News - 2008
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080340
San Diego Housing Federation Presents Life-Time Achievement Award for Affordable Housing to Evan Becker of Red Capital Markets
Evan E. Becker
Managing Director
Red Capital Markets, Inc.
Columbus, OH, June 16, 2008 – Evan E. Becker, Managing Director of Red Capital Markets, Inc. (MEMBER FINRA/SIPC) in San Diego, received the San Diego Housing Federation’s (the "Federation") first Life-Time Achievement Award at the Federation’s annual Affordable Housing and Community Development awards ceremony on June 12.
In announcing the award, Arnulfo Manriquez, COO of the MAAC Project and President of the Federation’s Board of Directors, remarked, "You can see the result of Evan’s dedication to those in greatest need everywhere he’s been . . . the Housing Trust Fund in the City of San Diego, inclusionary housing in Carlsbad. There are thousands of affordable units that are the result of his committed leadership."
Becker came to California in 1988 to become Executive Director of the San Diego Housing Commission. During his tenure there, he led the development of scattered site public housing, preservation of "at-risk" affordable housing, development of the City’s Housing Trust Fund, and efforts to build the affordable housing capability of other organizations.
In nominating Becker for the award, Cissy Fisher, Senior Project Manager at the San Diego Housing Commission, said, "Evan initiated the Future Urbanizing Area Inclusionary Zoning requirement in the City. It’s led to the development of approximately 1,240 affordable units in the newly developed northern area of San Diego and it paved the way for a city-wide ordinance."
Becker also served as Carlsbad’s Housing and Redevelopment Director where he developed and implemented one of the nation’s most productive inclusionary housing programs, including two HUD national "best practices" award-winning projects.
Debbie Fountain, Director of Housing and Redevelopment for the City of Carlsbad, noted, "Evan has a passion for affordable housing that is beyond compare. With his skills, talent and personality, he would be successful at whatever career he decided to pursue. The fact that he chose a career that results in the development of affordable housing shows that he put his money where his heart is, and the affordable housing world is a much better place because of his choice."
Others echoed their respect and admiration for Becker’s character. Ken Sauder, CEO of Wakeland Housing and Development, said, "Evan can always be counted on to do the right thing – even when it isn’t in his corporate or personal best interest. He never loses his focus on those most in need."
Matthew Jumper, CEO of San Diego Interfaith Housing Foundation, another Red Capital client, commented, "Evan displays the highest degree of commitment and character when dealing with housing policies and programs. Developing affordable housing is extremely challenging and complex. Over many years, Evan has employed creativity and thoughtful problem solving to meet those challenges."
Becker joined RED CAPITAL GROUP in August 2001 to help anchor the company’s newly opened San Diego office. RED CAPITAL is a comprehensive provider of financing for multifamily and seniors housing, from independent living to assisted living and skilled care facilities. Since its opening, RED’s San Diego office has provided over $120 million in capital to affordable housing projects in San Diego County.
Elizabeth Bluhm, Senior Managing Director of RED’s San Diego office, expressed her appreciation for Becker’s contributions. "Evan has been instrumental in the development of our San Diego office since its opening in 2001. We are thrilled that he is being honored with this major award recognizing his many achievements in affordable housing, including his work originating and structuring low income housing tax credit equity investments for Red throughout California. Evan brings a passion and commitment to affordable housing that makes him an inspiring person to work with, and we are proud to call him a friend and teammate at Red."
Prior to coming to California, Becker was with the Norfolk, VA Redevelopment and Housing Authority. His accomplishments there included the downtown waterfront revitalization and both affordable and market housing development. The programs were the catalyst for a remarkable transformation of a blighted military town to one of the most attractive and livable cities on the East Coast.
While serving the cities of San Diego and Carlsbad, Becker served several terms as a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank (District 11) Affordable Housing Program Advisory Council, helping guide one of the Nation’s most successful AHP programs. Becker and his wife, Jeannie, live in Pt. Loma, California.
