The Economic Impact of Public Housing: Ongoing Investment with Wide-Reaching Returns

From the Everett Housing Authority's press release:

The Everett Housing Authority is pleased to announce the appointment of Major Galloway as the organization's new Executive Director. With an extensive background in policy from both Housing of Urban Development (HUD) and most recently the Atlanta Housing Authority, Galloway brings a wealth of knowledge and a proven track record of success in the housing and community development sector. Galloway will be starting his new role Monday, September 18, 2023.

In Galloway’s previous role as Vice President of Regulatory Affairs for the Office of Strategy, Policy, and Regulatory Affairs for Atlanta Housing, he was a champion leading innovation and change under the federal Moving to Work (MTW) demonstration, most notably developing an array of operating protocols involving portfolio management and preparing MTW and HUD development submissions.

During Galloway’s tenure in Atlanta, he led Atlanta’s acquisition, self-finance and self-development efforts to prepare the Agency to produce 5,000 units over the next 5 years. Through the Co-Investment Finance Program he designed using Atlanta’s MTW flexibility, Atlanta has produced over 2,500 affordable units over the last 3 years during the pandemic.  He has also spearheaded efforts to enhance tenant mobility into low-poverty areas under the Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) program and prepare Atlanta to employ its development efforts to reduce poverty concentration.  Over the last 5 years, Atlanta increased its HCV utilization from 74% to 86% in a tight rental market with limited supply.

Prior to his work in Atlanta, Galloway served as a Senior Policy Advisor at the HUD Office of Policy Program and Legislative Initiatives for almost 15 years, as well as serving as the Policy Analyst for the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO) for three years during the Clinton Administration.

Along with becoming the Executive Director of EHA, Galloway has also been appointed to chair the NAHRO Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Public Housing Authority (PHA) industry task force, appointed by the incoming NAHRO President for 2024-2025.

“Everett is a leader among leaders in the housing industry and the Pacific Northwest region,” said Galloway. “I look forward to leading the top-notch team to deliver affordable housing in a dynamic and challenging market by employing the most cutting-edge flexibilities available under the MTW demonstration."

The appointment of Galloway marks an exciting new chapter for Everett Housing Authority. As the newly appointed Executive Director, he will be at the forefront of continuing to implement a transformative vision aimed at enhancing the quality of life for EHA residents and revitalizing the community.

“Major brings to this role not only an enthusiasm for establishing roots in Everett and the Pacific Northwest, but also a wealth of experience and leadership acquired over 25 years in public housing,” said Chip Burgess, Chair of the Board of Commissioners for EHA. “We believe that Major's experience, leadership, and team-oriented approach will serve to enhance our work at EHA, and we are eager to welcome him to our team."

Everett Housing Authority looks forward to a bright future under the guidance of Galloway. 

From the Housing Authority of the City of San Buenaventura's press release:

The Board of Commissioners (BOC) for the Housing Authority of the City of San Buenaventura (HACSB) is delighted to announce the appointment of Jeffrey “Jeff” Lambert as the new Chief Executive Officer for the HACSB. Lambert brings a wealth of experience and expertise in housing planning, policy development, and community engagement to his new role. Jeff succeeds Denise Wise who is retiring after serving the organization for 12 years.

Jeffrey Lambert is a skilled leader and community development professional who has a wealth of public service experience. In his previous posts, he served as the Community Development Director for the City of Ventura and the City of Oxnard. While at the City of Ventura, Jeff worked closely with the Housing Authority on various affordable housing developments including the Westview Village community, which is in the process of completing its third phase of a major renovation project later this year. Jeff most recently held the position of Chief Operation Officer for the Ventura County Community Foundation. Lambert holds a degree in Psychology and Political Science from Clark University, in Massachusetts and a master’s degree in urban planning from the University of Southern California.

Lambert’s appointment comes after the BOC went out for a second search, after an unsuccessful search earlier this year. This national search attracted candidates from all over the country, and Jeff was one of two candidates that were invited for final interviews. The final interviews included interviews with community stakeholders, the Citywide Resident Advisory Board, and Executive Staff.

John Polanskey, the Chair of the board, is ecstatic that the BOC was able to successfully reach an agreement with Mr. Lambert. “The entire Board of Commissioners is looking forward to partnering with Mr. Lambert and HACSB’s talented team to continue the vital work of providing safe, decent, and affordable housing opportunities and support services to help meet the needs of the most vulnerable residents in the City of Ventura”, said Polanskey.

Jeff, eager to get started in the new role stated, “I have had the pleasure of working with and following the great work of the Housing Authority for more than a decade.  I am thrilled to join this amazing team and to continue to work to serve our residents and the Ventura community.  I cannot wait to get started!”.

“I am excited about the next phase of growth that the Housing Authority is entering, and Jeff will be able to lead the agency in its next phase of development, said outgoing CEO, Denise Wise.

Jeff Lambert will resume his post on August 28, 2023, with a starting salary of $225,000.

From The Columbian:

The Vancouver Housing Authority has named Andy Silver as its new chief executive officer.

Silver succeeds the authority’s longtime CEO, Roy Johnson, who will retire from the position in January 2024. Johnson has led the agency for 15 years. Under his direction, the Vancouver Housing Authority has added nearly 800 new affordable homes for residents across Clark County. His leadership has also bolstered partnerships between the authority and local nonprofits.

“It has been a rewarding experience working at VHA,” Johnson said in a press release. “I have appreciated the support of the board and working with very talented staff. The partnerships we’ve developed have made my time here even more rewarding. Together, we have responded creatively to the affordable housing needs and improved the quality of life of the people we are here to assist.

“Expect great things from the next generation of VHA.”

Silver joined the Vancouver Housing Authority in 2018, becoming the chief operating officer in 2021. In that job he oversees the work of supportive services, voucher, and property management departments.