Decent housing is a basic human right. Without decent, safe, and affordable housing, all aspects of family life suffer, and a life of dignity is impossible. Yet, an affordable housing crisis is a current reality in the United States, and, for minorities, it has been a reality throughout the nation’s history.
This interactive, participant oriented three-hour discussion is intended to invite discussion of systemic racism in affordable housing, why it exists, and how we can begin to overcome it. The discussion will be led by A. J. Johnson, who will attempt to set the framework for a non-political discussion of the discrimination that currently exists in the affordable housing field. It is hoped that a full airing of the issue can be achieved, and participants will gain a more sensitive understanding of the problem with a recognition that understanding leads to solutions – or at least efforts at solutions. Specific discussion areas will include (1) How a diverse hiring program can lead to diversity in housing; (2) the hard conversation of whether systemic racism actually exists; (3) the meaning of systemic racism; (4) examples of systemic racism in housing; (5) the consequences of systemic racism; and (6) steps that can be taken to begin ending systemic racism.
This is not a training – it is a discussion. It is intended for anyone who works in the affordable housing industry with an interest in providing housing for those most in need – regardless of their race, color, or national origin. Site Managers, Leasing Staff, Maintenance Staff, and owners will all benefit from this frank discussion of one of the most serious problems confronting our industry – and our nation – today.
Leader: A. J. Johnson, A.J. Johnson Consulting Services, Inc.
Prior to becoming a private developer in August 1983, Mr. Johnson was with K-Mart Corporation, Portsmouth Redevelopment & Housing Authority, and Suffolk Redevelopment & Housing Authority. While with the public housing agencies, Mr. Johnson was responsible for the implementation of a variety of federally funded programs, including public housing, Section 8 housing, housing rehabilitation (single family and multi-family), Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), Urban Development Action Grants (UDAG), Urban Homesteading, and was a Section 202 Housing Consultant. As a private developer, Mr. Johnson coordinated the development of over 70 multi-family housing complexes utilizing federal, state, and conventional financing, of which more than 40 used the federal low-income housing tax credit. Currently, Mr. Johnson is a training advisor to the Housing Credit Certification Board of the National Association of Homebuilder’s, which is responsible for implementing the requirements of a national certification examination for tax credit management personnel and carries the designation of “Housing Credit Certified Professional” (HCCP).
Mr. Johnson is a nationally known trainer in affordable housing issues and served as a technical advisor to Congressional staff during the drafting of both the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Program and the Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988 and is a certified Fair Housing Specialist through the National Center for Housing Management.
Registration
Fees & Details
$179 Members / $199 Non-Members
Course link and materials will be sent via email prior to the course date.
Fees and reasonable expenses for the course are an approved project expense.
Cancellation Policy:
Registration fees will be refunded less a $50 processing charge if received in writing ten (10) business days prior to the seminar. Substitutions, but no refunds, can be made after that date.