Mixing-It-Up with HUD Secretary Ben Carson > "The Next Revolution"

Carson-Trump Head-to-Head

Have no idea who's implanting the brain-tumor-miracle-survivor and the former neurosurgeon Dr. Ben Carson, now serving as Trump's Secretary of Housing & Urban Development, but let's get  a buzz on first with him in The Ozone in an appearance on Fox News: 
Ben Carson explains benefits of investing in 'Opportunity Zones' for areas facing economic challenges. The forum and distribution channel was the Roger Ailes-owned Fox News about  a week ago - you might have missed it > Heads Up!
Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson spoke on “The Next Revolution with Steve Hilton” in an interview that aired Sunday about proposed new regulations aimed at making it easier for investors to take advantage of tax breaks for investing in “Opportunity Zones” in low-income areas. By Frank Miles Published April 21

“Policies have been pretty much aimed at putting people into programs,” Carson said, and now the Trump administration is trying to get poor Americans “out of the programs and self-sufficient.”

President Trump said last week that 8,700 neighborhoods across all 50 states and U.S. territories have received the Opportunity Zone designation and would be eligible for the federal tax incentives he's proposed.
Blogger Note: HUH? Last week?
Ooops! that was December 2017 in the Tax Credits and Jobs Act

“The entire island of Puerto Rico is an opportunity zone,” Carson said.
“We are very concerned about the rural areas, too,” he added.
The new Opportunity Zones were set up to enable private investors to re-invest profits into designated areas.
“They are going to invest that money somewhere,” Carson said.
He noted private investors would do what they do because they “want to be successful.”
REF: https://www.foxnews.com/politics______________________________________________________________________________________ From BuzzFeed News

Posted on April 19, 2019, at 2:04 p.m. ET

Ben Carson Wants To Evict Families With Undocumented Immigrants From Public Housing

Carson says the new rule will reduce long waitlists for public housing for citizens. Housing advocates say all it will do is split up families with mixed immigration status.

By Nidhi Prakash  Reporting From Washington, DC

WASHINGTON — The Trump administration is pushing a new policy to prevent undocumented family members of US citizens and documented immigrants from living with them in public housing.
“Thanks to @realDonaldTrump's leadership, we are putting America's most vulnerable first. Our nation faces affordable housing challenges and hundreds of thousands of citizens are waiting for many years on waitlists to get housing assistance,” Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson wrote in a tweet on Thursday, announcing the administration’s proposed rule.
The proposed rule is part of a much broader Trump administration crackdown on immigration, including at HUD. As BuzzFeed News reported in December, the department has been quietly denying federal housing loans to DACA recipients. Two weeks ago, Carson testified at a Congressional hearing that he didn’t know why DACA recipients were being turned away for federally-backed mortgages.
Groups who work with landlords, housing authorities, and tenants say HUD’s new proposal is trying to address a problem that doesn’t exist when it comes to undocumented immigrants, while at the same time failing to address the very real public housing shortage.
“We’re very concerned about this, this is obviously part of the administration’s overall attack on immigrant families,” said Karlo Ng, supervising attorney at the National Housing Law Project. “There’s a lot of concern for families who are currently being assisted. This is going to add to the chaos for families who need crucial assistance. . . .
Ineligible household members do not receive a subsidy. In those cases, assistance is prorated to only cover eligible household members. As such, ‘mixed’ [immigration status] families pay higher rent, sometimes near market rate,” Diane Yentel, president and CEO of the National Low Income Housing Coalition (NLIHC), said.
Low-income housing groups say that despite Carson’s rhetoric, the rule would make little or no dent in the severe national public housing shortage, which leaves millions of families on waitlists for affordable places to live. In some parts of the nation, like Miami and New York, the waitlist is years long and many families who would qualify can’t even get on the list.
Advocates and industry groups who spoke with BuzzFeed News also noted that the administration’s budget proposal for HUD, which was rejected by Congress, would have cut the agency’s budget and resources to provide more public housing assistance by close to 20%.

Nidhi PrakashBuzzFeed News Reporter

How to avoid death By PowerPoint | David JP Phillips | TEDxStockholmSalon

Eyes wobbling around. What to focus on . . . what are the major mistakes 

Published on Apr 14, 2014

Views: 1,698,682

With a seldom seen depth of knowledge and passion for his subject, David Phillips has become the leading Swedish figurehead in the art of making presentations. He is the founder and owner of Sweden's largest resource on the subject: Presentationsteknik.com. He is also author of the ground-breaking book "How To Avoid Death By PowerPoint" published in more than 30 countries.
In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)

GRAND OPENING HERE IN DOWNTOWN MESA: DTMesa Fest Artists Emporium

Karen and Mark Svoboda have taken the next step after six years of organizing the annual October-April DTMesa Fest on North Macdonald Street - they are now opening The DTMesaFest Artists Emporium to showcase a selection of artisan handcrafts and arts from the street festival vendors into one creative place open five days a week on the east side of historic Chandler Court at the intersection of Main Street in historic downtown Mesa that's getting some more of the kind of hyper-local relationship-building transformation we can believe in!  Two months after signing the lease with Starmar Holdings who purchase the cornerstone property in the heart of Downtown, Karen and Mark have done all the work to open the doors to generations of existing and emerging artists that can complement the new residents of Mesa ArtSpace Lofts. This Saturday turns-the-page to open the next chapter in Creative Placemaking.

It's a work in-progress in the midst of more than a few improvements and new initiatives to encourage economic growth that expands increasing opportunities for arts, culture and  community development.
What you see to the right is the original intact exterior and the original arched windows of Chandler Court while a line-up of existing and emerging artists are unloading their works and starting to set up their displays inside the flowing space.
There's a reception/sales desk in the front lobby with an enormous concrete water feature. There is one gallery space in the right front window plus three more than can accommodate showcasing the fine works of more than 36 artists with regular business hours every week year-round.

GRAND OPENING
Saturday May 4th, 2019
10 AM to 4 PM
6 N MacDonald, Mesa, AZ 85201

Gift Bags (with purchase) to the first 20 customers!
Ribbon Cutting prior to opening!
Free Comic Books will be there for National Comic Book Day!
Food Vendor will be available for yummies!

The mission of the DT Mesa Fest is to provide an environment that encourages the economic and artistic growth of emerging and established artisans, while revitalizing downtown Mesa and building a sense of community.
​This is accomplished with DT Mesa Fest Artists Emporium Year Round & Downtown Mesa Festival of the Arts Oct to Apr

LINK > https://dtmesafest.com/artists-emporium.html
You can follow > on Instagram @dtmesafest 
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Here's just a few of the artists ::

Victorian Folly - Very funny story as to how I started with the Steampunk Genre.  8 years ago when my youngest daughter wanted to go to the Phoenix Comic-Con (she was only 12).  I saw three young men bare chested with leather suspenders running around with very large brass handmade Steampunk weapons.  I also for the first time saw the fantastical costumes the women wore.  Corsets,  full skirts, out of this world boots and then there was the jewelry.  Gears and watch movements, Dials from clocks, crystals and filigree.  I immediately went home to explore to world of Steampunk.  It took me a couple of years to figure out the quality of watch movement I wanted to use.  Watches from the mid 50’s and prior.  I have a few pocket watches from the 1800’s.  And now I use every part of the watch.  The whole movement mainly, also the dial, gears and hands.  They all have a use.
I chose the name Victorian Folly because the Steampunk era took place during a pseudo Victorian time.  And if I failed it would be my Folly.
6 years ago I started with the Downtown Mesa Festival of the Arts.  Being new to jewelry making and selling DT Mesa Festival of the Arts was the perfect venue and  opportunity to grow my art and business into a full time job.  
My jewelry is a softer more feminine take on classic Steampunk - whimsical, creative yet strong.  I use antique watch movements, dials, and gears applied to vintage reproduction settings made of plated silver, brass and copper finishes.   In my collections I offer handmade rings, necklaces, earrings and bracelets.  I also include a selection of cameo rings, necklaces and bracelets featuring Lolita, Goth and miniature animal skulls. 

ERIC Heying Ceramics - Eric Heying was born in Garden City, Kansas in 1988. After moving to Mesa, Arizona and attending ASU, Eric worked hard to achieve his BFA with a focus in Ceramic Art in 2012.
Being awarded the National Windgate Fellowship in 2012 Eric was able to create his own small studio in his apartment. From that hot little Mesa studio, Eric continues to tinker with the DipCast process he has championed, turning out both functional wares as well as wall hanging pieces. Eric is driven by curiosity as he continues to test the boundaries of the ceramic world with his unique process. Each new piece a step forward into the unknown, he carefully selects from a nontraditional ceramic color palette allowing his work to stand out from the conventional earthen tones of the ceramic field. His work aims to expand the scope of contemporary ceramics through his unique process and mindful color play.

Thomas Watkins Fine Art - I have been training my eye to see the relationships between the elements of composition and design for over 15 years. Often times ignoring the grand landscape, I aim for a glimpse into the more intimate details that make up the smaller pieces of this wonderful world we share. My passion for photography really started when I began printing my own work. In the wet darkroom I learned to use advanced techniques to create a truly fine art print. Later, when ink and paper technologies developed an even greater lifespan than traditional printing, I transferred that knowledge and passion into the digital darkroom where I have even greater control over the creation of my art.

Two Stitching Nanas -  I am Ranae, one of the Two Stitching Nanas! I have been making Super Hero Capes for over 30 years. It all started with making capes for my students at the end of the school year, as gifts. Then it happened my sewing machine broke and was unfix-able. Therefore, I brought a new machine that would also embroidery. WOW, I found more items to make. My longtime friend Fredda joined in the sewing frenzy too. Everything we sale is handmade. We enjoy partaking in craft fairs throughout the Valley. We make kitchen towels, crayon totes, Crayon roll-ups, wreaths, capes, baby bibs, adult shirt protectors, zipper bags, flour sack towels and much more. We enjoy making fun things for children. We have six grand kids between us and they do keep us busy. In addition, between us we have five sewing machines. We have been known to have all five going at the same time!!

Shaw Earth Art - Eleven years ago, my wife asked if I'd like to take a pottery class with her and a friend.  I still have some of my first cups, glasses and mugs that I made.  Some have been chipped, some broken, and many given as gifts.  Some I just can't seem to get rid of yet they are still favorites to use.
I have experimented in different clays, designs, glazes, slips, and firings. I have played with functional and decorative objects.  I have done processes and designs that I see other potters do and I have been complimented by others trying some of my creations and processes

Crazy Lime Salsa - I am a Lime-aholic.  I put lime in everything.  I have been making salsa for over 20 years now and have been sharing it with my family and friends.  I have made salsa for weddings, Christmas, Thanksgiving and many family events.   Everyone loved my salsa and they kept telling me that I need to bottle it and sell it.  So I did 8 months ago.  I have looked around the stores at competitors and most of the salsa I have tasted has the same flavor with just more or less heat.  Crazy Lime Salsa is Totally different.  It is bursting with flavor.  The Lime enhances the taste of Tomatoes and makes them sweeter.  With our Medium Hot Salsa you can still tasted the burst of flavor then you get a late heat, so you can enjoy the Salsa then get that kick you are looking for

​

Mesa's Budget Data + Finances: City Departments Are Eating Each Others Dog Food

It's that time of the year again for the Mesa City Council to hear presentations, discuss and provide direction in a series of public hearings for the annual end of the fiscal year June 30th. Several audits have been done this past year, with more being scheduled. The new Proposed Budget Reviews for next year FY2019/2010 started weeks ago in public hearing in front of the Mesa City Council - where not too many members of the public bother to take the time to get informed about. Budgets are complex and complicated. Unless you are a financial analysis, you might not question the data presented or how the accounting is done to "balance-the-books". These public city department proposed budget hearings will continue until probably May 31st.  

Why should you care?

Because it is a "Shake-Down"
Sooner or later most all the monies that are funding sources for what the City spends come right out-of-your-pockets.
(There is a dis-proportionate share of that allocated to District 6 if you don't know that already.)
There are huge obligations for a number of things that are better understood in an article recently posted by Jeremy Whittaker who was elected to Mesa City Council a couple of years ago, joining five other councilmembers and the mayor.
He's probably one of the few representatives who has the business background to analyze and understand the data and numbers produced by City Manager Chris Brady, Mike Kennington the city's Chief Financial Officer, and the Office of Management & Budget.

"It’s been a while since I’ve written anything on the financial health of Mesa and I feel like now would be an appropriate time.

If you don’t follow finances or understand accounting, I would be glad to meet and explain further in person, 480-648-3756, if you have any questions or concerns."

_______________________________________________________________
"The most relevant thing I want to outline in this article is that we not only have a fiduciary responsibility for the city of Mesa (as a municipality), but ultimately our primary responsibility is for the future welfare of all 500,000 people residing here. It is extremely important that we draw a distinction between the two because what looks good at the city level is a lot of the time detrimental to the people who live in Mesa. This is mainly due to higher taxes and utilities to cover the ever-increasing costs.

Good for Mesa Bad for Taxpayers and Utility Customers

Let me explain by giving a few examples of what I’m referring to. 
 As the City’s financial situation becomes worse due to its increased spending, the bond rating agencies would normally lower Mesa’s credit rating. To prevent this from occurring, the city must raise additional revenue to replenish their funds and cover their operating costs.

There are five ways the city can accomplish this:

1) neglect the investment in infrastructure (capital improvement projects)

2) amortize the debt over a longer time period

3) create new debts (bonds)

4) increase utility rates

5) increase sales tax (as a percentage).
 

We have done all five, here are some examples: 

Organizations and companies don’t normally

function this way

This quote is from this year’s credit rating report, in which the credit rating agencies recognize this as a problem.
In a normal functioning organization or corporation, capital assets are depreciated over a long time period to determine how much money should be held in reserves to pay for these investments.
However, the city uses its utility system to leverage a massive amount of debt to ultimately transfer utility revenues to the general fund to be spent on discretionary items. The goal is to load up the system with debt rather than address the ever-increasing expenditures.

Holding voters hostage

I refer to utility bonds as, “holding voters hostage”. I felt this way when I ultimately had to vote to approve them this month. You will constantly hear the argument that we have debt because voters approved it. Of course voters are going to approve bonds for clean water and infrastructure, who in their right mind wouldn’t. The main problem is that the money being generated from the Mesa utility enterprise and its debts is not being reinvested in utility infrastructure and instead is being siphoned off in the amount of 30% every year.

Another:

Here is the relevant excerpt from the bond rating reports.
I am proposing we do exactly what the bond rating agency reports suggest and cap on the amount of money the city is permitted to transfer out of the enterprise fund and into the general fund for discretionary spending.

LINK TO THE SOURCE > Jeremy Whittaker. com (website) 

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In Summary

Mesa’s wealth is your wealth, collectively.

You should exercise extreme caution when politicians tell you that spending more money through bonds and debt financing is the path to wealth. It is, in fact, the exact opposite.

Debt is an extremely powerful tool that can be used to disguise today’s problems while burdening future citizens of Mesa with these liabilities if it’s not used properly.

We should invest Mesa tax and utility revenues in maintaining and repairing our aging infrastructure and addressing our pension obligations. 

> Only after Mesa has addressed these long term issues should Mesa tax and utility revenues be used for any discretionary projects.

> Amortization of liabilities sets a dangerous trap that our kids will have to deal with it when it’s snowballed into a massive debt that will be too big to pay back. 

Be cautious of people who simply regurgitate bond rating agency reports without actually digesting them

4th Straight-Day of HIGH POLLUTION Warnings, Advisories + Alerts



 

Ah yes, there's "everything under the sun" here in Maricopa County and The East Valley - dirty, toxic and contaminated air.
Air Quality Forecast

Air Quality Index (AQI)
101	Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups
Health Message: Active children and adults, and people with lung disease, such as asthma, should reduce prolonged or heavy exertion outdoors.  Forecast Discussion High pressure looks like it will hold on over the Southwest today and Saturday. This weather pattern will help to reinforce sunny skies and warm temperatures. In fact, Phoenix may see its first 100°F day today. Air quality-wise, ozone is expected to be its highest of this forecast period today and Saturday, since conditions will be favorable for ozone formation and accumulation. An Ozone High Pollution Advisory is in effect for today. This was six days ago This is serious

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Growing fast

Growing Smart?

Community Engagement Via Post-It Notes: ASU @ Mesa City Center

These were some of the faces sitting at the back of The Saguaro Room in the Main Mesa Public Library on Wednesday, April 24th for a Community Design Workshop hosted by RAIL Mesa and ASU.

The Design Building Team was there, including Diane Jacobs from Holly Street Studios who's working with San Francisco-based Architects Bohlin Cywinski Jackson.
Rick Naibor [spelling?], who said he has been working with Jeff McVay, the City of Mesa's Director of Downtown Transformation, for more than three years, made the introductions and gathered written comments on post-it notes to gather ideas and feedback from those who responded to a set of questions.Rick said he had worked for the City of Phoenix for 36 years. He's been working at ASU since 2014.

The workshop was well-attended with members of the public and employees of both the City of Mesa and ASU.
< Here's an image of RAIL Mesa's David Crummey starting off what ended to be a very inter-active exchange of ideas for a Developer and Lease Agreement by city officials and ASU for the new construction of one building at the NWC of Pepper Place/Centennial Drive in the parking lot behind the old 1970's-era  vacant city-owned IT Building on First Avenue. From plans and timelines presented, it is way more than that to somehow create "Mesa City Center"

WHAT'S YOUR VISION OF THIS GRID? 
Here's a scale model with Mesa Arts Center at the top on the south side of Main Street.
N Center Street is to the right. Centennial Drive to the left. 
Notice at the top that the International Design Award-Winning MAC is on a different diagonal axis. None, absolutely none of the buildings in the area under review can match the high architectural standards set by the $100-million arts center that opened in 2005. The 8-story City Hall is the ugliest building in the entire downtown. Most of the others are one-story hangovers from The 1970's-Era. The empty spaces are parking lots used by city employees or city utilities and development services customers.

An ASU "satellite campus" downtown was a controversial issue in 2016 and 2018. Mesa taxpayers REJECTED it first, and then approved a scaled-down version to fund one new building - the image to the left is what was used by city officials and mainstream media over-and-again to make the sales-pitch.
< It is not and probably never was city officials had in mind, because they simply didn't know, but needed something to hoodwink taxpayers.

So it's back to the drawing boards - what you see is the site on Pepper Place.
Readers of this blog may want to get in touch with David Crummey at RAIL MESA

• Retail
• Arts
• Innovation
• Livability 

These two people should be able to help you with questions.

together@railmesa.org

- or -

David Crummey

Tel: 602.370.4459

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Website:

RAIL Mesa | For a stronger, better connected light rail corridor in Mesa

www.railmesa.org/  Click or Tap Here

RAILmesa is downtown Mesa's active community voice, where we build and advocate for a stronger, better connected light rail corridor in Mesa

 

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RAILmesa: Retail, Arts, Innovation & Livability

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IMPACT INVESTING FOR THE SOCIAL GOOD

Published on Apr 26, 2019

Views: 45 at time of upload to this blog

Apr.26 -- Victoria Leggett, head of impact investing at Union Bancaire Privee, discusses the UBAM Positive Impact Equity Fund and the themes that the fund is focusing on. She speaks on “Bloomberg Daybreak: Europe.”

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