Commissioners' Fundamentals-Handout Slides - Commissioner's Fundamentals

Handout Slides - Commissioner's Fundamentals

Pdf Summary

The document outlines the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials' (NAHRO) "Commissioner's Fundamentals" program, which is designed to educate housing commissioners on their roles and responsibilities. The course includes eight modules: A Look to the Past, Board Governance, Agency Policies & Performance, Agency Finances, Effective Relationships, Advocacy, Ethical Boundaries, and The Future of Housing.<br /><br />Key learning objectives include understanding board governance principles, financial management, ethical conduct, advocacy for affordable housing, and collaboration with executive directors. Commissioners are encouraged to actively engage, learn, and ensure confidentiality during their training. They are advised to complete an ethics course for certification.<br /><br />The course covers historical milestones in housing policy, such as the New Deal public housing and the Housing Act of 1937, up through the creation of programs like the Low Income Tax Credit in 1986 and the Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) initiative.<br /><br />Commissioners are appointed by local officials and are responsible for setting agency vision and goals, approving budgets, engaging stakeholders, and advocating within their communities. They must adhere to open meeting laws, handle executive sessions with discretion, and act ethically, avoiding conflicts of interest.<br /><br />Effective relationships with agency staff, residents, and community members are emphasized. The necessity of advocacy is highlighted, including strategies for communicating agency work and influencing policy. NAHRO advocates for full funding of HUD programs, expansion of affordable housing, and reducing regulatory burdens.<br /><br />Ethics play a crucial role, with commissioners advised to be aware of conflicts of interest and to maintain high ethical standards. Finally, the program includes training for future housing challenges and offers resources for ongoing professional development and certification through NAHRO.

Keywords

NAHRO

housing commissioners

board governance

financial management

ethical conduct

affordable housing advocacy

housing policy history

stakeholder engagement

HUD programs

professional development