Blowing Our Own Horn

Published: 8/12/2010 2:34:31 PM

Blowing Our Own Horn

Transformations

Alvin Nance, Executive Director and CEO, Knoxville’s Community Development Corporation

I don’t typically “blow our own horn,” but I’m so proud of KCDC that I’m going to make an exception.

Later this month, the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO) is presenting KCDC with two Awards of Merit at its Summer Conference in Boston. Only about 200 of the more than 3,200 housing agencies that belong to NAHRO will be so honored.

Awards recognize the following KCDC initiatives:

• A Commonsense Solution - The successful merger of KCDC and the Knox County Housing Authority. This merger, which required a lot of meetings, time and effort, will result in greater efficiency and program service for all of Knox County.
• Section 8 Rating Tool for Weatherization Standards – Increasing the energy efficiency of rental units offered to KCDC voucher holders. The changes we made encourage owners to improve the energy efficiency of their rental units, resulting in decreased utility costs for renters and a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions into our environment.

NAHRO further recognized these programs by selecting them for consideration for the very competitive NAHRO Awards of Excellence. Only about 20 of the 200 Merit Award winners will be named Award of Excellence winners. The results won’t be announced until October, so we’ll have to wait a while to find out if we’re selected. However, I am honored that KCDC is among the select few being considered for these prestigious awards.

KCDC strives to be the premier provider of affordable housing in Knoxville. Receiving this type of national recognition shows me that we’re headed in the right direction. In the event we do receive this award, you will hear this horn blow once again.