IHI was created in 1996 by housing professionals with extensive successful experience in developing, financing, and managing affordable housing in a mixed-income setting. The non-profit corporation provides technical assistance and professional support to local governments, private developers, housing agencies and community organizations. IHI works with these entities to assist in formulating and clarifying goals and provides necessary expertise and successful models to help achieve them. IHI assisted Frederick County, Md. in its adoption of an ordinance and participated in the formulation and implementation of the Montgomery County Ordinance.

BPI is a public interest law and policy center in Chicago, Illinois, that has been at the front lines of Chicago's most pressing social justice issues for 35 years. BPI has sought to address the affordable housing crisis in the Chicago region through a variety of legal, policy and organizing strategies. BPI has conducted extensive national inclusionary housing research and has chronicled the experiences of dozens of communities. BPI has drafted inclusionary housing ordinances and served as a consultant to municipalities implementing this tool for the first time. BPI works with developers, elected officials, community groups and citizens to tackle exclusionary zoning practices and promote balanced development.

National Housing Conference: For nearly 75 years, the nonprofit National Housing Conference (NHC) has been the nation's premier public policy and affordable housing advocacy organization. A membership drawn from every industry segment forms the foundation for NHC's broad, nonpartisan advocacy for national policies and legislation that promote suitable housing in a safe, decent environment. NHC's nonprofit research affiliate, the Center for Housing Policy, combines state-of-the-art research with the insights and expertise of housing practitioners. The Center works to broaden understanding of America's affordable housing challenges and examines the impact of policies and programs developed to address these needs.

PolicyLink is a national nonprofit research, communications, capacitybuilding and advocacy organization dedicated to advancing policies to achieve economic and social equity based on the wisdom, voice and experience of local constituencies. PolicyLink works with community organizations and public officials across the country to craft effective local and state policies that promote the production and equitable distribution of affordable housing for low-income communities and working families.

The Ford Foundation is a resource for innovative people and institutions world wide. Their goals for more than half a century have been to: strengthen democratic values; reduce poverty and injustice; promote international cooperation; and advance human achievement. They seek to improve the quality of life and opportunities in urban and rural communities and support community-based institutions that mobilize and leverage philanthropic capital, investment capital, social capital and natural resources in a responsible and fair manner. For more information, visit the Foundation's website at www.fordfound.org.

Housing Association of Nonprofit Developers (HAND)