WORKSHOP HIGHLIGHTS RESOURCES TO INCREASE LOCAL
HOMEOWNERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Capacity Building Workshop brings public and private sectors together

JACKSONVILLE - In an effort to expand homeownership opportunities in the Tallahassee/Big Bend area, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), with federal, state and local partners, will conduct an Affordable Homeownership Capacity Building Workshop at the Tallahassee Community College Center for Economic
and Workforce Development on Monday, July 25, 2005, from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, at 444 Appleyard Drive in the
Grand Banquet Hall.

U.S. HUD's Atlanta Regional Director-and former Augusta, Georgia Mayor-Bob Young will welcome elected officials
and key local public and private sector housing experts in this comprehensive effort to expand the capabilities of
local and state affordable housing providers.

"President Bush understands that when we open the doors of the American Dream to more families, we all win," said U.S. HUD Atlanta-based Regional Director, Bob Young. "Homeownership inspires civic responsibility, offers children a stable living environment and generates economic benefits for families and communities."

Regional Director Young, HUD Jacksonville Director Nick Shelley and his top Jacksonville HUD staff will join about 75 conventional, federal, state and local housing professionals that are working to create more homeownership opportunities in the area. The Workshop will provide an opportunity for these partners to describe their programs; offer strategies to using limited resources; share their experiences and best practices to expand local
homeownership opportunities.

A 2004 study by the National Association of Homebuilders (NAHB) indicated that for every $1,000 added to the cost of a new home, 25,000 Floridians are priced out of the homeownership market. Builders and affordable housing providers across Florida face many obstacles, from unwarranted restriction of new home construction and increased impact fees to insurance issues crisis affecting affordable rates for workers comp and liability coverage.

"Homeownership improves our neighborhoods, enhances our communities and offers individuals a great deal of pride. Homeownership is more than bricks and mortar....it is about empowering families and strengthening neighborhoods," stated Orlando Cabrera, Executive Director, Florida Housing Finance Corporation.

"We recognize that what might work here in Tallahassee or Leon County may not be appropriate in other parts of
the Florida or the country," said Regional Director Young. "This type of discussion reminds us how important it is to work together to reduce barriers that stifle the development and availability of high-quality, low cost housing that
is affordable to our teachers, nurses, police officers or returning veterans."

This local event is part of a larger national effort to increase homeownership opportunities. In his 2003 State of the Union Address, President Bush pledged to help more families become homeowners, and in June 2003, the President announced a goal to create 5.5 million new homeowners by the year 2010. The real estate, mortgage finance, and affordable housing industry are working in partnership to help achieve this goal.

HUD is the nation's housing agency committed to increasing homeownership, particularly among minorities, creating affordable housing opportunities for low-income Americans, supporting the homeless, elderly, people with disabilities and people living with AIDS. The Department also promotes economic and community development, as well as enforces the nation's fair housing laws. More information about HUD and its programs is available on the Internet.

For more information, go to the webpage for Affordable Homeownership Capacity Building Workshop, Tallahassee or contact HUD's Jacksonville Field Office at (904) 232-2627.