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.
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David Greer
Director of Communications
(202) 550-1381 or [email protected].
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Public Housing is as much a part of the national infrastructure as Route 66, the Lincoln Tunnel, and the Hoover Dam.
WASHINGTON (April 30, 2019) - Today the House Committee on Financial Services held a hearing entitled “Housing in America: Assessing the Infrastructure Needs of America’s Housing Stock” to examine the need for investment in affordable housing infrastructure--including public housing—and investigate additional barriers to developing affordable housing.
Sunia Zaterman, the executive director of the Council of Large Public Housing Authorities, issued the following statement after watching the hearing and reviewing draft legislation circulated by Chairwoman Maxine Waters (D-CA) that would authorize funding for several housing infrastructure projects, including $70 billion for the Public Housing Capital Fund:
“Public housing is as a much a part of the national infrastructure as Route 66, the Lincoln Tunnel, and the Hoover Dam. Public housing helps communities and families thrive by providing more than one million low- and very-low income families, children, elderly and persons with disabilities with a stable place to live, connecting low-income workers to economic opportunities, and spurring regional job creation and economic growth.
“But, years of chronic underfunding have led to the deterioration of the public housing stock and since 1990, at least 300,000 units have been lost because of the lack of adequate resources to maintain them. The federal disinvestment in public housing has contributed to an untenable shortage of stable housing for low-income households.
“A reinvestment in public housing should include adequate funding to preserve and improve the public housing stock. Equally important is thoughtful consideration about additional tools that public housing authorities can use to modernize and develop affordable housing to meet the needs of residents and local communities. Expanding the Rental Assistance Demonstration program and increasing the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit allocations, for example, would support public housing authorities’ recapitalization and redevelopment efforts.
“Housing is infrastructure and we thank the Chairwoman and the Committee for underscoring the importance of public housing during today’s hearing and in the Housing is Infrastructure Act of 2019.”
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 work to better insect the housing field and other areas of critical importance such as health and education.
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The disinvestment in housing and supportive services is a disinvestment in our nation’s most vulnerable populations.
WASHINGTON (March 12, 2019) - Sunia Zaterman, Executive Director of the Council of Large Public Housing Authorities, issued the following statement today in response to President Trump’s FY 2020 Budget proposal, which would slash funding for the U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development by more than 16 percent, including a $4.6 billion cut to the public housing capital and operating funds.
“This budget is a study in contradiction. While the administration is promising safer, healthier, more affordable housing, this budget proposes a 16 percent cut to HUD funding.
“While promoting HUD’s efforts to end homelessness and reduce home health and safety hazards, this budget slashes the public housing operating fund and zeroes out the capital fund.
“While rightly raising the cap on RAD conversions and requesting $100 million for the program, this budget renders the program effectively unusable with the proposed funding cuts.
“It is not possible for public housing authorities to dedicate resources to meeting capital needs when there is no capital fund, or to house the homeless without the resources to operate housing.
“The administration wants us to think beyond investing in bricks and mortar, and instead think about investing in people. This budget does neither of those things. The disinvestment in housing and supportive services is a disinvestment in our nation’s most vulnerable populations, including the 2.2 million low- and very low-income families, children, elderly, and persons with disabilities who are served by public housing.
“Congress has previously rejected draconian budgets that shred our safety net, and we call on them to do so again.”
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 work to better insect the housing field and other areas of critical importance such as health and education.
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Statement from CLPHA Executive Director Sunia Zaterman
WASHINGTON (September 21, 2018) – In support of housing authorities and residents impacted by Hurricane Florence, Sunia Zaterman, Executive Director of the Council of Large Public Housing Authorities, issued the following statement:
“Though the storm itself is behind us, flooding and other destructive impacts of Hurricane Florence may take weeks or months to subside. As we consider the ongoing damage to Virginia and the Carolinas, our thoughts immediately turn to the most vulnerable segments of our population: low-income families and those who risk displacement from their homes.
“The Council of Large Public Housing Authorities (CLPHA) and its entire membership supports providing assistance in any way we can to colleagues, partners, friends, and housing residents who have been affected by the devastation caused by Hurricane Florence. We will make available to the fullest extent any vital resources and support services we have at our disposal to help cities, PHAs, and residents recover from the storm.
“Please know that our thoughts are with all those who have suffered losses from the hurricane and its aftermath. CLPHA and its entire network of affordable housing professionals stands ready to work across all sectors to extend both short-term and long-term assistance to anyone in need. As we have in the past, we will advocate for HUD and FEMA programs such as DHAP and CDBG-DR that help disaster-impacted low-income Americans establish housing stability and improve their life outcomes.”
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 26 percent of the Housing Choice Voucher program; and operate a wide array of other housing programs. Learn more at clpha.org and on Twitter @CLPHA.
From the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation's (AFHC) website:
Joyful giggles and the carefree sounds of children at play float on the wind at the new Pacific Terrace playground. Completed in summer 2023 as part of several ongoing upgrades at Alaska Housing Finance Corporation’s 40 unit affordable housing facility, the new play area is something the entire community now enjoys.
Thoughtfully designed to address the play needs of different age groups, there are actually two separate playgrounds connected by a walking path: a large, 2,400 square-foot area for children ages 5 to 12, and a smaller, 900 square-foot separate area set under the trees for children ages 2 to 5.
Creating two play spaces provided the opportunity to install equipment best suited for both older and younger children. Having the ability to separate the two areas also offered a quieter spot for younger children to play without the distractions of the more rambunctious older set.
“While the playground was built for Pacific Terrace residents, everyone in the community is welcome and it is wonderful to see so many families bringing their kids here to play, especially on sunny days,” says Maren Miller, AHFC’s property and program manager.
From the Los Angeles Rams' press release:
Leading up to the Los Angeles Rams 2024 home opener against the San Fransisco 49ers, the team partnered with the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA) to install a 60-yard turf football field at Nickerson Gardens, the largest housing development west of the Mississippi. The installation will bring enriching programming to underserved youth and create a lasting impact on the young people of the Watts public housing development and community at large. The very same field was brought to Hermosa Beach during the 2024 NFL Draft by the team and SoFi.
Rams safety and team captain Quentin Lake and running back Kyren Williams joined the event to unveil the field and lead youth in a flag football clinic.
"In a community like Watts, where green spaces are limited, this field is more than just a place to play - it is an investment in our youth, our community, and their future. It provides our youth a safe space to grow, learn teamwork, and develop critical leadership skills," said Marisela Ocampo, HACLA's Director of Housing Services. "These types of investments are deeply needed in the Watts community. HACLA would like to extend our deepest gratitude to the Los Angeles Rams for investing in Nickerson Gardens and the residents we serve."
As part of the unveiling, the Rams worked with HACLA, Project Blue, ThinkWatts Foundation and Watts Gang Taskforce, to invite over 100 youth from various housing developments in Watts to come together for a moment of unity on the field. After the ribbon cutting, the team hosted a football clinic and flag football game for the united community of Watts. Development of the field was also supported through the NFL Foundation's Club Matching Field Grant program.
"For me to be here and really enjoy being with these kids and experience this together with them, is nothing but a blessing," said Lake. "The game of football is bigger than the players and the team. It's not just the Rams, it's the Rams House, it's everybody here. I'm so happy to show these kids that with hard work and effort they could be in the same position as me."
"The NFL Foundation is proud to partner with the Los Angeles Rams and HACLA to develop a youth football field in the Nickerson Gardens Housing Development," said NFL Vice President of Philanthropy and Executive Director of the NFL Foundation Alexia Gallagher. "Through the NFL Foundation's Club Matching Field Grant program, we strive to create access to opportunities for youth across the country to stay active and healthy through the game of football. We are excited to provide youth in the Watts community with a safe space to play for years to come."
The field will provide community members with a lasting space to learn, play and connect with one another. The Rams believe football is a game that develops transferrable life skills and strong character, promotes health and wellness, enhances opportunities to further education, and broadens perspectives while building a sense of community and creating more pathways for young men and women in sports.
"When we made a splash by bringing a turf football field to the beach in Hermosa Beach and providing lasting memories for thousands of local children, our longer impact play was always to find a permanent home for the field in an under-resourced community," said Molly Higgins, Los Angeles Rams Executive Vice President of Community Impact and Engagement. "We couldn't be more excited to bring this field – and all of the opportunities that come with the field - to the youth of Nickerson Gardens."
From the City of Norfolk's press release:
The City of Norfolk, Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority (NRHA), the Franklin Group and Brinshore Development celebrated the grand opening of the first two buildings at Kindred with an official ribbon cutting ceremony today, Sept. 17, at noon. The buildings, Reunion Senior Living and Origin Circle, are now fully leased, including 44 former Tidewater Gardens residents who have chosen to return to Kindred.
This milestone represents a significant advancement in the St. Paul’s Area Transformation/Tidewater Gardens Choice Neighborhood Initiative (CNI). With a total investment exceeding $300 million, including a $30-million HUD grant, this initiative is among the largest redevelopment projects undertaken by the City and NRHA.
A key component of the CNI grant is the assurance that original Tidewater Gardens families have the right and option to return to the revitalized community if they choose. Both the City and NRHA have supported this right through resolutions that formalize this and offer services to ensure they are able to do so. These services include assistance with applications, payment of security deposits and moving expenses and securing utilities for the new units.
Throughout construction, families received comprehensive relocation support and an array of holistic services including assistance with housing stability, education, economic mobility, and health and wellness.
Through the People First Initiative, residents are securing better-paying jobs and children are gaining access to health insurance, high-quality early childhood programs, and after-school enrichment opportunities. Youth are receiving essential resources to address developmental delays, leading to improved testing scores in reading and math. Adults are now connected to healthcare services, managing chronic conditions more effectively. These services are provided by People First, empowered by Urban Strategies, Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to ensuring that Tidewater Gardens families are stable and thriving. Since the redevelopment began, People First has facilitated relocation for Tidewater Gardens residents with several families achieving homeownership and more than 90 percent of residents moving to neighborhoods with low poverty rates with a Housing Choice Voucher.
Reunion Senior Living at Kindred is a 72-unit senior living community offering one- and two-bedroom apartments. It features amenities such as a fitness center, computer lab, community spaces, on-site management and off-street parking.
Origin Circle at Kindred is a family development with 120 one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments. The property includes 3,600 square feet of indoor community and amenity space, outdoor gathering areas, a playground and 4,700 square feet of retail space along Church Street.
Both buildings boast high-end interior finishes, are EarthCraft Gold certified, and feature Energy Star-rated appliances and water-conserving fixtures. A community art project features stunning artwork by local artists, enhancing the common areas of both buildings with vibrant decorations.
The next two buildings are currently under construction with an anticipated completion date of Fall 2025.
From the Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority's press release:
For every $1 spent by the Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority (CMHA), the state economy gained an impressive $2.24 return on investment, with CMHA issuing more than $800 million in annual subsidies to private landlords while creating or sustaining over 9,000 jobs across Ohio.
Those are among the findings from a new study CMHA released today, conducted by the Ohio Chamber of Commerce Research Foundation in collaboration with financial consultant SRC EvalMetrics LLC, that measured CMHA’s impact on Franklin County, the Columbus metropolitan statistical area (MSA) and Ohio.
The Ohio Chamber of Commerce Research Foundation is a nonprofit organization that provides nonpartisan research to public policymakers. The research helps Ohio lawmakers understand how policies will impact the state’s economy, competitiveness and job creation.
For this new study commissioned by CMHA, researchers analyzed data beginning in 2018 in terms of job creation, income generation and overall economic output. All numbers were calculated in 2023 dollars.
In Franklin County and beyond, the report finds CMHA’s activities have translated into substantial economic contributions — generating $1.8 billion in earnings, contributing $3.28 billion in value-added output and delivering an $818 million boost to Ohio’s gross state product.
The data shows CMHA’s overall economic contribution produced a gross output of over $6 billion across Ohio during a five-year span starting in 2018. Gross output is the broadest measure of economic activity, representing the market value of all goods and services produced, including both value-added and the cost of intermediate inputs.
“These figures, however, only partially capture CMHA's true value,” said Ohio Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Steve Stivers.
“The real measure of success is seen in the improved quality of life for Ohio residents, the rejuvenation of communities and the creation of sustainable, supportive environments that empower individuals and families to thrive,” Stivers said. “By continuing to foster secure, affordable housing, CMHA is laying the groundwork for healthier, more prosperous communities — a mission that goes beyond mere numbers to touch the lives of every individual it serves."
The report highlights the crucial role CMHA plays in supporting Ohio’s most vulnerable residents.
As a key advocate and organizer, CMHA is tasked with allocating resources to ensure that very low and low-income wage-earning families have access to affordable housing options. As noted in the report, CMHA’s support is not just about providing shelter — it also offers a stepping stone toward achieving financial stability for families. By securing affordable housing, CMHA client-families become active participants in the economic cycle of their communities. The heads of these households contribute to job creation and generate economic ripple effects that underscore the broader economic and social value of CMHA’s initiatives, according to the report.
One of the most surprising results came from Ohio Chamber Foundation research that compared CMHA’s economic impact and the economic impact of The Ohio State University’s athletics department.
The data shows CMHA outperforms The Ohio State University’s athletics in terms of economic impact, with CMHA generating $362 million in earnings compared to $134 million for Buckeyes athletics. In addition, direct and indirect employment for CMHA totaled 7,004 jobs versus 1,890 jobs supported by OSU athletics.
“Over the past five years, CMHA’s activities have left an undeniable mark on our community as well as the residents we serve by working together to provide affordable housing to all,” said CMHA Board of Commission Chair James L. Ervin Jr.
“The results from the Chamber’s study are equally undeniable: CMHA is a major driving force that spurs local economies throughout Central Ohio, not just benefiting CMHA residents but also supporting businesses and workers across the Buckeye State,” Ervin said.
From KFOX 14 News El Paso:
More than 100 families and residents are now enjoying "modernized living spaces" after the city hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a revitalized apartment complex in northeast El Paso on Tuesday.
El Paso's housing authority, also known as Housing Opportunity Management Enterprises or HOME, hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Tuesday for the Sun Pointe Apartments, a newly redeveloped complex in northeast El Paso.
Formerly known as the Roosevelt Apartments, Sun Pointe is a 146-unit affordable housing complex that underwent a $28 million rehabilitation, providing "modernized living spaces" for its families and residents, the city said in a statement.
“This redevelopment represents a significant investment in the well-being of our community and the future of affordable housing in El Paso,” said HOME CEO Gerald Cichon. “We are proud to reopen Sun Pointe as a symbol of progress, resilience, and commitment to providing quality homes for our residents.”
Read KFOX 14 News El Paso's article "Affordable northeast El Paso apartment complex unveiled following $28M rehab."