USDA RD TNAHC Session USDA Rural Development Rural

USDA RD TNAHC Session

USDA Rural Development Rural Housing Service • Implementing new strategies to effectively deliver our programs and funding to rural communities across Tennessee. • What are we facing: A. Reduced Staffing Resources B. Hiring freeze and delays C. Funding delays in receiving our State Allocation D. Reduced internal ability to market our program E. Centralization of many key operations functions

Where are we now: • In 2018, Rural Development (RD) leadership introduced the Four Development: Pillars of Rural Economic Development Marketing & Outreach Processing & Underwriting, Servicing Special Assets The Four Pillar model offers strategic guidance to reflect on how RD can align our work with industry standards, ensure consistency, and encourage specialization to manage staff workload and ultimately grow the success of our programs to meet the economic development needs of rural communities.

Basic Principle supporting the four Pillars: • The Four Pillars model borrows from industry standards of financial institutions and will modernize Rural Development to improve customer service delivery and streamline work flows for employees. • The Four Pillars model embraces a One RD/ One USDA approach rather than a National Office versus the states enabling us to increase consistency in program delivery and manage everincreasing workloads in our portfolio. • Under a Four Pillars model, Rural Development will focus on both the program and the function of the program and allow staff to wear fewer hats rather than carry the workload of all pillars across multiple programs along with collateral duties. We also incorporate the use of PARTNERSHIPS in carrying out our mission and programs across both the Nation and Tennessee.

USDA RD Values Our State and Community Partners! • Today, we are going to learn about two important partners that USDA Rural Development has cultivated to help both deliver our Single Family Direct lending program but also help to increase economic viability and development in rural communities across the state. • Tomorrow – I will be available at one of the “Conversation Pit Stations” to share specific information on our Direct Lending and grant programs for both mortgages and home repair. In addition, info on other programs including Guaranteed SFH Loans and MFH lending / property acquisition will be available for discussion as well.

Packaging Partners: • Laura Meadows Executive Vice President of Lending Fahe (Berea, KY) Fahe is an approved USDA National Intermediary for the Direct Loan Packaging Program (Single Family Housing)

Development Partners: • Rusty Smith Associate Director Rural Studio, Auburn University School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape Architecture Rural Studio is a catalyst with our Small House Build Initiative in both Tennessee and other locations across the nation. The recently were awarded a USDA RCDI grant to provide Technical Assistance on their program across several states.

Contact Information: Don Harris Housing Program Director Tennessee State Office USDA Rural Development 441 Donelson Pike , Suite Nashville, TN 37214 Email: Donald. harris@usda. gov Website: www. rd. usda. gov/tn

www. rd. usda. gov 1 (800) 800 -670 -6553 USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.