Commissioners' Fundamentals-Presentation - Commissioners' Fundamentals

Presentation - Commissioners' Fundamentals

Pdf Summary

The National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO) has designed a Commissioners’ Fundamentals training program for both new and experienced housing commissioners. The training aims to equip commissioners with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively execute their roles. Key learning objectives include understanding commissioners’ roles and responsibilities, applying the principles of board governance, and managing agency finances. The program also emphasizes ethical conduct and advocates for setting ethical standards within agencies.<br /><br />The training targets those seeking NAHRO Commissioner Certification and stresses the importance of participating in all sessions, engaging actively, and upholding confidentiality. The training agenda is organized into eight modules encompassing topics such as board governance, agency policies, financial management, effective relationships, advocacy, and ethical boundaries.<br /><br />Commissioners are encouraged to participate in on-boarding activities, understand local and state laws, adhere to parliamentary procedures, and maintain ethical standards in order to avoid conflicts of interest. Financial oversight is also crucial, involving budget approvals, monitoring financial performance, and selecting audit firms to ensure transparency and accountability.<br /><br />Building constructive relationships with the Executive Director (ED) and advocating for community housing needs are central to a commissioner’s role. Advocacy is articulated as communicating the agency’s work, raising awareness, developing positive public relations, and contributing to legislative discussions to improve funding for housing programs.<br /><br />The program underscores the importance of the NAHRO Code of Professional Conduct, urging commissioners to advocate for laws and policies that are sustainable and beneficial for the community. Looking towards the future, commissioners are encouraged to engage in asset management and explore innovative housing opportunities through repositioning strategies like Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) and Section 18 conversions.

Keywords

NAHRO

housing commissioners

board governance

financial management

ethical conduct

commissioner certification

agency policies

advocacy

asset management

Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD)