Serving the Southern Maryland Tri-County Area
Southern Maryland Minority Chamber of Commerce Foundation

Updates from the CDN

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Posted: January 4, 2021

SAVE THE DATE!
 Virtual Community Development Day in Annapolis
February 17, 2021
(Maryland General Assembly kicks off January 13!)
BLOCK YOUR CALENDARS NOW.
DETAILS AND REGISTRATION NEXT WEEK
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SIGNED, SEALED AND DELIVERED!
After months of negotiations and days of holiday angst, the stimulus package
was approved by Congress and signed by the president. The bill includes
checks of up to $600 per person, extension of unemployment benefits,
$25 billion in emergency assistance to renters and a one-month
extension on the eviction moratorium.
Summary from the National Housing Trust below:
  • $25 billion through the Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF) to provide state and local governments within 30 days of enactment. Funds may be used for past and future rent and utility payments. Assistance can be provided for 12 months. States and localities can add three months of assistance.
  • Under the legislation, cities and states can make payments directly to landlords or utility companies on behalf of renters. If a landlord refuses to accept the rental assistance, cities and states can give assistance directly to the renter, who can then make payments to the landlord or utility provider.
  • Extends the CDC eviction moratorium until January 31, 2021.
  • Extends the deadline to December 31, 2021 for funds provided by Congress in the CARES Act through the CRF.
  • Establishes a permanent floor for the 4 percent LIHTC.
  • Establishes a $9 billion Emergency Capital Investment Program (ECIP), administered by the Treasury Department, to provide low-cost, long-term capital investments to minority depository institutions (MDIs) and CDFIs that are depository institutions.
  • Provides $3 billion to the CDFI Fund to provide grants and other financial assistance to CDFIs, including CDFI loan funds, as they serve consumers, small businesses, and nonprofits in their communities.
National Low Income Housing Coalition’s detailed state breakdown and fact sheet.
The stimulus bill also includes $7 billion in to help lower-income Americans connect to the internet and pay their monthly internet bills and allocates about $3 billion for monthly rebates on internet bills, providing up to $50 per month for low-income families. Here is a summary from National Digital Inclusion Alliance. The bill will also focus on longer term efforts to support internet access, such as allocating funding to determine which regions lack access to high speed internet and improving infrastructure. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) will be in charge of carrying out the program.
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THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE HOME
On Monday, December 28, the housing rights coalition Renters United Maryland and several state lawmakers announced a Housing Justice Package for the 2021 legislative session. The package of bills includes an overhaul of Maryland’s
eviction process and new emergency restrictions on landlords as well as emergency protections for homeowners. Recent estimates from the
Chicago-based consulting firm Stout show that up to 204,000 Maryland
households could currently be at risk for eviction.
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WE ARE FAMILY
Every child in Maryland should have the basics, and families should have support to survive the considerable stress and pain of the COVID-19 pandemic. Federal, state and local decision makers can take steps to ensure children and families to weather this crisis. Moreover, the devastating and disproportionate effects of the pandemic on communities of color have made it clear that the national response to this current situation must address the racial inequities long highlighted by the Annie E. Casey Foundation. Here is their Kids, Families and Covid-19 Report.

MASK ON MARYLAND
TO YOUR MESSAGING
HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Small Biz Bulletin for November: Small Business Events & Resources

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Posted: November 2, 2020

Message from Special Secretary Rhee

Appreciative Audiences Prevail

“Pivot” is the trendy word being used to identify how entrepreneurs are adapting to the business environment during the COVID-19 pandemic. Back in March, I did not think I would adapt to a world ruled by social distancing, but I was wrong. I have settled into the new “norm” and discovered some pleasant surprises along the way.
I enjoy the more casual dress code and am happy to be spending far less time in my car driving from meeting to meeting. I have also successfully made the pivot to the virtual platform of meetings and webinars. In my role as Special Secretary, I am an active public speaker, invited to attend eight to 10 events in a typical month. Talking to a computer screen from my home office has been a big adjustment, and I’ve had to sharpen my own tech skills. Sadly, there are those who are hacking these platforms with nefarious agendas. I was recently the victim of such an action. Thankfully, calm heads prevailed and we were able to continue with the agenda. I share this experience to highlight one simple truth — we cannot control the behavior of others, but we can always control our own behavior. Be outraged by those who seek to discriminate, but do not shy away from events hosted on these virtual platforms. The great programs available to us all deserve appreciative audiences who cultivate respect and dignity.

Jimmy Rhee
Special Secretary

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Governor Hogan Increases Economic Relief by $250 Million

Governor Larry Hogan recently announced the $250 million “Maryland Strong: Economic Recovery Initiative,” which provides funding from the Rainy Day Fund to directly assist small businesses, restaurants, local entertainment venues, arts organizations, and Main Streets across the state. The initiative doubles the state’s total commitment to COVID-19 emergency economic relief for Marylanders to $500 million. The governor has directed each agency to ensure that this much-needed funding gets out the door as quickly as possible and will work closely with local partners to assist in expeditiously getting this money into the hands of struggling citizens and small businesses. The new funding will be provided to new and existing programs:

  • $50M – expansion of the Maryland Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Fund
  • $50M – direct relief for restaurants
  • $20M – direct relief for Main Street
  • $20M – expansion of COVID-19 Layoff Aversion Fund
  • $5M – expansion of small and minority business low-interest loans
  • $3M – expansion of arts funding
  • $2M – hometown tourism programs
  • $100M – Emergency Rapid Response Fund for small businesses

Read the official press release for complete details.

$250 Million ‘Maryland Strong: Economic Recovery Initiative’

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A Decade of Difference

Congratulations to the Maryland Women’s Business Center (MWBC) on the celebration of their 10th anniversary. This exceptional organization is helping start, sustain, and grow women-owned enterprises that strengthen Maryland’s statewide economy. They value diversity, teamwork, creativity, innovation, professional development, and empowerment. Clients consistently choose to work with MWBC for the supportive environment that helps build self-efficacy and confidence. Their skilled and dedicated staff work with 1,500 women entrepreneurs annually, providing individual counseling, hosting workshops, facilitating peer group support, and connecting entrepreneurs to capital resources. MWBC will celebrate a decade of accomplishments on November 19th with an “empowHERment” program that includes awards and raffle prizes from local artists. The program is free to attend, so join in the celebration of a decade!

Maryland Women’s Business Center

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Masks on Maryland

You’ve been challenged by Governor Larry Hogan. Support Maryland’s ongoing health and economic recovery by participating in the “Masks On Maryland” Challenge. As predicted, cases of COVID-19 are increasing around the country and in Maryland during the fall season, and the governor issued an order renewing the current state of emergency in Maryland. While positivity and case rates remain lower than in most states, we must remain vigilant. The “Masks on Maryland” campaign encourages Marylanders to wear masks properly when in public or unable to social distance. Members of the Governor’s Coordinating Offices, including our very own Special Secretary Jimmy Rhee, helped to launch the campaign. You can help keep Maryland open for business. To join the challenge, simply post a picture or video of yourself, your colleagues, your family, or friends wearing a mask while social distancing. Be sure to include the hashtag #MasksOnMaryland.

Masks on Maryland Challenge

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Mark Your Calendar

In this new environment of social distancing, everyone is adapting. Today’s seminars are webinars, Zoom meetings, Facebook Live events, Google Meets, and more. If you have a smart phone or a computer, you have what you need to tap into these valuable training and information sessions. Capacity can fill quickly, so sign up early when required to do so.

11/04/2020 – Poor Bookkeeping Equals Poor Decisions
11/04/2020 – A Roadmap to Your Professional Web Presence
11/05 2020 – Veteran Certification: Are You Interested in Doing Business with the Federal
Government?
11/10/2020 – Technical Training Classroom: Maryland’s Veteran-Owned Small Business Enterprise (VSBE) Program
11/10/2020 – MBE/DBE Application Assistance Workshop
11/10/2020 – The Dark Web: Protecting Your Most Important Assets
11/19/2020 – Understanding the Gig Economy
11/19/2020 – A Decade of Difference: Celebrating 10 Years of EmpoweHERment
11/23/2020 – Holiday e-Commerce for Small Retailers
11/24/2020 – BWI Contracting: Win More

Check out our full listing of small business events
online at goMDsmallbiz.maryland.gov.

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COVID-19 Business Resources

Consumer Alert: Utility Shut-Off Notices

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Posted: October 10, 2020

Utility Shut-Off Notices Begin Again: What To Do if You Receive One

As of October 1, 2020, utility companies in Maryland may once again started sending utility shut-off notices to consumers. However, the Maryland Public Service Commission (PSC) has prohibited residential utility shut-offs, including gas, water, and electric services, from occurring until at least November 15, 2020. The 45-day window between a utility shut-off notice and the date that the shut-off can occur provides consumers the time to apply for financial assistance or work out a payment plan with the utility.

If you are behind in utility payments and received a utility shut-off notice, there are actions you can take to help avoid having your service disconnected. Immediately upon receipt of a shut-off notice, contact the utility to ask about extended payments plans, budget billing, or other measures to avoid service termination.

You may also apply for emergency assistance to pay the utility bills that are overdue. Information on energy assistance programs is available from these resources:

If you work out a payment plan with the utility or find financial assistance to pay off your past-due bills, the PSC has ordered that your service will not be disconnected. Any payment plan you work out with a company regulated by the PSC is required to be, at minimum, a 12-month repayment plan. Furthermore, these utilities may not collect a down payment or deposit as a requirement of that repayment plan.

Please note that not all utilities are subject to the PSC’s order, including some telecom providers (such as wireless telephone companies) as well as some water and sewer agencies. If you received a shut-off notice from a utility that is not regulated by the PSC, contact that utility immediately to see if they will work out a payment plan to avoid disconnecting your service.

Do NOT wait to reach out for help if you receive a shut-off notice. If you don’t take any action to help avoid a termination, the utility may disconnect your service 45 days after they have given you notice.

NIH to Assess and Expand COVID-19 Testing for Under-served Communities

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Updated: October 1, 2020

The National Institutes of Health has awarded nearly $234 million to improve COVID-19 testing for under-served and vulnerable populations. A part of the Rapid Acceleration of Diagnostics (RADx) initiative, the RADx Under-served Populations (RADx-UP) program will support 32 institutions across the United States and will focus on populations disproportionately affected by the pandemic. These groups include African Americans, American Indians/Alaskan Natives, Latinos/Latinas, Native Hawaiians, older adults, pregnant women and those who are homeless or incarcerated.

RADx-UP will support projects with established community partnerships that can use their existing research infrastructures to swiftly implement strategies and interventions to increase access and uptake of COVID-19 testing among under-served and vulnerable populations.

Click here to view entire Press Release

Virtual Community Development Week: Sept. 30th – Oct. 8th

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Posted: September 8, 2020

Join us for Community Development Week 2020!
ALL VIRTUAL EVENTS – NO TRAVEL NEEDED
September 30: Disaster on Main Street: Two floods & COVID
Let’s take a walk down Ellicott City Main Street in Howard County. The old mill town was ravaged by deadly catastrophic flooding in 2016 and 2018. And now in 2020, their recovery has been disrupted by Covid-19. During this tour, we will discuss the county’s $140 million dollar Safe and Sound Plan that included demolition and will leave the area with an average water depth of 3 feet on lower Main Street should a flood similar to 2016 happen again. We will talk with the new Main Street manager and the county about their current plans for economic development.
Location: ONLINE Ellicott City Main Street (Howard County)
Time: 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Register: HERE
September 30: High Efficiency Homeownership in Hyattsville
Join us for the ribbon cutting at Palmer Park Meadows in Hyattsville, MD. This development consists of 9 townhomes built to a Net Zero Ready Standard for residents at 80% of AMI. Net-Zero homes have super energy efficiency “designed-in’ and produce as much energy as they consume.
Location: ONLINE Hyattsville MD (Prince George’s County)
Time: 11:00 AM- 12:00 NOON
Register: HERE
October 1:  Opportunity Zone Housing
Welcome to Ox Fibre Apartments! This new development will bring 83 new apartments to Frederick, MD. Layering Opportunity Zones equity with state Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (Housing Credits), federal Historic Tax Credits (HTC), and additional sources of debt allowed the developer to bring a 19th century warehouse back to life while providing affordable to current residents. Once completed in 2021, homes will be available to families earning 40 to 60% of AMI.
Location ONLINE (Frederick County)
Time: 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Register: HERE
October 1: Victory welcomes new residents in pandemic
Let’s mask up for the ribbon cutting at Victory Haven. This 72 unit development in Damascus was completed in June by Victory Housing and is now 70% leased and 50% occupied. COVID-19 has not diminished the demand for affordable housing. This project is funded by Montgomery county with LIHTC, Capital One, Freddie, HOC as well as others. This will be a virtual celebration to commemorate this latest affordable senior community.
Location: ONLINE Damascus (Montgomery County)
Time: 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Register: HERE
October 2: Building for Generations – Cambridge
The Chesapeake Grove Intergenerational Center will bring several services under one roof in a space designed to address the communities’ expectations for modern services and facilities. The center will house adult and child day care in a safe home like setting. Delmarva Community Development Services will bring all ages together. This space is designed to encourage interactions between seniors and young people. The center will create new opportunities for a variety of activities for all ages.
Location: ONLINE
Time: 1:00 – 3:00 PM
Register: HERE
October 5: Housing Counselor Connections
Join us for an afternoon of important national, state and local updates for housing and financial counselors. Counselors are a vital resource for renters and homeowners who need housing and mortgage assistance to recover financially from the effects of the COVID-19 emergency. We will have representatives from National Housing Resource Center, HUD and MD DHCD and hear from counselors across the state about their COVID-19 response.
Location: ONLINE
Time: 1:00 – 3:00 PM
Register: HERE
October 6: Broadband for All: Statewide Connectivity
The Covid- 19 pandemic has exposed the digital divide for every citizen across Maryland. Students, workers, healthcare all need access to affordable high-speed internet to function. It is an essential component of every county’s economic development and services to its residents, yet not every household has access. Come to this forum to understand the current state and federal strategies to get every citizen connected to broadband in Maryland.
Location: ONLINE
Time: 1:00 – 3:00 PM
Register: HERE
October 7: East Baltimore: Johnston Square Revitalization
Come with us to Johnston Square where ReBuild Metro has recently helped complete a community Vision Plan to stabilize East Baltimore between Penn Station and Johns Hopkins Hospital into a sustainable, safe, healthy, opportunity-rich communities, without displacing their existing residents. We will review the $140 million in planned local investments, including: redevelopment of abandoned properties into for-sale and rental homes; multifamily and mixed-use developments; commercial and manufacturing spaces for local workers and entrepreneurs; and parks and playgrounds.
Location: Online (Baltimore City)
Time: 10:00 – 11:30 AM.
Register: HERE 
October 8 CDN’s Annual Meeting & Awards Luncheon
Join us as we celebrate the work of CDN and our members. Congratulate your colleagues as we present our Awards of Excellence on line.  Please review our awards and nominate organizations and your colleagues here.
Location: ONLINE (Statewide)
Time: 1:00 PM.
Register: HERE
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FULL SPONSOR LIST AVAILABLE NEXT WEEK!
Community Development Network of Maryland
sole purpose is to promote, strengthen and advocate for
Maryland’s community development industry.

Community Development Network: COVID-19 Updates

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Posted: September 1, 2020

Mapping Neighborhoods where Low-income Renters Face Greatest Risk of Eviction

A new tool developed by a team of Urban Institute researchers can help you prioritize the most vulnerable renters in the state as part of an equitable COVID-19 response. As the pandemic exacerbates the nation’s affordable housing and homelessness crises and widens racial disparities in housing instability, localities must decide where to allocate emergency rental assistance funds to help renters avoid losing their homes. Search for your county or Continuum of Care geography to see which neighborhoods could be prioritized for emergency rental assistance.

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 FHA’s Foreclosure and Eviction Moratorium Extended Through December 31, 2020

On August 27, 2020, the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) published Mortgagee Letter (ML) 2020-27, Extension of Foreclosure and Eviction Moratorium in Connection with the Presidentially-Declared COVID-19 National Emergency. This letter announces a third extension of the foreclosure and eviction moratorium through December 31, 2020. This extension is effective immediately upon the expiration of the existing moratorium announced in ML 2020-19. This guidance is applicable to all FHA Title II single family forward mortgage and Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) reverse mortgage programs, except for those secured by vacant and/or abandoned properties. Read the entire Press Release

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New Executive Director for CDN

Claudia Wilson Randall will become the executive director of the Community Development Network of Maryland on Sept 1. Randall has more than two decades of experience in community development, housing and nonprofit leadership in Maryland, at both the local and state level.

See Press Release.

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HELP US HELP YOU – Renew your CDN membership today!

Throughout the Covid-19 crisis, CDN has provided timely information to you and your staff. It’s more critical than ever that we band together for meaningful opportunity for all Marylanders.

Please click here to pay your membership today.

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CENSUS CLOCK RUNNING DOWN

Please add census completion to your food, health and rental assistance messaging! Here is the dashboard for Maryland Census. You can remind your clients and partners that when a vaccine is found for Covid-19, it will be distributed on the basis of census data! Outreach materials can be found here.

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Updates from the Maryland Department of Commerce…

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Posted: September 1, 2020

3 Tips for Networking Remotely as Business Development Moves Online – By Jim Ries, Offit Kurman. Networking online is new for many of us and it takes time to get it right. We are all learning to use new technology and proper etiquette while video chatting.  https://i95business.com/articles/content/3-tips-for-networking-remotely-during-the-stay-at-home-order-1478  If you like the article attend Jim’s webinar Tuesday to learn more.

67% of employees find employee handbooks helpful. Does your company have one? About half of the companies that do have one say they have updated it since COVID-19. Create your own employee handbook (for free!) using the Workest Employee Handbook Builder tool.

New – Maryland Task Force Best Practices for Business Reopening Webinars are focused on Professional Services, Personal Services, Manufacturing and Construction, and Hospitality and Tourism. The webinars feature updates from officials at the Maryland Department of Health, Maryland Department of Commerce and Maryland State Police. All Task Force webinars can be found here:  https://govstatus.egov.com/md-coronavirus-business

Maryland’s Recovery Plan for Child Care Outlines Path Forward – Maryland Together: A plan to continue and expand child care during the COVID-19 Pandemic.  View the full Recovery Plan and the Plan FAQs for Parents.

Want to help your business? Prioritize taking care of your mental health. –Inc.