Executive Summary
Southwest Visions, Inc. (SWV) recently undertook a strategic planning process to determine how to strengthen organization capacity, focus partnerships and enhance its effectiveness as a housing developer. Given its small staff, the Board established new working committees, set priorities and identified a series of action steps to accomplish objectives. Planning for fund-raising events to support operating expenses is underway.
While SWV has traditionally worked with a range of community organizations, opportunities for strategic partnerships to address neighborhood quality of life issues were identified. Specific concerns about crime and safety, neighborhood appearance, and advocacy for resident services will be the focus of Southwest Visions’ partnerships.
SWV has adopted a housing development strategy focused on strengthening blocks adjacent to neighborhood assets, with an initial emphasis on properties near Union Square. A target area housing assessment was undertaken to provide Southwest Visions with information on housing conditions, property values and ownership patterns. Database tools were identified that will enable the organization to track property trends and access current data on an ongoing basis. Southwest Visions will rely on continued strong working relationships with bank partners, as well as local and state funding sources to finance affordable housing development activities. The organization also intends to explore partnership opportunities that will leverage its capacity for higher volume production while ensuring that the target area retains affordable housing.
SWV’s target area, bordering the southwest corner of the city’s business district, is undergoing a transition. High-density developments by the City and the University of Maryland have brought new residents into the target area. Real estate speculation is a reality, while “flipping”, absentee ownership and pockets of drug activity continue to challenge the area. SWV intends for this strategic plan to support our renewed efforts to achieve our mission of producing affordable rental and ownership housing for residents in a stable community.
