President's Message

Thank you for taking the time to visit our website and to read this President’s Message.

Let me first say, that I count it an honor and a privilege to serve you as President of the Virginia Association of Housing and Community Development Officials (VAHCDO) for the 2009-2011 term.   I also want to thank our Immediate Past President, Brenda G. Willis for her exemplary leadership and dedicated service to the organization for the past two years.  The Virginia Association of Housing and Community Development Officials (VAHCDO) has assisted Virginia’s redevelopment and housing authorities and local government housing and community development departments in promoting affordable housing and vibrant communities since 1941.  Our history is long and the successes of our member agencies and partners are visible across the landscape of this great Commonwealth.

As I am sure you are aware, the Housing and Economic Recovery Act (HERA) of 2008 and the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act (ARRA) of 2009 have provided our member agencies with unprecedented opportunities to address critical needs in the areas of housing and community development.   Member agencies have been provided resources to modernize and “green” the public and assisted housing,  address homelessness, provide pre and post homeownership counseling, provide foreclosure prevention instruction, stabilize neighborhoods hard hit by foreclosure, provide employment and training, and others.  These pieces of legislation have provided a blank canvas from which our member agencies can paint a portrait of success in their locality.  VAHCDO will provide member agencies with opportunities to share their successes.  Member agencies can be assured of opportunities to present best practices and successful programs at the winter workshop and annual conference.  Best practices and successful programs will be featured in VAHCDO’s award-winning newsletter, and often times on the website.

Our member agencies have demanded training that is customizable, high quality, cost-effective, and relevant.  VAHCDO will continue to partner with Nan McKay & Associates and our other partners to meet the needs of our member agencies. Historically, VAHCDO’s training opportunities have attracted many from outside the Commonwealth because of the factors mentioned previously. 

VAHCDO continues to provide a voice for our member agencies on key legislative issues at the Local, State and Federal level.  Some of the issues include: eminent domain, establishment of a housing trust fund, housing choice voucher reform, and others.  VAHCDO will assist the South Eastern Regional Council of the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO) in establishing a legislative network that will provide valuable information on housing and community development issues facing member agencies and our industry.

And finally, VAHCDO needs more volunteers.  If you are interested in assisting us in the preparation for an upcoming winter workshop or annual conference, please let us know. There is so much that goes into making VAHCDO the great organization that it is.   You participation makes all the difference. I look forward to seeing you at one of our upcoming events.  Thank you!

 
Sincerely,

Dewayne Alford
President, VAHCDO