Management Innovation: Technology

Recognizes an HFA for outstanding innovation in the use of technology to strengthen agency operations and achieve strategic objectives.

Judging Criteria

Management Innovation entries will be judged on the degree to which they:

  • Are innovative
  • Are replicable
  • Respond to a management challenge or opportunity
  • Achieve measurable improvements in agency operations
  • Provide benefits that outweigh costs
  • Demonstrate effective use of resources
  • Achieve strategic objectives

If you have questions, please email awards@ncsha.org or call 202-624-7710.

2024 Winner

Idaho Housing and Finance Association

2024 Entries

Alaska Housing Finance Corporation:
Basic Automation Readjusting Budgets to Increase Efficiency (B.A.R.B.I.E.)

Alaska Housing Finance Corporation (AHFC) underwent a significant digital transformation during the pandemic and as a result has developed a comprehensive portal system for managing program data. Leveraging technology and cross-department collaboration, AHFC has enhanced our operations and those of our partners, ultimately improving program effectiveness and efficiency. At the core is Dynamic Capacity Modeling or Basic Automation Readjusting Budgets to Increase Efficiency (B.A.R.B.I.E.).

Idaho Housing and Finance Association:
Groundbreaking Artificial Intelligence (AI)

The Idaho Housing and Finance Association (IHFA) has implemented an innovative AI solution integrating large language models, intelligent document processing, and autonomous workflow assistants. Core components include an intelligent virtual customer service agent providing personalized answers, an autonomous AI underwriter ingesting loan packages with high accuracy, a creative AI catalyst generating multimedia content, and personalized AI assistants supporting employees.

Illinois Housing Development Authority:
IHDA Connect

IHDA Connect represents a pinnacle of management innovation, transforming the landscape of affordable housing funding processes. By bridging technology with internal operations, IHDA has created a platform that not only enhances efficiency and transparency within the organization but also empowers external partners, ultimately advancing the mission of providing accessible and quality housing solutions to communities in need.

Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority:
Indiana Housing Dashboard 2.0

In 2021, IHCDA launched the original Housing Dashboard, a collection of housing data developed with input from the housing industry. It is a centralized platform to enable interested parties to access data and information about housing challenges and opportunities across the state. In October 2023, version 2.0 was released, containing advanced data and planning tools for stakeholders, including a ‘Take Action’ page that enables planners and constituents to generate plans for their community.

Iowa Finance Authority:
Iowa Profile

This initiative signifies a monumental step forward in empowering communities by providing them with robust data storytelling insights directly at the fingertips of their leaders and policymakers. It integrates diverse data sources, saving communities $10 million annually, with a 7,000% ROI. Users generated an astounding 2,000 dashboards in just three months, streamlining planning and grant writing. The tool offers real-time updates, reducing data analysis time by nearly 1,000%!

Kentucky Housing Corporation:
M365 OneDrive Migration

Through a comprehensive training and communications plan, coupled with one-on-one “white glove” migrations, Kentucky Housing Corporation succeeded in migrating to Microsoft 365 OneDrive for Business over 320 staff members and their non-shared data with a 97.05% staff satisfaction rate.

New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency:
Demystifying Housing Programs: NJHMFA’s Data Transparency Initiatives

NJHMFA manages a diverse range of programs to finance affordable housing in New Jersey. Key initiatives include the (LIHTC for apartment construction, Down-Payment Assistance (DPA) for first-time homebuyers, and Emergency Rescue Mortgage Assistance (ERMA) to prevent foreclosures. These efforts support thousands of residents annually and facilitate the development of hundreds of affordable apartments. NJHMFA has created interactive data tools since 2022 to enhance accessibility to this vital information.

Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority:
Reimagine, Revolutionize, Reinvent: VIHFA's New Digital Landscape

VIHFA underwent a remarkable tech transformation, revolutionizing operations with stakeholder collaboration. Led by the IT division, they modernized infrastructure, enhanced cybersecurity, and migrated to the cloud, saving in excess of $350,000. Launching an E-Procurement Portal and the VIHFA Intranet streamlined processes, fostering efficiency and productivity. Their dedication underscores VIHFA's leadership in tech innovation, setting new standards for the housing finance sector.