A M E S S A G E F R O M TA A H P ’ S E X E C U T I V E D I R E C T O R
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efore we fully recognized the true severity of the pandemic and resulting economic shutdown in early 2020, most organizations adopted a cautious “wait and see” approach. Planning for the worst and hoping for the best seemed to be the prevailing mantra across all industries. With no roadmap to maneuver the abounding uncertainty, TAAHP’s strong board leadership, member engagement, and partner collaboration were vital to survive the most challenging year in our history.
the session as a recognized policy leader. Our Government Affairs Committee’s efforts to meet with and educate all incoming Texas House freshmen, senators, and key committee members did not go unnoticed. Also, our relationships in the offices of the Governor, Lt. Governor, and Speaker of the House will continue to prove valuable. TAAHP also successfully implemented a new online Advocacy Center, allowing every member’s voice to have a place in impacting legislation. These efforts position TAAHP as a resource on affordable housing issues for the upcoming 88th Legislative Session in 2023.
Our board’s response to the economic shutdown was to be flexible and quickly Industry Win: TAAHP in the Media pivot to create opportunities, confidence, We can do wonderful things for affordable TAAHP Executive Director and a strong value proposition for our housing, but consistent communication industry. We accepted the uncertainty is important to remain relevant. Even in a chaotic year, TAAHP and went to work. With a year of overcoming obstacles, I can members and staff provided interviews to the likes of the Texas report several wins for our members attributable to our leaders, Tribune, local NBC affiliate KXAN News, Affordable Housing members, and partners. Finance, and Tax Credit Advisor. With this recognition, our members are setting the stage for a more significant national Industry Win: First Virtual Texas Housing Conference voice in support of affordable housing. Overnight, the world of conferences changed for everyone. TAAHP Adapts Given in-person gatherings were banned, TAAHP not only created its first virtual conference in a matter of weeks, but we Over the last year, we also had to make strategic decisions and doubled the value by providing a second conference in the fall, investments to ensure that TAAHP remained sustainable. For free for those who attended the first. While nothing can replace example, we ended our lease for an office that has been in place the value and experience of an in-person conference, we still for over 15 years and established a structure that allows the staff provided cutting-edge panels covering updates to our usual fare to work remotely. We also upgraded our member management while also breaking ground with some new concepts, including system to provide added utility, value, and a more seamless race and diversity with renowned expert Richard Rothstein. Our experience for our members. members responded with resounding support. All in all, it was a challenging year. Still, TAAHP’s leaders kept a determined focus, and our members continued their Industry Win: Expanded Education Offerings commitment to ensuring we remain the responsive organization Working from our newly established virtual format and with you’ve come to expect. The work of our board and dedication of help from a diligent Education Committee, TAAHP provided our membership give us much optimism about what lies ahead. the latest professional development offerings. Some of these Join Us included our first multifamily and economic forecast, a primer on 4% tax credit transactions, post-award strategies, property We are growing, but we still have much more to accomplish. management in the time of COVID, average income, and yearWith your membership and support, you can expect to see 15 strategies affordable housing ownership, to name a few. more from TAAHP as we work to expand our role as a national industry leader in affordable housing. To our current members: Industry Win: TAAHP’s Growing Industry Influence thank you for being a part of our success during the most The Texas Capitol was a microcosm of uncertainty, reflecting challenging period in our history. For those of you considering a what was going on across the state. But amid unclear protocols, membership, we invite you to be part of our success and join us changing rules, and a limited amount of time, TAAHP ended on our way to a stronger future.
Roger Arriaga
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Te x a s A f f o r d a b l e H o u s i n g M a g a z i n e
