IHI's development staff have their heads down as we charge into the back stretch on two construction projects - the final months of development present plenty of challenges as the trades compete for time and space to complete their work, IHI and our architects do punch walk after punch walk to ensure that everything is done to spec and to our satisfaction, and the construction budgets get more intricate and detailed as we draw down the last of the project funds.  Both the Erickson Fritz and The Woodwind will be complete this summer - keep an eye out for your invitation to the grand openings.

On the asset management side, we are working closely with property managers to lease up new units, ensure that compliance paperwork is meticulously completed, and deliver on all of our commitments to funders and investors.  Our new Director of Housing Operations, Marques Lang, is getting settled and digging into the day to day work of making sure IHI's existing properties operate smoothly, a task that runs the gamut from mediating neighbor disputes to dealing with 18,000 gallons of raw sewage.  We also just closed out tax and audit season and completed most of our annual reporting to funders - phew!

Resident Services staff are extremely busy supporting residents at existing properties and getting ready to serve new residents at The Erickson Fritz and The Woodwind Apartments.  In addition to helping resident households meet their basic needs and maintain their housing stability, we are working to deliver a full range of services, including two previously announced Resident Service initiatives - Healthcare & Housing and Family Matters.  Through these initiatives we are helping residents access healthcare, engage in preventive care, and manage chronic conditions.  We are also supporting families and giving them a toolkit to tackle difficult topics together, like sex ed and financial education, and set goals around high school graduation and post-secondary education. 

Nothing new, but certainly not nothing.  And while we love announcing new programs and exciting new developments, we know that what really matters is doing the hard work it takes to deliver on our promises.  As the person responsible for steering the ship that is Innovative Housing, I am gratified to see all hands on deck and watch them doing their jobs with the skill and passion that make IHI great.  Steady as she goes!

I'd like to acknowledge one big change happening in our industry:  Traci Manning, Director of the Portland Housing Bureau, announced that she is leaving the City on April 30th to pursue a life change for herself.  Thank you Traci for your tireless support and commitment to affordable housing and best wishes as you set forth on new adventures.