Date: December 4-7

Location: Atlanta, GA

Sponsor: Atlanta Housing

Panel Chair: Paul Bernard

Key portions of the recommendations are:

Streamlining process and funding

Streamline the RFQ and RFP process by going to a true master developer model, presenting clear minimum standards and sharing the limitations of AH’s funding where applicable. AH could pursue a low-interest or interest only loan to finance full infrastructure development. Self-development should be on a limited basis where applicable and where in-line with capacity and partnership constraints.

Leveraging Assets through Collaboration

Atlanta Housing’s goal should be to solidify and expand its relationships with its peers and others with resources accretive to funding and facilitating high-quality affordable, mixed-income multi-family communities. As well with equal importance, AH should expand relationships with developers, and acquirers of and investors in high-quality affordable, mixed-income multi-family communities in their area of operation. Also, emphasis should be placed on creating incremental relationships with Partners whose developments and acquisitions are not reliant upon traditional affordable housing tools like Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC), bonds, and the direct investment of federal and Public Housing Agencies (PHAs) funds

Organizing for success

AH’s real estate development group would benefit if organized more like a private sector development company. Strengthening technical expertise within would allow for more upfront planning and analysis that could accelerate project progress and strengthen public private partnerships, as well as decrease costs. An internal Investment Committee should be created to carefully review all projects against the criteria before a project is recommended for approval to senior management.