Comprehensive Housing Strategy Task Force
Walter David Watts Confirmation Resolution of 2004
PR 15-772

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March 12, 2004

The Honorable Linda W. Cropp 
Chairman
Council of the District of Columbia
1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, N. W., Suite 504 
Washington. D.C. 20004

Dear Chairman Cropp:

In accordance with section 2 of the Comprehensive Housing Strategy Temporary Act of 2003, effective December 9, 2003 (D.C. Law 15-52), which established the Comprehensive Housing Strategy Task Force, I am pleased to nominate the following persons for appointment:

as members of the Task Force, representing banking or financial service institutions, for terms to end 1-year from the date a majority of the first members are sworn-in;

as members of the Task Force, representing the for-profit housing production community, for terms to end 1-year from the date a majority of the first members are sworn-in;

as members of the Task Force, representing the non-profit housing production community, for terms to end 1-year from the date a majority of the first members are sworn-in;

as a member of the Task Force, with expertise in housing policy from the academic or nonprofit community, for a term to end 1-year from the date a majority of the first members are sworn-in;

as a member of the Task Force, representing the philanthropic community, for a term to end l - year from the date a majority of the first members are sworn-in;

as a member of the Task Force, representing the employer-assisted housing provider, for a term to end 1-year from the date a majority of the first members are sworn-in;

as members of the Task Force, representing the multifamily property owner community, for terms to end 1-year from the date a majority of the first members are sworn-in;

as a member of the Task Force, representing the residential real estate profession, for a term to end 1-year from the date a majority of the first members are sworn-in;

as a member of the Task Force, representing an organization that advocates for the production, preservation, and rehabilitation of affordable housing for lower-income households, for a term to end 1-year from the date a majority of the first members are sworn-in;

as a member of the Task Force, representing low-income tenants, for a term to end 1-year from the date a majority of the first members are sworn-in;

as citizen representative members on the Task Force, for terms to end 1-year from the date a majority of the first members are sworn-in;

as a member of the Task Force, representing an organization that provides supportive housing services including housing counseling, financial management, in-kind assistance, or legal representation, for a term to end 1-year from the date a majority of the first members are sworn in; and

as members of the Task Force, representing government agencies, including independent housing agencies, for terms to end 1-year from the date a majority of the first members are sworn-in.

Enclosed you will find biographical information detailing the experience of the above-mentioned nominees, together with proposed resolutions to assist the Council during the confirmation process.

I would appreciate the Council's earliest consideration of these nominations for confirmation. Please do not hesitate to contact me should the Council require additional information.

Sincerely,
Anthony A. Williams 
Mayor

Enclosures 

AAW/edl

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Chairman Linda W. Cropp, at the request of the Mayor

A PROPOSED RESOLUTION IN THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

To confirm the appointment of Mr. Walter David Watts to the Comprehensive Housing Strategy Task Force.

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, That this resolution may be cited as the "Comprehensive Housing Strategy Task Force Walter David Watts Confirmation Resolution of 2004".

Sec. 2. The Council of the District of Columbia confirms the appointment of:

Mr. Walter David Watts
1627 Webster Street, NW
Washington, D.C. 20011
(Ward 4)

as a citizen representative member of the Comprehensive Housing Strategy Task Force, established by section 2 of the Comprehensive Housing Strategy Temporary Act of 2003, effective December 9, 2003 (D.C. Law 15-52), for a term to end I-year from the date a majority of the first members are sworn-in.

Sec. 3. The Council of the District of Columbia shall transmit a copy of this resolution, upon its adoption, each to the nominee and to the Office of the Mayor. 

Sec. 4. This resolution shall take effect immediately.

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W. David Watts   
1629 Webster Street, NW  Washington, DC 20011

STATE BAR

MARYLAND STATE BAR ASSOCIATION - 1974
BAR ASSOCIATION FOR THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA -1981

EDUCATION

MASTER OF LAWS (L.L.M) "LAND USE MANAGEMENT AND CONTROL" 
The George Washington University, Washington, DC - 1980

JURIS DOCTOR (JD)
University of Maryland, College Park, MD - 1974

BACHELOR OF ARTS (BA)
University of Washington, Seattle, WA - 1970F ARTS (BA)

EXPERIENCE

9/01-present, George Washington University, Washington, D.C. 
Executive Director, President's Initiative On The City
Enhances GWU's relationship with the District of Columbia. Serves on GWU planning and project teams; coordinates multifamily and commercial development projects; Plans, organizes and implements strategies for projects with external funding; drafts grant proposals for/with District of Columbia, federal and Foundations.

11/984/01, TRAMMELL CROW COMPANY, Washington, D.C. 
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT FOR GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS AND DEVELOPMENT
Responsible for coordinating Trammell Crow Company's legislative interests and company's interest in all regulatory processes. Charged to create and manage commercial and mixed-use (multifamily) real estate development for built-to-suit and speculative projects, optimizing user, owner and third party requirements through development, financing, construction, leasing and disposition. Manage outside counsel. Responsible for closing documents on projects.

8/97-7/98, D.C. DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS, Washington, D.C. 
DIRECTOR
Managed eight administrations under the general supervision of the Chief Management Office and the D.C. Financial Control Board. Responsibilities included: administering the City's rent control laws and regulations; the investigating and compliance of the businesses registered with this department; issuing professional licenses and providing support for the various professional boards; monitoring and licensing business and vending establishments in the District of Columbia; and overseeing zoning and all construction codes, including permits, inspections and certificates of occupancy.

8/96-8/97, EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE MAYOR, Washington, D.C. 
DEPUTY MAYOR FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Directed D.C. Government Business Services and the Economic Development Cluster, which included all housing programs, industrial revenue bonds, consumer and regulatory affairs, banking, insurance, tourism and equal employment opportunities. Authorized and charged by mayoral appointment to stimulate, create and implement economic development in the District of Columbia. Formulated strategic economic development policy for the District. Supervised major economic development functions of eight D.C. government agencies. Advocate for District at City Council, Congressional and Federal levels and with the media and private entities. Managed and executed a comprehensive economic development program to invigorate the District's economy using all District agencies and public/private partnerships with business and community groups. Fostered business retention, expansion and attraction, including local small and disadvantaged businesses. Created attractive and diverse commercial business and residential neighborhoods through public/private partnerships for market and affordable housing programs and commercial retail/office development.

1/96-10/97, D.C. DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT, Washington, D.C. 
DIRECTOR
Administered one of the largest and most innovative cadre of home ownership, rental housing and Administered one of the largest and most innovative cadre of home ownership, rental housing and direction of neighborhood development programs that provide financing and technical assistance for affordable multifamily and single family housing construction, rehabilitation and commercial development projects implemented by for-profit and notn-profit developers. Coordinated regulatory and legislative processes with local and Federal governments. Supervised acquisition, leasing and disposition of District government-owned land assigned to the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), the D.C. Redevelopment Land Agency (RLA) and D.C. Department of Administrative Services using Community Development Block Grants, appropriated funds, tax credits and other creative methods to ensure meeting objectives. Supported RLA Board of Directors' implementation of urban renewal planning, marketing, sale and development of commercial housing, and other neighborhood community and economic development projects on RI.A-owned land. Coordinated sale of forty percent of inventory of first and second mortgages to FannieMae.

1994-1995, DHCD, Washington, D.C. 
ADMINISTRATOR, NEIGHBORHOOD PRESERVATION AND COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT
Responsible for DHCD major program operations. Administered four program divisions: (1) Home Ownership; (2) Housing Rehabilitation; (3) New I Lousing and Commercial Development; and (4) Community-Base Support Services. Advised DHCD's Director on policy and budgetary issues relating to all programs areas. Proposed District and Federal budgets to fund fiscal and multi-year programs and activities. Coordinated implementation of DHCD's mission statement with the public, including lenders, developers, community-based corporations, and individuals. Established and implemented public-private partnerships to meet the Department's objectives and initiatives for rental, commercial and housing programs.

1993-1994, DHCD, Washington, D.C. 
CHIEF HOUSING REHABILITATION DIVISION
Supervised the management operation of multi-family and single family housing rehabilitation programs and projects in the District in compliance with District and Federal statutes and regulations. Encouraged and facilitated public/private partnership to leverage private sector development. Identified District rehabilitation housing needs; formulated and recommended policy; and developed, planned and coordinated the execution of projects and activities through Low Income Housing Tax Credits, loans and credit enhancements. Provided direction and supervision for all Division programs and coordinated activities with District and Federal agencies, private lenders and developers.

1992-1993, DHCD, Washington, D. C. 
ACTING CHIEF HOME OWNERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES DIVISION
Responsible for the development and implementation of the home Purchase Assistance Program and the Homestead Preservation Program. Identified all home ownership needs for the District, recommended policies, and formulated and implemented plans for the programs. Acquired and disposed of properties. Provided direction and supervision for the program and the non-profit community-based organization(s) participating with Department in the delivery of services.

1988-1992, DHCD, Washington, D.C. 
INTERNAL AUDIT OFFICER
LEGAL COUNSEL
Advised, interpreted and applied District and Federal laws, rules and regulations relating to the rehabilitation, home ownership, new construction and community development activities of DIICD. Coordinated special assignments from the Director for investigation into allegations of ethics, illegality, impropriety, and inconsistency. Responsible for directing and coordinating the conduct of major task force activities including public hearings and litigation for complex civil issues involving multiple parties. Developed and maintained systems of internal control, management and follow-up management financial audit reports consistent with GAAP.

1985-1998, OFFICE OF THE CORPORATION COUNSEL, Washington, D.C
ASSISTANT CORPORATION COUNSEL
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIVISION
Provided legal counsel for the Department of Housing and Community Development and the Office of Business and Economic Development. Attorney for the Zoning Commission and the Board of Zoning Appeals. Manage outside counsel. Generated and responsible for transactional documents for closing multifamily and commercial developments with multiple parties, multiple lenders (including bonds), and multi-phase construction. Retained dual status with Corporation Counsel and other administrative agencies during tenure with government.

1981 -1985, HYATT LEGAL SERVICES, Philadelphia, PA 
REGIONAL PARTNER
Managed eight general practice law offices and twenty-six attorneys in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Implemented polices and procedures for accounting, case file and client control. Evaluated applicable laws and procedures.

1979-1981 THE URBAN LAND INSTITUTE (ULI), Washington, D.C. 
RESEARCH COUNSEL
Conducted research and published papers on nationally significant land use issues. Analyzed land use controls and developments. Published legal notes in Urban Land Magazine. Represented ULI at national meetings and symposia. Coordinated professional councils impacting development, including national tax, housing, energy, and environmental and transportation policies.

1977-1979, OFFICE OF ENDANGERED SPECIES (FWS), Washington, D.C. 
LEGAL COUNSEL
Developed and recommended policies and programs to ensure implementation of the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Ensured Federal and State compliance in the environmental impact of complex land use activities and development.

1975-1977, OFFICE OF LAW, Howard County, MD 
ASSISTANT COUNTY SOLICITOR
Counsel to the Planning Department, the Planning Board, the Board of Appeals, and legal counsel to the Department of Public Works regarding contracts and procedures. Drafted the Comprehensive Rezoning Act and the Subdivision Regulations.

1975 - 1977, PRIVATE PRACTICE, Howard County, MD
LITIGATION
Represented public, private and corporate clients through appellate level. Partner in the firm of Raum and Watts.

1973-1975, COUNTY COUNCIL, Howard County, MD 
EXECUTIVE SECRETARY
Administered Council Office, drafted legislation and handled legislative processing for all statutes and resolutions. Formulated county budget. Secretary of Zoning Board, Liquor Board and health Board.

1973-1975, MARYLAND FIFTH CIRCUIT, Howard County, MD
LAW CLERK

PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES:

REFERENCES: Provided upon request.