[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 100 (Tuesday, May 25, 1999)]
[Notices]
[Page 28188]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-13147]


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FEDERAL HOUSING FINANCE BOARD


Forum on Successful Mortgage Lending Practices in Indian Country

AGENCY: Federal Housing Finance Board.

ACTION: Notice of forum.

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SUMMARY: The Federal Housing Finance Board (Finance Board) is hereby 
announcing a Forum on Successful Mortgage Lending Practices in Indian 
Country.

DATES: The forum will be held on May 27, 1999 beginning at 9:30 a.m.

ADDRESSES: The forum will be held at the Office of Thrift Supervision 
Amphitheater, 1700 G Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20552.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Roberta Youmans, Program Analyst, 
Community Investment Division, at (202) 408-2581, or Naomi Salus, 
Director, Office of Public Affairs at (202) 408-2957, Federal Housing 
Finance Board, 1777 F Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20006.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: There is a well-established need for housing 
and particularly homeownership among Native Americans. Between 1992 and 
1996, only 91 conventional loans were closed on trust lands, and 80 of 
those were made to the members of two tribes. The absence of a private 
lending and real estate market has taken a toll on many Indian 
communities. Forty percent of housing in tribal areas lacks basic 
amenities like indoor plumbing and bathrooms. Twenty-one percent of 
reservation housing is overcrowded--a rate nearly ten times larger than 
that for the United States generally.
    The forum will focus on success stories: solutions to critical 
problems that have prevented homeownership. Tribal housing directors, 
tribal families and bankers will share information on how to join 
together to achieve homeownership.
    One outcome is for tribes to begin using funds more creatively and 
lenders to start to recognize the market potential of lending in Indian 
country.
    The Native American Housing and Self-Determination Act of 1996 
represented a watershed by replacing traditional government housing 
programs with block grants. But to move Indian Country's housing into 
the 21st century, policy makers and industry professionals must 
encourage and help replicate successful initiatives.
    The Finance Board is co-sponsoring the forum with the National 
American Indian Housing Council (NAIHC). Through research, training and 
technical assistance, NAIHC encourages the development of greater 
housing and homeownership opportunities for Native Americans. Through 
its Mortgage Partnership Program it also assists financial institutions 
in providing greater lending on reservations through educational forums 
and direct means.
    Forum moderators are: Bruce Morrison, Chairman, Federal Housing 
Finance Board; J. Timothy O'Neill, Director, Federal Housing Finance 
Board; Chester Carl, Chairman, National American Indian Housing Council 
and Executive Director, Navajo Housing Authority; John Williamson, Vice 
Chairman, National American Indian Housing Council and Executive 
Director, Lower Elwha Housing Authority; Jacqueline Johnson, Deputy 
Assistant Secretary, Office of Native American Programs, United States 
Department of Housing and Urban Development; and Christopher D. Boesen, 
Executive Director, National American Indian Housing Council.

    By the Federal Housing Finance Board.
Bruce A. Morrison,
Chairman.
[FR Doc. 99-13147 Filed 5-24-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6725-01-U