CLPHA Press Room

From the New Haven Independent:

Shenae Draughn will once again step in as the interim head of the Housing Authority of New Haven and its affiliate organizations, after Karen Dubois-Walton steps down in November.

Starting Nov. 2, Draughn will fill in for current president DuBois-Walton, who is taking on a new role as the head of the Community Foundation for Greater New Haven beginning next month.

The Housing Authority’s Board of Commissioners unanimously voted to appoint Draughn to helm, at least for now, the public housing agency and its nonprofit affordable housing development and management arms (known collectively as Elm City Communities) at the board’s October meeting on Tuesday afternoon.

Amid applause and congratulations, the board also unanimously voted to create a subcommittee focused on finding a permanent director. ​“We hopefully should be able to do that in a short period of time,” said Board Chair William Kilpatrick.

Draughn has served as the executive vice president of Elm City Communities and the Glendower Group (the agency’s affordable housing development arm). She started at the organization in 2009 and in recent years has filled an interim president role during DuBois-Walton’s mayoral and state treasurer campaigns. 

Draughn has played a key role in the agency’s efforts to renovate existing units and, increasingly, build new mixed-income housing across the city. (According to a press release from Elm City Communities, Draughn has ​“facilitated over $800 million in real estate development in the Greater New Haven area.”) She has also overseen the agency’s Section 8/Housing Choice Voucher administration.

Draughn ​“could not be more qualified,” said DuBois-Walton as she introduced the motion to appoint Draughn.

“I’m most grateful to the board for the opportunity,” Draughn said after Tuesday’s meeting. ​“I’m excited about it and don’t take it lightly.” 

Read the New Haven Independent's article "Draughn To Lead Housing Authority, For Now."

From the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles' press release:

The Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA) Board of Commissioners today announced that Lourdes Castro Ramirez will be the Agency’s next President and CEO. In this role, she will lead and deepen HACLA’s commitment to people, place and pathways and bolster the agency’s collaborative efforts to increase access to affordable housing, services and community development.

“We are thrilled to welcome Lourdes back to the HACLA family at this critical time for our agency,” said HACLA Board Chair Cielo Castro. “Her experience at the Federal, State and local level, coupled with her commitment to reducing poverty, expanding housing and building resilient communities, makes her the perfect person to lead our agency. The Board of Commissioners looks forward to partnering with Lourdes to build trust with our residents and communities, innovate and collaborate with our government and nonprofit partners to prevent and end homelessness, and support the talented team at HACLA, as we work together to produce the best results for the people we serve.” 

Having held prominent leadership roles at the federal, state and local levels, Ms. Castro Ramirez is a transformative nationally recognized leader in housing, programs to reduce poverty and disparity, and community building solutions. She brings a wealth of experience to HACLA, where she previously worked early in her career, and has a proven record of developing and increasing access to affordable housing and expanding socio-economic opportunities to residents and communities.

Ms. Castro Ramirez joins HACLA from the Office of Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, where she was appointed by the Mayor to serve as the Chief Housing and Homelessness Officer for Los Angeles. During her tenure, she worked closely with local, regional, state, and federal leaders to fast-track affordable housing, advance homelessness initiatives and implement tenant protections. In 2024, Los Angeles saw a 10% decrease in unsheltered homelessness in the city.

“There’s no one better prepared to lead HACLA than Lourdes Castro Ramírez. She has been an invaluable member of my executive team as we brought thousands of Angelenos safely inside, cut through red tape to accelerate more than 20,000 units of affordable housing, secured policy changes to bring more Veterans into housing and locked arms with all levels of government to make change for the people of Los Angeles,” said Mayor Bass. “I look forward to a new approach where the City and HACLA can work much more closely together to advance our shared goals of fully utilizing federal housing vouchers, housing more Veterans, modernizing HACLA’s housing sites and building trust with its residents. I thank her for all that she has done for the Angelenos and all that she will continue to do.”

“I am deeply honored for the opportunity to lead HACLA and eager to work together with the Board, staff, residents and partners. I returned to Los Angeles to deliver on Mayor Bass’ vision for urgent change that breaks with the old ways of doing things and that is the approach that I will continue to lead with as HACLA’s next President and CEO,” said Lourdes Castro Ramirez. “We’ve made progress in keeping people housed, bringing more people inside and fundamentally changing how City Hall approaches the housing and homelessness crisis. That’s the energy and intention that I intend to bring to HACLA – all of us, working together to break through the status quo for Angelenos.”

Before returning to Los Angeles, Ms. Castro Ramirez served as a member of Governor Gavin Newsom’s Cabinet as Secretary of the California Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency.  As Agency Secretary, she led 12 state departments with 7,500 staff members, oversaw an annual budget of $10 Billion, and implemented statewide policies and programs to preserve and expand affordable housing, protect consumers, guard civil rights and promote homeownership and economic opportunities.

President Barack Obama appointed Ms. Castro Ramirez in 2015 to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) as Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Public Housing and Native American Office with oversight of all public housing authorities, responsibility for implementing HUD’s Choice Neighborhood grants, and self-sufficiency programs to advance the HUD Secretary’s opportunity agenda. 

Prior to her Presidential appointment, Ms. Castro Ramirez spent six years working in the San Antonio community as the President & CEO of the Housing Authority in Texas. Early in her career, Castro Ramirez worked for the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA) in various roles and capacities, including the Director of the Section 8 Department. Ms. Castro Ramirez received her BA in Political Science and Chicana/o Studies, as well as an MA in Urban Planning from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).

“The Board would also like to thank Marlene Garza for serving as Interim CEO. Marlene’s commitment to HACLA’s mission, and steadfast stewardship of the agency have ensured continuity and stability throughout this transition.” Chair Castro shared. Garza will return to her role as Chief Administrative Officer. 

Ms. Castro Ramirez will begin serving as President and CEO effective December 2, 2024.

From the Cambridge Housing Authority's press release:

The Cambridge Housing Authority (CHA), along with its partners, employees, and residents, will gather on Wednesday, October 2, 2024, celebrated the groundbreaking of the Revitalization of Jefferson Park Federal. This project marks a significant redevelopment milestone for a 278-unit, deeply affordable, housing community for families in North Cambridge.

Acting U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Adrianne Todman, Deputy Secretary at the Massachusetts Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities Jennifer Maddox, and Cambridge Mayor E. Denise Simmons are scheduled attended and shared remarks at the ceremony alongside CHA Executive Director Michael J. Johnston, local leaders, and key partners.

The redevelopment of Jefferson Park is being completed in two phases. Phase 1, consisting of 195 units, closed on $170 million in financing in July 2024, and Phase 2, consisting of 83 units, is anticipated to close on financing next year. 

The CHA has funded this new development through the unique partnership among federal, state, and local governments. Federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credits and public housing operating subsidy form the underpinning of the project’s overall financing. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts is also providing over $7 million of soft loans—in addition to state low-income housing tax credits—through the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities. MassHousing is providing $85 million in tax-exempt private activity bonds for Phase 1, along with permanent financing and bridge financing. The City of Cambridge, through its Affordable Housing Trust, is contributing an additional $43 million over the project’s two phases.

The combination of these public resources, private partnerships with The Richman Group, TD Bank, and Santander for tax credit equity and construction financing, and the cooperation of all levels of government, is allowing the CHA to develop some of the first new public housing units in Cambridge since 1997. This project was the second to be approved under the City of Cambridge’s Affordable Housing Overlay zoning.

The Revitalization of Jefferson Park is the culmination of an over eight-year effort to redevelop and revitalize the living community for a 1950’s era public housing development in very poor condition. The original buildings had substantial problems with water infiltration from ground water, as well as a failing sewer system which was causing mildew and poor air quality in many apartments. Additional issues with the masonry of the building and site infrastructure included collapsed piping and failing waterlines. Deteriorated condition of interior finishes were also documented. 

New construction is not only enabling the CHA to remedy these deficiencies, but is also allowing the agency to create an additional 103 new family units for the site. Nearly 48% of units will have three or more bedrooms, with 85% of the units having two or more bedrooms.  

“Moving forward with a project of this magnitude and scope is incredibly exciting for many reasons,” said Executive Director Michael J. Johnston. “I am proud of our commitment to putting the needs of our residents first every step of the way, and what truly stands out is that we’re not just replacing the original 175 obsolete public housing units, but we are also adding 103 family-sized units. All while ensuring the 278 total units remain deeply affordable and available to the thousands of applicants sitting stagnate on our waiting lists.”

The project is being built by Consigli Construction Co. and is designed by BWA Architecture. 

“The Revitalization of Jefferson Park Federal will create a safe and sustainable environment for the residents and families served by the Cambridge Housing Authority to call home,” said CEO of Consigli Construction Co., Inc. Anthony Consigli. “Consigli is proud to be part of the team delivering a project that puts the community first, as well as addresses urgent local affordable housing needs.”

The design includes six new buildings featuring private entries on the first floor with a mix of private patios and shared courtyards. Each building is designed to meet Passive House and Enterprise Green Communities standards. The placement of the new buildings and roads will allow the property to better connect to the neighborhood’s street grid and provide residents with safer and more accessible access to their homes compared to the previous site. The redevelopment will also include two new Head Start classrooms, playgrounds, a park, bike-sharing stations, and a Food Pantry. Residents will move into the first phase of completed homes in early 2026, with the final units completed by the end of 2026. 

In addition to its federal, state, and local partners, the CHA joined with a number of financial partners to make this transformation possible including The Richman Group, TD Bank, Santander, Community Economic Development Assistance Corporation (CEDAC), Massachusetts Housing Partnership (MHP), and MassHousing.

From the Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority's press release:

The City of Cleveland, Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority (CMHA), and The Community Builders (TCB) celebrated the grand opening of Phase II of the six phase Woodhill Homes transformation. Woodhill Center East, 61 quality affordable apartments and 16 townhomes for individuals and families to help revitalize the Buckeye-Woodhill community. This $35.2 million development is located at 11305 Woodland Ave and features a community room, fitness center, landscaped greenspace, a playground, and an outdoor patio.  

“It’s exhilarating to celebrate the completion of Phase II and the groundbreaking of Phase III! I want to thank our partners, and I know residents share my excitement for the neighborhood's future,” said Council President Blaine Griffin of Ward 6. “The transformation of Buckeye-Woodhill will drive economic growth and strengthen our multigenerational community with vibrant spaces like community rooms, fitness centers, landscaped greens, playgrounds, and outdoor patios.” 

The development team is also proud to break ground on the $34.6 Million Phase III, Woodhill Station East. This new apartment building is being constructed immediately to the east of the Phase I development at the corner of Buckeye Road and Woodhill Road. The development will include 64 new apartment units at varying levels of affordability, as well as an onsite early childhood education center. Woodhill Station East also features a community room, fitness center, and patio space for residents to come together as well as hold community events. 

“The Buckeye/Woodhill Choice Neighborhood’s completion of the second phase, as well as the breaking ground on the third phase represents a significant milestone for this transformative neighborhood revitalization effort,” said Jeffery K. Patterson, Chief Executive Officer for the Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority. “We are grateful to all of the residents, community partners, and stakeholders that have committed to keeping this project moving forward to provide quality housing opportunities for this community.” 

“The Community Builders are thrilled to be here today to open the doors at Woodhill Center East and mark the completion of the second phase of the Woodhill Homes transformation – with the next phase just beginning. Today’s ribbon cutting is a milestone that brings 77 quality homes to individuals and families, making Cleveland’s Buckeye-Woodhill neighborhood even stronger,” said George Tabit, regional vice president of real estate development for The Community Builders. “On behalf of our organization, I want to extend my deepest thanks and a well-earned congratulations to the many partners and leaders who have made this development possible, including CMHA, the City of Cleveland, Council President Blaine Griffin, Councilwoman Deborah Gray and our funders. And of course, we welcome home the residents of Woodhill Center East

From the Housing Authority of the City of Austin's (HACA) press release:

An 8-year, resident-focused redevelopment of the Pathways at Chalmers Courts neighborhood in East Austin culminated Friday with a celebration to mark the completion of one of the largest projects to date for the Housing Authority of the City of Austin (HACA).

The third – and final – phase, the 156-unit Pathways at Chalmers Courts West, was recently completed. Earlier phases – the 86-unit Pathways at Chalmers Courts South and the 156-unit Pathways at Chalmers Courts East – debuted in 2019 and 2021, respectively.

Completing the project in phases minimized resident displacement during the construction process. Combined, the three phases offer 398 mixed-income units. Unit sizes range from 1-bedroom to 4-bedrooms, allowing HACA to serve more families with children who enjoy convenient access to neighborhood schools.

The new Pathways at Chalmers Courts replaces a former HACA office building dating back to the 1980s, as well as the original, 158-unit Chalmers Courts public housing community, which was initially built between 1938 and 1942 as part of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal.

“This is a tremendous day for HACA – and for the entire community,” HACA President and CEO Michael Gerber said. “We have more than doubled the total number of units, making it possible to house more of Austin’s families most in need."

“We’ve never rebuilt an entire neighborhood before. HACA worked incredibly hard to get to this point and we’re proud to be able to provide Chalmers Courts residents with beautiful new homes with energy efficient appliances, central air, washer/dryer hookups, free Google Fiber internet and a number of other amenities."

Community features include a first-of-its-kind on-site CommUnity Care medical and dental clinic, expanded Boys & Girls Club, rooftop solar panels, a splash pad and basketball court.

Local and federal officials were on hand for the celebration, including U.S. Rep. Greg Casar, U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett, Austin Mayor Kirk Watson and District 3 Austin City Councilmember José Velásquez.

Pathways at Chalmers Courts is located in Velásquez’s Council district.

“Affordability is the most pressing issue facing the City of Austin – the urgency cannot be minimized,” Velásquez said. “I’m grateful to see Pathways at Chalmers Courts going up in District 3, helping the Austinites I serve each day by offering 300-plus units of affordable housing. We need more of it! And that’s what I’m fighting for.”

Other officials on hand include new Austin City Manager T.C. Broadnax, U.S. Housing and Urban Development Regional Administrator Candace Valenzuela and HACA Board of Commissioners Chairman Carl S. Richie Jr. and Board Member Mary Apostolou.

“It has been an honor and a pleasure to watch the transformation of Chalmers Courts,” Richie said. “We’re not stopping here though. We’re committed to East Austin. We’ve got the Rosewoood Courts redevelopment already under way, with Santa Rita Courts set to follow soon after."

Innovative federal housing programs made it possible to expand and modernize Chalmers Courts. Texas-based Carleton Companies was HACA’s development partner for all three Pathways at Chalmers Courts phases. Austin-based Nelsen Partners served as architect for the Chalmers Courts redevelopment.

“The new construction at Chalmers Courts substantially improves overall living conditions, making it possible for children to continue attending their neighborhood schools, and further helps strengthen the community ties among all the residents,” said Printice Gary, Managing Partner for Carleton Companies. “Carleton Companies couldn’t be happier to be a part of the neighborhood renaissance at Chalmers Courts.”