HUD Launches Innovation Day

October 23, 2012 by

The Innovation Lab – independently resourced and with an established innovation discipline – increases the chance that ideas that support HUD’s Strategic Plan and Open Government goals can find the light of day, can grow and be tested, and can begin providing essential value to HUD communities. HUD’s Innovation Lab brings together dedicated resources, tools, and techniques that may not otherwise be available to accelerate the development of solutions more efficiently than other available approaches. The Lab is participatory, collaborative and fosters transparency by showing the idea submission process on an electronic dashboard which ensures that HUD employees receive proper credit and attribution for their good ideas.

The goal of the Innovation Lab is to accelerate the formulation of transformational ideas into solutions which are then implemented more efficiently than other available approaches enable. In this process, not all ideas will become reality. The Innovation Lab Framework entails a multidisciplinary process for evolving well-defined and compelling ideas to a point where a tangible solution is created or a decision is made that the idea is not currently viable. Before ideas are supported by the Innovation Lab, the generation of a good idea must first occur. The framework guides ideation, application to the Innovation Lab, design of ideas to specification, incubation (i.e. prototyping), and idea launch. In close collaboration with program areas, the Innovation Lab provides strategies, tools, techniques, as well as supplemental resources for exploring compelling new ideas. Working with Innovation Lab Director, staff, cross-departmental teams and external partnerships are formulated to develop and launch new ideas.

Graphic: Innovation Lab Framework
Ideation

The purpose of Ideation at HUD is to generate, develop, and communicate ideas that inclusively tap into valuable stakeholder resources to achieve the agency’s mission and performance goal. Ideation occurs whenever a program office solicits ideas from internal or external stakeholders. Program offices determine whether or not good ideas they receive are best suited for implementation and, in some cases, may decide to obtain support of HUD’s Innovation Lab.
Admission

Project Applications that pass the initial review process then migrate into the Admission phase of HUD’s Innovation Lab. Within this phase, all associated submission documentation will be finalized, the Admission Panel will convene and analyze the proposed projects, and a collective determination will be reached. The Panel will review applications based on their alignment to HUD’s Strategic Plan and the principals of open government.
Design

The purpose of the Design phase is to conduct research and develop a solution model. The Design team will generate a Draft Specification and Draft Business Case for ideas that are successfully admitted to the Innovation Lab. Design promotes development, teamwork, collaboration, and adaptability to, as rapidly as possible, identify all the constraints, restraints, resources and projected benefits of the idea.
Incubation

The Incubation period produces a working prototype of the solution. This prototype has been refined and reviewed, and is then delivered with a set of comprehensive recommendations for Launch. Incubation is used to prove that a particular solution is potentially viable and valuable to stakeholders. A Final Specification and Final Business Case are produced resulting in a launch strategy.
Launch

Launch is the process of adopting a working prototype, refining the solution, and implementing the idea into production. HUD has effective implementation procedures for new products, services or operations in place that shall be followed for idea solutions. The purpose of Launch at HUD is to deploy working concepts into a functional environment, so that ideas can be realized and the solutions utilized by stakeholders. The potential paths for launch are a pilot, complete deployment, and further development through HUD’s IT Project Planning and Management Lifecycle.

Distributed by: HUD.GOV

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Boulder Valley Welcomes Six New Principals

October 23, 2012 by

Boulder Valley schools welcomed six new principals this school year, replacing those who retired, took other positions in Boulder Valley or took jobs in other districts. Here’s a look at who’s leading those schools.

Creekside Elementary

James Hill, a native of Colorado, is taking on his first principal role at Creekside Elementary after spending the last four years as an assistant principal at Fairview High School. Before becoming an administrator, he was a teacher and coach in the Adams 12 School District, where he taught at both the elementary and middle levels.

He said he chose Creekside because of its diversity and the high level of community support.

“Everybody is fired up for student learning,” he said. “The goal is to put our kids first to make sure they’re successful.”

He said he believes in shared decision making and collaboration and is planning to form committees that include teachers and parents. Given the school’s diversity, he said, he also wants to make sure immigrant families feel not just welcomed but needed.

“My style is to have a forum where everybody has input and can be involved,” he said.

Creekside’s last principal, Alejandra Sotiros, took a principal job in Denver Public Schools.

Emerald Elementary

Samara Williams is coming to Broomfield’s Emerald Elementary after 16 years in the Adams 14 school district in Commerce City, where she worked as a teacher, librarian and principal.

She is an advocate for school wellness and her last school, Rose Hill Elementary, was recognized in 2010 as the Fit 4 Colorado School Challenge winner for December. She also created a partnership with the local business community to fund and build a nine-station fitness course on the Rose Hill playground.

She said she chose Emerald because she wanted to work in the same district where her three sons attend school — she and her family live in Superior — and to “be part of the academic excellence that is the Boulder Valley School District.”

“Emerald was a perfect fit for me — a neighborhood school that serves a diverse population of students,” she said.

She said she’s been working with the school’s staff members since she was hired in April, determining that a consistent approach to teaching, learning and school operations is a top priority.

“A school should be a fun, warm, welcoming place to learn and work,” she said. “I try to always lead by example by being cheerful, welcoming and doing things that energize my staff.”

Williams replaces David Tanaka, who took a principal job in Durango.

Heatherwood Elementary

Brent Caldwell, the new principal at Boulder’s Heatherwood Elementary, is returning to Boulder after 12 years in Wyoming.

Caldwell, who replaced Larry Orobona after he retired as Heatherwood’s principal, served as an elementary school principal in Big Horn, Wyo. Before that, he taught second, third and fifth grades in Boulder Valley and graduated from the University of Colorado at Boulder.

Heatherwood, he said, was the first school he visited for an observation as a CU education student.

“Life has come full circle for me,” he said. “Boulder Valley is a great school district. I wanted to be back here.”

He has training and experience in the professional learning community model that’s now being used in Boulder Valley to improve collaboration among teachers, led a high-achieving school in Wyoming and was recognized in 2010 as Wyoming’s National Distinguished Principal.

His main goal for his first year, he said, is to get to know Heatherwood and make sure everyone is working with a clear vision.

“All highly effective schools have a clear purpose in what they’re trying to accomplish,” he said.

Horizons K-8

John McCluskey, the new principal at Horizons K-8, replaces longtime principal Sonny Zinn. Zinn took a part-time position as principal of Boulder Explore, Boulder Valley’s new program for homeschool families.

McCluskey comes to Horizons, a Boulder charter school, from the Jefferson County Open School in Lakewood, where he worked as the assistant principal. He has worked in various school and nonprofit settings since 1989, along with working as a school consultant with the Boulder-based Passage Works Institute and with the California Center for Council Practice.

He said Horizons appealed to him because the school community keeps students and their needs at the center of its practice.

“I am eager to continue to build upon this approach as an example of what is possible in public education in our community and our country,” he said.

He said he wants to spend the first year honing the school’s shared vision.

“We will be focusing on our common story as a school, both what has been built to this point and what principles and practices we want to commit to taking us into the future,” he said.

Pioneer Bilingual Elementary

Kristin Nelson-Steinhoff first applied for the principal job at Pioneer eight years ago, but was turned down because she lacked principal experience. She gained that experience working in Denver Public Schools, applying again after Pioneer principal Miguel Villalon in May requested a transfer to a part-time administrator position, citing personal reasons.

This time, Nelson-Steinhoff got the job at the Lafayette school.

“I have a passion and enthusiasm for dual-immersion education,” she said. “Pioneer really serves as a model for other dual-immersion schools across the state.”

She worked as a principal at a bilingual Denver elementary school for seven years, also serving as an assistant principal and bilingual kindergarten and fourth-grade teacher.

At Pioneer, she said, she wants to get to know the students, parents and teachers.

“I want to help us move forward to become that best that we can,” she said.

Summit Middle School

Jim Eagen is coming from a private school background to serve as the new principal at Boulder’s Summit Middle School. He most recently worked as the head of the middle school at a private school in New York and has experience with the International Baccalaureate middle school program.

During his 20 years in education, he has led workshops on issues that include technology, social aggression and diversity and has presented on panels addressing bully prevention and curriculum innovation.

He said he chose Summit, a charter school, because “they do middle school better than any middle school I’ve seen. I wanted to be part of a great academic middle school.”

His main goal for the first year, he said, is to get to know the school community and have the community get to know him. Another goal is to look at updating parts of the building, especially the math classrooms.

“It doesn’t match the level of excellence of the actual math program,” he said.

He said he sees himself more as a leader than a principal and promises collaboration.

“It’s really exciting,” he said. “I’m going to be learning quite a bit.”

Along with hiring six new principals, the district named University Hill Elementary School’s interim principal, Ina Rodriguez-Myer, as the Boulder school’s permanent principal. Rodriguez-Myer served as the interim principal for a year and has worked as a teacher and administrator in Boulder Valley for 21 years. Before moving to University Hill, she worked as an assistant principal at Southern Hills Middle School.

Courtesy of: Amy Bounds of Daily Camera

*Boulder Valley School district is one of the top rated in the country and is a major contributing factor to why Boulder Colorado  is such a popular place to buy a home.  For more information about homes for sale in Boulder Colorado contact us at BoulderHomes4u.com today!

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Housing Starts Expected to Increase in Colorado Resort Towns

October 23, 2012 by

Vacation homes are generally purchased by higher income households. In the past year, 44 percent of all vacation home buyers earned six-figure incomes. The purchases also had higher down payments, higher credit scores, and more collateral backing compared to other mortgages. Despite better underwriting and essentially low subprime lending for vacation homes, vacation and resort destinations have suffered disproportionally more than the overall housing market. Simply put, the collateral damage of the credit crunch from the subprime mess whacked the market that did not encounter subprime lending.

Home sales fell sharply in places like Steamboat Springs, Glenwood Springs, and Vail, Colorado, by 70 to 80 percent from peak 2006 levels. The good news is that a recovery is taking place in these resort destinations in 2012. The dollar volume of home sales activity has been running 10 to 30 percent higher this year versus last. But even with the increases so far, the dollar volume of business still remains at less than half the peak level activity of 5 to 6 years ago.

New home construction in particular has been hard hit in the Colorado Mountain areas. The chart below shows the year-to-date figures on housing permits. Because most of the permits eventually translate into housing starts, the chart is a good indication of new home construction activity in several resort communities in Colorado. Note that local peaks are always in December because it covers the full 12 month year-to-date. Also note the painful degree of collapse in the past 3 years versus what it had been.

Looking ahead, though, the existing home sales recovery that is already taking place will likely strengthen even more in 2013. The stock market wealth is one important driver of vacation home purchases and the Dow Jones Industrial Average or the NASDAQ index has essentially doubled from the cyclical low point in 2009. Though getting a mortgage for a vacation home is much tougher to get (due to the collateral damage fallout from the subprime lending mess) there will be an increasing number of vacation home sales from better conditions of all-cash deals from cashing in on the good stock market recovery. Falling existing home inventory will then mean a greater need for housing permits to be issued.

Distributed By: Colorado REALTOR Online News

For more information about vacation homes for sale in Colorado contact us BoulderHomes4U.com

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Commercial Real Estate Sectors Continue to Improve, Multifamily Strong

October 23, 2012 by

Shaking off a prolonged impact from the recession, fundamentals are gradually improving in all of the major commercial real estate sectors, according to the National Association of REALTORS® quarterly commercial real estate forecast. The apartment rental sector has fully recovered and is growing.

Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, said new jobs are the key. “Ongoing job creation, which is at a higher level this year, is fueling an underlying demand for commercial real estate space, assisted by a steady increase in consumer spending,” he said. “The pattern shows gradually declining commercial vacancy rates, with consequential but generally modest rent growth.”

Yun expects the economy to add 2 to 2.5 million jobs both this year and in 2013, on the heels of 1.7 million new jobs in 2011, assuming a new federal budget is passed before the end of the year. “Although we need even stronger job growth, by far the greatest impact of job creation is in multifamily housing, where newly formed households striking out on their own have increased demand for apartment rentals – this is the sector with the lowest vacancy rates and strongest rent growth, which is attracting many investors.”

Rising apartment rents also are having a positive impact on home sales because many long-time renters now view homeownership as a better long-term option, Yun noted.

A large problem remains for purchases of commercial property priced under $2.5 million. “Our recent commercial lending survey shows that there is very little capital available for small business, which is significantly impacting commercial real estate transactions, although funding is less restrictive for bigger properties.”

NAR’s latest Commercial Real Estate Outlook1 offers projections for four major commercial sectors and analyzes quarterly data in the office, industrial, retail and multifamily markets. Historic data for metro areas were provided by REIS, Inc.,2 a source of commercial real estate performance information.

Office Markets:
Vacancy rates in the office sector are projected to fall from 16.3 percent in the second quarter of this year to 16.0 percent in the second quarter of 2013.

Office rents should increase 2.0 percent this year and 2.5 percent in 2013. Net absorption of office space in the U.S., which includes the leasing of new space coming on the market as well as space in existing properties, is forecast at 24.7 million square feet in 2012 and 48.0 million next year.

Industrial Markets:
Industrial vacancy rates are likely to decline from 11.0 percent in the current quarter to 10.7 percent in the second quarter of 2013.

Annual industrial rent is expected to rise 1.6 percent in 2012 and 2.4 percent next year. Net absorption of industrial space nationally is seen at 44.1 million square feet this year and 62.4 million in 2013.

Retail Markets:
Retail vacancy rates are forecast to decline from 11.3 percent in the second quarter to 10.7 percent in the second quarter of 2013.

Multifamily Markets:
The apartment rental market – multifamily housing – is likely to see vacancy rates drop from 4.5 percent in the second quarter to 4.3 percent in the second quarter of 2013; apartment vacancy rates below 5 percent generally are considered a landlord’s market with demand justifying higher rents.

After rising 2.2 percent last year, average apartment rent is expected to increase 4.0 percent in 2012 and another 4.1 percent next year. “Such a rent increase will raise the core consumer inflation rate. The Federal Reserve, in turn, may be forced to raise interest rates, possibly as early as late 2013.”

Multifamily net absorption is forecast at 215,900 units this year and 230,300 in 2013.

Distributed By: Colorado REALTOR Online News

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Insurance Binding Restricted Due to Colorado Wildfires

October 23, 2012 by

All insurance binding authority is automatically suspended by insurance companies during times of an impending disaster and during times of disaster. The suspension occurs at the time an impending disaster warning for a geographical area is announced by local, state or federal government concerning any weather related event which is announced as a potential disaster. Binding Authority is also immediately suspended at the time of disaster, when disaster occurs without warning. Examples of disasters that cause automatic suspension are: wildfire, hail, tornado, hurricane, riot, civil commotion, or earthquake.

In this instance, the burning of wildfires located throughout Colorado has been determined as a cause to immediately suspend binding of insurance for the affected areas.

The suspension of binding authority applies to all real estate transactions, (new business, reinstatements, increased coverage and additional coverage). Insurance companies restrict this authority so that they do not bind a risk where insurance is being purchased through fear of loss, due to any increase in normal hazard from any source. Limitation is applied to help the insurance companies control their exposure to high-risk conditions and allow them to focus on the needs of, and obligations to, their existing customers during the time of disaster. No insurance coverage shall be bound, no applications accepted, or no coverage increased in any areas determined by the insurance company at risk for damage by fire or smoke.

After any other disaster event, binding authority is restored when notification is received from the Service Center. Zip codes are evaluated (both restricted and released) individually. Insurance companies will continue to evaluate the situation and once an area has been deemed safe from further damage from the specific fire (including potential smoke damage), authority will be reinstated and real estate transactions may resume.

Distributed By: Colorado Realtors Association

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Colorado Real Estate Market Is Appreciating

October 23, 2012 by

If you do not live in the Boulder area you may not be aware that the real estate market here is somewhat contained in its own “bubble”. Because of the lack of space to build new properties and the continual draw to area for prospective residents, the Boulder real estate market has remained stable throughout the recent economic crisis. Now as homes are beginning to appreciate throughout the country and state, Boulder too is seeing additional growth.

Recent reports claim that residential property sales in Boulder are up 24% from the previous year with inventories lower then ever. As a result of these circumstances home sellers in Boulder are receiving multiple qualified offers within days of going on the market and are frequently getting their asking price or very close to it. This trend can be seen most clearly in homes that go for under the $500,000 price range.

The lack of inventory is making it harder for agents and prospective buyers to find adequate homes that meet specific criteria. This means that buyers need to be vigilant in their search and stay as current with listings as possible. Although this may make find your dream home a bit more difficult it is good news for sellers who are motivated, and ultimately the market in general. As home sales continue to grow and values appreciate the hope is that more home sellers will be encouraged to put their homes on the market as they will have more confidence in it.

For people interested in moving to Boulder these statistics show that now is the time to buy before prices appreciate much further. Likewise for people looking to sell their homes in Boulder Country, this indicates that now may also a good time to sell as you will likely receive a positive response as long as your home is fairly priced.

For more information about homes for sale in Boulder Colorado please contact us at Boulderhomes4u.com

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Foothills Trail North Boulder

October 23, 2012 by

The Foothills Trail is one of the main trail systems that connects downtown Boulder and North Boulder. This trial is not as tough and rugged as some of the other mountains trails that cut through the area but it does offer outdoor enthusiasts a beautiful and casual nature tour of the Rocky Mountains and the foothills. This trail varies from an easy to moderate hike depending on your distance with most trail surfaces range from gravel to dirt with only a slight incline. The Foothills Trails is used by a wide variety of people, pets and other wildlife and although it is not challenging you do need to stay alert for activity.

The Foothills trail technically begins at 4th and Kalmia just north of downtown but can be followed south on 4th St to the heart of Boulder and Pearl Street. This trail continues north under Hwy 36 and on into North Broadway St which eventually becomes a gravel road. The best place to pick up this trail in North Boulder is off of Lee Hill Rd behind Dakota Ridge neighborhood or at the Wonderland Lake parking area via Sumac Ave.

Be sure to check out this fun trail and don’t forget to bring your camera because the sights are absolutely breathtaking! For more information about hiking and biking trails take a look at Trail Central and don’t forget to watch the video we took on our last hike!

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Pearl Street Boulder Colorado

October 23, 2012 by

Pearl Street is not only a popular place for tourists while visiting Boulder but it is also one of the most popular destinations for locals as well. Whether you are looking for good food, funky shopping, live entertainment, night life, or a fun family day, Peal Street in Boulder has something for everyone. What was once the main hub for commerce and mining supplies for surrounding areas Boulder’s Pearl Street is now a posh artistic collection of local retailers and merchants. With that being said it is still a major economic contributor and source of pride for residents.

The four block stretch of Pearl Street is surrounded by some of the oldest homes and buildings in Boulder. Popular surrounding neighborhoods include the historic Mapleton Hill Neighborhood, The Whittier Neighborhood, and the Flatirons. Homes in these neighborhoods are fairly expensive but all have increased land values with many also have an historic value as well. Real estate prices vary because of this just as widely as styles of homes do in these areas which results in an abundance of home buying options.

The University of Colorado Boulder is located just a few blocks from Pearl Street which helps to keep a constant flow of customers and tourists coming. For this reason most businesses and industries in this area are extremely successful. The local booming economy is one of the main reasons why people relocate to Boulder and Pearl is a perfect example of Boulder’s self propelling economic market.

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