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.
To view all of CLPHA's press releases, click here.
To view all of CLPHA's press statements, click here.
You can subscribe here to our biweekly newsletter, events invite list, and topic specific newsletters. You can also follow us on Twitter at @CLPHA. Or, send us an email with your interests and we would be happy to add you to our press lists.
Thanks again for your interest in CLPHA!
Grant to Support Policy Agenda Addressing Homelessness for Infants, Toddlers, Expectant Parents, and Their Families
|
(Washington, D.C.) February 3, 2025 – We are pleased to announce that the Pritzker Children’s Initiative (PCI) has awarded $150,000 to support the work of Housing Is to strengthen the intersection of housing and early childhood development. Housing Is received this grant from PCI to work with a coalition of organizations, including Prevent Child Abuse America, Zero to Three, and our long-time partner SchoolHouse Connection, to build a policy agenda addressing homelessness for infants, toddlers, expectant parents, and their families and promoting strong early childhood development and economic security among this population. Each year, more than 364,000 infants and toddlers experience homelessness in the U.S., and nearly 70,000 babies are born to parents who experienced homelessness during pregnancy. Homelessness during pregnancy or in the first three years of a child’s life has lifelong consequences on physical health and mental well-being. These years are foundational to development, and trauma—including homelessness—can disrupt this growth, leading to long-lasting effects. Homelessness is preventable, and stakeholders must take action to address it. Homelessness in early childhood—recognized as an Adverse Childhood Experience (ACE)—can lead to developmental delays, physical and mental health issues, and lasting effects on well-being. If partners act early—before families reach a crisis point—they can prevent and solve homelessness and mitigate the resulting impact on the developing child. “Housing Is is proud to receive this grant from the Pritzker Children’s Initiative and to join this coalition focused on improving housing opportunities and life outcomes for some of our nation’s most vulnerable individuals: infants, toddlers, expectant parents, and their families,” said Jeffery K. Patterson, president of the Housing Is board of directors and CEO of the Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority. “The early childhood, housing, and homelessness sectors must work together to build a coordinated, holistic support system for these children and their families. Public housing authorities play a critical role in providing affordable housing to this population, and Housing Is will represent the voices of PHAs and other housing organizations in this coalition. PCI’s support will enable Housing Is and our coalition to build and disseminate a policy agenda and messaging campaign that will address homelessness for these infants and young children and their families.” “Housing Is extends our gratitude to the Pritzker Children’s Initiative for their recognition of our work to align sectors that serve low-income families,” said Sunia Zaterman, executive director of the Council of Large Public Housing Authorities (CLPHA), which manages Housing Is under an operating agreement. “As Housing Is has stressed throughout our ten-year history, systems that serve low-income individuals are stronger and more effective when they work together. With this grant, PCI is helping Housing Is to further our mission to improve life outcomes for low-income families through cross-sector collaboration.” |
|
###
About Housing Is |
|
(Washington, D.C.) November 25, 2024 – The Council of Large Public Housing Authorities Executive Director Sunia Zaterman released the following statement upon the nomination of Scott Turner to be Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development: “The Council of Large Public Housing Authorities (CLPHA), whose members serve over 2.2 million people, including over 480,000 children, across the country, congratulates Scott Turner on his nomination as Secretary of the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Our nation is experiencing an unprecedented housing crisis, and PHAs offer critical affordable housing opportunities to the most vulnerable families in their communities. Safe, stable, and affordable housing is central to breaking the cycle of poverty and expanding economic, education, and health opportunities. We look forward to working with Mr. Turner on our shared goal of improving the lives of low-income Americans who, for a variety of reasons, have been left behind economically, and lifting up the communities where they live through safe and affordable housing.” |
|
###
About the Council of Large Public Housing Authorities
About CLPHA’s Housing Is Initiative
Media Contact: (202) 550-1381 |
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 |
|
(Washington, D.C.) February 20, 2025 – The Council of Large Public Housing Authorities’ (CLPHA) Executive Director Sunia Zaterman released the following statement regarding the latest threats to public housing authorities (PHAs) posed by cuts to HUD programs and staff and a potential government shutdown: “PHAs are facing a triple threat from an expiring continuing funding resolution, slashing of some HUD programs, and cuts to HUD staff critical to program implementation. It has been reported that 50 percent of staff positions may be eliminated through early retirement and reductions in the workforce. These draconian actions are compounded by the looming federal government shutdown unless Congress passes an FY25 government funding bill by March 14. CLPHA urges Congress to protect HUD programs and staff and prevent a government shutdown. “The federal government is currently funded under an extension called a continuing resolution (CR) that expires on March 14. The government has yet to agree on and finalize the 2025 budget and without another CR to extend funding, the government will shut down. “A government shutdown disrupts PHA operations and continuity of service to residents, voucher holders, private owners, investors, and partners. Appropriators have still not agreed to the total amount of the budget, which is the first step in the budget process. After that it takes weeks to finalize and pass full year appropriations bills. Securing HUD funding is critical to protecting PHAs, residents, and staff. Congress must pass a full year FY25 appropriations bill that provides adequate funding for HUD programs.” |
|
###
About the Council of Large Public Housing Authorities
Media Contact: (202) 550-1381 |
|
(Washington, D.C.) November 25, 2024 – The Council of Large Public Housing Authorities Executive Director Sunia Zaterman released the following statement upon the nomination of Scott Turner to be Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development: “The Council of Large Public Housing Authorities (CLPHA), whose members serve over 2.2 million people, including over 480,000 children, across the country, congratulates Scott Turner on his nomination as Secretary of the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Our nation is experiencing an unprecedented housing crisis, and PHAs offer critical affordable housing opportunities to the most vulnerable families in their communities. Safe, stable, and affordable housing is central to breaking the cycle of poverty and expanding economic, education, and health opportunities. We look forward to working with Mr. Turner on our shared goal of improving the lives of low-income Americans who, for a variety of reasons, have been left behind economically, and lifting up the communities where they live through safe and affordable housing.” |
|
###
About the Council of Large Public Housing Authorities
About CLPHA’s Housing Is Initiative
Media Contact: (202) 550-1381 |
|
(Washington, D.C.) August 19, 2024 – Sunia Zaterman, executive director of the Council of Large Public Housing Authorities, released the following statement upon the release of Vice President Kamala Harris' and Governor Tim Walz's housing plan at a rallty in North Carolina on Friday: "The Council of Large Public Housing Authorities applauds the Harris-Walz campaign for its historic call for more affordable housing measures in its economic plan released on Friday in North Carolina. By every measure, low-income Americans are experiencing crisis levels of housing instability and homelessness. CLPHA strongly supports the Harris Walz campaign’s call for an expansion of tax incentives for affordable rental housing, an innovation fund for low-income housing, and expansion of the child tax credit, which would contribute to decreasing housing instability and homelessness among American’s most vulnerable families. 'We are hopeful that the tax incentives for affordable rental housing are at a scale that would generate as much affordable housing production or more as the low-income housing tax credit provisions in the bipartisan tax bill. The child tax credit improves a low-income parent’s ability to afford housing, which increases housing stability and improves children’s health outcomes. 'CLPHA will continue to advocate for policies that prioritize the affordability and sustainability of public and affordable housing throughout this campaign which includes fully funding the public housing capital and operating funds, expanding the Housing Choice Voucher program, and prioritizing cross-sector approaches for housing, health and education." |
|
###
About the Council of Large Public Housing Authorities |
From Vox:
In the last issue of this newsletter, I wrote about what went wrong with public housing in the United States — how it didn’t necessarily fail, but was routinely sabotaged because of bad policy choices that contributed to neglect and mismanagement. So this week, I want to look at what successful public housing can look like.
Oftentimes, when looking for models to emulate, many Americans look abroad for answers — Austria, Denmark, and Singapore, for example, are frequently cited as places to learn from. But one of the problems with turning to other countries is that their politics and governments are fundamentally different, and simply copying them isn’t always an option.
That’s why I’m particularly interested in looking at examples of public housing models that have worked quite well here in the United States. After all, if one American city or county can pull off an ambitious program, then what’s stopping others from doing the same?
Earlier this year, my colleague Rachel Cohen highlighted a place where local leaders are expanding public housing: Montgomery County, Maryland.
Montgomery County has long prioritized affordable housing. Developers, for example, are required to make at least 15 percent of units in new housing projects available for people who make less than two-thirds of the area’s median income.
But the county got creative with how it could provide public housing: It set aside a fund to finance and develop housing projects. And while the county partners with private developers, its investment makes it a majority owner of a given project. As the New York Times put it, the county, as an owner, becomes “a kind of benevolent investor that trades profits for lower rents.”
For background, the county’s Housing Opportunities Commission (HOC) is not just a public housing authority, but a housing finance agency and public developer as well. “We have these three different components that ultimately work together to help us really advance a very aggressive development strategy that we have deployed over 50 years,” said Chelsea Andrews, executive director of HOC.
Read Vox's article "A public housing success story."
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.
From the Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority's press release:
The Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority (CMHA) Board of Commissioners announced today a major investment strategy that will bolster the agency’s ability to address Central Ohio’s “critical need” for more affordable housing.
The board has approved issuing up to $80 million in bonds that allow CMHA to invest:
- $13 million to acquire Demorest Townhomes, a 48-unit multifamily housing complex at 4157 River Bridge Circle in Grove City, as well as purchasing 11 acres of vacant land on the site to build an additional 104 units of future housing.
- $13 million to acquire and renovate a soon-to-be vacant two-story building at 3400 Morse Crossing in Columbus, which is earmarked as the new headquarters for CMHA’s Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) department. This move is pivotal as CMHA brings the HCV program in-house beginning March 3, 2025, reinforcing its commitment to enhance operational efficiency and service quality for Franklin County residents.
- $12 million to refinance and fund upgrades to a CMHA-owned 88-unit multifamily apartment community known as Canal’s Edge, 5303 Amalfi Drive in Canal Winchester, the southeastern Columbus suburb.
- $4 million to acquire a vacant, two-story office building at 195 N. Grant St. in downtown Columbus that CMHA plans to use for future redevelopment.
- An additional $10 million in bonds for the new construction of a 100-unit multifamily housing development in Reynoldsburg, known as Heights on Main. This decision now represents $35 million in CMHA bonds for the project, with the new $10 million in bonds supplementing the $25 million that was initially approved by the CMHA board in July 2024.
- The total amount for these combined investments is subject to change slightly as CMHA reviews pending cost estimates on necessary property improvements and building renovations.
In addition, the CMHA board has approved utilizing approximately $42.5 million in Project-Based Vouchers (PBVs) that will preserve affordable rental rates at three nonprofit-operated apartment communities in Columbus through 2040.
From Home Forward's press release:
Home Forward has acquired the Cesar Apartments, located near SE Hawthorne Blvd. and Cesar Chavez Blvd, to convert to Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) for individuals exiting chronic homelessness. Purchasing the two-year-old building, which can be converted into supportive housing with minimal changes to the structure and layout, was part of an innovative strategy to capitalize on favorable market conditions to acquire market-rate buildings for affordable housing—a quick and cost-effective approach to bring more affordable housing on-line.
The Cesar offers 47 units ranging from studios to two-bedroom apartments. Built in 2022, the modern design, transit-accessible location, and community amenities make it an ideal site to support Multnomah County’s most vulnerable residents. With minimal structural changes required, the property will quickly transition into housing that fosters stability and dignity.
“Addressing our region’s affordable housing crisis requires a diverse set of tools and strategies. By leveraging new opportunities in the real estate market to supplement our existing efforts, and working across jurisdictions, we can rapidly expand the supply of permanent supportive housing at a fraction of the cost, maximizing public investment and delivering immediate solutions for those in need,” said Ivory Mathews, Chief Executive Officer of Home Forward. “This acquisition exemplifies the power of collaborative governance and bold, equitable action in addressing homelessness.”
The acquisition and conversion of the Cesar is possible thanks to $9 million from the Portland Housing Bureau (PHB), including $6.7 million in Metro Affordable Housing Bond funds designated for PSH pilot projects, and $2.3 million from Multnomah County, as well as Regional Long Term Rent Assistance and Supportive Housing Services funds from the Joint Office of Homeless Services to support wrap-around services for all Cesar residents.
“Last year, PHB began exploring whether we could bring much needed Permanent Supportive Housing online faster and at a lower cost than we usually achieve with new development,” said PHB Director Helmi A. Hisserich, “So we were very excited when Home Forward, Metro, and Multnomah County stepped up as partners on the Cesar Apartments acquisition. We look forward to announcing more acquisitions in the new year.”
The project aligns with the Portland Housing Bureau’s Local Implementation Strategy for Metro Bond funds, which aims to advance racial equity while producing 300 units of Permanent Supportive Housing, as well as 737 units with two or more bedrooms for families, and 605 units for households earning less than 30% of the area median income (or less than $28,320 a year for a family of two in 2024). The Cesar advances all three of these goals, which PHB is now exceeding across the board.
“This is a smart project to bring more affordable housing online and I’m proud of the creative approach used to increase our supply of supportive housing,” said Multnomah County Chair Jessica Vega Pederson. “With housing supply at crisis levels, this will create 47 residences specifically for people experiencing chronic homelessness with the support our neighbors need to stay housed long-term. This is aligned with our Homelessness Response System’s focus on tangible solutions to our region’s chronically low inventory of available housing.”
The building is nearly half vacant and remaining residents will have the option to continue living at the Cesar or receive relocation assistance from Home Forward. New residents will begin moving in this June through referrals from Coordinated Access. The Cesar will feature on-site services tailored to residents’ needs, including behavioral health resources, tenancy education, and eviction prevention support. These critical services, provided through partnerships with the Joint Office of Homeless Services and local service providers, will ensure long-term housing stability for residents.
“Changes in the housing market have made it possible to create affordable homes at a lower cost to taxpayers with the purchase of pre-existing buildings,” said Metro Councilor Duncan Hwang. “It’s great to see Portland using this opportunity to increase supportive housing for our region’s most vulnerable population.”
Home Forward will continue to work with the Joint Office of Homeless Services to select a service provider that aligns with its equity-driven mission. Together, they aim to create a supportive housing model that uplifts individuals while addressing systemic inequities in access to stable housing.
“Ending unsheltered homelessness is going to take innovative ideas and bold leadership. Home Forward’s acquisition of the Cesar Apartments and PHB’s work to bring more Permanent Supportive Housing to Portland is just that,” said Donnie Oliveira, Deputy City Administrator for Community and Economic Development. “The City will continue this work to address our housing crisis and bring critical resources to our most vulnerable populations, and we are proud of our partnerships with Home Forward, Multnomah County, Metro, and others to get it done.”
The Houston Housing Authority has named Jamie Bryant its new President & CEO.
Bryant brings nearly 25 years of experience in real estate development, organizational management, public-private partnerships and nonprofit governance to HHA. His career highlights include leading transformative projects throughout Houston that balance innovative development with community impact.
As CEO, Bryant guides HHA in advancing its mission to provide quality, affordable housing options and promote education and economic self-sufficiency.
Before joining HHA, Bryant served as the co-CEO of Parkway. Prior to Parkway, he was president and chief operating officer at Midway. During his tenure, he worked on transformative mixed-use projects such as the redevelopment of the Town & Country Mall site into CityCentre. This and other projects contributed to billions of dollars invested into Houston in mixed-use developments, leveraging partnerships with governmental and civic organizations to benefit all stakeholders.
Bryant has served on the boards of directors for nonprofit organizations at the forefront of affordable housing in Greater Houston, including Avenue and the Fifth Ward Redevelopment Authority. He has also served on advisory boards for the University of Houston, Cadence Bank and the management committee for Urban Land Institute Houston. His board service demonstrates an ongoing commitment to advancing affordable housing, infrastructure improvements and community development initiatives that benefit the region.
Outside his role as CEO, Bryant is an educator. He has shared his expertise by teaching graduate real estate and finance courses at the University of Houston’s Bauer School of Business and speaking on topics such as leadership and organizational culture. Bryant and his family also dedicate personal time to non-profit, educational and faith-based organizations they support in their community.
Bryant earned a Bachelor of Science in Management, Finance from Tulane University and a Master of Economics and Real Estate from Texas A&M University.
CLPHA welcomes Jamie Bryant to our membership!
From the Benton Institute for Broadband & Society:
The Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority (CMHA) owns and operates affordable housing locations for qualifying low-income families and individuals in the Cleveland, Ohio, metro area. CMHA was the first chartered public housing authority in the United States, and it has a mission “to create safe, quality, affordable housing opportunities and improve the quality of life for the communities [we] serve.” The organization houses more than 55,000 low-income residents living in Cuyahoga County. One part of fulfilling that mission happens through the CMHA digital inclusion programs, which provides digital navigation services to residents in several key areas: affordable internet connection options, computing devices, tech support, and digital literacy classes. CMHA is a ConnectHomeUSA (CHUSA) community, receiving funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to support digital inclusion programs and services.
The information technology (IT) division at CMHA runs its digital inclusion programs and services, which start with ensuring that residents in every location have options for free or affordable internet access. CMHA makes bulk service agreements with ISPs like Spectrum and assists residents interested in subscribing. By making bulk agreements with ISPs, CMHA caps the monthly cost for any service at $20 and requires ISPs to provide a minimum download speed of 200 Mbps and a minimum upload speed of 20 Mbps. CMHA recognizes that internet service and the ability to use it to complete regular life tasks are not luxuries but necessities. For example, each year, residents are required to recertify their income to maintain their eligibility for affordable housing—a process that will soon be 100 percent online, so CMHA digital navigators assist residents who need help recertifying.
...
Partnerships with other organizations in the community are paramount to the CMHA Digital Inclusion Program’s success. For example, the Olivet Housing and Community Development Corporation leads many digital literacy courses at CMHA locations. By partnering with community organizations like Olivet, CMHA is able to simultaneously support more residents and support partners with overlapping missions to close the digital divide. Most courses take place over an eight-week period, and residents who successfully complete a course receive a device. Additional partner organizations provide training to digital navigators and staff, and others are internet service providers serving residents with low-cost home internet plans. The CMHA Digital Inclusion Program is also periodically able to distribute refurbished desktop and laptop computers that would otherwise be recycled to residents.
We are pleased to announce that the Newark Housing Authority has become a member of CLPHA!
The Newark Housing Authority provides rental assistance to over 15,000 households in Newark, NJ. Leonard Spicer serves as the agency's Executive Director. Learn more at newarkha.org.
Please join us in welcoming NHA to CLPHA – we look forward to working together to improve life outcomes for families served by PHAs!