Special Achievement: Special Achievement
Recognizes an HFA for a program or practice that responds in an outstanding manner to an important state need; has a significant impact on a population, geographic area, or economy; and cuts across traditional program lines.
Note: Individual developments are not eligible for an award.
Judging Criteria
Special Achievement entries will be judged on the degree to which they:
- Are innovative
- Respond to an important state need
- Achieve intended results
- Provide benefits that outweigh costs
If you have questions, please email awards@ncsha.org or call 202-624-7710.
2018 Winner
New Mexico Mortgage Finance Authority

2018 Entries
Alaska Housing Finance Corporation:
Providing a Jumpstart to Independence
Jumpstart: An innovative program to support families increase income from employment and decrease dependence on assistance.
Georgia Housing Finance Authority/Georgia Department of Community Affairs:
Healthy Housing Policy Partnerships
Utilizing housing platforms to improve individual and community health outcomes via strategic planning and partnerships.
Illinois Housing Development Authority:
I-Refi Program
A one-of-a-kind refinance program helps underwater borrowers regain equity in their homes.
Kentucky Housing Corporation:
Riverport Landings: An Intergenerational Community
Riverport Landings integrates a broad spectrum of residents with community services, neighborhood retail, and recreation.
Louisiana Housing Corporation:
Louisiana Neighborhood Landlord Rental Program (Construction Take-Out Model)
Disaster loan program reduces operational costs and potential fraud while enhancing oversight and increasing productivity.
Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development:
Maryland SmartBuy Program: Affordable Home Purchase for Buyers with Student Debt
Program helps eligible home buyers with student loans pay them off while buying a home.
MassHousing:
Planning for Housing Production Program
MassHousingโs Planning for Housing Production is a $2 million fund helping municipalities plan housing production.
Michigan State Housing Development Authority:
MSHDAโs 20th Anniversary Affordable Housing Conference as a Durable, Sustainable Event Model
MSDHAโs annual Affordable Housing Conference, in its 20th year, provides lessons to be shared for event organizers.
Minnesota Housing:
Homeownership Capacity
The Homeownership Capacity program prepares low-income households for homeownership through financial empowerment education/coaching.
Missouri Housing Development Commission:
Missouri Coordinated Entry Network Initiative (CENI)
CENI has brought convenient access to housing programs to citizens facing homelessness across Missouri.
Nebraska Investment Finance Authority:
Rural Nebraska: Housing Our Workforce
NIFAโs creation of partnerships and programs to address the workforce housing need in rural Nebraska.
New Hampshire Housing Finance Authority:
Beyond the Transaction: Building Relationships with Lending Partners
NHHFAโs Homeownership Fellowship transforms lending partners from transactional associates to brand ambassadors.
New Mexico Mortgage Finance Authority:
MFAโs Tribal Housing Program: A Journal of Partnership, Advocacy and Long-Term Commitment
MFA addresses the severe lack of adequate housing on tribal land through innovative approaches.
Ohio Housing Finance Agency:
Race for A Place (to Call Home): Planning The Inaugural Affordable Housing 5K
Affordable housing can be fun! OHFA planned this first-ever event to raise awareness.
Oregon Housing and Community Services:
Workforce Housing Initiative
Interagency investments to advance employer-assisted and workforce housing concepts.
Rhode Island Housing:
Creative Partnerships: Capitalizing on HFA Expertise to Support State Partners
In providing critical expertise, capacity, and support to state agencies, RIHousing helps meet statewide objectives.
Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority:
A Holistic Approach to Community Development
WHEDA has positioned itself with a holistic approach to community development.
