May 2007 The online newsletter of the Michigan State Housing Development Authority Vol. 3, Issue 2 Ninth Annual Michigan Conference on Affordable Housing was the Best to Date he 2007 Michigan Conference on Affordable Housing took Tplace this year from April 30 through May 2. As the largest conference of its kind in the nation, it is regarded as the premier place to network and brainstorm on affordable housing in the country. The goal of the conference is to bring together people involved in various aspects of affordable housing to communicate with, inspire and inform each other on pressing issues in order to comprehensively solve them. Conference chair Jess Sobel said, “The ninth annual Michigan Conference was a rousing success A few pictures from the 2007 Michigan Conference on Affordable Housing with 1,700 participants representing non-profit and for-profit housing developers, organizations engaged Industry Partners Work Together to in ending homelessness, local and state government officials and Create Impressive Event at State Capitol other partners.” On May 2, affordable housing, It was estimated that more The conference kicked-off on community development and than 1,500 people attended this Monday, April 30. Attendees traveled homelessness industry representatives well-coordinated event and had through various educational tracks, saw firsthand how powerful they can an opportunity to speak to their while given the opportunity to network be when they come together to speak legislators over lunch. The event with other industry advocates. with one voice. On the last day of culminated with a set of stirring During lunch, Michigan State Michigan’s Conference on Affordable speeches from our industry Housing Development Authority Housing, lunch was served on the legislative champions Senator Mark (MSHDA) Executive Director Michael Capitol lawn at what was called Jansen and House Majority Leader DeVos and Lansing Mayor Virgil “Advocacy Day: Lunch Representative Steve Tobocman. Bernero spoke, setting the stage for on the Lawn.” continued on page 7 continued on page 8 From the Director’s Desk Change is a Good Thing for MSHDA and Michigan rnold Bennett, an early twentieth century English Anovelist, playwright, essayist, critic and journalist, once said “Any change, even a change for the better, is always accompanied by drawbacks and discomforts.” That saying could certainly apply to MSHDA during the past two years and, although a certain amount of apprehension is inevitable, the rewards for enduring the growing pains can far outweigh the drawbacks. We all know that Michigan’s economy hasn’t bounced back like that of other states, leaving us languishing in the number 48 spot out of 50 for our investment in housing. In order to actively do something about this less- Millennials are mostly single, highly • we have created Michigan’s than-desirable situation, we have had social, and often have early, unsettled Campaign to End Homelessness – to change our thinking somewhat careers. Our job is to attract these which focuses on ending homelessness drastically to encompass more than young, college-educated workers to on a statewide level within 10 years – just affordable housing and our cities, but we can’t do that unless along with the resources and people- homeless issues for underserved we invest in those cities and also the power necessary to make it work. In populations. We are looking instead surrounding smaller towns and villages, fact, Michigan garnered two national at investing in all of the people of making them vibrant and strong awards recognizing the Campaign as Michigan – so they can live, work, play, culturally and economically. the best and most likely to succeed raise families AND prosper in a state MSHDA, under the direction of in the nation. that provides thriving cities, towns and the current administration, is taking a We are pushing programs and villages. In other words, the goal is leadership role in a number of initiatives initiatives that may seem to create a healthy environment designed to do just that. In the past, we unconventional on the surface, but where Michigan residents can may have been known as the affordable in actuality, they reflect the need to make all their dreams come true. housing people with programs to assist build strong communities that will, Why do we need to change our the homeless and those that need in turn, provide future economic perspective? One answer is because supportive housing, but to transform opportunities in the state. the households of the 21st century Michigan’s economy we must be more When you really think about it, the are different than those in the past. than that. changes aren’t that drastic at all. We Less than 25 percent of all That is why … are still serving the populations we households are married couples • we brought on the Community have committed to by providing them with children. Traditional one-worker Assistance Team (CATeam) with healthy, vibrant cities, towns and families make up less than 15 percent with programs aimed at community villages along with an improved of households. investment like Cool Cities, Michigan quality of life. At the same time, we According to responsible Main Street and Downtown Blueprints. are helping transform Michigan’s demographic studies, our country is • our Community Development economy by investing in dominated by the two largest team is focusing on comprehensive Michigan people. generations in American history – the strategies to improve the quality of life And before we’re through, Michigan Baby Boomers, totaling 82 million in neighborhoods throughout Michigan. will be known for its booming economy people born between 1946 and 1964, • initiatives have been developed and and trendy cultural atmosphere, and 78 million Millennials born a new Urban Revitalization division becoming THE place to live, work between 1977 and 1996. was created at MSHDA. and play.

2 May 2007 • Building Blocks HomeAid Launches Creation of Urban Revitalization Statewide Chapter to Build Housing Division and Chief of Staff HomeAid Michigan is a joint project of the Michigan Appointment Boosts Authority’s Association of Home Builders, Corporation for Supportive Effectiveness for Work Ahead Housing and partners MSHDA and Masco Corporation Foundation. Inspired by a recent report on the growing population of homeless families and individuals in Michigan, HomeAid Michigan is the 21st chapter in the country to “We are dedicate money, time proud to be and talent to creating part of the housing solutions HomeAid that harnesses the generosity of the family.” building and trades -Bob Filka Margaret Garry, Chief of Staff partners to leverage Michigan Association James Butler III, Director of Urban of Home Builders cash investments by Revitalization two-to-three times. SHDA Executive Director Most recently, James was the Vice Coordinated by the Michigan Michael R. DeVos recently President of the Michigan Broadband Association of Home Builders, Mannounced the creation of Development Authority and was HomeAid Michigan will be using a the Urban Revitalization division at previously a business unit executive for three-year, $250,000 grant from Masco MSDHA, along with the appointment IBM Global Government for Michigan, Corporation and a potential grant from of Margaret Garry as new Chief Ohio and Kentucky. MSHDA to coordinate the first builds of Staff. Julie Hales-Smith and Louis in the Detroit area. The Corporation To assure the ability to provide Vinson, both currently with the for Supportive Housing will provide a sufficient support to two of Governor Cities of Promise Initiative at community-based planning process for Granholm’s priority initiatives, Cool MSHDA, were the first employees the HomeAid projects. “We are proud Cities and Cities of Promise, the of the division. They are joined by to be part of the HomeAid family Urban Revitalization division has been Karen Gagnon, the Cool Cities because it brings out the very best in created to address the issues central Coordinator, who transferred from our membership by enabling them to to the transformation of Michigan’s the Department of Labor and do what they do best; build housing and economy. James Butler III has been Economic Growth (DLEG) along give back to our community,” said Bob named as director and his leadership with Elizabeth Armstrong, also from Filka of the Michigan Association experience is expected to be a great DLEG. of Home Builders. asset to the Authority. “This group of people provides HomeAid was established in 1989 “James comes to MSHDA with an extraordinary core group of staff by California builders and later adopted deep management experience and a to this new division, which will be by the National Association of Home long history of community service.” coordinating activities with several Builders. “HomeAid is another example DeVos said. “James has truly other state agencies for work to benefit of an important private sector outstanding skills in customer service cities, towns and villages across partnership to help us accomplish and relationship management, which Michigan,” said DeVos. our goal of ending homelessness in will be critical as we build our The creation of this new division Michigan,” said MSHDA Executive relationships with Cool Cities and will provide permanent infrastructure Director Michael DeVos. Cities of Promise.” DeVos said. continued on page 9

3 May 2007 • Building Blocks Tools for Building Successful Families SHDA has a partner that is complete IDAs goes far beyond the pointing low-income families $4,000 that they receive. “Over and Mto tools that will help them over, we hear that this is the thing that become economically self-sufficient breaks the cycle of poverty for them. and reach their goals: the Michigan No one ever spent their way out of Individual Development Account poverty. IDAs show families how to Partnership (MIDAP). MIDAP is an make a commitment to a better future organization that provides training, that pays off for a lifetime,” says Mary sees MSHDA as the facilitator that technical assistance and administrative Townley, Director of the Division of pushes to keep this program going and oversight for all of Homeownership at to be the best it can be. “It’s a valuable the individual “IDAs show families MSHDA. “You role since housing is such a critical need. development cannot just hand They bend over backward to provide account (IDA) how to make a future someone money what they can to make a project work.” programs across that pays off for a and ask them to MSHDA has helped by pledging the state. Selected change. This is funds for the matching portion of the individuals make a lifetime” about changing -Mary Townley IDA. “Through February 28, 2007, commitment to an Homeownership Division patterns of thinking 971 IDA Participants have made an IDA to save up to and patterns in asset investment (667 homes purchased, $1,000 over a three-year period, behavior for increased self esteem and 184 education accounts uses and 120 complete a financial education new skills in managing limited resources. business accounts uses). The mortgages program and receive a matching These participants actually change the leveraged to date exceed $59 million.” grant of $3,000 in their IDA. Their way that they view themselves.” says Mary. “It’s a program that has a IDA is earmarked and used to buy a Judy Gardi is the Community low drop-out rate, and high home, invest in a business or gain a Reinvestment Initiative coordinator satisfaction levels for its participants. post-secondary education. for the Michigan Credit Union League, We are pleased to be a partner in this The payoff for families who which is a supporter of MIDAP. Judy successful program.”

Old Income Levels and PIP Income Limits Get a Lift Interest Rates Good news for Michigan home The types of property improvements Less than $16,999 – 4% and rental property owners! MSHDA that owners may make with a loan from $17,000 - $29,000 – 6% has raised the income limits to the MSHDA Property Improvement $30,000 - $72,250 – 8% qualify for its Property Program include: painting, siding, (6% if loan-to- value (LTV) is less Improvement Program (PIP) roofing, window replacement, kitchen than 80%) effective April 15, 2007. and bathroom remodeling, wiring With PIP, qualifying Michigan upgrades and additions. New Income Levels and Intrerest Rates property owners may borrow funds Here is a comparison between the at a low-interest rate to make repairs old and new PIP income limits, based Less than $19,999 – 4% and improvements to existing housing. on Gross Annual Household Income: $20,000 - $39,999 – 6% Interested individuals may apply The PIP interest rate for non-owner $40,000 - $72,250 – 8% at any participating lender or occupied properties remains at 8% (6% if LTV 80% or if in MSHDA nonprofit organization. unless the property is located in a approved area) The PIP loan was designed to MSHDA-approved target area and the give participants the flexibility of loan-to-value (LTV) is less than 80%. Bill Parker, Property Improvement either contracting out the entire job In this case, the PIP interest rate is 6%. Program Coordinator, at 517-373- or doing the work themselves For more information on the 1462. Information about PIP (depending on local building codes) MSHDA Property Improvement can also be found online at while financing only the materials. Program, interested parties can contact www.michigan.gov/mshda.

4 May 2007 • Building Blocks What’s New With Cities of Promise Cities of Promise Blight Elimination Program he Cities of Promise program first priority will be publicly owned was started by Governor residential properties, especially in this TGranholm as an interagency first year of the four-year program. initiative to redevelop communities Most importantly, the program will and reduce poverty. The cities are work in conjunction with existing those that are experiencing sometimes local Partnership Team priorities to devastating conditions because of reduce unsafe conditions and make declining population, extreme poverty, neighborhoods more attractive. loss of industry and jobs, crumbling The Blight Elimination Program has infrastructure and blighted several goals targeted at improving the neighborhoods. The cities identified One of MSHDA’s recent workshops aimed at Cities of Promise. These goals include Blight Elimination for this initiative are Benton Harbor, eliminating unsafe structures, increasing Detroit, Flint, Hamtramck, Highland magnitude of the problem makes blighted structure demolitions and Park, Muskegon Heights, total elimination impossible; however, incorporating a process to increase Pontiac and Saginaw. with strategic placement of limited skills of homeless persons by building The Blight Elimination Program resources, very visible, positive impact a strategic partnership with key is the critical first step in revitalization can occur through the demolition of community stakeholders who educate planning/implementation, safety and blighting and hazardous structures that and provide employment services. security campaigns, redevelopment cannot be cost-effectively rehabilitated. MSHDA recently hosted two planning and quality-of-life The expectation is that this program workshops — one in Detroit and programming. Estimates suggest that will allow the Cities to leverage their one in Lansing — aimed at the Blight there are more than 16,000 blighted current Community Development Elimination Program within the Cities residential properties in these eight Block Grant demolition funding to of Promise. The Detroit workshop cities. Approximately 6,700 of the expand their current demolition hosted city leaders from Highland properties are publicly owned. The programs by number and type. The continued on page 9 New Web Site Holds Promise MSHDA just unveiled its new message from Governor Jennifer M. Cities of Promise Web site. The Granholm. From there, you’ll be able Cities of Promise, an initiative that is to explore each city. When you click on part of Governor Granholm’s urban City Histories you’ll learn how it all agenda, include: Highland Park, Flint, began through how things got to where Saginaw, Benton Harbor, Pontiac, they are today. Clicking on Photo Muskegon Heights and Detroit. Final Essays might take you to a farmer’s touches are still being made to the market or give you a tour of a historic site, but soon web surfers will be able part of town. In the Media Room, The Cities of Promise home page to visit all eight of Michigan’s Cities you’ll find upcoming events and the be – because that’s exactly what the of Promise and learn just about latest news on each city’s revitalization Cities of Promise are … works in everything there is to know about efforts. When you visit the Cities of progress. We hope you visit our each town. Promise Resources page, you might little corner of the world often … The Cities of Promise Web site find a job, a support program or other and experience the rise, fall and will continue to develop in several helpful information. Quick Facts will revitalization of Highland Park, phases. The first phase, currently show you demographics, unique Flint, Saginaw, Benton Harbor, online, features the cities of Highland features, top employers and more. Pontiac, Muskegon Heights, Park, Flint and Benton Harbor with You’ll also find links to many other Hamtramck and Detroit – eight the other five to follow soon after. useful Web sites. of the most “promising” cities in When you visit www.citiesof MSHDA’s Cities of Promise Web Michigan — at www.citiesof promise.org, you’ll be greeted by a site is a work in progress and always will promise.org.

5 May 2007 • Building Blocks G.P.A. Program Helps Grads Stay in Michigan MSHDA Strengthens Ties with Michigan’s Graduates, Universities Through GPA or the better part of a century, College students have already made push to keep Michigan’s graduates in Michigan’s economy has relied a commitment to Michigan by traveling our state by unfolding an outreach plan Flargely on the automotive industry. to or remaining in the state to earn a to alumni associations and college It is no secret that globalization has left degree. Michigan schools produce some presidents. This partnership will allow this narrowly focused, manufacture- of the best and brightest graduates in information about the GPA program to based economy in need of repair. the country. These students already reach thousands of dedicated alumni The defective financial situation has have the skills to change through the communications tools they generated an attitude of change in Michigan’s economy, already receive on a regular basis. Michigan and has but they need to be Many of these graduates want to stay proven the need shown that there is in the state after graduation but might to diversify the value in staying. not think doing so is affordable. economic focus The Graduate MSHDA’s communication efforts will onto technology Purchase give them insight on making their and service-based Assistance homeownership dreams come true. industries. Program (GPA) By appealing to colleges and But after hopes to do just universities, MSHDA is able to educate decades of holding that. An extension the alumni associations on why keeping factory jobs, many of the Cities of Promise, this alumni local is such a positive thing and of Michigan’s citizens program allows college graduates to how MHSDA can help them keep their were less than prepared to enter these purchase a home in one most dedicated supporters in the area. new and upcoming fields. For a time it of Michigan’s Cities of Promise at This joint effort gives MSHDA yet seemed that this economic transition below-market mortgage interest rates. another partner in affordable housing. would be nearly impossible. It was Students must apply within three years For questions regarding the then that Michigan’s largest untapped of earning an associate’s, bachelor’s, program, contact Mary Townley at resource was realized: its colleges master’s or doctorate degree. [email protected] or (517) and universities. This month, MSHDA is starting its 373-6864. MSHDA Helps Make Homeownership a Reality for Michigan-Bound Grad

or most recent college grads, school for a long time,” she said. “Some homeownership is an illusion, recent graduates want to buy to build Fnot a reality. Tuition hikes, equity but don’t think it is an option for increases in loan interest rates and them because of student loan debt. rising living expenses make large They are really concerned that the investments extremely difficult funds will not be there.” for this demographic. Although MSHDA is doing its part to homeownership seems unattainable, help graduates realize the dream of twenty-something’s are becoming homeownership. In October of 2006, Anger and friend in her new home made possible extremely attracted to the idea of MSHDA, along with Gov. Granholm, by the GPA Program owning rather than renting. announced the birth of the have graduated from an accredited According to Samantha Anger, GPA program. institution within three years prior a 22-year-old 2005 Saginaw Valley This new program offers a 30-year, to the loan application date and meet State University alum,homeownership fixed-rate conventional loan at a below- MSHDA’s sale price and income limit doesn’t come easy. “I was very lucky, market interest rate to college graduates eligibility guidelines. as I received several scholarships to with an associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s continued on page 7 attend college and had saved for or doctoral degree. Individuals must

6 May 2007 • Building Blocks Upcoming Conferences in Michigan Asset Management and Contract Administration Conference owntown revitalization, • The second annual Summit on September 12th homeless issues and asset Ending Homelessness will be held Dmanagement are all topics October 15 and 16 at the Kellogg University Club that will be covered in 2007 by Center in East Lansing. The summit East Lansing MSHDA and other industry leaders brings together hundreds of leaders Downtown Revitalization at upcoming conferences in Michigan. in the industry to discuss homeless Conference issues and work on the statewide 10- • MSHDA’s Community September 18th - 19th Assistance Team (CATeam) will be year plan to end homelessness, which hosting the Downtown Revitalization was rolled out at the 2006 Michigan Park Place Hotel and Conference on September 18, 19 Homeless Summit. For more Traverse City Opera House Traverse City and 20 at the Park Place Hotel and information regarding the Summit Traverse City Opera House in please visit the MSHDA Web site at: Summit on Ending Homelessness downtown Traverse City. The www.michigan.gov/mshda or October 15th - 16th conference will bring together contact Juliann Kline at community leaders to discuss the (517) 241-1440. Kellogg Center creation of successful strategies • The Office of Asset East Lansing and case studies for attracting Management will be hosting the new investment, jobs and young Asset Management and Contract Contract. The conference hosts professionals to city centers. For Administration Fall Conference property managers from around more information, please visit on September 12 at the University the state. For more information the conference Web site at: Clubin East Lansing with Housing please visit the MSHDA Web site www.michigandowntown and Urban Development, Michigan at: www.michigan.gov/mshda or conference.org or contact the Multifamily Asset Manager and contact Susan Hengesbach at CATeam at (517) 241-1737. Extension of Professional Service (517) 335-2713. MSHDA Helps Make Homeownership a Reality Industry Partners Work Together continued from page 6 Anger found infinite professional continued from page 1 Anger is the first graduate to possibilities in Saginaw. “I grew up in purchase a home with the assistance a small town, but there are no jobs to They were joined by Senator of the GPA program. “When I first be had out there,” she said. “By staying Buzz Thomas and Representative Bill thought of buying a home, I shopped in Saginaw, I was able to stay close to Huizenga. The Coalition for Michigan’s around for the best loan for me,” she my family and friends and still have Housing and Community Development said. “But interest rates just seemed a career.” Fund chairperson, Ken Bensen closed so high. That’s when a loan officer Governor Granholm believes that the event. suggested the MSHDA loan program.” the GPA program is the most promising “Living In Michigan Means Investing In Michigan” was one of the The eligible college grad’s home way to keep Michigan’s graduates in the key messages sent to legislators with the purchase must be located within the state, and she hopes the low interest hopes that they would prioritize funding city limits of one of the Cities of rates will make doing so more feasible for Michigan’s Housing and Community Promise which are Benton Harbor, for the college graduates. Development Fund within the 2008 Detroit, Flint, Hamtramck, Highland This was certainly the case for budget. Grassroots efforts to advocate Park, Muskegon Heights, Pontiac and Anger. “I would definitely recommend for the Fund continue. Saginaw. The economies of these cities, this program to other graduates,” she once industry based, are turning their said. “I have friends graduating in May focus to service and technology that are really considering a MSHDA Sign up to receive industries. New graduates, bringing loan, because they see that it has helped Building Blocks via e-mail! fresh ideas and the latest knowledge, me out tremendously.” For more information, visit are ideal citizens for these www.housingconference.org promising cities.

7 May 2007 • Building Blocks MSHDA’s “ Living in the D” Campaign Recognized for Excellence SHDA’s “Living in the D” a regular monthly feature called “Why campaign, crafted by I Live in Detroit,” created specifically Mmarketing and public for the campaign. The campaign relations firm Donovan & Smith also included a huge House Party Marketing and Media, Inc., has been promotion, a special edition magazine recognized with a PACE Award of and web presence from Crain’s – Excellence in the Campaign category. as well as promotions, public service The PACE Awards are the industry announcements, stakeholder meetings awards for public relations for newsmakers and paid commercials professionals, and this award comes on CBS Radio’s WWJ-AM from the Central Michigan Public and WVMV-FM. Relations Society of America. An original jingle was also written The multi-faceted campaign and produced by Donovan & Smith engaged several media outlets in the to support the campaign. All messages Detroit area in a long-term public also directed the listeners and readers service, promotional, editorial and to the popular weekly e-magazine paid-media strategy to create a www.ModelDMedia.com, a site The PACE Award persented to Donovan & positive alternative narrative for sponsored in part by MSHDA, to Smith Marketing and Media, Inc. living in Detroit. The campaign showcase good news about Detroit included an ad campaign in Crain’s and Detroit neighborhoods. Donovan, President of Donovan Detroit for developers (for-profit “As former owners and managers & Smith Marketing and Media, Inc. and nonprofit), stakeholders and of media outlets, we had the “This recognition is an honor for community development competitive edge to know what to ask not only MSHDA but also the corporations. The ads were for and how to ask our media partners media partners that really delivered placed immediately adjacent to for this kind of support,” said Katie for Detroit.” Conference on Affordable Housing honored Michigan’s deserving The conference concluded on continued from page 1 advocates who have displayed an Wednesday, May 2, with the addition this year’s keynote speaker, Jeanette extraordinary commitment to providing of this year’s Advocacy Day. State Walls. Walls, a journalist for MSNBC affordable housing opportunities Representative Steve Tobocman, and the author of the critically and eliminating homelessness. Senator Mark Jansen and Pat acclaimed book, “The Glass Castle,” The premier award at the Harrington of Muchmore Harrington gave a moving account of growing conference is the Terrence R. Smalley & Associates led the morning up in an unstable home environment, Duvernay Award and is given in honor Plenary Session, after which, all which oftentimes left her and her of the former Executive Director attendees traveled to the Capitol Lawn family homeless. After her moving of MSHDA. Duvernay’s vision and to meet with legislators and rally for presentation, Walls held a book signing leadership were responsible for the affordable housing, community for all conference attendees. development of the most successful development and homeless issues Monday concluded with a reception, housing development programs in the Sobel said, “We have a vision including entertainment by Men of nation. of communities of choice – diverse, Grace, Grace Centers of Hope’s This year’s recipient was Mr. Ron healthy, vibrant communities where musical group comprised of men Calery, Executive Director of the people choose to live, work and who have completed the Center’s Chippewa-Luce-Mackinac Community play.” The conference’s focus on one-year rehabilitation program. Action Agency. Calery was selected action unified everyone present and On Tuesday, May 1, the conference based on his efforts to provide will certainly help make the dream continued with more educational affordable housing to those least of ending homelessness in Michigan tracks, panelists and networking fortunate; and his tireless, selfless a reality. events. The Awards Luncheon took dedication to aid those who most place Tuesday afternoon and need it.

8 May 2007 • Building Blocks MSHDA Supports Big Plan Big Anniversary for Lansing Realtors The Greater Lansing Association selection criteria and has assisted of Realtors is celebrating its 100th the Association of Realtors and Volume 3, Issue 2 anniversary, and to help celebrate community neighborhood groups A bi-monthly publication of the MSHDA has joined with the Greater in spreading the word about Michigan State Housing Lansing Housing Coalition to give this opportunity. Development Authority away Curb Appeal Home Makeovers. Through a $30,000 MSHDA The makeovers are targeted for grant, three homeowners were Michael R. DeVos, homeowners in the Greater Lansing selected for the Curb Appeal Executive Director area. The Greater Lansing Housing Makeovers. Stay tuned for the Stephanie Murray-Killips, Coalition has established the exciting before and after photos. Editor

Contributors: Urban Revitalization Cities of Promise Blight Mary Lou Keenon continued from page 3 Elimination Jeff Bickert and support to the Cool Cities and the continued from page 5 Jourdan Clandening Cities of Promise initiatives. Park, Hamtramck, Pontiac and Detroit. Katie Donovan In addition to the creation of the The Lansing workshop hosted city Sara Jackman new division, DeVos also announced leaders from Muskegon Heights, Rick Steele the hiring of Margaret Garry as the Benton Harbor, Saginaw and Flint. The Laura Kassenbrock new Chief of Staff for the Authority. workshops were targeted at bringing Lisa Smith Garry was formerly the Vice President together the Community/Economic of Mexicantown Community Development Directors from the eight LANSING OFFICE Development Corporation, a 735 East Michigan Avenue cities as well as state agency staff to Community Development Corporation Lansing, Michigan 48913 discuss the Blight Elimination Program. (517) 373-8370 • (517) 335-4797 (fax) in Detroit. Garry spearheaded the TTY (800) 382-4568 effort to develop the Mexicantown International Welcome Center and Upcoming DETROIT OFFICE Mercado, a retail and cultural center in 3028 West Grand Boulevard, the heart of Mexicantown in Detroit. Events Suites 4-600 Prior to her community Detroit, Michigan 48202 development work, Garry acted Summit on Ending Homelessness (313) 456-3540 • (313) 456-3571 (fax) as a consultant, performing housing October 15th - 16th market analyses and economic impact Kellogg Center Equal Opportunity Lender analyses. Garry was honored as one of East Lansing Detroit’s Most Enterprising Women by the Detroit Historical Society as well Asset Management and Contract as one of Detroit’s “40 Under 40” by Administration Conference September 12th Don’t forget to vist Crain’s Detroit Business. The Community Economic Development University Club the new Association of Michigan also selected East Lansing her as Staff Person of the Year Cities of Promise in 2002. Downtown Revitalization Conference “Margaret will be coordinating September 18th - 19th Web Site at: functions in the executive division and will work closely with me and Deputy Park Place Hotel and Director Burney Johnson, coordinating Traverse City Opera House www.citiesofpromise.org and leading efforts related to Traverse City operations,” said DeVos. 9 May 2007 • Building Blocks