ApartmentSmart.com, NAHMA Launch Affordable Housing Advocacy Mapping Web App

SALISBURY, Md., Dec. 7, 2009 — ApartmentSmart.com
(http://www.apartmentsmart.com), the nation’s largest online
affordable rental housing directory, announced today a
partnership with the National Affordable Housing Management
Association (NAHMA), highlighted by the launch of a new,
innovative mapping tool called NAHMA Maps. This web-based
affordable housing advocacy tool can be accessed at
http://nahma.apartmentsmart.com.

The mapping application provides affordable rental housing
summary data by Congressional District, allowing advocates
to quickly demonstrate the impact of affordable housing on a
Congressman’s district. The data provided includes a summary
of every major Federal housing program, the number of
properties funded by that program and the total number of
units funded by these programs. In addition, the map shows
the location of all of these properties and what Federal
programs were used to fund them.

"In many cases, the Congressional staff person an advocate
may be speaking with regarding affordable housing in the
Congressman’s district may not have a good understanding of
what sort of impact affordable housing has on his
representative’s constituents. NAHMA Maps provides that
Capitol Hill staffer a visual representation of just how
many properties there are, where they are and what sort of
funding program made them possible," said David Layfield,
Founder and CEO of ApartmentSmart.com.
"NAHMA Maps will allow our members to provide visual and
statistical information to their Congressional
representatives on the affordable housing portfolio,
including NAHMA properties, in their Congressional District
or state. It highlights the work NAHMA members have done to
improve the quality of life for low-income residents and
demonstrates how well the affordable housing programs are
working," said Kris Cook, Executive Director of NAHMA.

The web application will help the affordable housing
industry demonstrate the scope and impact of federally
subsidized housing both within the selected geographic area
and nationwide. The program will provide a list of
properties linked to additional community information
including location, contact information, management company,
number of units, types of federal subsidies, income limits
and rents, amenities and pictures.

About ApartmentSmart.com

ApartmentSmart.com is the nation’s largest affordable
housing and housing assistance directory. It provides an
online database for owners and managers to list their
properties online and an Internet search engine to assist
low-income renters in finding a safe and decent place to
live. Their nationwide services cover all types of
affordable housing, including: Low Income Housing Tax
Credit, Section 8, Rural Housing and housing for seniors and
the disabled.

http://www.apartmentsmart.com

About NAHMA

The National Affordable Housing Management Association
(NAHMA) is the leading advocate for multifamily property
managers and owners whose mission is to provide quality
affordable housing. NAHMA supports legislative and
regulatory policy that promotes the development and
preservation of affordable housing, is a vital resource for
technical education and information, fosters strategic
relations between government and industry and recognizes
those who exemplify the best in affordable housing. Founded
in 1990, NAHMA’s membership today includes the industry’s
most distinguished multifamily management companies and
owners.

http://www.nahma.org