Harry Maher presents on rent schedules at the 2021 NAIHC Legal Symposium

2021 NAIHC Legal Symposium Presentations

December 6-8, 2021
Las Vegas

Big Water Consulting had the honor of presenting on three topics at this year’s NAIHC Legal Symposium. Below are descriptions of each of the presentations, as well as PDF versions of each presentation’s PowerPoint (linked in presentation title). It was a joy to see so many faces in person, and we look forward to the annual convention in May 2022, hosted in our own city, Seattle!

Sustainable Rent Structures
Harry Maher and Kevin Klingbeil
The presenters discussed how housing entities can develop rent structures that comply with NAHASDA requirements, increase revenue, and account for inflation without overburdening low-income tenants. These structures balance the needs of housed and un-housed community members and incorporate approaches utilized throughout affordable housing settings, increasing objectivity and potential buy-in.

Conducting a Successful Housing Needs Assessment During COVID-19
Kevin Klingbeil, Harry Maher, and Cheryl Cloud (Executive Director of Red Cliff Housing Authority)
Red Cliff Chippewa Housing AUthirty (Northern Wisconsin) conducted a Housing Needs Assessment that achieved an 87% response rate, despite winter weather and COVID-19, which led to a successful HUD Census Challenge. The innovative data collection methods maintained employee & community safety while collecting essential data that accurately describes the needs of the community.

Assessment of Native Housing Needs in Washington State
Kevin Klingbeil and Rachel Kramer
This study funded by Washington State provided a unique opportunity to examine systemic barriers and potential opportunities to diminish or remove barriers to Native housing development. The study’s coordinators described the project’s unique stakeholder engagement and data collection processes, key findings, lessons learned, and recommended actions and future collaborations.