PPV

The privatization of Military Family Housing brings many questions to mind. What is it, why did it happen in the Northwest, how are things different, how are things the same, who will my neighbors be? Read on and learn answers to these and many other Public/Private Venture (PPV) questions.

Everett was the first in the Northwest to have PPV properties. Currently there are two PPV partners in Everett. The newest partner is listed in the paragraph below. Carroll's Creek Landing was built as a PPV project and has been a PPV partner since 2000. You can visit their website “Carroll's Creek Landing” to learn more about this housing community.

On 1 February 2005, Navy Family Housing in the Northwest, with the exception of Jackson Park, became privatized. The company formed with the Navy and our partner is called Forest City Military Communities, LLC. Visit FCMC to learn more about living in privatized housing.

Privatization isn't just a Northwest venture. It is a creative and effective solution mandated by congress for all Department of Defense (DoD) housing in the United States. It is being phased in throughout the United States. The partnerships that are formed enable a quicker solution for renovating and replacing aging Military Family Housing. For DoD, partnering with a private company, such as Forest City Military Communities here in the Northwest, will mean the demolition and replacement of over 600 homes over the next four years in this region.

Most people will see little change in their lives with the privatization of housing. With PPV, you sign a lease for a minimum of six months, just as you agreed in writing to remain in Navy housing for at least six months. Now you pay rent (including utilities) in the exact amount of your Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH), so you are paying the same amount for the same home and amenities that you were when your BAH was withheld. The only difference is that your BAH now goes into your paycheck, and rent is paid by allotment to Forest City Military Communities.

Priority for housing will always be “service members first.” If there is not enough demand for housing from military members that would cause the occupancy rate to fall below a certain level, then Forest City may rent to others following a particular priority list. The priority would be (1) unaccompanied service members, (2) federal civil service employees, (3) retired military, (4) National Guard and military reservists, (5) retired federal civil service employees, (6) DoD contractors and other permanent employees, and (7) the general public.

When the time comes that you will move out of housing, your cleaning requirements will be much less stringent than when the Navy managed housing. Refer to your Community Handbook for a list of cleaning requirements.

If neighborhood or landlord/tenant issues should arise that cannot be settled between the people involved, remember that the NAVY HOUSING OFFICE REMAINS OPEN to give assistance to PPV residents as well as renters in the civilian community.

If you have interest in the overall PPV picture through the Navy's and DoD's eyes, simply click on these links to learn more.