Washington, D.C. – The Coalition for Nonprofit Housing and Economic Development (CNHED) announced a partnership with the DC Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA) to help equip nonprofit developers to efficiently obtain permits and licensing for affordable housing and commercial development projects.
Nonprofits have historically sought assistance in navigating permitting and licensing requirements. Better training and more assistance can help nonprofits avoid increased costs or delays. Well-informed nonprofits can help to ensure that goods and services are available in timely ways to neighborhoods in need of services.
CNHED and DCRA are jointly designing training and information sessions, which will fully inform community-based developers about new sustainability, energy efficiency and other requirements for many new construction or rehabilitation projects.
“We are excited to partner with CNHED to help ensure that the District’s community-based development field can swiftly navigate the District’s regulatory processes,” said Melinda M. Bolling, Director of DCRA. “Our joint training program will equip them with the tools to implement vital developments for affordable housing, commercial enhancements and new business start-ups for neighborhoods across the District.”
With the District making unprecedented investments in affordable housing, as well as its robust economic development projects, it is all the more critical to have a community development sector that can keep pace.
“The District’s rapidly changing real estate market and Commercial infrastructure enhancements make this partnership with DCRA critical to building the capacity of the nonprofit community development sector,” said Stephen Glaude, President & CEO of CNHED. “This will ensure that that those who serve and develop for our most vulnerable residents are equally prepared to complete their work.”
Training and information sessions will begin in Spring 2018.