CLESIA VENTURES PHA STRATEGIC REPOSITIONING FALL RETREAT

Welcome to the CLESIA Ventures PHA Strategic Repositioning Fall Retreat at the Renaissance Atlanta Waverly Hotel & Convention Center. This in-person event offers a unique opportunity for professionals in the public housing sector to come together, network, and gain critical insights into repositioning and revitalizing Public Housing Authorities (PHAs). Designed to provide actionable strategies, this retreat will cover key industry topics to help position your PHA for long-term success.

Event Highlights:

At this retreat, attendees will engage with thought leaders, experts, and peers through a series of in-depth sessions designed to enhance leadership, improve operational efficiency, and unlock new opportunities for growth and development.

Session Topics:

1. Organizational Development & Leadership
   As the public sector navigates rapid changes in the work environment, this session focuses on effective leadership, organizational change, and restructuring for PHAs undergoing repositioning and redevelopment. It emphasizes the importance of alignment between leadership and board members to successfully move the organization forward.
2. Is Choice Neighborhoods Right for Your PHA?
   Explore HUD’s Choice Neighborhoods initiative, which revitalizes distressed neighborhoods through public-private partnerships. This session provides an overview of the program’s planning and implementation grants, offering strategies for PHAs to gain a competitive advantage in securing these highly sought-after funds.
3. HOTMA is Here
   This session covers the critical updates introduced by HOTMA (Housing Opportunity Through Modernization Act). Attendees will learn about Sections 102 and 104, including new definitions for income and assets, student income calculations, and enhanced EIV and verification processes. The session will also discuss the impact of HOTMA on the Family Self-Sufficiency Program.
4. NSPIRE is Here
   NSPIRE inspections, launched in 2024, bring new standards for the physical inspection of real estate within HUD’s LIPH (Low-Income Public Housing) and HCV (Housing Choice Voucher) programs. This session provides essential training on the NSPIRE inspection model to ensure compliance and operational readiness.
5. Strategic Supportive Services
   The success of public housing depends on the quality of supportive services provided to residents. This session focuses on delivering services related to mental health, disabilities, substance abuse, education, financial literacy, and more. Learn how to meet program performance metrics and strategically obtain HUD and non-HUD resources for residents, with insights into key programs like YouthBuild, JobsPlus, Family Self-Sufficiency, and ROSS grants.
6. Understanding “Caste”
   This structured course uses Isabel Wilkerson’s New York Times Bestseller “Caste” to explore the historical and present-day effects of racism as part of a caste system in the United States. The session connects these concepts to the underserved populations housed by PHAs nationwide, offering a powerful lens for understanding social inequities.
7. Back to Basics: Commissioner Training
   Drawing from HUD’s Lead the Way training, this session provides a foundational overview for new and existing Commissioners, focusing on common pitfalls and how to maximize commitment to their communities. It is especially beneficial for board members navigating repositioning and new development projects.
8. Successful Voucher Management
   As PHAs transition to Project-Based Vouchers (PBV) or Project-Based Rental Assistance (PBRA), understanding effective voucher management and compliance is crucial. This deep-dive session will explore HUD’s two-year tool and teach participants how to leverage it to enhance their agency’s operations.

This retreat promises to deliver critical knowledge, build relationships, and equip attendees with practical strategies for overcoming today’s challenges in public housing. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of the conversations that will shape the future of PHAs across the country.