Affinity groups address specific issues.
HDC coordinates affinity groups for its members, enabling them to work collaboratively on current issues, employing a "can-do" approach to developing policy recommendations, advocacy points and best practice models.
These small, dynamic groups, comprised of interested HDC members, concentrate on specific issues and address a wide range of topics. Fueled by HDC's guidance, members work together to develop policies, ideas and solutions that provide the entire membership with the tools it needs to maximize the development of affordable housing. Out of these affinity groups, educational forums on topics may occur.
HDC Members- Click here to sign-up for affinity groups.
Affinity Groups & Task Forces
Helping to Implement HDC's
Future of the Field
BUILD A BROAD ALLIANCE:
Eastside Advocacy and Development
Work in collaboration with local groups to promote and monitor adoption of affordable housing policies, incentives and funding in all East King County cities. Develop recommendations for HDC positions and carry out advocacy activity.
South County Advocacy and Development
Work in collaboration with local groups to promote and monitor adoption of affordable housing policies, incentives and funding in all East King County cities. Develop recommendations for HDC positions and carry out advocacy activity.
Seattle Advocacy
Continue implementation of Seattle Incentive Zoning. When issues arise with departmental policy, planning, and
budgeting, develop recommendations and advocate for HDC positions.
INCREASE EFFICIENCY:
Asset & Property Management
Work to increase standards and improve internal systems for quality, cost effective and efficient long-term oversight of low income housing properties.
Successful Design & Development
Organize tours of nearly complete buildings to learn what worked and what didn’t. Share best practices.
Tax Credits / Bond Financing Programs
Work to develop and advocate for HDC positions on bond cap and tax credit policies.
Resident Services
Explore the relationship between resident services and asset management, and learn more about funding and the successful implemetnation of resident services programs.
Commercial Lease Management
Work to better understand commercial tenant needs and expectations and the unique requiremtns of this line of business.
Preservation and Rehabilitation
Work on issues unique to the preservation of existing affordable housing and rehabilitation of potential sites.
Affordable Homeownership
Discuss the challenges and all facets of providing opportunities for homeownership for low-income citizens.
Accomplishments
Incentive Zoning
After tireless advocacy and education by HDC members, the Seattle City Council expanded the Workforce Housing Incentive Program (Incentive Zoning) to Seattle neighborhoods. Under this new law, as neighborhoods grow, more affordable housing will be created and/or funds will be generated that non-profit housing organizations can use to build or preserve housing for hardworking families, seniors and people with disabilities.
Suburban City Advocacy
HDC has an ongoing committment to serve East and South King County cities through a dedicated staff position. Efforts include working with grassroots organizations, human services providers, the Committee to End Homelessness, and local governments.
Asset & Property Management
The State Department of Community Trade and Economic Development provided funding for Impact Capital to staff HDC’s asset management affinity group, with 30 organizations participating. CTED will use the output from this group to inform development of standards to use statewide. The group developed a major and very important product: a “dashboard” for nonprofit boards to monitor the physical and fiscal health of their properties.
