“The work that Camiros has produced has been high quality, and the HACA team has enjoyed working with them over the past two years.” – Sylvia Blanco, Executive Vice-President, HACA

I am writing this letter in support of Camiros, Ltd., with regard to their planning and community development experience. As the executive at the Housing Authority of the City of Austin (HACA) that has overseen the Rosewood Choice Neighborhoods Planning Initiative, I have had the opportunity to work with Camiros for the past 21 months. Camiros serves as HACA’s Planning Coordinator for this HUD-funded initiative, and has engaged in a variety of planning activities related to the revitalization of HACA’s Rosewood Courts public housing property and the surrounding neighborhood. Activities have included: preparation of a planning handbook; development of a comprehensive data book with demographic, land use, zoning, housing, education, employment, transportation, health, crime, asset, environmental and other conditions that inform planning; project website; key person interviews with critical stakeholders; assistance in determining Task Force membership and responsibilities; field surveys and neighborhood physical needs assessment; design and implementation of Community Meetings (assets, challenges, visioning, housing); planning for and conducting Task Force Meetings (project and program development); solicitation and interpretation of a market analysis; and guidance in the development of HACA’s Housing Developer RFQ.

As the Choice Neighborhoods project focuses on housing, people and neighborhoods, Camiros conducted meetings with residents and the community to determine physical preferences for the property, guiding principles for its development and created draft site concepts that were presented to the community for feedback. Moreover, Camiros has worked with HACA to develop appropriate strategic social service and community initiatives through information gathered in Community and Task Force Meetings and determined how to move those programs forward. Camiros is currently working with the developer and HACA staff to further develop the housing component, as well as plans for community project implementation and program governance.

The work that Camiros has produced has been high quality, and the HACA team has enjoyed working with them over the past two years. The team is extremely professional, skilled and knowledgeable about the latest trends in urban planning and development, and we have learned a great deal from each team member – as each has a solid foundation and knowledge in general planning knowledge along with niche expertise. While Camiros’ relationship with HACA has primarily been in the planning capacity, I know that the team’s skills extend beyond the work that we have requested, and that the organization has worked on many successful planning efforts across the country. I encourage you to consider Camiros’ qualifications and expertise in selecting a team to successfully help you plan for housing and neighborhood revitalization efforts as well as other planning projects. Please feel free to call me if you have any questions.

Sincerely,

Sylvia Blanco
Executive Vice-President
Housing Authority of the City of Austin