The partner connection, Dec. 2010

December, 2010
In This Issue
Commissioner Beatty Reappointed Board News
New Shelter-Plus Care Units Open
5 Communities Join GICH Georgia Energy Codes CPI Dates for 2011 GCSV News

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year from DCA!
We sincerely thank each of you - our partners in the state, our local leaders and our team members - for the opportunity to serve together, and look forward to our work with you in 2011. May your holidays be blessed, and your new year be prosperous,

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Exceeding Excellence
Did You Receive Excellent Service From A DCA Staffer? DCA's "Exceeding Excellence" Customer Service Recognition Program Allows You To Recognize A Job Very Well Done. Please consider nominating a DCA staffer that's gone above and beyond! DCA's "Exceeding Excellence" recognition program affords DCA team members and

Commissioner Beatty Reappointed
Governor-elect Nathan Deal has announced the reappointment of Mike Beatty as the Commissioner of DCA. Commissioner Beatty said, "I look forward to continuing the work of DCA with local communities, partnering to create the climate of success that will allow all of Georgia's families and businesses to prosper; and to continue working with the dedicated and professional DCA staff who devote themselves each day to improving the quality of life for Georgia's residents."
DCA Board of Directors' News
The DCA Board of Directors elected Mayor John Fretti (Valdosta) as Secretary of the Board at the December Board meeting. Mayor Fretti replaces newly elected Representative Bruce Williamson in this role, as Representative-elect Williamson takes up his new duties in the General Assembly in January. The Board also bid a fond farewell to DCA Board member Sam Olens, who becomes Georgia's Attorney General in January.
SAFE AND AFFORDABLE HOUSING

our external customers the opportunity to recognize DCA team members for providing excellent customer service. Information is available from the DCA website front page - www.dca.ga.gov, Click on the "Customer Feedback" link and complete the information.
Providing Georgians with MORE housing choices! Now, more than ever, Georgia citizens need quick and easy access to affordable housing options and GeorgiaHousingSearch.org is here to help! Whether you are searching by price, number of bedrooms, or even proximity to work, school or transportation, finding a home that meets your needs keeps becoming easier with GeorgiaHousingSearch.org. There are thousands of vacant units in the rental housing market available statewide right now and GeorgiaHousingSearch.org is the key to linking tenants with landlords! The additions of Atlanta and Marietta Housing Authorities underscore the commitment to meeting community needs and have dramatically increased the pool of housing units listed on the site. This expansion is particularly critical for planning ahead to serve displaced persons during other crises, a vital function during hurricane season. GeorgiaHousingSearch.org offers FREE property posting, is bilingual, and has a toll-free number (877-428-8844) available to those individuals without internet access. The website also provides

"First Neighborhood" Opens
River Edge Behavioral Health Center opened 18 brand new units of housing for formerly homeless families experiencing some form of disability. Utilizing Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP) funds under the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 (HERA), the new housing development, named First Neighborhood, allows residents to have the availability of supportive services that allow them to live independently. These 18 apartments will be a part of the Shelter Plus Care Program which is designed to provide housing and supportive services on a long term basis for previously homeless persons with disabilities and their families.
Shannon Harvey, CEO of River Edge, said not only does the First Neighborhood complex make it possible for persons with mental illness or disabilities to have safe housing, but it also helps to redevelop blighted neighborhoods in Macon and Bibb County. "This was a blighted property where we are now," said Harvey. "Now, we have one- and two-bedroom homes here instead. "
First Neighborhood is an example of how the Georgia Department of Community Affairs continues to partner with communities to help create a climate of success.
FIVE COMMUNITIES SELECTED FOR NEXT GICH CLASS
Auburn, Berrien County, Eatonton, Sylvania, and Washington were recently selected to participate in the next Georgia Initiative for Community Housing (GICH) program. The communities will attend their first session in February 2011.
GICH is a collaborative initiative of the Housing and Demographics Research Center at the University of Georgia, DCA, and the Georgia Municipal Association. The three year program is partially funded by the Georgia Power Company, with additional financial support provided by USDA Rural Development and the Wachovia Wells Fargo Foundation. The Georgia Electric Membership Corporation and the University of Georgia Archway Partnership Program also provide in-kind services in support of the Initiative.
Each year five communities are selected to participate in the Georgia Initiative for Community Housing. During the program, each community housing team receives facilitation, instruction, and technical assistance as they design and implement a housing program to improve both the quality of life of its citizens and the communities' economic conditions.
Any city, county, or public housing authority in Georgia is eligible to apply, on behalf of a community housing team. For more information, please contact Karen Tinsley klt@uga.edu or (706) 542-4949.
LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSISTANCE
New Georgia State Energy Code Training Coming Soon!

information on rental assistance, community resources and special needs housing. Landlords can register in a five-minute process or work with staff to register large-scale listings. Property owners are encouraged to post their affordable rental units to help make this site as useful as possible. For more information, please contact Sheila Barry at 404-679-4855 or sheila.barry@dca.state.ga.gov

State-wide training for the new 2009 Georgia State Minimum Standard Energy Code is coming soon! The training will include the residential and commercial requirements of the 2009 IECC with 2011 Georgia Supplements and Amendments and the Duct and Envelope Tightness (DET) Verifier Training as well. For more information in the upcoming weeks, visit DCA's website at www.dca.ga.gov/constructioncodes.
2011 Dates Set for Community Planning Institute

The 2011 Community Planning Institute dates are now confirmed: February 15-16 in Savannah and July 19-20 in Helen. Register now for the popular Community Planning Institute! We limit class size to allow each participant a full opportunity to learn in small groups and take part in class discussions. The Community Planning Institute provides training for citizens, staff and elected officials involved in planning and land development in their communities. We emphasize the importance of a community vision in planning for the future and the role of the planning commissioner, which is to help define that vision and how to work with your community's citizens and governing body to make that vision a reality. To register, contact Annette Henson at Annette.henson@dca.ga.gov or by phone at 404-679-5279. We look forward to seeing you in 2011!
GCSV Welcomes Two New Board Members

Governor Sonny Perdue has announced two appointment for the Georgia Commission for Service and Volunteerism Board of Directors:
Miranda D. Klein, 28, Atlanta, At Large Representative Klein serves as director of constituent services in the office of Governor Sonny Perdue. She previously worked on local and statewide campaigns with the Georgia Republican Party in the 2004 election cycle and spent two years on the Governor's reelection campaign. Klein earned a bachelor's degree from Furman University. She and her husband, Marty, live in Atlanta.
Molly Stofko, 27, Atlanta, At Large Representative Stofko serves as deputy scheduler for Governor Sonny Perdue. She previously worked for Executive Security at the Department of Public Safety. She is actively involved in an Atlanta Lawn Tennis Association team. Stofko earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Georgia.
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