The Housing and Community Development Network of New Jersey SUPPORTING NEW JERSEY’S COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT SECTOR SINCE 1989

“Collectively, we activists are essential to advancing U.S. policy to help empower marginalized people to lift themselves and their communities out of poverty for good.” - Michael Franti

Who We Are… “The Network is a statewide association of over 250 non-profit housing and community development corporations, individuals, professional organizations, and prominent New Jersey corporations that support the creation of housing choices and economic opportunities for low- and moderate-income community residents.”

Our Mission… “The Network and its members share a commitment to promoting economic justice and the empowerment of low-income individuals and communities, and encouraging wider participation in the framing and implementation of public policies. We support our CDC members by providing targeted technical assistance and educational programs, pursuing additional resources and improved public policies, and conducting research on ways to enhance the impact and effectiveness of the community development sector.”

Our Story…  1987: A handful of community developers begin meeting at Middlesex Diner to discuss the need for a statewide organization to represent the interests of the sector.  1989: The Non-Profit Affordable Housing Network of New Jersey is launched with 34 members.  1992: The Technical Assistance and Training Center is formed to assist members with affordable home development.  1999: An initiative proposing $20 million in state tax credits for affordable homes and neighborhood revitalization is launched. Neighborhood Revitalization Tax Credit program legislation is introduced a year later.

Our Story (cont’d)…  2000 : The Network becomes the Housing and Community Development Network of New Jersey, reflecting its broader vision and diverse membership. A year later, the Network moves to 145 West Hanover Street in Trenton - one block away from the NJ Statehouse.

How We Support Our Members  Policy & Advocacy  Statewide Advocacy Team Infrastructure  State Policy Priorities  Annual Legislative Day ->  Targeted Publications  Technical Assistance, Training, & Education  Topical (and Timely) Trainings  Targeted Technical Assistance  Annual Conference  Educational Partnerships  National Networks and Partnerships

Policy & Advocacy – Advocacy Team Infrastructure  11 Advocacy Teams (A-Teams) located throughout NJ  Countywide or citywide  Teams made up of organizational members, local activists, and government administrators  Teams address housing and community development issues relevant to their region. Act as liaisons for state-level advocacy work.  Engage in local outreach and projects whenever possible.

Policy & Advocacy - Legislative Day  Annual Event at the NJ Statehouse  Opportunity for our members to advocate directly in front of their legislators  Culmination of/Kickoff for Annual Campaigns  Builds Morale  Show of Strength

Policy & Advocacy - Targeted Publications

Developing Trainings – Some Things to Keep in Mind  Build on Expertise of Your Staff  Leverage Existing Relationships -promotional and professional  Curriculum Should Reflect Needs of Members – But Don’t Be Afraid to Innovate!  Don’t Be Afraid to Partner (Strategically)

Technical Assistance – Where Advocacy Meets Practice  ABA – Always Be Advocating  Direct TA (members):  Strategic planning  Board training  Loss of funding  Transitioning through crisis  Non-members:  Extension of policy work (e.g. problem properties)

Bringing It All Together – The Neighborhood Revitalization Tax Credit Program  Program started in 2002 and is designed to foster the revitalization of distressed neighborhoods through private investment.  Businesses invest money in the program and in turn, get a 100% tax credit against their NJ State tax obligation (maximum $1 million per business).  Funds invested into NRTC are used by community-based non-profit organizations (with 501 (c) (3) designations), for projects that are a part of a neighborhood plan that the N.J. Department of Community Affairs has reviewed and approved.  $ 10 million in tax credits annually (July 1 through June 30 of following year).

The Goals of the NRTC Program  Encourage community-based neighborhood planning.  Provide flexible resources to build the capacity of community-based organizations to carry out strategies established in neighborhood plans.  Attract private investments to New Jersey’s distressed neighborhoods.  Foster ongoing partnerships between private corporations and community-based development organizations.

Eligible Uses for NRTC Funds Housing & Economic Development (60%)  Housing  Construction of Affordable and Market Rate  Architecture  Planning  Land Acquisition  Environmental Studies  Economic Development  Commercial facilities  Childcare facilities  Job training centers  Transportation assistance  Assistance to Small Businesses Non Bricks and Mortar (40%)  Streetscape improvement  Public open space  Crime prevention  Community outreach  Transportation  Health care facilities  Recreation  Social & Community Services

NRTC Accomplishments  29 Approved Neighborhood Plans Throughout State  $78 million in contributed funds through Dec. 31, 2014 from 29 business entities  96 funded projects by non- profit organizations with approved NRTC plans  56 active ($44.6 million)  40 completed ($32.6 million)

National Networks  The Network has 3 National Partners (so far):  National Alliance of Community Economic Development Associations (NACEDA), which we helped found.  National Low-Income Housing Coalition (NLIHC)  Center for Community Progress (CCP)

Thank You! Raphael Kasen Community Building Specialist Housing and Community Development Network of New Jersey 145 West Hanover Street Trenton, NJ (609) x 1300