KANSAS CITY, Missouri (June 8, 2023) – Travois, a certified B Corporation that works with Indigenous organizations to advance housing and economic development, recently honored industry leaders who have created positive change in their communities .
Presented at the 23rd Annual Travois Indian Country Affordable Housing and Economic Development Conference in Washington, D.C., the Travois Superhero Awards recognize four people for their exemplary efforts in the previous year. Awarded experts and three teams. The winners were nominated by colleagues and selected by Travois.
Travois CEO Elizabeth Glynn said, “Each year, we are delighted to recognize the hard work of our colleagues. I am.” She said, “I am very happy to share their story and hope it will inspire others in Indian Country to pursue their big plans.”
Superheroes of 2023:
Housing Professional of the Year: Francisco “Chico” Carr, Mr. Pueblo of Acoma Housing Corporation and Laguna Housing Development and Management Company
Economic Development Professional of the Year: Dennis Johnson, CEO of Ho Chunk Capital
Pillar of the Year: Rolando Jaimes, Pascua Yaqui Housing Authority
Haven of the Year: Angela Stanley, Yavapai Apache Tribal House
Project Team of the Year: Tribal Union of the Colville Reservation
Innovative Team of the Year: Dry Creek Rancheria Band of the Pomo Indians
Transformational Initiative of the Year: Warm Springs Housing Authority
Housing Professional of the Year: Francisco “Chico” Carr, Development Manager, Pueblo of Acoma Housing Corporation, Chairman of the Board, Laguna Housing Development and Management Company
Francisco “Chico” Carr was recognized for his efforts as Development Manager of the Pueblo of Acoma Housing Corporation and Chairman of the Board of Laguna, New Mexico Housing Development Management Corporation.
In 2022, the Pueblo of Acoma Housing Authority completed the second of two adjacent Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) developments for a total project cost of $15 million. Each development features 30 homes, community buildings and outdoor recreation areas.
Meanwhile, Laguna Housing Development Management Company has begun construction on the LIHTC development with 20 townhomes, community buildings and playground areas.
“It is a great honor and humility to receive this award,” said Kerr. “I always work every day for the community I serve. It’s not for me, it’s not for pushing me, it’s for the community.”
Economic Development Professional of the Year: Dennis Johnson, CEO of Ho Chunk Capital
Dennis Johnson, a registered citizen of the Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians, Minnesota, was honored for his leadership of innovative efforts at Ho-Chunk Capital. The team began as the investment and real estate development arm of Ho-Chunk, Inc., founded by the Winnebago Nation of Nebraska to create jobs and diversify the economy. Under Johnson’s leadership, Ho Chunk Capital has expanded to provide other tribal organizations with the expertise they need to successfully develop in their communities.
Additionally, Mr. Johnson is an entrepreneur himself. In January, he opened a Pizza Ranch restaurant in Bemidji, Minnesota, creating quality, accessible jobs for economically distressed non-metropolitan communities.
“I am honored to receive this prestigious award,” Johnson said. “Ho Chunk Capital has been at the forefront of real estate development since its inception. We are grateful for the support of our entire team and trusted partners. We are happy to be a part of this addition of quality work.” Impactful community improvement and quality housing in indigenous communities. ”
Pillar of the Year: Roland Jaimes, Deputy Director of Pascua Yaki Housing Authority
Roland Jaimez is an integral part of a multi-stage affordable housing development by the Pascua Yaki Tribe, building single-family homes, townhomes and apartments on land near Tucson, Arizona. A Pillar of the Year award winner, Jaimez managed the project adeptly, was generous with his money, and battled a variety of factors to deliver a quality product on time. Approved.
“His knowledge and experience has enabled the division to go beyond small projects to become one of the largest companies developing affordable housing in southern Arizona,” said Keith Gregory, Pasqua Yaki Nation’s Housing Division Director. We were able to grow together,” he said.
Jaimez has worked in the Pascua Yaki housing division for 18 years.
“I see my work as just a fraction of the great work that the entire department has done,” Jaimez said. “Our community continues to have a huge need for affordable housing. It reminds me.”
Haven of the Year: Angela Stanley, Residential Services Manager at Yavapai Apache Nation Tribal Housing
Heaven of the Year Award winner Angela Stanley was recognized for keeping affordable housing strong well into the future by listening to her family’s needs and implementing a plan. Ms. Stanley returned to Yavapai Apache Tribal Housing after a period of hiatus to get her existing units back on track while also creating low-income housing to create more homes for her fellow members. I applied for a tax exemption.
“Angela handled all of this with grace and confidence as if she were in her usual office,” said Mike Price, director of asset management and compliance at Travois. .
In a congratulatory address, Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs praised Stanley for his “outstanding efforts to provide affordable and accessible housing for the first Arizonas.”
“I am proud of your achievements and congratulate you on receiving the National Award,” Hobbes wrote.
Project Team of the Year: Tribal Union of the Colville Reservation
The Union of Tribes on the Colville Reservation built a Head Start Program facility in Omack, Washington to provide children with additional early childhood education opportunities and create quality, accessible jobs. Winning the Project Team of the Year award recognizes them to be the best representatives of India’s national development by innovating the field with new ideas and courageous actions.
“With the new Head Start, we will be able to more than double the number of children and families we serve, and have a tremendous impact on children, families and communities.” Colville Reservation Shannon Thomas, a senior staff attorney for the Coalition of Tribes, said.
The new facility will also be closer to parents and children, offer programs from birth to age three, and will integrate mother tongues into education from an early age.
“Over the past eight years, we have considered creating and developing new buildings for our members and finding ways to replace buildings a priority,” said Norma Sanchez, member of the Colville Business Council. He said. “Headstart is one of the first buildings on a long list that needs replacement.”
Innovative Team of the Year: Dry Creek Rancheria Band of the Pomo Indians
This year’s breakthrough team, Dry Creek Rancheria Band of Pomo Indians, was recognized for embarking on the development of the first low-income housing tax credit. Dry Creek Rancilia is constructing a development named Bidu Cael Elder Village with 25 single-family homes and a community center of approximately 3,000 square feet.
“The Dry Creek Rancheria Band of Pomo Indians are honored to be recognized as an innovative team of the year,” said Lisa, board member of the Dry Creek Rancheria Band of Pomo Indians. Lelis said. “This project is a team effort focused on an urgent and unmet need within our community.”
Located in Sonoma County, California, Bido Kale Elder Village will provide affordable housing in one of the country’s most expensive neighborhoods.
“Management has always had the ultimate goal of providing beautiful, safe, and affordable housing for seniors in our community,” said Trent Rogers, senior project manager at Travois. .
Transformational Initiative of the Year: Warm Springs Housing Authority
The Warm Springs Housing Authority was recently recognized for its efforts to rebuild affordable housing for its members. At his two locations on the Warm Springs Reservation in Oregon, the Housing Authority is restoring a total of 18 homes.
The project features updated interior finishes and layouts, energy efficient building envelopes and systems, new laundry and warehouse buildings, and additional bedrooms to accommodate large families.
Warm Springs Housing Corporation Executive Director Daniel Wood said: “Warm Springs is facing a housing crisis. Many families are living in overcrowded and substandard conditions because the area does not have enough housing for their families. ‘ said. “Providing 18 more affordable and energy efficient homes was a gift to our community. Seeing the joy and smiles of families in their new homes was what we needed.” It was the reward for everything.”
About low-income housing tax credits
Housing finance provides the private sector with incentives to invest in affordable rental housing for low-income households. Since President Reagan signed it into law in 1986, this mortgage loan has funded the construction and preservation of more than 3.7 million affordable homes nationwide. It now produces virtually all new affordable housing, making it the country’s primary tool for preserving existing affordable housing. This housing loan helps low-income households, veterans, the disabled, and the elderly in rural, suburban, urban, and tribal communities. For more information, visit rentalhousingaction.org.
About the Newmarket Tax Credit
NMTC launched the Community Revitalization Tax Relief Act of 2000 as part of a bipartisan effort to stimulate investment and economic growth in low-income urban and rural communities that lack access to the patient funds they need to support them. (PL 106-554). Grow your business, create jobs, and keep your local economy healthy. The NMTC program attracts capital to low-income communities by offering private investors federal tax breaks for investments in business and economic development projects in some of the nation’s most difficult regions. For more information, visit nmtccoalition.org.
About Travoie
Francisco “Chico” Carr received the Housing Professional of the Year award for his work with the Pueblo of Acoma Housing Authority and Laguna Housing Development Management Company.
Travois is a certified B Corporation dedicated to promoting housing and economic development for Native American, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian communities. Since 1995, Travois has invested in the Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program and the New Market Tax Credit (NMTC) program. It has impacted more than his $1.8 billion. These private investor funds have helped build or rehabilitate over 6,100 homes and have also helped finance critical economic developments such as infrastructure, health care, community centers, educational and employment promotion facilities. rice field. The Travois family of companies also provides clients with architectural design, construction monitoring services, green energy improvement consulting, asset management and compliance services, and comprehensive training. For more information, please visit travois.com. Find us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram.
