Pinellas County Sponsors Program for Community Development Practitioners

The Housing Finance Authority of Pinellas County is a proud sponsor of the Certificate in Community Real Estate Development program at the University of South Florida. The program offers practical training for staff responsible for creating successful affordable housing and community based real estate development programs.

Board members, policy makers and community leaders who are engaged in promoting affordable housing will benefit greatly from the program. Students in business, urban studies, architecture and others who desire hands-on experience in project level real estate financial analysis will also find this program beneficial.

James Carras serves as the program’s Tampa Bay 2013 Lead Facilitator. Carras has more than 25 years experience as principal of his own investment company, concentrating on designing and implementing solutions for community and economic development.

A unique component of the program is the development of an actual proposed project. All participants will present their project to a panel of community development professionals, public program staff and lenders who will offer constructive feedback and recommendations for successful implementation.

Anthony M. Jones, executive director of the Housing Finance Authority of Pinellas County believes the program “continues to facilitate exceptional professional development opportunities for individuals to make meaningful impact in community development.

The program begins the end of May. Registration is required. The cost for the program is $125. Additional information is available at http://fiog.usf.edu/trainings/cred/.

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