Kudos for KCDC

Published: 12/30/2010 11:34:08 AM

Kudos for KCDC

Transformations

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

Back in the summer, I reported that KCDC earned two Awards of Merit from the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO). I also mentioned that NAHRO selected two KCDC programs for consideration for the very competitive NAHRO Awards of Excellence and promised to share the good news if we won.

So, I’m keeping my promise and sharing the good news. Last month, NAHRO presented KCDC with an Award of Excellence for development of our Section 8 Rating Tool for Weatherization Standards. Of the more than 3,200 housing agencies that belong to NAHRO, only 20 were presented with an Award of Excellence.

The Rating Tool allows us to improve the quality of affordable housing units in the Knoxville community that are owned by private landlords rather than KCDC. The investment made by the private landlord will help extend the useful life of this housing stock and will benefit the neighborhoods where these properties are located by increasing property values.

This type of national attention is good for KCDC. More importantly, it raises awareness of our ground-breaking system that encourages energy efficiency in Section 8 housing and serves as a model for other agencies to follow.

While I’m giving pats on the back, I’d also like to commend KCDC employees Teresa Lawson and Debbie Taylor, who were selected for the Knoxville Knox County Community Action Committee 2011 Community Leadership Class. The class is comprised of people who live, work or volunteer in low to moderate income neighborhoods and have demonstrated community commitment through service.

Class participants learn about a variety of topics designed to equip them with the knowledge they need to go back to their communities and make a difference. Teresa and Debbie are already making a difference, and I look forward to seeing their growth through this excellent program.