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David Greer
Director of Communications
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“In the coming weeks, the House will consider bipartisan legislation to permanently authorize the disaster relief funding platform for housing programs. The Reforming Disaster Recovery Act of 2019 is rational, comprehensive, badly needed, and Congress should pass it. Its proposed standardization and codification would make it easier for public housing authorities (PHAs) to apply for, and receive, relief funds after being impacted by disasters the way our colleagues and their residents were in Houston during Hurricane Harvey, in Wilmington during Hurricane Florence, in San Buenaventura during the Camp Fire, and the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico during Hurricanes Irma and Maria.
“Perhaps if the bill were law today, the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development would have a harder time intentionally stalling the disaster relief funding process for Puerto Rico, which two senior HUD officials admitted to doing during a hearing last month, and Secretary Carson has not denied.
“This is unconscionable and a blatant disregard of a statutory deadline. Though Congress has allocated $20 billion in CDBG-DR funds to Puerto Rico, HUD has only disbursed $1.5 billion, while thousands of American citizens struggle to recover.
“To remedy this, Senate appropriators included strong language in the THUD spending bill to prevent HUD from implementing its financial transformation initiative until the Department takes the appropriate steps to make all disaster recovery funds available along with necessary administrative requirements, which would include remaining allocations to Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
“Congress must take action to compel HUD to follow the law. We urge support for the House and Senate efforts to ensure that all Americans, regardless of income and geography, whose housing is impacted by natural disaster receive the support they need quickly and efficiently.”
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 and follow @housing_is for news on CLPHA’s Housing Is Initiative to better intersect the housing field and other areas of critical importance such as health and education.
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WASHINGTON (September 20, 2019) – Sunia Zaterman, the Executive Director of the Council of Large Public Housing Authorities, issued the following statement today in response to President Trump’s and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Carson’s recent comments on the crisis of homelessness in America:
“It is astounding that this administration is calling for an end to homelessness while refusing to reinvest in public and affordable housing. People without a place to live need stable housing, not just campaign rally rhetoric or politically driven economic reporting based on cherry-picked research to manufacture a root cause of homelessness.
“The reasons for homelessness vary and no single solution will end the crisis, but there is no question that the lack of affordable housing opportunities exacerbates the problem for families, people with disabilities, and veterans.
“The Housing First model, recognized by HUD as recently as December as the most effective way to end homelessness, treats stable housing as a platform for supportive services that meet immediate and long-term needs for individuals and families.
“Meanwhile, this Administration has tried to gut funding for HUD and for public housing authorities, which are essential partners in local efforts to provide safe, stable housing to low and very-low income families, and those most vulnerable to homelessness.
“PHAs work with their Continuums of Care to provide transitional housing, permanent supportive housing, and vouchers to households exiting homelessness. They also coordinate with a variety of local service providers to offer supportive services to ensure housing stability, and work with health and education partners to promote access to services that are essential for family well-being and self-sufficiency.
“The hundreds of thousands of unsheltered people living on the streets in our country need real solutions, not campaign speeches.”
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 and follow @housing_is for news on CLPHA’s Housing Is Initiative to better intersect the housing field and other areas of critical importance such as health and education.
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CLPHA Applauds Appointment of Greg Russ to Lead New York City Housing Authority
Greg Russ is the right leader at the right time to oversee NYCHA and tackle the unique challenges facing the nation's largest and oldest public housing authority.
WASHINGTON (June 19, 2019) - The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the City of New York yesterday announced the appointment of Gregory Russ to serve as the next Chair of the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA).
Sunia Zaterman, Executive Director of the Council of Large Public Housing Authorities (CLPHA) issued the following statement in support of the city's selection of Russ, who is the current CEO/Executive Director of the Minneapolis Public Housing Authority (MPHA) and a member of CLPHA's Board of Directors:
"Greg Russ is the right leader at the right time to oversee NYCHA and tackle the challenges facing the nation's largest and oldest public housing authority. Greg is a distinguished public housing executive and proven change maker who has led with innovation to positively transform affordable housing for residents and communities. He is uniquely qualified for this position because of his experience as the Director of Troubled Agency Recovery and his work at the Chicago and Philadelphia housing authorities.
"Throughout his career, Greg has shown a commitment to preserving and improving the public housing stock while promoting self sufficiency and economic opportunities for HUD-assisted families in PHAs across the nation. In addition to his leadership in the field, Greg is considered a national expert on public housing policy.
"CLPHA applauds Mayor Bill de Blasio's selection of Greg Russ to serve as NYCHA's next chair and we look forward to supporting Greg in his new role."
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 and follow @housing_is for news on CLPHA’s Housing Is Initiative to better insect the housing field and other areas of critical importance such as health and education.
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From the Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority's press release:
The Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority (CMHA) Board of Commissioners approved a combined total of more than $25 million in investments that will develop over 100 new affordable housing apartments for Columbus-area seniors and families with included supportive services.
“This significant investment underscores CMHA’s unwavering dedication to enhancing the quality of life for our community members in Columbus and Franklin County,” remarked James L. Ervin Jr., Chair of the CMHA Board.
“By allocating over $25 million toward the development of new mixed-income housing for seniors and families, we are actively addressing the need for affordable housing in our region,” Ervin said. “This reflects our core values of community, commitment, and collaboration."
The community investments approved by CMHA’s Board are:
- Cobblestone Manor: Authorizing the issuance and sale of $17 million in general revenue bonds to construct an 82-unit senior housing community. This is CMHA’s first community in Grove City. Columbus-based Elford Construction will serve as general contractor for this project.
- Dering Family Homes Project-Based Voucher (PBV) Contract: Providing voucher assistance for 25 apartments at Dering Family Homes, an investment of over $9 million. This 245-unit family community is being developed by The NRP Group.
- Housing Stability First Program: Housing Stability First will receive a $1 million CMHA investment in 2024. The program is designed to prevent evictions and reduce the likelihood that residents will miss school or work due to housing instability. The funding also will be used to help CMHA residents experiencing economic hardships that may impact their housing stability, including expenses related to housing, utilities, child care, transportation, and basic needs. The program was a joint partnership that was created in 2023 with an initial funding contribution from First Church of God in Columbus.
“As we embark on these investments, we are not just building apartments; we are building hope and stability for the individuals and families we serve,” stated Charles D. Hillman, CEO of CMHA.
“This commitment to affordable housing for all underscores our dedication to fostering inclusive communities and addressing the pressing needs for accessible housing options in our region,” Hillman said. “Through collaborative efforts and strategic initiatives, we aim to create lasting impact and transform lives for the better.”
From the Minneapolis Public Housing Authority's website:
As the largest public housing provider in the state and with a capital backlog of more than $229 million, MPHA has a lot of construction and renovation work to complete. For the most complex projects, MPHA routinely contracts with local construction companies to supplement the work of its own in-house team of skilled maintenance and trades persons (ex. high-rise fire suppression system installations). In 2023, MPHA contracted with local firms more than 590,000 labor hours, nearly 165,000 of which is this type of construction work, all of which pays prevailing wage rates.
Beyond helping more than 26,000 people access safe, stable, affordable housing every day, the agency is committed to helping build a more equitable Minneapolis through all its activities. Critically, this includes how the agency annually awards and spends on its contracted construction work.
In 2023, more than 40 percent of contracted labor hours were performed by qualified low-income workers and/or businesses (Section 3). Of the contracted construction project hours, more than 30 percent were done by minority-owned businesses (MBE) and over six percent went to woman-owned businesses (WBE).
“MPHA is committed to ensuring its investments make a lasting impact in our community,” said Abdi Warsame, Executive Director/CEO of the Minneapolis Public Housing Authority. “As a government agency, we have an obligation to make sure our dollars go as far as possible to effect positive change in our community. Our team works to partner with local businesses who are owned by and employ historically marginalized communities.”
The agency is committed to bridging equity gaps and creating a more inclusive Minneapolis, and it works to ensure MPHA’s contracted construction work reflects that commitment by making it a priority to seek and expand local partnerships with MBE, WBE, and Section 3 businesses.
While MBE and WBE might be common nomenclature, Section 3 is a designation unique to HUD. Named after the relevant section of the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968, Section 3 requires that economic opportunities generated from HUD funding be directed to low- and very low-income persons. In all its contracted work, MPHA seeks to exceed HUD’s requirements by directing as many opportunities as possible to businesses that are owned by, employ, or subcontract with qualified Section 3 workers.
JPMI Construction Co is a minority- and family-owned business that has worked with MPHA for decades. JPMI is currently working on some of the public housing buildings’ fire sprinkler installation and alarm system updates.
“All the residents are always very friendly. It’s a pleasure to work with them,” said Absaar Hadi, Project Manager of JPMI Construction Co. “It’s nice to know that MPHA has policies to ensure the smaller, minority-owned contractors don’t get overlooked.”
Iyawe and Associates is a qualified Section 3 business, and a minority-owned business, that has worked on MPHA contracts for over 15 years. Currently, they are updating unit doors in one of the agency’s public housing high-rises. For Iyawe and Associates, working with MPHA has allowed their business to grow.
“We have worked with MPHA for about 15 years now. Our project capacity has steadily increased because of the opportunities we have had with MPHA,” said Simon Iyawe, CEO of Iyawe and Associates. “We also appreciate how straight-forward the contracting process is.”
Partnering with MBE, WBE, and Section 3 businesses is a positive for everyone involved. These businesses that face systematic barriers get prioritized for agency projects, MPHA gets high-quality construction work, and together, Minneapolis’ economically disadvantaged communities are provided high-quality and well managed homes.
From the New Haven Independent:
A new roof and new bathrooms, computer upgrades, reconfigured office and community space and a whole range of modernizing renovations, to the tune of $3 million.
All that shiny new stuff’s on the way to the Housing Authority of New Haven (HANH)’s community and family center over in West Rock on 295 Wilmot Rd. — thanks to an old fashioned federal earmark.
HANH President Karen DuBois-Walton made the announcement Tuesday afternoon at the regular meeting of the public housing authority’s Board of Commissioners. The meeting took place at the housing authority’s headquarters at 360 Orange St.
It used to be called an “earmark,” she said, but now we refer to it as “congressionally directed spending.”
The grant of $3 million was secured through the efforts of U.S. Sens. Chris Murphy and Richard Blumenthal and signed into law last month by President Joe Biden as part of the new budget covering the departments of Housing and Urban Development and Transportation.
“It’s in the middle of a beautiful area,” DuBois-Walton added, referring to the aging one-story brick structure, a bit of an eye sore at the end of Wilmot Road, amid Rockview, Brookside, and Twin Brook, the spiffy and revitalized developments that HANH has nurtured into much desired locales out in the West Rock area of town.
Although it continues to be used for a wide range of HANH’s activities, as well as being a home base to important area nonprofits, the 20-year old building is in dire need of improvement, she said.
Read the New Haven Independent's article "HANH Scores $3M For Community Center Rehab."
From News 12 Brooklyn:
Tenants of a New York City Housing Authority complex in Eastchester are a part of the decision-making when it comes to redesign and redevelopment.
Residents of the Eastchester Gardens were able to enjoy their newly designed tenant's association office, made possible through the PACT Program.
The PACT Program, also know as the Permanant Affordability Commitment Together, is an initiative between NYCHA and developers to make repairs, redesign facilities, and maintain quality service for tenants.
RDC Development is a professional partnership between MDG Design & Construction and Wavecrest Management that was selected as the Eastchester Gardens PACT Partner.
Residents say what's special about this program is they are involved in the choices made for their homes, including designs and the team they want to work with.
The PACT Program says it aim to keep these homes affordable but improve the quality of life for NYCHA residents.
From HUD's press release:
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development announced the appointment of Andrew Lofton to serve as Regional Administrator for the Northwest serving Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. As Regional Administrator, Mr. Lofton will serve as HUD's liaison to mayors, city managers, elected representatives, state and local officials, congressional delegations, stakeholders, and customers. In addition, he will be responsible for overseeing the delivery of HUD programs and services to communities and evaluating their efficiency and effectiveness.
With his arrival, Region 10 is ideally positioned to deliver on the agency’s goals and Acting Secretary Todman's vision. Mr. Lofton brings a tremendous wealth of experience, knowledge, and enthusiasm as a housing expert and public servant, and is honored to have the opportunity to work with HUD and the Biden Harris Administration.
"We are excited to welcome Andrew Lofton as the Regional Administrator for HUD's Northwest Region," said Acting Secretary Adrianne Todman. "Mr. Lofton's experience and dedication to public service make him an asset to our team. He is a leader in housing, and I will rely on him to ensure the efficient delivery of HUD programs and services to communities across the region."
"It is an honor to serve the Biden Harris Administration and the people in the great Northwest, where I am blessed to call home," said HUD Northwest Regional Administrator Andrew Lofton. "Working together, we can make our communities stronger, more vibrant, and more equitable for generations to come."
A lifelong resident of Washington, Mr. Lofton’s career in public service spans nearly 50 years in municipal, state, and local government where he has been led by his passion for helping people. He previously served as the Executive Director for the Seattle Housing Authority where he worked for 17 years, and before that held positions at the City of Seattle ranging from Community Development Block Grant Administrator, Deputy Director of Community Development, Budget Director, and Chief of Operations, and was Deputy Director for Washington State Department of Trade and Economic Development.
Mr. Lofton has also held many leadership positions throughout his career including membership on the Board of the Council for Large Public Housing Authorities, National Association Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO), and was a founding member and first Board Chair of the Moving to Work Collaborative.
CLPHA congratulates Mr. Lofton his new role!