Thursday, May 1

8–9 a.m.
Registration/Breakfast/Food Drive

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9:15–10:30 a.m.
Concurrent Education Sessions

① REGULATORY TRACK
Building a Strong Foundation: Best Practices for HUD MOR, Vouchering, and Contract Renewals
Moderator: Justin Tierney, Manager of Contract Administration, NJHMFA
Speakers: Kelly Palombi, Senior Contract Administrator; Andrea Schrum, TRACS Coordinator; and Richard Dyer, Contract Coordinator, NJHMFA

② COMPLIANCE TRACK
Updating Affirmative Fair Housing Marketing Plans on a Budget
Speaker: Brian Gamble, Vice President of Compliance & Consulting Services, DeSilva Housing Group
This advanced, interactive session is designed for housing professionals needing to update their Affirmative Fair Housing Marketing Plan (AFHMP). AFHMPs must be reviewed and updated, if necessary, every five years. The AFHMP Form 935.2A now requires owners to gather and report demographic information from their existing tenant population, their waiting list and their surrounding community via census data. However, the new census resources online are intimidating and technical to navigate. We will demonstrate the process by completing the online census research for a “sample property” and provide tips on the best ways to ensure your revised plan is a complete submission. Finally, learn inexpensive, yet effective, advertising and marketing techniques to attract applicants to your property without blowing your advertising budget.

③ RESIDENT SERVICES TRACK
NJHMFA Session TBA

④ MAINTENANCE TRACK
HUD’s NSPIRE Inspection Standards — A Modern Take on Compliance Inspections
Speaker: Scott Precourt, Founder and Managing Partner of US Housing Consultants
During this session, Scott Precourt from US Housing Consultants will provide an overview of the NSPIRE standards and the progress made since its implementation in 2023. The presentation will cover common issues, effective strategies, and high-risk issues that need to be addressed as part of day-to-day management. Attendees will learn about the NSPIRE standards and the status of implementing this significant change in oversight on HUD Assisted Housing, as well as Low Income Housing Tax Credits and voucher programs.

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10:45 a.m.–12 p.m.
Concurrent Education Sessions

① COMPLIANCE TRACK & REGULATORY TRACK
Mastering NJHMFA Compliance: Demystifying Asset Management Requirements and Processes
Moderator: Andrew Phillips, Asset Manager, NJHMFA
Speakers: Alicia Rocha, Asset Manager; Shani Smith-Grayson, Housing Management Officer; Idanis Peter-Diaz, Credit and Business Analyst; and Jason Miller, Supervisor of Tax Credit Compliance, NJHMFA
Join us for a comprehensive review of how to partner effectively with the NJHMFA Asset Management team during the R&R Reimbursement process, bad debt reporting process, and navigating the new NJHMFA Owner’s Portal (LIHTC).  This session will outline proactive steps for ensuring all documentation is in order, clarifying the expectations of both parties, and discussing what can be done to avoid delays or complications in each phase of the process. Attendees will walk away with tools needed to smoothly navigate Asset Management processes.

③ RESIDENT SERVICES TRACK
Quality Supportive Services: Standards & Expectations for HMFA Social Service Plans & Compliance
Speaker: Brian McShane, Associate Director NJ/PA, The Corporation for Supportive Housing (CSH)
The Corporation for Supportive Housing’s (CSH) Metro Team has been providing technical assistance to the New Jersey Housing Mortgage Finance Agency (NJHMFA) in approving and reviewing compliance and social services plans since December of 2023. CSH has relied upon nationwide best practices to inform the review of these services and ensure that services in affordable housing programs are high quality for the most marginalized individuals and households across New Jersey. Join this session for a review of the LIHTC compliance process for social services, as well as the review process for managing agent evaluations, which includes the Senior Independent Living (SIL) Program.

④ MAINTENANCE TRACK
NSPIRE Standards — Significant Changes in Expectations
Speaker: Scott Precourt, Founder and Managing Partner of US Housing Consultants
HUD’s NSPIRE standards include dramatic shifts in the scope of inspections – what is included in the inspection and what is expected from property owners and managers. This will include explanations to often confusing new standards on fire safety, electrical issues, and other items that have dramatic new expectations under NSPIRE. Scott Precourt from US Housing Consultants will provide examples and a breakdown that simplifies the process and expectations.

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12:15–1:30 p.m.
Awards Luncheon
NAHMA Address by Larry Keys, Vice President of Government Affairs
JAHMA Foundation Scholarship Recipient

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1:45–3 p.m.
Concurrent Education Sessions

① COMPLIANCE TRACK & REGULATORY TRACK
HOTMA Hot Topics
Speaker: Brian Gamble, Vice President of Compliance & Consulting Services, DeSilva Housing Group
Please note, this extended session is not a repeat of yesterday's HOTMA-related sessions. Rather, this session will be further segmented into more focused discussions of how HOTMA impacted three key areas of rental calculations - Income, Assets, and Expenses. Brian will identify the major changes in each category to be aware of, what discretionary options exist for owners to consider for calculation methodologies, and what elements of the regulatory changes are prompting clarification requests or questions from the industry about interpretation. Again, content in this session will be updated, if and when any additional published HUD guidance or FAQs are released in advance of the class.

② RESIDENT SERVICES TRACK
The Grief of Losing Housing and Strategies for Coping
Speaker: Annette Mendez, Training and Curriculum Manager, Good Grief
Losing housing is a profound an often-overlooked source of grief. Whether due to economic or financial issues, evictions, natural disasters, or from the many crises that occur, homelessness impacts a person’s sense of security, identity, and belonging. Following housing loss, complex grief can manifest as feelings of loss, fear, shame, and uncertainty about the future. This session highlights how housing loss can trigger grief and offers strategies to help individuals and families cope with the emotional impact.

③ MAINTENANCE TRACK
Session TBA

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3–3:30 p.m.
Afternoon Break

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3:30–4:45 p.m.
General Session
In Kahoots with Best Practices!
Presented by: Kevin Krier, Hillcrest Management, and Hillcrest Management Staff

Join us for an engaging and interactive session on property management best practices! In this session, we will work together as a team to test our knowledge through a fun and competitive game. This hands-on activity will cover key topics such as tenant communication, fair housing, social service issues  and compliance. Not only will you have the chance to refresh your knowledge, but you'll also learn valuable tips to apply in real-world property management scenarios. Get ready for some friendly competition and team collaboration! Most importantly — there will be prizes!

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6 p.m.
Networking Reception & JAHMA Foundation Fundraiser

Friday, May 2

9 a.m.
Breakfast & Communities of Quality Presentation

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