Welcome to CLPHA's Press Room
CLPHA experts welcome interview requests from print, radio, television, and online reporters and are happy to provide their insights on issues of public housing and related legislation and policy.
For media inquiries, please contact:
David Greer
Director of Communications
(202) 550-1381 or dgreer@clpha.org.
*Please let us know if you are working on deadline.
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Congratulations to Deputy Secretary Adrianne Todman on New Role as Acting Secretary
(Washington, D.C.) March 12, 2024 — “On behalf of the Council of Large Public Housing Authorities, we congratulate HUD Secretary Marcia L. Fudge on a dedicated career in public service from serving as Mayor of Warrensville Heights, Ohio, to U.S. Congresswoman from Ohio’s 11th district, and culminating as the 18th Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development,” said Sunia Zaterman, executive director of the Council of Large Public Housing Authorities. “When Secretary Fudge took the reins of HUD in the middle of a global COVID-19 pandemic, she provided steadfast leadership that expanded rental assistance and served more than 1.2 people experiencing homelessness. She has been an ardent housing champion giving voice to millions of people in need. “Secretary Fudge worked with CLPHA throughout her tenure to provide greater flexibility to address housing needs and redress systemic racism that has been embedded in housing policy for decades. “We commend her on an exemplary career in public service and wish her well in the next chapter of her life. We look forward to working with Deputy Secretary Adrianne Todman, former CLPHA Vice President, in her new role as Acting Secretary.” |
### Media Contact: David Greer, CLPHA
About the Council of Large Public Housing Authorities About CLPHA’s Housing Is Initiative |
Policies Would Bring Housing Stability to Nearly 1 Million Low-Income Americans |
(Washington, D.C.) March 7, 2024 — The Council of Large Public Housing Authorities (CLPHA) applauds President Joe Biden for his call to expand the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) and Low-income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) programs. As part of the proposed HCV program expansion, the President is calling for a voucher guarantee for low-income veterans and youth aging out of foster care. Notably, President Biden is the first U.S. President to call for a portion of federally assisted housing to be classified as a guarantee. “President Biden’s call for voucher and LIHTC expansion would immediately bring housing stability to nearly one million low-income Americans who are one lost paycheck or unforeseen health event away from homelessness,” said Sunia Zaterman, CLPHA executive director. “Moreover, the President’s extraordinary call to guarantee vouchers for low-income veterans and youth aging out of foster care is a transformative measure that would bring much-needed certainty to a portion of federal housing funding. This demonstrates a commitment to safeguarding housing stability for our nation's most vulnerable populations.” This year’s State of the Union address is considered by many to be the kickoff of President Biden’s 2024 election campaign. “It is clear after tonight that President Biden intends to make housing a top election priority,” said Zaterman. “We encourage President Biden to become the housing president by creating a comprehensive long-term plan for a sustainable future for public housing that would include the recapitalization of the public housing portfolio, permanent expansion of the Housing Choice Voucher program, and a cross-sector approach that includes housing, health, and education. We look forward to working with the President on such a plan.” |
### Media Contact: David Greer, CLPHA
About the Council of Large Public Housing Authorities
About CLPHA’s Housing Is Initiative |
![]() (Washington, D.C.) January 11, 2022 – The Council of Large Public Housing Authorities (CLPHA) is pleased to announce that Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority (CMHA) CEO Jeffery K. Patterson has been named president of CLPHA’s board of directors.
Mr. Patterson was elected at CLPHA’s December 2021 board meeting, and previously served as the board’s vice president. He follows CLPHA’s previous board president, King County Housing Authority (KCHA) Executive Director Stephen Norman, who retired on December 31, 2021. CLPHA is also pleased to announce that La Shelle Dozier, executive director of the Sacramento Housing & Redevelopment Agency, was elected CLPHA vice president and Maria Razo, executive director of the Housing Authority of the County of San Bernardino, was elected CLPHA secretary at the board’s December 2021 meeting. Ed Lowndes, executive director of the Housing Authority of Kansas City, MO, was re-elected board treasurer.
"I am honored to be elected president of CLPHA’s board and would like to thank Stephen Norman for his service and leadership upon his well-deserved retirement,” said Patterson. “Decades of chronic disinvestment, an aging housing portfolio and racial inequities have long predated the pandemic. Entering the third year of pandemic, these issues have only been magnified.
“We are at a critical juncture,” Patterson added. “Historic housing investments proposed by the White House and passed by the U.S. House of Representatives in the Build Back Better Act have stalled in the Senate. CLPHA will continue robust advocacy to ensure these significant housing investments are available to housing authorities across the country who are serving low-income families every day in their local communities.”
“Congratulations to CMHA CEO Jeffery Patterson on being named president of the Board of Directors of the Council of Large Public Housing Authorities. I was pleased to join him, residents, and city leaders at the recent groundbreaking of the Buckeye-Woodhill Choice Neighborhoods transformation plan, which will provide high quality affordable housing that is connected to economic, educational, and health opportunities in a vibrant neighborhood. I look forward to continuing to work with CEO Patterson in his new role to bring greater affordable housing opportunities to more people and communities in Ohio and across the country,” said Senator Sherrod Brown, Chair of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.
“Jeffery has been an invaluable asset to CLPHA in his seven years on the board,” said CLPHA Executive Director Sunia Zaterman. “He leads in many ways -- as board vice president and chair of the Racial Equity and Inclusion Committee and Communications Committee, but also more locally through the many boards he serves on in the greater Cleveland area. Jeffery has a deep understanding of national housing issues as well as local challenges and solutions, and his commitment to CLPHA will ensure continuity through this leadership transition. I look forward to working with CLPHA’s new board leadership to advance our goals and policy priorities in these unprecedented times.”
Mr. Patterson has served as CMHA’s CEO for ten years and has over thirty years of dedicated service to the residents of Cuyahoga County. As CEO of one of the largest housing authorities in the country, he is responsible for a $230 million dollar budget, approximately 750 employees, 10,500 units of housing, 15,000 Housing Choice Vouchers, and nearly 55,000 residents and participants of CMHA's low-income Public Housing and Housing Choice Voucher Programs. He also serves on the board of directors for the Housing Authority Insurance Group, Cleveland Neighborhood Progress (Chairman), Cleveland Rape Crisis Center (Vice-Chairman), St. Luke’s Foundation, United Way of Greater Cleveland, Greater Cleveland Foodbank, Unify Labs Inc., University Circle Inc., the Cleveland Public Library Foundation, and the National Kidney Foundation.
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About the Council of Large Public Housing Authorities About CLPHA’s Housing Is Initiative |
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(Washington, D.C.) November 17, 2023 — Sunia Zaterman, executive director of the Council of Large Public Housing Authorities, released the following statement upon the Biden-Harris administration’s announcement yesterday of the U.S. Playbook to Address Social Determinants of Health and the CHIP Health-Related Social Needs Framework:: “The Council of Large Public Housing Authorities applauds the Biden-Harris administration’s publication of the U.S. Playbook to Address Social Determinants of Health and the Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) Health-Related Social Needs Framework. President Biden and HUD Secretary Marcia L. Fudge have led the nation in raising awareness of the foundational role that housing plays in improving life outcomes for low-income Americans throughout the President’s term. “CLPHA’s Housing Is Initiative has driven the conversation for a decade on how best to bridge the housing and health sectors to improve the life outcomes of residents living in federally assisted housing. CLPHA has long supported public policies cited in the Framework such as evidence-based interventions to support housing and nutrition needs for certain Medicaid enrollees. CLPHA has also advocated for innovative solutions like waivers for Medicaid through its 1115 demonstration that allow for housing-related assistance. “With current programs proving beneficial and innovative programs being developed we know we have the answers. Yet, for these programs to be successful they must be funded at a level that meets the need. Unfortunately, they are not funded at those levels currently. While announcements like these are important in raising the awareness of the foundational role of housing in improving health outcomes, we must continue to advocate for increased resources, including incentivizing PHA/Medicaid partnerships, so they can deliver the benefits they are designed to achieve.” |
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About the Council of Large Public Housing Authorities
About CLPHA’s Housing Is Initiative |
(Washington, DC) November 30, 2022 -- Statement from Sunia Zaterman, executive director of the Council of Large Public Housing Authorities, on the importance of finalizing the FY23 appropriations legislation:
“For the millions of families served by public housing authorities, it is critical for Congress to complete the FY23 appropriations legislation before the start of the 118th Congress in January. The leading public housing advocacy organizations, in one voice, call on Congress to get this legislation passed so that our most vulnerable families are not put at risk.
“The consequences of a government shutdown or a series of continuing resolutions, which lock the previous year’s funding levels in place, create uncertainty for PHAs by not accounting for inflation or current shortfalls that could be severe and would amount to a budget cut. It will tie the hands of housing authorities and impact their abilities to provide their residents with safe, secure, and affordable housing.
“These consequences are preventable if Congress passes the FY23 appropriations legislation at the funding levels requested by the public housing organizations in the letter sent to Congress. We look forward to working with Congress as they finalize the legislation.”
Media Contact:
David Greer, CLPHA
(202) 550-1381
About the Council of Large Public Housing Authorities
About CLPHA’s Housing Is Initiative |
(Washington, D.C.) September 9, 2022 – Sunia Zaterman, executive director of the Council of Large Public Housing Authorities, released the following statement upon the Biden administration's finalization of the rule rolling back the public charge rule:
“Today, hard-working immigrants are more welcome in America. The Council of Large Public Housing Authorities applauds the Biden administration’s finalization of the rule unwinding the Trump administration’s pernicious and patently unlawful Public Charge Rule that included housing assistance against immigrants and their families when applying for an adjustment of residency status.
Federal housing assistance exists to keep families together and to lift them up, not to be weaponized to tear them apart. The cruelty of the rule was exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic as it caused families to opt out of many critical safety net programs, including federal housing assistance.
"CLPHA looks forward to continuing working with the Biden administration to ensure the equitable and compassionate treatment of immigrants and their families when seeking federal housing assistance.”
About the Council of Large Public Housing Authorities
The Council of Large Public Housing Authorities is a national non-profit organization that works to preserve and improve public and affordable housing through advocacy, research, policy analysis and public education. CLPHA’s 70 members represent virtually every major metropolitan area in the country. Together they manage 40 percent of the nation’s public housing program; administer more than a quarter of the Housing Choice Voucher program; and operate a wide array of other housing programs. Learn more at clpha.org and on Twitter @CLPHA .
CLPHA Executive Director Sunia Zaterman was quoted in BisNow’s recent article “Biden's Budget Includes 'Once in a Generation' Investment in Vouchers, Public Housing. Now Landlords Need to Get on Board,” offering CLPHA’s perspective on the Biden administration’s American Jobs Plan that would allocate $30 billion the Housing Choice Voucher program and $40 billion to public housing.
“To propose this level of investment in one fell swoop, it’s extraordinary,” Zaterman told BisNow. “There’s now a strong consensus that more could have and should have been done in 2008 and 2009 for reinvestment,” she added. “This $40B [proposal] does not meet the overall need, but it is extraordinary in the level that it raises the funding from our current baseline.”
Read BisNow’s article. (requires free registration for access to the article)
NPR’s Pam Fessler quoted CLPHA Executive Director Sunia Zaterman in a story about the challenges of utilizing the $5 billion in emergency housing vouchers included in the American Rescue Plan. Zaterman told Fessler that while balancing landlord, tenant and taxpayer interests has always been hard, the situation is more dire than ever in the pandemic with millions of Americans struggling with rent. “There is a need for all of our members, a crying need, for additional vouchers that are serving a wide range of populations,” Zaterman said.
Sunia Zaterman participated in a recent story on the unique opportunities presented by the new administration to address the nation’s dire affordable housing shortage as part of Fast Company’s Home Bound, a series that examines Americans’ fraught relationship with their homes.
“Our focus now is assembling the tools to give housing authorities more ability to acquire properties and to bring to neighborhoods other types of affordable housing,” Zaterman told Fast Company of CLPHA’s goals to capitalize on this inflection point in the public and affordable housing industry. She added that while the new HUD administration’s more flexible rules help housing authorities create more affordable housing in their communities, the main need facing PHAs and affordable housing providers is more money: “You may have heard this before—money is the key obstacle.”
This week, CLPHA Executive Director Sunia Zaterman was quoted in The Washington Post's article "In George Floyd’s old neighborhood, Biden’s war on poverty faces a crucial test." The article examines the potential impacts of President Biden's American Rescue Plan on families in poverty through a focus on Houston's Cuney Homes public housing community, where George Floyd lived much of his life before his killing in police custody.
“If we don’t make a difference in individual lives, then we really haven’t done the job yet,” Zaterman said of the Biden plan's antipoverty efforts. “The folks in the community that George Floyd grew up in — that is our test of whether our models, our resources, our impact has hit our target.”
This morning, CLPHA Executive Director Sunia Zaterman appeared on C-SPAN's Washington Journal to discuss public and affordable housing issues and President Biden's proposed American Jobs Plan.
Ms. Zaterman answered questions from host Pedro Echevarria and members of the public from around the country, explaining what public housing authorities do, who they serve, and why increasing funding for public housing, vouchers, and other HUD programs is crucial to preserving affordable housing opportunities, strengthening the social safety net, and improving the life outcomes of low income Americans. She also discussed the positive impacts of the American Jobs Plan -- CLPHA estimates that 440,000 jobs will be created and $76 billion in economic impact generated during the time when the $40 billion in funds from the Plan are spent.
On Friday, April 9 from 8:45 to 9:30 a.m. ET, CLPHA Executive Director Sunia Zaterman will appear on C-SPAN's Washington Journal to discuss President Biden's proposed American Jobs Plan, public and affordable housing, and related issues. Read Ms. Zaterman’s statement applauding President Biden’s announcement of the American Jobs Plan here.
You can watch Ms. Zaterman’s interview on the C-SPAN channel or live on C-SPAN's website and ask questions of Ms. Zaterman during the program via phone:
Outside U.S. and Text: (202) 748-8003
Republicans: (202) 748-8001
Democrats: (202) 748-8000
Independents: (202) 748-8002
Viewers can also share their thoughts and questions via email (journal@c-span.org), Twitter, Facebook and text messages (202-748-8003).
From the Chicago Housing Authority's press release:
Nearly 60 schools locally and from across the country were represented Tuesday at the Take Flight College Send-Off – the largest turnout in the event’s 14-year history with 200 incoming freshman being provided a fond farwell at Huntington Bank Stadium Club days before leaving for college.
Students received words of encouragement and parting gifts, as they embark on the next chapter.
“While CHA youth may receive financial aid to pay for tuition, they still face a significant gap between their financial aid award and their family’s ability to pay the cost of other out-of-pocket expenses,” CHA CEO Tracey Scott said. “Take Flight meets a critical need by providing students with dorm room necessities such as linens, towels, toiletries and school supplies."
The students also received a surprise - free laptops, courtesy of AT&T.
The CHA trunk party was made possible thanks to the generous sponsorship support of AT&T, Molina Healthcare, Meijer, Enterprise, and SnapChat. The event was hosted by Springboard to Succes, CHA’s non-profit partner.
Among the national schools represented were Spelman University, Gettysburg College, Texas Southern and Connecticut College. The breakdown of the local school representation:
- 8 are attending Eastern Illinois
- 13 are attending Western Illinois
- 15 are attending U of I Champaign Urbana
- 20 are attending Northern Illinois
- And a whopping 49 are attending Illinois State
Among the Take Flight participants was Lanya Scott, who got a full scholarship to Loyola University to study nursing. She was inspired by her grandmother, who she’d take to doctor’s appointments when she was a young girl of six years old.
“Watching how doctors helped my grandmother, I want to help and inform others as much as I can,” said Lanya, who grew up in the Austin neighborhood and graduated from North-Grand High School.
Tatiana Belcastro, who will be attending University of Illinois this year, is on the pre-law track and will major in Psychology amd minor in Criminology. She said CHA and the Take Flight event makes her feel supported.
“It feels good knowing there are people I can turn to when things get rough,” she said.
Tristan Smith, who won both an academic and basketball scholarship from Clarke University in Dubuque, Iowa, said: “I’ve been preparing myself for this since I started high school. My family is real big on education. My dad was telling me he loves me playing basketball. He always told me when the ball stops bouncing, focus on education, be successful and make a lot of money.”
From the District of Columbia Housing Authority's website:
More than 100 DC Housing Authority youth residents spent Tuesday at the Washington Commanders Training Camp with franchise legend, Darrell Green.
With the support of the Green Family Foundation, the DCHA youth residents traveled to OrthoVirginia Training Center at Commanders Park in Ashburn, Va.
“A visit to Commanders Training Camp was a chance for DCHA youth to have some fun, and more importantly, it provided an example of teamwork, dedication and leadership,” said Green, who played 20 seasons with the Washington team before retiring in 2002. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to show our kids how to be a leader on and off the field.”
Open to youth residents throughout DCHA’s public housing communities, participants, who ranged in age from 10- to 18-years old, watched the Commanders practice, and met and got autographs from players, including Terry McLaurin, Tyler Owens, Tariq Castro-Fields, Percy Butler, Ben Nikkel and more.
Green, an NFL Hall of Fame cornerback whose jersey number will soon be retired by the Commanders, signed autographs for every youth resident.
The Commanders also provided a boxed lunch, refreshments and a swag bag with team gear to all DCHA youth attendees.
“Like many in the city, I have been a fan of Darrell Green for years. His talents on the football field helped make him a household name, though I’m most inspired by his commitment to empowering our youth,” said DCHA Executive Director Keith Pettigrew. “Thank you to Darrell and the Green Family Foundation for embracing DCHA and making a positive impact on our youth residents, and thank you to the Commanders for making this visit extra special for our kids.”
From the Housing Authority of the City of San Bernardino's newsletter:
The City of San Bernardino and HACSB are partnering to bring electric vehicle (EV) charging stations to the next phase of housing development at the Arrowhead Grove housing community in San Bernardino. In July, the project was selected to receive a $1.4 million award through the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) Carbon Reduction Program. This award will support the construction of 16 electric vehicle (EV) charging stations and 32 additional EV-ready spaces for future installation.
“We are proud to partner with the City of San Bernardino on this project, and thrilled that the project was selected to receive a funding award through the SCAG Carbon Reduction Program,” said Maria Razo, Executive Director of the Housing Authority of the County of San Bernardino. “All 16 of the EV charging stations, including four fast charger stations, will be strategically located to provide public access, ensuring that these new chargers serve residents of Arrowhead Grove and the surrounding neighborhood. Additionally, 32 more parking spaces will be built EV-ready to allow for future installation of charging stations when additional funding is available. This is a positive step toward preparing our communities for the future and we are excited to be able to bring this feature to the community.”
Arrowhead Grove is a former 1940’s Public Housing community that has been redeveloped in phases. Three phases of housing have been completed so far, and planning is now in progress for the fourth phase of housing redevelopment and development of a Community Resource Center. Construction of the fourth phase, including the EV charging stations, is anticipated to begin as early as 2025, contingent on availability of funding.
From the Housing Authority of the City of San Bernardino's newsletter:
The City of San Bernardino and HACSB are partnering to bring electric vehicle (EV) charging stations to the next phase of housing development at the Arrowhead Grove housing community in San Bernardino. In July, the project was selected to receive a $1.4 million award through the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) Carbon Reduction Program. This award will support the construction of 16 electric vehicle (EV) charging stations and 32 additional EV-ready spaces for future installation.
“We are proud to partner with the City of San Bernardino on this project, and thrilled that the project was selected to receive a funding award through the SCAG Carbon Reduction Program,” said Maria Razo, Executive Director of the Housing Authority of the County of San Bernardino. “All 16 of the EV charging stations, including four fast charger stations, will be strategically located to provide public access, ensuring that these new chargers serve residents of Arrowhead Grove and the surrounding neighborhood. Additionally, 32 more parking spaces will be built EV-ready to allow for future installation of charging stations when additional funding is available. This is a positive step toward preparing our communities for the future and we are excited to be able to bring this feature to the community.”
Arrowhead Grove is a former 1940’s Public Housing community that has been redeveloped in phases. Three phases of housing have been completed so far, and planning is now in progress for the fourth phase of housing redevelopment and development of a Community Resource Center. Construction of the fourth phase, including the EV charging stations, is anticipated to begin as early as 2025, contingent on availability of funding.
From the Housing Authority of the City of San Bernardino's newsletter:
The City of San Bernardino and HACSB are partnering to bring electric vehicle (EV) charging stations to the next phase of housing development at the Arrowhead Grove housing community in San Bernardino. In July, the project was selected to receive a $1.4 million award through the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) Carbon Reduction Program. This award will support the construction of 16 electric vehicle (EV) charging stations and 32 additional EV-ready spaces for future installation.
“We are proud to partner with the City of San Bernardino on this project, and thrilled that the project was selected to receive a funding award through the SCAG Carbon Reduction Program,” said Maria Razo, Executive Director of the Housing Authority of the County of San Bernardino. “All 16 of the EV charging stations, including four fast charger stations, will be strategically located to provide public access, ensuring that these new chargers serve residents of Arrowhead Grove and the surrounding neighborhood. Additionally, 32 more parking spaces will be built EV-ready to allow for future installation of charging stations when additional funding is available. This is a positive step toward preparing our communities for the future and we are excited to be able to bring this feature to the community.”
Arrowhead Grove is a former 1940’s Public Housing community that has been redeveloped in phases. Three phases of housing have been completed so far, and planning is now in progress for the fourth phase of housing redevelopment and development of a Community Resource Center. Construction of the fourth phase, including the EV charging stations, is anticipated to begin as early as 2025, contingent on availability of funding.