The guidance as it currently exists is, in essence, an unfunded mandate that would obligate any building owner who receives federal assistance to provide translations of all “vital” documents as well as oral interpretation as needed for any residents or potential residents whose English skills are not sufficient to allow them to understand the documentation and the transaction. Originally scheduled to go into effect Feb. 21, the final guidance will now be delayed until at least March 7.

In addition, the House Financial Services Committee has announced it will review the Government Accountability Office’s findings regarding the timeliness of Housing Assistance Payments (HAP) for project-based Section 8 properties. The Committee also will review HUD’s policy on the renewal of expiring project-based Section 8 contracts as well as expiring project-based Section 8 certificates.  The committee’s full agenda can be found at this link. For more information, e-mail Carmel McGuire.

• Multifamily Out in Force at IBS

This month’s International Builders’ Show presented a wealth of opportunities for Multifamily developers and builders to learn about industry issues, and to network and learn from each other. A track of 15 multifamily-related seminars offered information on design, Fair Housing Accessibility regulations, urban infill, condo finance strategies, the state of the industry, and more. The Multifamily headquarters lounge offered a place to meet other members and interact with the lounge sponsor, AT&T. And a crowd of about 40 new members enjoyed a New Member Orientation luncheon while hearing from our long-time members about the benefits and opportunities that membership in NAHB’s Multifamily Council offers.

The annual Multifamily Developers Reception gave the 250+ attendees a chance to meet, greet, and eat, and to make new connections that will help them do business in the coming year. And, speaking of business, the business of NAHB was done at its Board of Directors meeting, which passed a number of policy resolutions (view at this link) that are relevant to Multifamily and tax credit/affordable housing issues.

• Early-Bird Registration Extended for the 2007 Pillars of the Industry Conference and Gala

NAHB Multifamily has extended the early-bird registration rate for its upcoming Pillars of the Industry Conference and Awards Gala, which will be held at the Westin Diplomat Resort and Spa, in Hollywood, Fla., April 11-13. The venue has a lovely beachfront location, featuring a variety of water sports and sport fishing opportunities, as well as a full spa facility for off-hours relaxation. Of course, as always, the educational programs will feature a top-flight roster of speakers drawn from upper-tier industry leaders. For more information or to register online, view this page. But hurry, early-bird registration ends Friday, Feb. 23!

NAHB staff has prepared guidance, at this link, for builders and developers who are currently working under NWPs, or who may be in the process of beginning a project that would ordinarily require an NWP. We will notify our members when the NWPs are released, including a synopsis of the permit conditions and their effective date. For more information, e-mail Susan Asmus. [return to top]

Professor James Murdoch, one of the authors of the study (which can be viewed at this link), has expressed interest in doing additional research to see if other metro areas show the same results, and to try to determine why home prices are higher near new LIHTC communities. NAHB Multifamily’s Housing Credit Group is following up on this information. [return to top]

• Best of 50+ Housing Awards Deadline — Feb. 23

Housing professionals working in the 50+ housing market are encouraged to enter the 2007 Best of 50+ Housing Awards, sponsored by NAHB’s 50+ Housing Council. The awards showcase the industry’s best community designs, model merchandising, and advertising and marketing efforts in that market. Award entrants have until February 23 to submit their entries.

The 2007 program includes more than 50 categories covering all aspects of the 50+ housing market. Active adult categories include overall community, clubhouse design, condominium unit design, and model home merchandising. Other design categories include aging-in-place, assisted living, congregate-living community, continuing care retirement communities, mixed-use, multifamily housing, renovated housing and special-needs housing. For more information, view this page on NAHB’s Web site.

• 2007 Pillars of the Industry Conference and Gala — April 11-14

The upcoming Pillars of the Industry Conference and Awards Gala will be held at the Westin Diplomat Resort and Spa, in Hollywood, Fla., April 11-13. For more information or to register online, view this page.

• Spring Board of Directors Meeting — June 5-10

It’s not too soon to pencil in the Spring Board meeting on your calendar— we’re planning multifamily events already!

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• The Economy is Basically Good, and Getting Better...Slowly

In the latest issue of Eye on the Economy, NAHB chief economist David Seiders sees a basically stable housing industry in the near term, with the recovery proceeding gradually through 2008. 

• Member Advantage Program Presents New Rewards

NAHB members can save money on products and services through the Member Advantage program. The program’s web page provides details on the newest opportunities to save with Dell computers, GM cars and trucks, and one of the newest participants, Office Depot.