Federal and State Engagement Amy Rainone Director of Government Relations & Policy Rhode Island Housing

Rhode Island: Context Small State - Population: just over 1 million - Approx. 1,500 square miles: 40% smaller than Delaware 2 Congressional Districts General Assembly: 113 Members - 75 Representatives/ 38 Senators - Meets from January-June annually No state Dept of Housing- Rhode Island Housing plays broad role

Legislative Objectives & Process Increase federal & state investment in housing programs to address state’s housing needs Build political support for housing as key element of state’s economic development strategy Share information about who we are and what we do How We Achieve Them Inform elected officials of our legislative priorities Demonstrate need for programs and positive outcomes through community events & personal stories Use communication tools to spread the word and build support

NCSHA Legislative Conference Schedule visits with all 4 House and Senate Members Develop one-pager highlighting legislative priorities and previous year’s accomplishments More detailed brief including personal stories and impacts of federal investments in Rhode Island

Personalizing Our Impact Provide maps of state & federal investments Calculate job creation & economic impacts

Making the Connection Invite to groundbreakings and ribbon cuttings for state & federally financed developments Last 18 months: 8 ribbon cuttings & groundbreakings All 4 Congressmen, Governors, Mayors/Town Managers and GA Members

Engaging With Staff Provide Constituent Services Training to Congressional, Governor’s office and General Assembly staff Meetings with District Congressional staff and General Assembly members

Engaging State Elected Officials Annual “Meet & Greet Attended by 1/3 of House and Senate members in 2015 and 27% in 2016 Invite housing partners living & doing business in key member districts Partners in Housing Award Recognize Housing Champions in the General Assembly

Engaging State Elected Officials (cont.) Invite and recognize elected officials at trainings, industry partner breakfasts and program meetings in the community Realtors Breakfast Lender of the Year Award Hardest Hit Fund Community Meetings

Staying Connected Weekly e-blast on Rhode Island Housing in the news Monthly e-news on programs and activities Alert elected officials when our Board approves investments in their district Post activities and events on Facebook and Twitter Hand-written thank you cards with picture to elected officials participating in events

Per Capita State Spending on Housing Making the Case for Housing Recently released report on projecting the State’s future housing needs Projecting 12-13% growth in households Need for 34,600-40,200 housing units over next ten years 75% of new households will earn below 80% AMI Compare New England state investment in housing Advocate for Housing Bond Per Capita State Spending on Housing FY15 and FY16

Amy Rainone Director of Intergovernmental Relations & Policy Rhode Island Housing P: 401-457-1256 e: arainone@rhodeislandhousing.org w: www.rhodeislandhousing.org