By Dave Gatton
July 19, 2010

Charlotte (NC) and Springfield (MA) have received 2010 Ambassadors for Cities designation from The U.S. Conference of Mayors and the National Association of Realtors. The Ambassadors program honors those cities that have developed innovative joint projects with their local Realtor associations to promote affordable housing.

In its second year, Charlotte’s Realtors Care Day organized over 650 volunteer realtors who provided major repairs to over 30 homes. The city helped to identify homeowners who are either employed or retired, but whose financial situation makes it difficult to afford the repairs or modifications to their homes. Crews fanned out over the city to work on critical exterior repairs and provide adaptive and safety modifications for elderly and disabled residents, including the installation of new roofs, exterior painting, and construction of accessibility ramps.

“This is a great day of collaboration for the city of Charlotte,” said Mayor Anthony Foxx at one of the home sites. “The number of volunteers is incredible, and the home repairs will help lift up our homeowners and their neighborhoods,” he said. In addition to the Realtors, local home repair businesses donated materials and local construction firms oversaw major repairs.

The award was presented to the mayor and Charlotte Regional Realtor Association President Lyn Kessie, along with a $5,000 check to help the effort, by Chris Clemans, Chair of the National Association of Realtors Housing Opportunity Committee and Dave Gatton, representing the Conference of Mayors.

For more information on the Charlotte Realtor Care Day, visit the website www.carolinahome.com/realtorscare.default.aspx

Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno and the city have developed a program with the Realtors Association of Pioneer Valley (RAPV), called Buy Springfield Now. The program has attracted nearly 200 homebuyers to purchase homes in the city over the last year.

Through Buy Springfield Now residents have access to education about buying and sustaining homeownership; safe, affordable home loan products; special incentives for RAPV affiliates, such as reduced closing costs; and discounts from area retailers on home-related goods and services. The program is open to all potential homebuyers, not just first-time homebuyers. The city, through its various programs, provides downpayment assistance to families who qualify.

“This award is about what is positive and progressive in the city of Springfield. Through partnership with the RAPV, families have chosen to make their American Dream come true in Springfield—and we welcome them with open arms,” Sarno said to a gathering at the city’s historic 180 acre Forest park in receiving the Ambassadors for Cities designation.

RAPV Executive Vice President Ben Scranton received the award and $5,000 grant with Sarno.

For more information on Springfield’s Buy Springfield now program, visit the website BuySpringfieldNow.org.