Mayor Megan Barry has announced the hiring of a new ‘housing program manager’ for the Barnes Fund for Affordable Housing. Morgan Mansa, an experienced affordable and fair housing advocate, will work with the Metro Housing Trust Fund Commission to implement policies and programs to expand Nashville’s supply of affordable housing.
“We need creative and talented individuals all across Metro working to tackle our affordable housing problems, and I am confident that Morgan Mansa will do an excellent job in helping to lead the Barnes Fund in this effort,” said Mayor Barry. “The Barnes Fund is a critical component of our overall efforts to expand our supply of affordable housing in Nashville, which is why I’ve committed to putting at least $10 million in the budget for the Fund every year I’m in office.”
Mansa has an extensive background in nonprofit, public, and private sectors, working most recently with the Tennessee Housing Development Agency. She will oversee the Barnes Fund’s budget and the commission; increase awareness of the importance of affordable housing funding; and develop and manage property disposal and deed restriction processes, amongst many other important duties.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to help implement Mayor Barry’s goals of funding, building, retaining, and preserving affordable housing throughout Davidson County,” said Mansa. “Many families are struggling to find housing they can afford within Nashville, and the programs offered through the Barnes Fund and the Mayor’s Office will help to seriously address those needs.”
The Barnes Fund is currently seeking proposals from non-profit housing developers for homeowner rehabilitation projects, rental projects and homebuyer projects in Davidson County. $10 million in grant funding, along with 36 single-family properties, is available for the fall 2016 funding round. Applications are due by November 14 at noon, and can be found at .
Eligible projects must create or preserve affordable housing opportunities in Nashville and Davidson County. Rental projects must be affordable to households with incomes at or below 60% of the median family income adjusted for family size. Homebuyer/homeowner rehabilitation projects must be affordable to households with incomes at or below 80% of the median family income adjusted for family size.
Last month, the Metro Council passed the Mayor’s Housing Incentives Pilot Program (HIPP), which is designed to motivate private developers to incorporate affordable and workforce units into their apartment, condo, or housing developments. This voluntary program encourages more mixed-income housing, primarily in the urban core and along major pikes and transportation corridors where it is needed the most.
In addition to efforts led by the Mayor’s Office, MDHA is seeking property owners who may be interested in the Housing Choice Voucher program. The program allows owners to receive fair market value for their units, while providing low-income individuals and families an opportunity to find affordable housing in the private market.
