after the carbon monoxide source was removed. Both the CDC and DHR information cited the proper installation & maintenance of home heating systems, installation of carbon monoxide detectors on each floor of a home and venting cooking & fuel-burning appliances as ways to reduce the safety risks associated with exposure to carbon monoxide. From Awareness To Advocacy To New Rules For Georgia. In early 2005, Georgia State Senator Gloria Butler read an article about a family whose exposure to carbon monoxide proved fatal. She researched Georgia's laws to determine if her own state had any carbon monoxide detectorrelated regulations. At that time, Georgia did not. "When I became aware of the safety and health risks posed by exposure to high carbon monoxide levels, I became an advocate. Overexposure to carbon monoxide has resulted in countless emergency visits and some deaths. When my research revealed that these medical situations could be prevented and family safety enhanced if more homes had carbon monoxide detectors, I began a comprehensive campaign to educate Georgians and encourage that these detectors be placed in homes," said Senator Butler. Although her legislation was not passed initially, Senator Butler continued to research this issue. In 2008, Senator Butler began working with DCA's Construction Codes Department. Together, Senator Butler and DCA staff worked to educate State Codes Advisory Committee members about this important safety issue. In July 2008, the SCAC recommended a change to the state code. This change to Georgia's code was approved by the DCA Board in November 2008. Effective January 1, 2009, carbon monoxide detectors will be required in all new one- & two-family homes and townhomes of three stories or less. With this code change, Georgia will become the 16th state with carbon monoxide detector-related statutes. The National Council of State Legislatures lists Alaska, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, Wisconsin and West Virginia as the other states with carbon monoxide-related statutes. City of Clarkston Officials, DeKalb Fire & Rescue Unit Members, DCA Staffers and Home Depot staffers discussed operation of carbon other safety advocates joined State Senator Gloria Butler for the Carbon Monoxide monoxide detectors with City of Clarkston Vice Mayor Pat Detector announcement. Davis Morris, Mayor Lee Swaney and State Senator Butler. On the FRONT ROW: Clarkston Mayor Lee Swaney (Fifth From Left - Blue Shirt/ Blue Pants), Senator Butler (Red Suit), DCA Director Ted Miltiades (Blue Jacket/ White Shirt), Bettie Sleeth (Home Builder Association Georgia), State Advisory Codes Member Windell Peters and DeKalb Fire Captain Eric Jackson. CO Detector Event Reminds Families To Stay Focused On Safety During Winter Months. On Friday, December 19th, State Senator Butler and DCA staffers were joined by several partners and safety advocates, including DeKalb County Fire & Rescue, Home Builders Association of Georgia and The Home Depot, to create awareness of the new law and encourage existing homeowners to equip their homes with carbon monoxide detectors. The brief press conference was held at Village Homes' Caroll Park Subdivision in Clarkston, GA. Carbon monoxide detectors are widely available at numerous retail outlets. Battery operated and electrical units are available. Most detectors are priced $20-$50 per unit. Additional information about carbon monoxide detectors is available from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (www.cpsc.gov or 800-638-2772), National Fire Protection Association ( www.nfpa.org ) and the Georgia Department of Human Resources ( www. dhr.state.ga.us). Additional questions about this new requirement may be directed to DCA's Building & Construction Codes staff at (404) 679-4940. 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 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 include Jo Childers (Downtown Development), Joseph DeGumbia (Administration), Angela Gregory (Housing Finance), Denise Ray (Human Resources), Lora Reynaud (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.ga.gov. Questions may also be directed to DCA Deputy Commissioner Phil Foil at phil.foil@dca.ga.gov or (404) 679-4940. Downtown Development News 91 National Main Street Accredited Cities To Be Honored At 2009 Mayors' Day. On January 26th, 91 Georgia Main Street and Better Hometown programs will receive 2009 National Main Street Accreditation by the National Trust for Historic Preservation's Main Street Center. These cities will be honored at a luncheon event held in conjunction with the Georgia Municipal Association's (GMA) Annual Mayors' Day. The National Accreditation designation process evaluates established commercial district revitalization programs according to 10 basic performance standards. These standards provide benchmarks and guidelines for downtown organizations. Congratulations to all of Georgia's Main Street honorees! 2009 National Main Street Accredited Programs Acworth Americus Athens Bainbridge Blairsville Brunswick Buchanan Byron Calhoun Carrollton Cartersville Cedartown Cleveland College Park Columbus Commerce Conyers Cordele Cornelia Covington Dahlonega Dalton Darien Donalsonville Douglas Douglasville Dublin Duluth Eatonton Elberton Ellijay Fayetteville Flowery Branch Forsyth Fort Valley Gainesville Gordon Gray Greensboro Greenville Griffin Hampton Hapeville Hartwell Hawkinsville Hogansville Homerville Jefferson LaFayette LaGrange Lavonia Locust Grove Lyons Madison McDonough Milledgeville Millen Monticello Moultrie Nashville Newnan Oglethorpe Pelham Pembroke Plains Richland Rome Royston Social Circle St. Marys Statesboro Stone Mountain Summerville Sylvania Tallapoosa Thomaston Thomasville Tifton Toccoa Trenton Union Point Valdosta Vidalia Vienna Villa Rica Warrenton Washington Waycross Waynesboro West Point Winder Woodbine Environmental News SAVE THE DATE: 2009 Bring One For The Chipper THIS SATURDAY, January 3, 2009. Join Keep Georgia Beautiful, DCA and a host of partners for the nation's largest Christmas Tree recycling party. KGB's 19th annual Bring One for the Chipper (Chipper) recycling program is slated for Saturday, January 3, 2009. For the 2008-post holiday efforts, more than 300 tree collection sites will be available statewide, including 100 in the metropolitan Atlanta area. As days of operation for collection sites vary, Georgians are encouraged to visit www.earth911.com or call (800) CLEAN-UP for the most up-to-date information. Since its inception in 1991, Keep Georgia Beautiful's Chipper program has collected over 5 million trees and provided over 1 million tree seedlings to program participants. Chipper has become a holiday tradition for many Georgia families. Recycling the Christmas tree provides a wonderful opportunity for families to discuss taking care of our environment, recycling and other related topics. For more information about the 2008 Bring One for the Chipper program, please visit www.KeepGeorgiaBeautiful.org. To get information about local drop-off sites, please visit www.earth911.com or call 1-800-CLEANUP. Innovation, Dedication & Results of Georgia Beautiful & State Affiliates Recognized At National Conference. In December 2008, Keep Georgia Beautiful and Georgia KGB Affiliates attended the 55th National Keep America Beautiful Conference in Washington, DC. The Conference focused on sustainability, greening communities, fundraising strategies and measuring results. In addition to interesting workshops, the conference offered opportunities to recognize many of the nation's best run programs. When it was all said and done...Georgia was a big winner. Our Georgia affiliates received more awards than any other state. Local affiliate and partner award winners were as follows: q Population 200,001 and above: 1st: Keep Cobb Beautiful; q Population: 50,001 to 200,000: 2nd: Keep Troup Beautiful; DSC: Keep Albany-Dougherty Beautiful; and DSC: Keep Warner Robins Beautiful; q Population: 50,000 or Less: 1st: Keep Smyrna Beautiful; q Business /Professional Organization: Waste Reduction: 2nd: Waste Management, GA; q Nonprofit/Civic/Community Organization: Beautification: 1st Keep Athens-Clarke County Beautiful; Waste Reduction: 1st: Keep Troup Beautiful; and q Government Agency: Litter Prevention: 1st: Keep Liberty Beautiful; Waste Reduction: 2nd: Keep Cobb Beautiful; DSC: Laurens County Solid Waste Management Authority. Innovation Award Winner State: Keep Georgia Beautiful OEM, DCA and Professional Leadership Award: Stacee Farrell, Keep Athens Clarke Beautiful In addition, KGB's innovative approach to tackling waste reduction was recognized with the Innovation Award for the Away From Home Recycling Program. In November 2007, Governor Sonny Perdue announced 13 Georgia communities selected to receive special state recycling grants. The "Away From Home" recycling grants were established to help local communities promote recycling at special events. DCA worked with communities to develop effective recycling plans for upcoming special events. The Away From Home grant recipients received "turn key" grant package consists of the actual equipment communities need to implement a special event collection program. Based on the event's expected attendance, each community received a trailer with up to 100 recycling containers stored on five mobile carts. The self-contained carts can be pushed manually from location to location or hitched to the back of a motorized vehicle like a golf cart) and pulled. Each cart also contained a recycling promotional message. LEFT: Sample cart images and "temporary" tattoos. Questions about Keep Georgia Beautiful may be directed to DCA's Environmental Services Team at (404) 679-4940. Three cheers for Keep Georgia Beautiful! Georgia Commission On Service & Volunteerism News Celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King's 80th Birthday With A Day Of Service. For 2009, the Georgia Commission On Service & Volunteerism is expecting record participation across the state as Georgians mark the 80th anniversary of the birth of its native son, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Events planned for this year will offer a historic opportunity to engage Americans in service to their communities and act on Dr. King's dream of justice and equality. Why Make It a Day On, Not a Day Off? During his lifetime, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. worked tirelessly toward a dream of equality. He believed in a nation of freedom and justice for all, and encouraged all citizens to live up to the purpose and potential of America by applying the principles of nonviolence to make this country a better place to live, creating the Beloved Community. The King Day of Service is a way to transform Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s life and teachings into community service that helps solve social problems. That service may meet a tangible need, such as fixing up a school or senior center, or it may meet a need of the spirit, such as building a sense of community or mutual responsibility. On this day, Americans of every age and background celebrate Dr. King through service projects that: q Strengthen Communities. Dr. King recognized the power of service to strengthen communities and achieve common goals. Through his words and example, Dr. King challenged individuals to take action and lift up their neighbors and communities through service. q Empower Individuals. Dr. King believed each individual possessed the power to lift himself or herself up no matter what his or her circumstances rich or poor, black or white, man or woman. Whether teaching literacy skills, helping an older adult surf the Web, or helping an individual build the skills they need to acquire a job, acts of service can help others improve their own lives while doing so much for those who serve, as well. q Bridge Barriers. In his fight for civil rights, Dr. King inspired Americans to think beyond themselves, look past differences, and work toward equality. Serving side by side, community service bridges barriers between people and teaches us that in the end, we are more alike than we are different. These ideas of unity, purpose, and the great things that can happen when we work together toward a common goal are just some of the many reasons we honor Dr. King through service on this special holiday. To help prepare for the King Day of Service, please visit www.MLKDay.gov. This site has a number of valuable resources that can help you including: q Planning, marketing, fundraising and media tools; q A project tool where you can register your project and manage volunteers; and q New radio PSAs featuring Dr. Isaac Newton Farris, President and CEO of the King Center, urging Americans to serve on the holiday. In short, we hope you will take three steps: q Plan or connect with a King Day of Service project in your community; q Register your project on the www.MLKDay.gov website; and q Encourage your friends, family, coworkers, and neighbors to join your project or get involved. If you have questions or need help, please e-mail mlkday@cns.gov or contact Kate Webb at kate.webb@dca.ga.gov or (404) 327-6860. Housing News DCA & Statewide Partners Announce 2009 Homeless Count -- Counts Planned For Nearly 40 Georgia Communities in Late January. During the last week in January 2009, the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) will partner with communities around the state to conduct a count of homeless families and individuals in Georgia. The count will provide data on families and individuals who meet the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD's) definition of homelessness. The count also fulfills HUD's requirements for DCA's Balance of State Continuum of Care plan. In the process of collecting that data, counties will also develop data on families and individuals who are precariously housed and are therefore in danger of becoming homeless. Data collected in 2009 will also be used to create county level homeless information. '09 Count To Follow Successful 2008 Count Effort. In October 2007, DCA announced its partners for the first statewide count of the state's homeless families and individuals conducted in January 2008. In late January and early February, DCA and local partners throughout the state surveyed people about where they spent the night of January 27, 2008. The surveys were administered during the last week of January 2008 at locations where homeless persons were likely to seek help, as well as places where homeless people were known to gather or sleep. DCA partnered with Kennesaw State University Statisticians to develop a statistical methodology that used the counts from 23 sample counties to estimate homelessness statewide. Count Provides Key Data for Georgia's Inaugural Statewide Homeless Report. In July 2008, DCA released Georgia's inaugural statewide report on homelessness. Information collected during the January 2008 count provided key data for the study's completion. The nationally-acclaimed report is accessible on DCA's website at http://www.dca.ga.gov/housing/specialneeds/programs/documents/ homelessReport08web.pdf. Preparations Nearly Complete For 2009 Count. Once again, the 2009 count exercise will use short surveys to ask people where they spent the night of January 25, 2009. Surveys will be administered during the week beginning Monday, January 26, 2009. Surveys will be administered at locations similar to those used in 2008. DCA is providing the survey instrument, training, technical assistance, data input and data analysis for participating counties. DCA will again partner with Kennesaw State University on the study analysis. Information is provided below for counties and organizations working with the 2009 count effort. Bibb - Macon Coalition to End Decatur -Southwest Georgia RDC Hall - City of Gainesville Homelessness Mitchell - Southwest Georgia RDC Burke - CSRA EOA Dougherty - Southwest Georgia RDC Camden - Totally Free, Inc. Elbert - Jesus Cares for You Ministry Carroll - Carrollton Housing Emanuel - United Way of CSRA Authority Catoosa - Catoosa County Family Fayette - Agape Faith Center of Collaborative Hope Cherokee - MUST Ministries Floyd - City of Rome Colquitt - Southwest Georgia Glynn - Gateway Behavioral RDC Health Services Crisp - Cordele Housing Authority Gordon - Calhoun Affordable Housing, Inc. Hart - Jesus Cares for You Murray - Dalton-Whitfield Ministry Community Development Corp. Houston - HODAC Pierce - Pierce County Family Connection Jefferson - United Way of CSRA Terrell - Southwest Georgia RDC Jones - Jones County Plan Thomas - Southwest Georgia Housing Committee RDC Laurens - CSB of Middle Georgia Warren - United Way of the CSRA Lowndes - South Georgia Whitfield - Dalton-Whitfield Homeless Coalition Community Development Corp. Miller - Southwest Georgia RDC Worth - Southwest Georgia RDC In addition to the DCA-led count, the following counties and local organizations will partner on their own homeless counts: Chatham/ ChathamSavannah Authority for the Homeless; Clarke/ Athens/Clarke County Human and Economic Development; Cobb/ Cobb County CDBG Office; City of Atlanta, DeKalb & Fulton Counties/ Metro Atlanta Tri-Jurisdictional Collaborative on Homelessness (conducted by Pathways Community Network); Richmond/ Augusta Community Development and Muscogee/ Homeless Resource Network. Additional questions regarding the 2009 count may be directed to DCA's Lindsay Stillman at lindsay.stillman@dca.ga.gov or (404) 679-4940. Comments Requested For Georgia's '09 Consolidated Plan. DCA has released for public comment the draft of the State of Georgia Annual Action Plan Update for FFY2008 Consolidated Funds. The Action Plan is part of the State's five-year Consolidated Plan that is prepared as a prerequisite 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. The Consolidated Plan describes Georgia's existing housing conditions and how the state, local, private and federal resources will be used to address the identified needs. A copy of the draft Annual Action Plan for FFY2009 is available on DCA's website at http://www.dca.ga.gov/communities/CommunityInitiatives/ index.asp (See News And Events) and http://www.dca.ga.gov/main/News/index.asp (See Public Notices). Copies of the plan may also be obtained by request from DCA at (404) 679-5293 through the TDD line at (800) 736-1155 or via email at housingplanning@dca.ga.gov. The State encourages citizens and other interested parties to review the contents of the draft document and to submit written comments no later than 5:00 PM on Monday, January 19, 2009. All written comments should be addressed and submitted to Lolita S. Collins, Office of Special Housing Initiatives, Georgia Department of Community Affairs, 60 Executive Park South, NE, Atlanta, GA 30329-2231. Questions may also be directed to Lolita Collins at housingplanning@dca.ga.gov or (404) 679-4940. DCA Awarded Second Homeowner Foreclosure Counseling Grant of $1.45 Million. In early December 2008, DCA was notified that the state agency had been awarded a second federal grant of $1,440,690 to support ongoing and expanded foreclosure prevention counseling efforts. In March 2008, DCA was awarded an initial $887,004 grant for the same purpose. "DCA applauds the actions of our federal partners and other stakeholders committed to aiding Georgia homeowners at risk of losing their homes. DCA will use this newly-awarded grant to continue and expand much needed foreclosure counseling services," said DCA Commissioner Mike Beatty. Both grants were provided by funds from the National Foreclosure Mitigation Counseling Program. The newly awarded grant funding was provided through the Housing & Economic Recovery Act of 2008. The initial grant, awarded in March 2008, received funding through the FY08 Consolidated Appropriations Bill. The National Foreclosure Mitigation Counseling Program continues to be administered through a competitive application process by NeighborWorks America, within guidelines defined by Congressional legislation. More Help For More Georgia Families More Than 2K Counseling Sessions Already Completed. Through November, DCA's and the agency's housing counseling partners have provided free counseling services to more than 2,000 Georgia homeowners facing foreclosure. "We applaud the above and beyond efforts of housing counselors for the comprehensive and compassionate counseling services they have provided. Their efforts have ranked Georgia among the nation's top states in number of counseling sessions provided and as the top state for providing counseling to rural homeowners," said Carmen Chubb, DCA's Assistant Commissioner - Housing Finance. "The newly awarded grant will allow DCA and its partners to help more Georgia families. We hope that more Georgia homeowners will choose to work with our knowledgeable counseling partners." Counseling Sessions Offer Insight From Georgia Homeowners Facing Foreclosure. Data compiled by DCA's housing counseling partners provided more insight on our Georgia homeowners facing foreclosure, as follows: Primary Reason For Default q 44% indicated loss of income as primary reason for default; and q 37% indicated sub-prime mortgages as primary reason for default. Timing of Initial Counselor Visit q 27% were current on their mortgages for their initial housing counselor visit; and q 22% were 120 or more days late for their initial housing counselor visit. Information For Georgia Families - A Call Or Click Away. Georgia homeowners may access an up-to-date listing and contact information for DCA's Housing Counseling partners at www.dcaloans.com . Homeowners may also contact HUD's Referral Line for a listing of housing counselors in their local area at 800-569-4827 (or TDD at 800-877-8339). Nearly $1M+ Available Through Georgia Dream Single Family Development Program. At the midpoint of State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2009, the Georgia Dream Single Family Development Program (SFDP) has nearly $1 million in program funds remaining. DCA continues to accept and review SFDP applications. The SFDP is designed to develop new housing or rehabilitate existing housing for sale to low and moderate income first time home buyers. On January 15th, DCA will release an updated Program Description with important changes to the program structure. Highlights of the new program this year include: the acceptance of applications from CHDOs within local participating jurisdictions and a new formula for calculating home buyer subsidy amounts. Applications will continue to be accepted under the SFY2008 Program Description until January 15, 2009. After January 15, 2009, all applications must conform to the new programmatic requirements. Training classes will be held at the offices of DCA in Atlanta on March 10, 2009 and June 9, 2009. Organizations interested in hosting a class local to their area may also be considered (suitable facilities will be required). For more information about the Georgia Dream Single Family Development Program, please visit http://www.dca.ga.gov/housing/ housingdevelopment/programs/singlefamilydev.asp or contact Kawanna Greenleaf, Housing Development Coordinator kawanna.greenleaf@dca.ga. gov or at (404) 679-0680. GeorgiaHousingSearch.org - A Ready Resource During Challenging Economic Times. Challenging economic times have had a significant impact on Georgians housing options. On many occasions, citizens may need quick and easy access to a wide range of affordable housing options statewide. No need to worry or panic as GeorgiaHousingSearch.org offers a FREE, easy-to-use and available resource 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 sheila.barry@dca.ga.gov. Local Government Assistance News (Including DCA's Co-Op & Signature Programs) SAVE THE DATES: SE Georgia...Communities of Opportunity Meetings Are Headed Your Way. Spread The Word & Please Plan To Attend. Get ready SE Georgia...it's time to learn more about DCA's Communities of Opportunity (Co-Op) initiative. As the initial step in the Co-Op process, DCA and other partners will meet with local stakeholders in each Region 9 county to determine their interest in program participation. Communities that decide to participate will receive an assessment and local, follow-up discussions will take place to determine focus areas. Based on a positive response from local community leaders, the Co-Op team will offer assistance to develop a community improvement strategy. Incentives for local involvement will also be offered. Meetings have been scheduled as follows: Monday, January 12 2:00 P.M. Wayne County Jesup City Hall 4:00 P.M. Appling County Baxley City Hall 6:00 P.M. Jeff Davis County County Commissioners Room Thursday, January 15 2:00 P.M. Wilcox County Wilcox County Courthouse 4:00P.M. Dodge County Commissioners' Meeting Room 6:00 P.M. Telfair County Telfair County Courtroom Thursday, January 22 4:00 P.M. Tattnall County New Courthouse 6:00 P.M. Evans County Evans County Annex Monday, January 26 4:00 P.M Toombs County Toombs County Courthouse 6:00 P.M. Montgomery County Adult Literacy Building Thursday, January 29 4:00 P.M. Wheeler County Service Center adjacent to County Annex 6:00 P.M. Treutlen County Commissioners' Conference Room Monday, February 2 4:00 P.M. Bleckley County City Court Room in Police Station 6:00 P.M. Laurens County Laurens County Annex Tuesday, February 10 4:00 P.M. Candler County New Recreation Community Center on West Pine 6:00 P.M. Emanuel County Emanuel County Courthouse Thursday, February 12 2:00 P.M. Johnson County Depot For more information on the Region 9 Communities of Opportunity meetings, please contact Program Coordinator Patrice R. Williams at (770) 968- 6584 or patrice.williams@dca.ga.gov or Region 9 Representative Jim Crowdis at (478) 272-8700 or jim.crowdis@dca.ga.gov. Mapping & Decision Support Systems News Is It Time To Update Your Boundaries? Save The Date For DCA/ Census Training Session. On January 20, 2009, DCA and the US Census Bureau will partner to train local governments for the annual Boundary and Annexation Survey (BAS). BAS offer annual opportunities to local governments to update their boundaries in the Census Bureau's maps. Cities that annex are required by Georgia law to participate in BAS to document their boundary changes. Census Bureau maps have undergone dramatic improvements in accuracy and content since the last decennial census, so it is highly recommended that local governments review their boundary information and make updates as needed. Census boundaries are used for numerous purposes, including the 2010 Census and other surveys, reapportionment and other official planning purposes. The BAS training has been scheduled for January 20, 2009 at the DCA's Central Office in Atlanta. The training is free. Early sign-up is encouraged. For more information or to register, please visit http://www.georgiaplanning.com/dss/bastrain/ or call DCA's Office of Mapping & Decision Support Systems at (404) 679-4940. Planning & Quality Growth News Douglas To Host 2009's Inaugural Community Planning Institute. The first Community Planning Institute (CPI) of 2009 will be held January 13-14, 2009 in Douglas, GA. CPI sessions provide attendees with an opportunity to learn about the latest planning process tools and obtain hands-on experience in meeting the challenges associated with local planning. These sessions offer a two-day program in planning concepts and procedures conducted by Georgia planning and legal professionals. Advance registration is required as class size is limited; registration is $150.00 per person. Training for planning commissioners remains important because their job as advisor to the local elected officials on planning and land use issues have long-term impact on a community's quality of life. Further, training helps planning commissioners get a better understanding of planning and land use on the local level and empowers them to look at the big picture and make good decisions for all citizens of their community. Three More CPI Sessions Set For '09. If you cannot attend the January 2009 session, please save the date for one of 2009's three other CPI sessions: q April 7-8, 2009 Americus, GA q July 7-8, 2009 Rome, GA q October 13-14, 2009 Covington, GA For more information on how the Community Planning Institute can improve the quality of growth in your community, please contact DCA's Office of Planning & Quality Growth at (404) 679-5279 or visit www.GeorgiaPlanning.com. Other Interesting Tidbits That Wouldn't Fit Anywhere Else USDA Designates Eight Georgia Counties Disaster Areas. In December 2008, Governor Sonny Perdue announced that United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Edward T. Schafer has declared eight eligible counties disaster areas as a result of severe storm and hail damage. The designation was sent in response to Governor Perdue's request submitted in November 2008. "Agriculture is Georgia's largest industry and the backbone of our economy," said Governor Perdue. "With the disaster declaration, Georgia farmers will be able to receive the assistance they need." Based on USDA Damage Assessment Reports, farmers in the designated eight counties experienced enough damage and sufficient production loss to qualify for the disaster declaration. Eligible farmers in designated counties that meet the criteria may apply for a USDA low interest loan at their county Farm Service Agency (FSA) office. The eight "disaster-designated" counties are Ben Hill, Crisp, Dodge, Dooly, Pulaski, Telfair, Turner and Wilcox. For more information, please visit www.fsa.usda.gov. Warner Robins Selected as Site of New Little League Southeast Region Headquarters. In December 2008, the Little League International Board of Directors unanimously resolved today to select Warner Robins as the site of the new Southeast Region Headquarters. "With back-to-back world champions and a strong passion for Little League, I cannot imagine a better place than Georgia for the Southeast Region Headquarters," said Governor Perdue. "Little League is a great program that I was proud to be a part of during my youth, and we will be honored to host the regional playoffs each year as the Southeast representative to the Little League World Series is determined. Little League is a world-class organization and I am proud to welcome them to Georgia." The announcement was made by Stephen D. Keener, President and Chief Executive Officer of Little League International. "On behalf of the Board of Directors, I want to thank Georgia Gov. Sonny Perdue, Mayor Donald S. Walker, and the leaders and citizens of Warner Robins, for their part in helping to bring the new home for the eight-state Little League Southeast Region to Central Georgia," Keener said. "We trust our relationship will continue to grow, and that the people of the Warner Robins area will enjoy having this important center of Little League activity in their community. And we know that our volunteers in the Southeast Region will find that the new site will be convenient because of its more central location, and the facilities will be first-rate." The original field of 18 cities in six states was narrowed to Morganton, N.C., and Warner Robins in November. Both cities were represented by teams in the Little League Baseball World Series in recent years. The Southeast Region Headquarters serves as the administrative center for Little League Baseball and Softball activities in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. The annual Southeast Region Championship game (formerly the Southern Region Championship game) has been televised nationally on ESPN or ESPN2 every year since 1997. Little League Baseball and Softball is the world's largest organized youth sports program, with more than 2.6 million players and 1 million volunteers in every U.S. state and 75 other countries. Reader Information For more information on any of the topics included in this newsletter, please visit the DCA website at http://www.dca.ga.gov or call DCA's main telephone number at (404) 679-4940 or TDD 1-877-204-1194. Look for the next edition of DCA News on February 6, 2009. If you wish to be removed from the DCA Newsletter distribution list, please send an email to unsubscribe@dca.ga.gov. # # #