What does privatization mean for Cannon Air Force Base residents Published July 18, 2013 By 27th Special Operations Civil Engineer Squadron 27th Special Operations Wing Public Affairs CANNON AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- Balfour Beatty Communities is pleased to announce that on Aug. 1, 2013, it will assume operations of Cannon Air Force Base Family Housing with the goal of providing the highest level of customer service, enhanced housing, and a vibrant community for the service members and their families stationed here. At Balfour Beatty Communities, a dedicated staff comprised of community and facilities management professionals is ready to assist in making the transition to privatization as seamless as possible. "We couldn't be more excited to begin operations for family housing," said Dorothy Molina, Balfour Beatty Communities community manager at Cannon AFB. "My staff and I look forward to meeting the residents on base and working with them to ensure that their time spent living in Cannon AFB Family Housing is not only enjoyable but memorable." Why privatize? Cannon AFB has partnered with Balfour Beatty Communities under the Privatization of Family Housing Program as a way to provide quality affordable housing faster and more efficiently than traditional processes allowed. Privatization of military family housing enables private sector developers to effectively manage all family housing operations and ultimately create a living environment that helps increase the readiness, morale and retention of service members, allowing them to concentrate on their missions. What to look forward to in privatized housing BBC will be responsible for the development, maintenance, and management of family homes, grounds and infrastructure. With all community and facilities management being maintained through one company, BBC ensures a holistic approach to all family housing and community needs that is centered on responsive customer service. As part of privatization, there is also a plan in place for new construction, renovations and general community upgrades, to include: 401 demolished homes, 361 renovated homes, 677 new homes, two community centers - one with a pool and one with a splash park, tot lots, picnic areas, walking trails, two tennis courts, bus shelters, baseball field, soccer field and more. Balfour Beatty Communities offers an exciting resident experience not found in traditional housing complexes--the LifeWorks program. The Balfour Beatty Communities LifeWorks program offers free activities and events for residents of all ages aimed at strengthening community relations. To see what events are happening at here, visit the Cannon housing website at (www.cannonfamilyhousing.com) after Aug. 1, 2013. Next steps for current residents Residents will be required to sign a lease agreement with Balfour Beatty Communities. Lease signings are currently being conducted by the community management team. If you have not signed a lease agreement, please contact us at 575-784-7141 to schedule a time that is convenient for you. All leases must be signed by July 31, 2013. Understanding Base Allowance for Housing and privatized housing A service member's BAH, is based on the rental market value, rank and number of dependents. Unlike most rental markets, privatized housing offers additional amenities not usually found in private sector housing. Because of this, Department of Defense policy on privatized housing allows rent to be equal to full BAH. BAH in privatized housing includes: rent, utilities - electric, gas, water, sewer and fuel oil for heat - all based on average consumption, with the exception of telephone, cable, and Internet services. Other amenities include: Landscaping services (front yard and common areas), trash collection, kitchen appliances, 24/7 facility maintenance services as well as routine preventative maintenance services, renter's insurance personal property policy, free LifeWorks program year-round activities and events, community amenities such as community center, fitness center, community pool and playgrounds. About BBC Headquartered in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania, Balfour Beatty Communities currently operates more than 44,000 military homes located in 23 states and Washington D.C. and is over 1,100 dedicated employees strong. For more information regarding Balfour Beatty Communities visit www.balfourbeattycommunities.com. For questions regarding BBC operations and the transition to privatization, contact the community management office at 575-784-7141 (dial 99 first, if calling from on base). All service requests may be directed to the facility management office at 575-784-9000 (will not be connected until 1 Aug). The Cannon AFB Family Housing Office is located at 311 Eagle Claw, and the main office number is 575-784-7141. The Housing Office is open Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.