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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. Amy Rainone Director of Intergovernmental Relations & Policy
Rhode Island Housing P: e: w: