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NH&RA to Honor Housing Leaders With 2008 Vision Award

WASHINGTON, DC – Two Boston housing leaders will be honored October 28th for their invaluable contributions and years of dedication providing affordable apartments for thousands of Massachusetts families. The National Housing & Rehabilitation Association (NH&RA) will present the 2008 NH&RA Vision Awards to U.S. Representative Barney Frank (D-MA) and to Larry Curtis, a nationally renowned real estate developer.  The occasion marks the fifth time the annual NH&RA Vision Award has been presented.  The awards presentation will take place at a luncheon being held in conjunction with NH&RA 2008 Fall Developers Forum at the Langham Hotel in Boston.

"We're delighted to recognize two outstanding individuals –Barney Frank and Larry Curtis – who have immeasurably improved the lives of countless low-income families across the nation," said Peter H. Bell, Executive Director of NH&RA. “By working tirelessly to ensure the creation and preservation of high-qualify, affordable apartments for low- to moderate-income households across the nation, Barney and Larry have had bettered the lives of countless individuals and families, giving them a secure place--a home--where they can prosper, grow and contribute to their community.”

Barney Frank was first elected to Congress in 1981. Throughout his tenure in the U.S. House of Representatives, Rep. Frank has been an outspoken advocate and a leading voice for the affordable housing community. Congressman Frank played a critical role in the creation of the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit in 1986, the country’s most effective tool for the creation of affordable rental housing. More recently, as chairman of the House Financial Services Committee, Congressman Frank was instrumental in the creation and passage of the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008, a measure that provides critical improvements to our nation’s affordable housing delivery system, as well as the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008.

Rep. Frank is also an outspoken advocate on civil rights issues and the founder of the National Stonewall Democrats.  He has often been referred to as the “brainiest”, “funniest” and “most eloquent” member of the House. He began his political career as an assistant to Boston Mayor Kevin White and served during 1972-81 in the Massachusetts Legislature. Congressman Frank Represents Massachusetts 4th Congressional District, which includes many of Boston’s western and southern suburbs as well as the South Coast.

As Managing Partner for WinnDevelopment, Curtis leads a full range of real estate development and acquisition activities for WinnCompanies, a Boston-based firm with over 70,000 residential units under management in 20 states across the country.  While maintaining a wide range of real estate interests, Curtis’ primary focus has been historic redevelopment and the creation of affordable housing. 

Curtis’ work has been recognized by numerous organizations and publications including National Housing & Rehabilitation Association, Massachusetts Historical Commission, Boston Preservation Alliance, Affordable Housing Finance, Preservation Massachusetts and MassHousing.

Curtis is also a community leader and philanthropist, serving as a Board Member of both the Ben Franklin Institute of Technology and the Boston Ballet.  He also served as Co-Chair of the Combined Jewish Philanthropies $42 million Annual Campaign.  Curtis and his wife Marla have four sons.
Based in Washington, DC, NH&RA is a national nonprofit trade group for professionals in the affordable multifamily housing industry, including developers, investors, lenders, syndicators, public agencies, nonprofits, consultants, and practitioners.