Six U.S. Cities Recognized For Increasing Affordable Housing

Six U.S. cities have been recognized as the bestserve.
places for increasing affordable housing by the3. Boulder, Colorado and the Boulder Area Realtor
National Association of Realtors (NAR) and the UnitedAssociation
States Conference of Mayors. The selected citiesThe Southern Lights program involves building two
receive recognition for the innovations made induplexes that will house two families each. This
housing, improvements in housing opportunities andrealtor association provides funds and a minimum of
increased affordability.800 volunteer hours toward the construction of the
Launched in 2004, the 'Ambassadors for Cities'homes.
program envisages the development of housing4. Jacksonville, Florida and the Northeast Florida
opportunities and homeownership in communitiesAssociation of Realtors
every year, through improved collaborations betweenThis association endeavors to enhance housing for
local city governments and realtor associations. Theemployees of local businesses through their employer
program has so far honored 19 cities in the U.S. andassisted housing (EAH) programs. Besides this, the
has granted up to $95,000 towards affordablerealtors will also receive training to use this "Home
housing initiatives.from Work" program so as to assist local businesses
For this current year, six cities have been selected asset up their own EAH programs.
the 2007 Ambassador Cities. They are:5. Miami, Florida and the Realtor Association of
1. Fort Smith, Arkansas and the Fort Smith Board ofGreater Miami and the Beaches
RealtorsThis city envisages building a virtual housing center to
The City of Forth Smith Homebuyers Assistanceconnect renters with affordable rental units and
Program offers participants a well-defined educationhome buyers with home sellers. The association's
in credit counseling and mortgage readiness and alsomulti-language website and home listings will be linked
a five-week financial fitness course on budgeting,to the Housing Central website. An educational
money management, credit and avoiding predatoryprogram for realtors on various funding incentives for
lending. Over 200 families have purchased a homebuyers and renters is also on the anvil.
since 1997, as a result of the program.6. Durham, North Carolina and the Durham Regional
2. San Diego, California and the San Diego AssociationAssociation of Realtors
of RealtorsAn annual training on the Durham's homeownership
The 'Back the Blue' Program specially designed forprograms is being held every year since 1997 for
police officers provides them an interest rate "buyrealtors. Those who complete the training program
down". The program aims to bring down the monthlyare placed on Durham's realtor referral list. Potential
mortgage payments of the officers thereby helpinghome buyers are highly benefited by this
them to purchase homes in the communities theyhomeownership program.