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.
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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).
Doug Guthrie, board member of CLPHA and president & CEO of the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA), recently announced his retirement and departure from the agency, effective August 1, 2024.
"On behalf of CLPHA and our board, I would like to thank Doug for his outstanding service and leadership,” said Jeffery K. Patterson, president of CLPHA’s board and CEO of the Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority. “His tremendous impact on the public and affordable housing sector extends far beyond LA, reaching cities like Cleveland. We greatly appreciate his contributions to CLPHA and our industry, and we wish him all the best in his next chapter."
"I’ve been honored to work closely with Doug on the issues facing California housing authorities and the low-income families we serve, as well as on CLPHA’s board to advocate on behalf of PHAs nationally,” said La Shelle Dozier, vice president of CLPHA’s board and executive director of the Sacramento Housing & Redevelopment Agency. “Our peers will miss his leadership, expertise, and vision for how PHAs can make transformative impacts in their communities. Best wishes, Doug, on your retirement.”
“Doug has long been a leader in the CLPHA community and has been instrumental in shaping our goals and priorities since being elected to our board in 2013,” said Sunia Zaterman, executive director of CLPHA. His leadership on addressing homelessness and revitalizing aging public housing stock is a model for housing authorities across the country. His wisdom, experience, and passion for expanding affordable housing opportunities are unparalleled. We thank Doug for his partnership and leadership and wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors.”
Under Guthrie’s leadership, HACLA greatly expanded its capacity, growing to become the second largest housing authority in the country, providing housing assistance to nearly 130,000 households with a budget of $2 billion. Additionally, during his tenure, HACLA achieved many milestones, including: successfully kicking off the redevelopment of Jordan Downs and initiating development of both Rose Hills and Rancho San Pedro; creating Bridge Housing for the homeless; acquiring nearly 2,400 units of housing under Project Homekey; partnering with the City on the commitment of nearly 30,000 Section 8 vouchers towards addressing homelessness, including over 10,000 project based vouchers in 220 developments of permanent and supportive housing; and implementing a 25-year Vision Plan, “Build Hope,” laying the groundwork for the future of HACLA. Guthrie leaves after 12 years at HACLA and over 40 years in the industry overall.
Prior HACLA, over the course of four decades in the affordable housing industry he held positions at the Los Angeles Housing Department, Kimball Hill Urban Centers, the National Equity Fund, the Local Initiatives Support Corporation, the City of Chicago, the Chicago Housing Authority, and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Pursuant to HACLA’s Bylaws and Succession Plan, Marlene Garza, Chief Administrative Officer, will serve as the Acting CEO effective August 2, 2024, pending the appointment of an interim or permanent CEO.
From Dothan Housing's press release:
In an inspiring celebration of academic excellence and community support, Dothan Housing (DH) held its annual Susan Morrison Memorial Scholarship Awards Program on July 2, 2024, at the Michael C. Patton Event Center. The event honored three outstanding students from Dothan High School, recognizing their achievements and dedication to furthering their education.
In its ongoing effort to create pathways of success for its residents, clients, and team members, Dothan Housing’s Susan Morrison Memorial Scholarship aims to provide essential educational opportunities. Named in honor of the late Susan Morrison, a beloved Dothan Housing Board Commissioner, and local REALTOR®, this year’s scholarships were made possible through the generous contributions of Steve Morrison and the Morrison family, along with successful fundraising efforts, including the annual Our Purpose Gala. The program is administered by Building Opportunities Towards Self-Sufficiency (BOSS), a 501(c)(3) affiliate of Dothan Housing.
Amir JaShawn Scruggs, the top scholarship recipient of $2,500, stood out for his exceptional musical talents and leadership. Amir has already significantly impacted his community as a dedicated member of the DHS Marching, Concert, Jazz Bands, and the New Maranda Baptist Church drummer. With this scholarship, he will attend Alabama State University to pursue his dream of a career in music education, inspiring future generations with his remarkable achievements.
Michael Woodruff, awarded a $1,000 scholarship, is a first-generation college student whose journey to Tuskegee University is fueled by his dedication to community service and academic excellence. Michael’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of family support and faith in achieving one’s dreams. The community's unwavering support has played a crucial role in his success, making each member feel valued and integral to his journey.
Savannah Morris was awarded a $500 scholarship, excelled academically, and demonstrated leadership in high school. She plans to study elementary education and psychology at Alabama State University, proving that hard work leads to success.
"We are proud to support these outstanding students through the Susan Morrison Memorial Scholarship," said Samiyah Craddock, Director of Resident Services and Engagement. "This investment in their education empowers them to achieve their dreams and build a brighter future."
The first Susan Morrison Memorial Scholarship recipient, LaMarion Durr, a graduate of Dothan High School, received his award last year. After a rigorous selection process, LaMarion was chosen for his academic excellence and community involvement. He is now attending the University of Alabama, pursuing a degree in Environmental Science, making his family and community proud.
DH Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Samuel P. Crawford believes education is essential to breaking the cycle of intergenerational poverty. " We are dedicated to opening doors to educational opportunities for the residents we serve. We firmly believe that housing is more than just a place to live; it is a stepping stone toward a brighter future.”
From the Seattle Housing Authority's press release:
The Seattle Housing Authority has completed Sawara, its sixth new residential building at Yesler, a neighborhood near downtown Seattle that is being redeveloped by SHA into a vibrant, new mixed-income community. Sawara is located at Yesler Way and 8th Ave, Seattle. The building name honors Japanese culture in the neighborhood and can refer to a cypress tree or a type of fish.
Sawara features 114 one, two, three and four-bedroom units of housing affordable to people with low incomes. Its sustainable design includes photovoltaic panels to provide solar power to the building and energy saving appliances and ventilation systems. Residents will have access to a secure large central courtyard and playground, adjacent pocket park, underground parking and bike storage. Some of the apartments at Sawara are specifically designed for residents with hearing or visual impairment and others are “Breathe Easy” units designed for people with asthma and other respiratory health concerns. Sawara is part of Seattle City Light’s Exemplary Buildings Program as a model of energy-efficient, healthy and durable housing.
With the completion of Sawara, SHA has nearly finished construction of its new low-income residential housing at Yesler. The final building SHA has planned is Juniper, which is currently under construction. Yesler redevelopment replaces the 561 Yesler Terrace public housing units previously on the site with new apartments for extremely low-income residents and adds more than 1,100 additional affordable homes along with up to 2,000 market-rate rental apartments developed by private development partners.
Yesler Terrace was the city’s first public housing, built in 1940 by the then newly established Seattle Housing Authority. The redevelopment of Yesler Terrace began in 2013 after SHA, with the help of a Citizens Review Committee comprised of Yesler residents, surrounding neighbors, city officials, nonprofit service partners and citizens at large, shaped a plan for replacing Yesler Terrace’s aging housing and deteriorated infrastructure with a new community for Yesler residents and people across a spectrum of income levels.
Amenities in the transformed Yesler neighborhood include a large central park with views of Mt. Rainier and Puget Sound, a fully accessible pedestrian pathway connecting Yesler with adjacent neighborhoods, the Yesler Hillclimb joining Yesler with Little Saigon and the Chinatown-International District, a green-street loop with exercise stations, public art, pocket parks, community gardening plots and a streetcar line. SHA is continuing to work with community partners to expand its wide range of services for low-income residents to provide them with increased educational, health, employment and other opportunities. The partners recently announced a new Yesler Legacy Fund to support these services.
SHA’s first new residential building at Yesler, Kebero Court, opened in 2015, followed by Raven Terrace in 2016, Hoa Mai Gardens in 2017, Red Cedar in 2019, Hinoki in 2022 and Sawara in 2024.
Yesler redevelopment is supported in part by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, City of Seattle and select property sales to private developers. Construction of Sawara was made possible by funding from Wells Fargo Bank and the Washington State Housing Finance Commission. The contractor is Marpac Construction. The architect is Ankrom Moisan.
From CW 39 News Houston:
An organization dedicated to helping people find affordable homes is now helping storm victims.
The Houston Housing Authority is hosting resource distribution events on Thursday at five locations where they’ll offer people impacted by Hurricane Beryl free food, water, ice, fresh produce, and cleaning and sanitizing supplies.
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The housing authority is also offering a cooling station for people who still don’t have power at their homes because of last Monday’s hurricane.
It’s open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the HHA Main Office, located at 2640 Fountain View Drive in Houston.
Also at the Main Office, HHA is offering assistance paying utility bills, and the Gulf Coast Community Services Association will help people apply for FEMA funding to help cover costs they may have incurred because of the powerful storm.
From CBS 4 News El Paso:
El Paso's public housing authority broke ground on the second phase of its affordable housing project for veterans and their families in northeast El Paso on Wednesday.
Housing Opportunity Enterprises -- aka HOME -- the City of El Paso's public housing authority, celebrated a groundbreaking for the next phase of Patriot Place, an affordable housing community in the northeast that prioritizes veterans and their families.
According to HOME, phase two -- which encompasses 104 units -- represents a $32.8 million investment in the "quality of life for veterans in the El Paso community."
“We are honored to break ground on the next phases of Patriot Place,” said Gerald Cichon, CEO of HOME. “This project is a testament to our unwavering commitment to supporting veterans and ensuring they have access to safe and affordable housing. We look forward to welcoming them to their new homes.”
Cichon added that El Paso is "built on the military," and given how integrated the city and Fort Bliss are, HOME wanted to "give honor back and make sure that we took care of the veterans that've taken care of us."
Read CBS 4 News El Paso's article "El Paso housing authority breaks ground on new phase of veteran housing project."