At its annual meeting on January 29 at the Baltimore Marriott Inner Harbor, the Maryland Affordable Housing Coalition ("MAHC") presented its 2007 Housing Advocacy Award to Douglas M. Duncan, for his long-term commitment to, and support for, affordable housing and community development initiatives in Montgomery County as County Executive from 1994 - 2006.

"MAHC is presenting this award to Doug Duncan because he has always understood the critical role that affordable housing plays in building strong communities," said HAND president Nancy Rase. "As County Executive, affordable housing was a key priority for him and his actions spoke to his commitment." In particular, Ms. Rase cited Mr. Duncan's successful effort to doubling the County's Housing Initiative Fund (HIF) to $15 million in 2002, then subsequently winning support for a dedicated income stream for the HIF each year of 2.5% of the County's property tax revenues. The HIF, now over $20 million annually, provides low cost loans to developers of affordable housing in the County. "I'm honored to be receiving this award from the Maryland Affordable Housing Coalition," said Duncan. "Affordable housing is a critical issue in Montgomery County, as well as throughout Maryland, and MAHC and its members are helping by advocating for greater resources and by providing quality affordable housing."

INFORMATION ON MAHC

MAHC's mission is to increase the financial and technical resources available for developers of affordable housing in Maryland. Formed in 2000, MAHC advocates for resources for affordable housing programs through increased funding for established programs, such as those of the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development ("DHCD"). In addition, MAHC believes in developing and promoting "best practices" in conjunction with DHCD staff through frequent trainings and seminars.

Former Montgomery County Executive Douglas M. Duncan (2nd from left) is presented with the 2007 MAHC Housing Advocacy Award from (left to right) MAHC board members John D. Spencer (Victory Housing), Robert Goldman (Montgomery Housing Partnership and Nancy Rase (Homes for America).