Overview
The New Jersey Local Redevelopment and Housing Law of 1992 requires all commissioners and executive directors of local public housing authorities and redevelopment agencies to complete a comprehensive training program consisting of required and elective courses. Under N.J.S.A. 40A:12A-45, commissioners must complete their training within 18 months of appointment and executive directors within two years of appointment. A certificate of recognition is awarded to participants who successfully complete the program.
The complete course of study provides commissioners and executive directors with the opportunity to enhance the knowledge and skills necessary to oversee and administer the operations of housing authorities and redevelopment agencies. This series of courses is designed to clarify the scope of authority and the decision-making responsibilities of both positions. It also familiarizes commissioners and executive directors with state-of-the-art techniques and procedures for managing public housing units and redevelopment activities.
Required courses are tailored specifically to the needs of either commissioners or executive directors, while most of the electives are designed for both audiences. Many of the topics also should be of interest to housing authority and redevelopment agency staff members, including counsel, and they are encouraged to attend relevant sessions.
Program Requirements
Housing Authority Executive Directors
This program involves 10 courses, all of which must be completed within two years of appointment. Executive directors for housing authorities that also are redevelopment agencies must complete an eleventh course, Principles of Redevelopment.
Required Courses:
- Ethics
- Executive Housing Management
- Financial Management
- Maintenance Management
- Procurement and Contract Management
- Strategic Planning
- PHM Certification*
*This course is not offered by Rutgers. Credit will be awarded for completion of a Public Housing Manager training program offered by Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM), Nan McKay and Associates, Inc., National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO), National Center for Housing Management, or another nationally-recognized provider approved by NJDCA. The PHM program may be completed in a classroom or online. To receive credit, a copy of the certificate of completion from the sponsoring organization must be submitted to:
Lakea Nicholson
Program Coordinator
Center for Government Services
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
3 Rutgers Plaza, 3rd Floor
New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Electives (participants choose three)
- Asset Management
- Design Principles for Redevelopment Projects
- Legal Issues
- Planning and Development of Affordable Housing
- Principles of Redevelopment
- Public Housing Assessment System and Section 8 Management Assessment Program (PHAS and SEMAP)
- Public Relations/Communications
- Tenant-Based Assistance Programs
Housing Authority Commissioners
Housing authority commissioners must complete five courses within 18 months of appointment. Commissioners for housing authorities that also are redevelopment agencies must complete a sixth course, Principles of Redevelopment.
Required Courses:
- Ethics
- Financial Issues and Procedures
- Public Housing Assessment System and Section 8 Management Assessment Program (PHAS and SEMAP)
- Skills for Commissioners
Electives (participants choose one):
- Asset Management
- Design Principles for Redevelopment Projects
- Legal Issues
- Planning and Development of Affordable Housing
- Principles of Redevelopment
- Procurement for Commissioners
- Public Relations/Communications
- Strategic Planning
- Tenant-Based Assistance Programs
Redevelopment Agency Executive Directors
This program includes four courses, all of which must be completed within two years of appointment.
Required Courses:
- Ethics
- Planning and Development of Affordable Housing
- Principles of Redevelopment
Electives (participants choose one):
- Design Principles for Redevelopment Projects
- Negotiating Redeveloper Agreements
Redevelopment Agency Commissioners
Redevelopment agency commissioners must complete two courses within 18 months of appointment.
Required Courses:
- Ethics
- Principles of Redevelopment
Electives:
- None