The partner connection, Sept. 2014

September 2014

2014 CDBG, CHIP and GHFA Awards
Gov. Nathan Deal announced in August that 82 Georgia communities will receive a total of $39.7 million in assistance through the Community Development Block Grant program to grow their local economies.
In addition, Commissioner Gretchen Corbin announced that 31 local governments and three non-profit organizations will receive $10.2 million in funding for homeowner rehabilitation and down payment assistance activities through the Community Home Investment Program (CHIP). Another five communities will receive more than $3.4 million in funding for homeownership development and small rental housing development of up to 40 units.
"Strong, vibrant communities help attract companies to the state," Deal said.

NEWS AND EVENTS
Commissioner Gretchen Corbin:
Reflections on her first year
August marked the first anniversary of Commissioner Corbin's tenure at DCA. She sat down with us to reflect on the last year.
Congratulations on your first anniversary! What are some of your favorite moments of being the commissioner of the Department of Community Affairs?
I have fond memories of the kindnesses that DCA staff have shown me and their coworkers - from the very first morning when DCA staff surprised me at the Capitol during the swearing-in ceremony in Governor Deal's office, I knew that this organization was special. We shared the heartbreak of losing a coworker this year, and of losing family members, and through it all, I have seen the DCA family band together to support each other.
Professionally, I'm proud of our housing team providing such professional and caring service to those who have faced the possibility of losing their homes. Our community and economic development teams have helped communities across Georgia prepare for the 21st century, and assisted companies' growth by facilitating economic development incentives. And of course, standing on the top of Stone Mountain with giants of the Civil Rights movement to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Dr. King's "I have a dream" speech is an incredible highlight.

"The projects funded by this program will ensure successful economic development and enhance the quality of life for all Georgians. By leveraging this funding with private investment and local funds, these communities are able to maximize the opportunities offered by the CDBG program and keep Georgia the nation's top state for business."

This year, you've helped focus on Governor Deal's number one goal for his administration: creating jobs for Georgians. Going forward, how will you help DCA, and Georgia communities, continue to strive for that goal?
We will continue to assist local governments prepare for economic development opportunities, through planning and building capacity with our economic development products and technical assistance. Some good examples this year have been Porsche North American in Atlanta and Valmiera Glass in Dublin. We know that our entire team was part of making those projects happen - from planning and financing all the way

See this page for a list of CDBG projects.
See this page for a list of CHIP and GHFA projects.

through housing opportunities for employees.
Our state is changing, and will be a different place in the 2020 census than it was in 2010. How do you think DCA can help local governments achieve their goals in the future, and how may we need to do business?

DCA Staff Gain Professional Certification

We need to do what DCA has always done - support local government in any way we can. We have to constantly reevaluate our programs to ensure that we're providing state-of-the-art assistance to Georgia's governments, no matter their size or location.
This first anniversary is a good opportunity to express how much I appreciate the team at DCA and the strong commitment that we all put into our responsibilities. I appreciate the way the staff has welcomed me and has been willing to make changes as necessary to serve our customers in the best ways possible. As a commissioner, my responsibility is to support DCA staff and our mission. But we're more than just colleagues - we are friends and family and I hope we will continue to grow that close-knit feeling as time goes on.

AmeriCorps 20th Anniversary at the Capitol

Office of Downtown Development (ODD) staff Julien DeRocher, Carmine Fischetti, Jessica Reynolds and Evan Thibault (pictured with ODD Director Billy Peppers (L) and Community Development Division Director John Turner (R)), earned commendations from the Georgia Downtown Association for attaining its Georgia Downtown Development Professional Level One Certification. The program designates three levels of success, each requiring and recognizing more professional success than the preceding level. On-the-job achievement, participation in professional activities and formal instruction are central elements of all three levels.
DCA will benefit from the expertise of these staff members, and more importantly, so will the

On behalf of Governor Nathan Deal, Gretchen Corbin, commissioner of the Georgia Department of Community Affairs, led Georgia's celebration of the 20th anniversary of AmeriCorps at the Capitol on September 12. More than 300 current AmeriCorps members, alumni and guests gathered in the North Wing as states across the nation all celebrated the anniversary.
Governor Nathan Deal signed a proclamation praising Georgia's AmeriCorps members for their service and dedication to their communities.
"The record of the past twenty years of AmeriCorps service tells us that you can make a difference by volunteering," Corbin stated.

downtowns of Georgia that rely on their assistance.

Commissioner Corbin invited all the AmeriCorps members present to join her in taking the AmeriCorps pledge, closing the ceremony with "I am an AmeriCorps member, and I will get things done."

CORRECTION
In the July issue of The Partner Connection, we stated that the Renaissance Act provides a state tax credit for downtown investments, which is incorrect.

See the DCA press release page for the entire story.
UPCOMING EVENTS AND OPPORTUNITIES

The act provides for the creation of a low interest loan fund, loan guarantees, and technical support services for cities (and counties when partnering with municipalities) across Georgia to use to attract housing, businesses and jobs as part of their downtown development strategies.

Homeowners who became unemployed or underemployed within the last 36 months may be eligible for up to 24 months of temporary mortgage payment assistance; and homeowners who have experienced other financial hardships within the last 36 months, including those associated with military service, death of a spouse, or medical hardships, may be eligible for HomeSafe Georgia assistance. We encourage potentially eligible homeowners to attend an event at which DCA staff will provide information and answer questions:
September 23: Veterans Helping Veterans; 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.; Hilton Garden Inn-Midtown, Savannah

September 26: Robins Air Force Base CPS Job Fair; 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.; Heritage Club; Robins Air Force Base

September 27: Community Housing Fair; 9:00 a.m. - noon; Wellston Center, Warner Robins

September 30: South Clayton Job Fair; 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.; South Clayton Recreation Center; Hampton

4.00%
Georgia Dream First Mortgage FHA/VA/RD/Conventional Uninsured
with a Georgia Dream Down Payment Loan
The Georgia Dream website provides complete information.

For more information: www.homesafegeorgia.com
Follow HomeSafe Georgia on Twitter: #HomeSafeGeorgia
Community Planning Institute: Oct. 10-11 at Unicoi State Park
In partnership with the Georgia Planning Association, DCA's Office of Planning and Environmental Management (OPEM) is offering a two-day workshop for Georgia's planning commissioners, elected officials and staff. The class, Preparing and Implementing Your Comprehensive Plan, provides an overview of the planning process and tools to implement a local plan.

Follow Us on Social Media

See the Community Planning Institute webpage for more information and to register.
Keep Georgia Beautiful: Awards Nominations Open Until Oct. 15

DCA on Twitter
HomeSafe Georgia on Twitter
Georgia Main Street on Facebook

Do you need to heighten awareness of your local beautification program with a city council, board of directors, students or local leaders? What better way to attract new funding, business and civic partners or volunteers than with an award-winning program?
The Keep Georgia Beautiful Foundation is now accepting nominations for the year's outstanding board members, staff, volunteers and elected officials in our Keep Georgia Beautiful communities. The "Elected Official of the Year Award" is a new category for 2014 and will honor a local, state or federal elected official who has made a strong commitment to the community environment by supporting litter prevention, waste reduction, recycling, community greening and/or local affiliate activities.
First place winners will be recognized at Keep Georgia Beautiful Foundation Annual Awards Event on December 12, at the Marriott Century Center Hotel in Atlanta. Certificates are also awarded for second place and Distinguished Winners. See this page for award nomination forms and more information .
Contact Kanika Greenlee at kanika.greenlee@kgbf.org with questions.
Preservation Through Energy Efficiency Roadshow:
Oct. 28 at the Georgia Tech Global Learning Center

Supported by DCA and a grant from the John D. and Catherine T. McArthur Foundation, the National Housing and Rehabilitation Association will host the Atlanta Roadshow: Preservation Through Energy Efficiency on October 28 at the Georgia Tech Global Learning Center. The one-day event will highlight opportunities for implementing energy, water, and utility improvements in multifamily affordable housing. The program is designed to empower affordable housing owners with the knowledge needed to direct development, asset management, and property management teams on actionable steps.
See the Preservation Through Energy Efficiency page for more information and to register.
Georgia Sustainable Communities Alliance: Emerging Trends in Economic Development Conference - Oct. 29 in Macon

The Georgia Sustainable Communities Alliance (GCSA) will host its inaugural conference at the Macon Marriott City Center Hotel Oct. 29, 9:00

a.m. - 5:00 p.m. DCA's Deputy Commissioner for Community Development and Finance, Brian Williamson, will provide the keynote address. The conference will provide an opportunity for government officials, economic developers, entrepreneurs and bankers to learn more about using Georgia's economic development tools to build sustainable communities. The mission of the GCSA is "to build an alliance of professionals with various skill sets under one organization with the goal to build green sustainable communities throughout the state." See the GCSA website to for more information and to register.
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