Wednesday, March 10, 2010

MHEHF :: Director's Message

FROM THE DESK OF... EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR John L. Baker

On behalf of the Staff –

The Health, Educational and Housing Facility Board recently had a change of leadership.  The new officers are Daniel T. Reid, Chair; Deborah Cotney, Vice-Chair;  Monice Moore Hagler, Secretary; and Mabra Holeyfield, Treasurer.  We look forward to this new re-alignment and think it will provide us the opportunity to move into a new phase of even greater service to the Memphis community.

While the new slate of officers may be new to their respective seats, they are not new to the Board.  Between them they have over 30 years experience working on behalf of affordable housing opportunities here in Memphis.   More importantly, to a person they have been active and engaged, and have pushed the Board to provide better service to the place we all call home.

As our Chair states in his message, we are in a time of national economic slowdown.  Exactly how that will impact those we serve is a story that is still being told.  We are committed to keeping track of economic and housing trends as best we can, and being poised to take advantage of them.   We understand there is good interest in the bond and tax credit capacities of THDA (Tennessee Housing Development Agency).  If that is any indication, we will have a busy spring, which is usually a busy season for the Board anyway.  In addition at this time of year, we are very active in our PILOT (Payment In Lieu Of Taxes) program for affordable multifamily housing.   In past years, this has brought in a great deal of investment.  This year may be an indication of the local market’s ability to attract multifamily investors.

The staff wants to thank Monice Moore Hagler as well for all that she provided to the Board in her tenure as Chair.   During that time we came a long way as an organization, served many of Memphis deserving citizens, and kept our finances strong.   We are sure Dan Reid, as our new Chair will work to raise the bar a little higher and we welcome the challenge.