[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 100 (Tuesday, May 25, 1999)]
[Notices]
[Page 28188]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-13147]
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FEDERAL HOUSING FINANCE BOARD
Forum on Successful Mortgage Lending Practices in Indian Country
AGENCY: Federal Housing Finance Board.
ACTION: Notice of forum.
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SUMMARY: The Federal Housing Finance Board (Finance Board) is hereby
announcing a Forum on Successful Mortgage Lending Practices in Indian
Country.
DATES: The forum will be held on May 27, 1999 beginning at 9:30 a.m.
ADDRESSES: The forum will be held at the Office of Thrift Supervision
Amphitheater, 1700 G Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20552.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Roberta Youmans, Program Analyst,
Community Investment Division, at (202) 408-2581, or Naomi Salus,
Director, Office of Public Affairs at (202) 408-2957, Federal Housing
Finance Board, 1777 F Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20006.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: There is a well-established need for housing
and particularly homeownership among Native Americans. Between 1992 and
1996, only 91 conventional loans were closed on trust lands, and 80 of
those were made to the members of two tribes. The absence of a private
lending and real estate market has taken a toll on many Indian
communities. Forty percent of housing in tribal areas lacks basic
amenities like indoor plumbing and bathrooms. Twenty-one percent of
reservation housing is overcrowded--a rate nearly ten times larger than
that for the United States generally.
The forum will focus on success stories: solutions to critical
problems that have prevented homeownership. Tribal housing directors,
tribal families and bankers will share information on how to join
together to achieve homeownership.
One outcome is for tribes to begin using funds more creatively and
lenders to start to recognize the market potential of lending in Indian
country.
The Native American Housing and Self-Determination Act of 1996
represented a watershed by replacing traditional government housing
programs with block grants. But to move Indian Country's housing into
the 21st century, policy makers and industry professionals must
encourage and help replicate successful initiatives.
The Finance Board is co-sponsoring the forum with the National
American Indian Housing Council (NAIHC). Through research, training and
technical assistance, NAIHC encourages the development of greater
housing and homeownership opportunities for Native Americans. Through
its Mortgage Partnership Program it also assists financial institutions
in providing greater lending on reservations through educational forums
and direct means.
Forum moderators are: Bruce Morrison, Chairman, Federal Housing
Finance Board; J. Timothy O'Neill, Director, Federal Housing Finance
Board; Chester Carl, Chairman, National American Indian Housing Council
and Executive Director, Navajo Housing Authority; John Williamson, Vice
Chairman, National American Indian Housing Council and Executive
Director, Lower Elwha Housing Authority; Jacqueline Johnson, Deputy
Assistant Secretary, Office of Native American Programs, United States
Department of Housing and Urban Development; and Christopher D. Boesen,
Executive Director, National American Indian Housing Council.
By the Federal Housing Finance Board.
Bruce A. Morrison,
Chairman.
[FR Doc. 99-13147 Filed 5-24-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6725-01-U
