Definition
The National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO) is a major national association that represents professionals in housing and community development. NAHRO members include housing authorities, community development agencies, and redevelopment entities that are involved in providing affordable housing and promoting urban renewal. The organization’s mission encompasses the advocacy for policies that support affordable housing, the provision of professional development and education for its members, and fostering collaboration among related entities to enhance community development.
Examples
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Public Housing Agencies: Local entities that manage and administer public housing projects and federal programs like the Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8).
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Community Development Agencies: Organizations focused on economic development, community development block grants, and similar initiatives that improve local neighborhoods.
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Affordable Housing Developers: Entities involved in constructing or renovating housing units that remain affordable to low- and moderate-income families.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does NAHRO do?
NAHRO provides advocacy, professional development, and networking opportunities for its members. It also offers certifications and training programs to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of housing and community development programs.
Who can become a member of NAHRO?
Membership is open to public housing agencies, redevelopment agencies, housing authorities, and individual professionals within the housing and community development sectors.
How does NAHRO advocate for housing policies?
NAHRO actively collaborates with federal, state, and local governments and stakeholders to promote policies that advance the interests of public and affordable housing. The organization submits policy recommendations, participates in legislative hearings, and engages in public discourse to inform and influence decision-making.
What types of training and certifications does NAHRO offer?
NAHRO offers various certifications in housing management, maintenance, financial management, and community development. Training programs are designed to enhance the skills and knowledge of housing and redevelopment professionals, ensuring they are well-equipped to serve their communities effectively.
Public Housing Agency (PHA)
A local administrative entity that manages public housing and rental assistance programs, typically funded and regulated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8)
A federal program that provides rental assistance to low-income families, allowing them to rent privately-owned housing units that meet program requirements.
A flexible program provided by HUD that offers communities federal funding to address various development needs, such as affordable housing, infrastructure, and economic development.
Redevelopment Agency
A local governmental body focused on urban renewal, revitalization projects, and repurposing underutilized or abandoned properties to stimulate economic growth and community development.
Online Resources
References
- National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO). (n.d.). About NAHRO. Retrieved from https://www.nahro.org/about/
- U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). (n.d.). Public Housing Program. Retrieved from https://www.hud.gov/topics/rental_assistance/phprog
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- “Housing Policy in the United States” by Alex F. Schwartz
- “Affordable Housing and Public-Private Partnerships” edited by Louis G. Tornatzky
- “The Color of Law: A Forgotten History of How Our Government Segregated America” by Richard Rothstein
- “Urban Housing Policy: A Public Perspective” by Lloyd Rodwin
Real Estate Basics: NAHRO Fundamentals Quiz
### What is the primary mission of NAHRO?
- [ ] To provide private housing investments.
- [ ] To manage real estate transactions.
- [x] To advocate for affordable housing and promote community development.
- [ ] To offer housing loans to low-income families.
> **Explanation:** The primary mission of NAHRO is to advocate for affordable housing and promote community development through its members and their programs.
### Who can become a member of NAHRO?
- [ ] Real estate brokers
- [x] Public housing agencies and community development professionals
- [ ] Private landlords
- [ ] Mortgage lenders
> **Explanation:** Membership in NAHRO is open to public housing agencies, redevelopment agencies, housing authorities, and professionals within the housing and community development sectors.
### Which federal program is managed by local Public Housing Agencies (PHAs)?
- [ ] FHA Loan Program
- [x] Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8)
- [ ] HOME Investment Partnerships Program
- [ ] Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) Program
> **Explanation:** The Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8) is managed by local PHAs, providing rental assistance for low-income families.
### What type of assistance does NAHRO offer its members aside from advocacy?
- [ ] Real estate investment tips
- [ ] Construction grants
- [x] Professional development and education
- [ ] Historical preservation advice
> **Explanation:** NAHRO offers extensive professional development and education opportunities, including certifications and training programs to enhance the knowledge and skills of its members.
### Which term refers to a local entity that manages public housing projects?
- [x] Public Housing Agency (PHA)
- [ ] Community Planning Association (CPA)
- [ ] Housing Redemption Society (HRS)
- [ ] Urban Housing Unit (UHU)
> **Explanation:** A Public Housing Agency (PHA) is a local administrative entity responsible for managing public housing projects and federal rental assistance programs.
### How does NAHRO engage with policy makers?
- [x] By submitting policy recommendations
- [ ] By constructing public housing
- [ ] By providing personal loans
- [ ] By organizing local events
> **Explanation:** NAHRO engages with policymakers by submitting policy recommendations, participating in legislative hearings, and engaging in various forms of public discourse to influence housing and community development policies.
### What is the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program used for?
- [x] Addressing community development needs such as affordable housing and infrastructure
- [ ] Funding luxury housing projects
- [ ] Offering tax rebates to homeowners
- [ ] Providing individual mortgage loans
> **Explanation:** The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program is a flexible federal program that assists communities in addressing community development needs like affordable housing, infrastructure, and economic development.
### What type of projects would a Redevelopment Agency focus on?
- [ ] Private home purchases
- [ ] Providing business loans
- [x] Urban renewal and revitalization projects
- [ ] Home decorating
> **Explanation:** A Redevelopment Agency would focus on urban renewal and revitalization projects to stimulate economic growth and community development in underutilized or abandoned areas.
### Which organization funds and regulates Public Housing Agencies (PHAs)?
- [x] U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
- [ ] Department of Energy (DOE)
- [ ] National Association of Realtors (NAR)
- [ ] Federal Reserve
> **Explanation:** The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) provides funding and regulatory oversight for Public Housing Agencies (PHAs).
### What is one of the key services provided by NAHRO to enhance the effectiveness of housing and redevelopment programs?
- [ ] Construction project management
- [x] Professional certifications and training programs
- [ ] Real estate appraisals
- [ ] Market analysis services
> **Explanation:** One of the key services provided by NAHRO is offering professional certifications and training programs designed to enhance the skills and effectiveness of housing and redevelopment professionals.
