Texas Association of Community Development Corporations

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    FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS  
                   

Member Benefits      Roundtable Benefits      Membership Application

Questions? Call: (512) 916.0508

1. What is a CDC?

2. What is TACDC?

3. Can non-profit, tax exempt organizations “lobby” government officials?

4. Do non-profit CDCs and for-profit private developers do the same things?

5. Who Administers TACDC?

6. Who Can Join TACDC? 

7. How Diverse is Your Membership?

8.  What are the Benefits of Membership?

9. I’ve been making contributions every pay period so how do I view my John Hancock 401K account on-line?

10. How exactly Does TACDC intend to increase CDC capacity in Texas?

11. What exactly is a a CHDO (pronounced ‘CHō-DŌ’)?

12. How do I start a CDC?

13. How can TACDC help in my neighborhood?  ...And, is there a CDC in my area?

14. What impact do CDCs have on neighboring property values?

1.  What is a CDC? 

Community Development Corporations take a number of forms, but they are all community-based, non-profit organizations that promote the betterment of the communities in which they serve.  CDCs develop or manage affordable housing, provide technical assistance and financing to small businesses, and/or develop essential community facilities. They may be stand-alone organizations, or may be affiliated with a church, community action agency, Council of Governments, or fraternal organization.  Basically, a CDC is a corporation initiated by a community with the expressed intent of creating new economic and housing opportunities for traditionally underserved, under-invested areas that serve low-income and special needs populations.

Administration: CDCs in Texas range from 0 employees with no real budgets and a volunteer board of directors to conduct day to day business to agencies with over 200 employees and $17 million (or more!) in annual budgets.  Their activities include: single-family, detached houses, multi-family (apartment) housing, and economic development activities. 

2.  What is TACDC? 

TACDC is a trade association, created through the cooperative efforts of its members.  A number of years ago, CDCs saw the need to band together to more effectively advocate for the interests of the communities they serve.  They also sought to create a source for training, research, and services for practitioners in the Community Development field.  TACDC has over 150 members spanning the state and reflecting Texas' diversity and geography.  Our membership is engaged in producing affordable housing and community economic development.  TACDC advocates for a supportive environment at the local, state, and federal levels on behalf of those that create and preserve homes, jobs, small businesses and other community assets.

3.  Can non-profit, tax exempt organizations “lobby” government officials? 

Of course.  One does not lose the right of free speech just because of non-profit or tax-exempt status.  Granted, some special IRS rules do apply specifically to non-profits.  Consult your accountant, tax advisor, or someone like C-BAR for information on IRS rules.  But, basically, the employees and members of a non-profit may advocate for or against legislation or regulations, just as anyone can.  A non-profit, however, may NOT engage in electoral activity or contribute money to a political campaign unless it is through a properly structured Political Action Committee (PAC).

Trainings on lobbying guidelines are offered throughout the year.  Contact us or sign up for our email blasts to keep up with the latest trainings and goings on at the Hill!

4.  Do non-profit CDCs and for-profit private developers do the same thing?

Yes and no.  While both may provide affordable housing in a community, each has different goals and motives. The private developer’s primary interest is profit, which is the way the system of incentives intends it.  The CDC’s motivation is its mission, i.e., to provide affordable housing.  However, both the for-profit and the non-profit must make a profit to stay in business.  Frequently, the two types of developers form cooperative partnerships with one another, such as when using tax credit financing.  In general, non-profit organizations are more willing to tackle the more difficult, higher need, lower profit projects, while private developers naturally look for projects which reward them with a greater profit incentive.  

5.  Who Administers TACDC?

TACDC is governed by a 15-person, member-elected Board of Directors, a majority of which must represent community-based non-profit entities.  The TACDC Roundtable includes 14 representatives of national intermediaries, private lending institutions, and community development professionals.  The TACDC Roundtable discusses and suggests policy for the Board’s consideration and supports TACDC’s work with their financial and staff resources.

6.  Who Can Join TACDC? 

Anyone who is interested in supporting Community Development!  There are various membership levels and types of membership.  Only CDCs can join as VOTING members, others can join as Associate Members.  There are many ways to offer support, becoming a member is just one. More on Membership.  You Can Also Support TACDC With A Tax-Deductible Contribution.

7.  How Diverse is Your Membership?

Our Membership Includes: CDCs, CHDOs, CDFIs, banks, developers, city and county governments, housing authorities, foundations, and national intermediaries.  All of these have common goals working in areas of:

 Affordable Housing

Economic Development

Workforce Development

Neighborhood Revitalization

Support Activities that Positively Impact Low-Income & Underserved Communities.

 8.  What are the Benefits of Membership?

Members receive the right to vote on policy direction, the ability to join in 401k program, and discounted access to conferences, seminars, and trainings.  Plus, being a member gives you the ability to make a difference in your community at the local, state, and federal level.

9.  I’ve been making contributions every pay period so how do I view my John Hancock 401K account on-line?

To View Your John Hancock Account ON-LINE:
 

1. Locate the PIN CARD you received in your original enrollment package
2. LOGIN TO: www.jhpensions.com
3. CONTRACT NUMBER: 19121
4. CLICK ON REGISTER (This will set up a unique username and password profile for the next time wish to view your acct online)
    

If you have misplaced your original pin card or have problems setting up your online account, please call 1.800.395.1113

10.  How exactly Does TACDC intend to increase CDC capacity in Texas?

Through advocating for legislation that allows CDCs to fulfill their mission, white papers based on sound research practices, and trainings geared toward developing the capacity of CDCs to address specific issues faced in Texas.

We focus on strengthening the 7 elements found in successful community development organizations, and offer trainings that focus specifically on:

1. Planning
2. Staffing and Personnel Management
3. Governance
4. Financial Management and Management Information Systems
5. Production and Program Delivery
6. Asset Management
7. Community Relations & Resource Development

 Members Can Build Their Internal Capacity By:

*Applying for Free Capacity Building Assessments and Grants

*Discounted Training On Various CDC-related issues (How to start a CDC, etc)

*Mentoring & Networking Opportunities with other CDCs

*Participating in the Lone Star Internship Program

11.  What exactly is a a CHDO (pronounced ‘CHō-DŌ’)? 

A Community Housing Development Organization, or CH(o)DO, is a non-profit organization that has been recognized and specially designated through an evaluation process conducted by a participating jurisdiction (PJ) (PJ - governmental entity that is receiving federal housing funds from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to address affordable housing needs in their community) which meets specific structural guidelines as established by the HUD HOME Investment Partnerships Program, as defined in the FINAL RULE (24 CFR Part 92, Subpart A, § 92.2 Definitions) page 6.  (HOME is always capitalized, but is not an acronym – just to keep us on our toes!)

12.  How do I start a CDC?

Starting a CDC is starting a business.  Trainings on starting a business, and whether your business should be a non-profit or for-profit are offered throughout the year.  Contact us or sign up for our email blasts to keep up with the latest trainings and goings on at the Hill!

13.  How can TACDC help in my neighborhood?  ...And, is there a CDC in my area?

TACDC can help your neighborhood by guiding you through the process of establishing your CDC.  This is one of the tools your neighborhood can use to direct community economic and housing redevelopment.

14.  What impact do CDCs have on neighboring property values?

They almost always increase the value of the neighborhoods.  In fact, contrary to popular belief, a responsible CDCs multi-family development will be a positive addition to a neighborhoods marketability because it provides for the mixed income housing, and spurs new economic opportunities.

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