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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Statement From Council of Large Public Housing
Authorities Executive Director Sunia Zaterman
Washington, DC – “The Council of Large Public Housing Authorities (CLPHA), representing more than 70 of the country’s largest and most innovative housing authorities, is calling on Congress to reject the Trump Administration’s FY18 budget, which proposes to slash $6.2 billion in funding to the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), including $2 billion in cuts to public housing. If realized, the draconian cuts included in this budget would not only have severe and cumulative effects on public and affordable housing programs across the country, but it would also shred the safety net of other public assistance programs on which many low-income Americans rely.
“The Trump Administration’s full FY18 budget proposal, released today, Tuesday, May 23, would devastate HUD programs that are currently helping over 1.2 million households that reside in public housing, including families, seniors, persons with disabilities, and close to 800,000 children. The budget targets America’s most vulnerable citizens with drastic cuts to Medicaid, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), while also slashing disability benefits and student loan and education programs, thereby crippling essential support systems affecting many of the residents we serve in low-income housing.
“The Administration’s dramatic HUD reductions come at a time when the federal government should actually be investing in public housing as part of the nation’s infrastructure, as such investment generates economic growth, creates jobs, bolsters productivity, and generates tax revenue for localities.
“The budget proposes $628 million for the Public Housing Capital Fund compared to $1.942 billion in FY17; $3.9 billion for the Public Housing Operating Fund compared to $4.4 billion in FY17; $17.584 billion for Section 8 voucher renewals compared to $18.355 billion in FY17; and $1.55 billion for administrative fees compared to $1.65 billion in FY17.
“Everyone should be alarmed by the magnitude of these proposed cuts -- the Public Housing Capital Fund alone sustains a cut of over 67 percent. The irony of this particular cut is that it not only undermines basic health and safety improvements, it also makes it virtually impossible to leverage private investment, which HUD claims is a major policy priority.
“Another example is the proposed $771 million reduction to the Housing Choice Voucher program, which provides housing vouchers to needy families. These budget reductions, coupled with rising rents and inflation, will result in the loss of hundreds of thousands of vouchers and threaten currently-housed families with homelessness.
“CLPHA and the nation’s largest public housing authorities are asking members of Congress to reject the cuts proposed by the Trump Administration, as they will significantly harm our most vulnerable citizens and undermine our already significant public investment in this affordable housing stock.”
The Council of Large Public Housing Authorities (CLPHA), representing more than 70 of the country’s largest and most innovative housing authorities, calls on the Administration and Congress to reject the draconian proposal to slash more than $6 billion in funding to the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), including $2 billion in cuts to public housing.
There are over 1.2 million households currently residing in public housing. Seniors and persons with disabilities constitute over half of all residents, and there are over 600,000 children residing in public housing. Public housing cuts will fall directly on the shoulders of residents currently residing in public housing and reduce opportunities for millions of families languishing on waiting lists across the country.
The public housing capital fund provides modernization and rehabilitation funding for the 1.2 million unit public housing portfolio. The reported cut to the capital fund of $1.3 billion represents close to a 70% reduction from last year’s funding level. These proposed cuts will dramatically accelerate the current estimated loss of 10,000 to 12,000 public housing units already lost annually due to chronic underfunding.
The public housing operating fund covers day-to-day operational and maintenance expenses not covered by resident rents. The reported cut to the operating fund of $600 million is a 13% percent reduction from last year, and approximately 72% of what is needed. This funding level will have a devastating impact on the ability to operate and maintain this housing and severely endanger the health, wellbeing, and safety of our most vulnerable children, families, and seniors reliant on housing assistance.
These cuts directly contradict the findings of the congressionally-mandated 2010 HUD study on the backlog of public housing capital repair needs estimated at $26 billion and annual accruing capital needs estimated at $3.4 billion. HUD’s budget does not come close to meeting the annual need and contributes to the growing backlog need.
The tenant based rental assistance program which provides housing vouchers to needy families will also experience a $300 million reduction according to the reports on the budget. This cut coupled with rising rents and inflation will result in the loss of hundreds of thousands of vouchers and threaten currently housed families with homelessness.
We call on the Administration and Congress to reject these draconian cuts that will harm our most vulnerable citizens and undermine our already significant public investment in this affordable housing stock.
Statement From Council of Large Public Housing Authorities Executive Director Sunia Zaterman
The Council of Large Public Housing Authorities, which represents 70 of the nation’s largest public housing authorities (PHAs) in cities across the United States, congratulates Dr. Ben Carson on his nomination as Secretary of the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
Housing stability is critical to breaking the cycle of poverty for families, and our nation’s PHAs have been on the front lines of this fight, helping to develop creative solutions to our housing crisis, and implementing these ideas in their communities.
CLPHA looks to Dr. Carson to advocate for adequate funding for housing programs, to support implementation of innovative programs on the local level, including the Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) and Moving to Work (MTW), and to provide PHAs with the tools to promote the cross-sector partnerships that connect housing to health, education and other sectors to lift families out of poverty.
As someone who spent part of his upbringing in public housing, Dr. Carson represents the promise to create opportunity and lift people out of poverty. We look forward to working with him and HUD to provide safe, decent, and affordable rental housing to low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities.
The Detroit Housing Commission (DHC) has named James Arthur Jemison their new executive director. He takes over the role from Sandra Henriquez, who retired from DHC earlier this year. CLPHA congraluates Mr. Jemison on his new role and wishes Ms. Henriquez the best of luck in her next chapter.
From the Michigan Chronicle:
Known as Arthur to many, Jemison is a highly experienced leader with remarkable urban planning, community development, and affordable housing background. With close to thirty years of expertise and proven leadership, Jemison’s appointment is pivotal for the Commission as it acknowledges the imperative for transformative organizational reforms to enhance its support for residents, properties, and communities.
“I am pleased to have the opportunity to work with our tenants and the Commission’s staff and partners like HUD to improve the quality of life in Detroit and for all the people and communities we impact,” said Jemison.
Jemison has built a remarkable career over the past three decades as a creative and accomplished leader in public-private development. His wealth of experience spans planning, development, and promoting affordable housing.
Throughout his career, he has impacted many communities by utilizing his expertise to cultivate fair and welcoming atmospheres in urban areas like Detroit, Washington, D.C., and Boston. His dedication to collaborating with residents has resulted in developing dynamic and enduring city spaces that genuinely represent the varied requirements and ambitions of the individuals who reside in these urban centers.
Prior to his new role, Jemison served as the Chief of Planning for the City of Boston and Director of the Boston Planning & Development Agency. In the past, Jemison served as President Biden’s nominee to become Assistant Secretary of Public and Indian Housing in 2021.
Additionally, he was the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), where he led the Office of Community Planning and Development (CPD) from 2021 to 2022.
Read the Michigan Chronicle's article "James Arthur Jemison Named New Executive Director: Detroit Housing Commission Welcomes Accomplished Development Leader."
From Tacoma Weekly:
The bright colors of two new housing structures in town have been catching the eye of passersby lately, and now Hilltop Housing North and Hilltop Housing South are officially christened as Tacoma Housing Authority’s largest affordable housing project in 20 years.
To celebrate the Housing Hilltop project, dignitaries, Hilltop residents and people from communities across the city gathered the morning of Aug. 3 for the official ribbon cutting ceremony.
Apartments in Housing Hilltop’s South building are currently being leased and the North building is on track to open by the end of this year. Together, both buildings bring 231 living units, 94 in Housing Hilltop South and 137 in Housing Hilltop North.
Housing Hilltop is leasing at 60 percent Area Median Income and is offering priority leasing opportunities to households that have been displaced or at risk of displacement from Hilltop "to help keep the Hilltop community whole,” according to information posted at tacomahousing.org. This means, for example, that a single occupant must make below $48,660 a year, below $55,620 for a family of two, and below $69,480 for a family of four.
To increase affordability in both buildings, the THA Board of Commissioners has approved additional subsidy to the project to ensure that 25 percent of units in both buildings are affordable to more residents.
Elected leaders speaking at the ribbon cutting event included Mayor Victoria Woodards, Sen. Maria Cantwell, Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland, Sen. Yasmin Trudeau, Pierce County Council Chair Ryan Mello, and U.S. Rep. Derek Kilmer by remote video.
"One of the crises we face as a city is affordable housing,” Woodards said. "To have these units coming online at 60 percent AMI is going to make a real difference. It doesn’t stop here, but this will go a long way to allowing us to build those 10,000 units that we feel we need to have in the city of Tacoma in the next 10 years.”
Cantwell brought a view of a bigger picture, that of the need for 200,000 more units nationwide over the next two years.
"I’m trying to do something in Washington D.C. – and that is to get a hell of a lot more money for affordable housing. We’re going to keep fighting until we get it done,” Cantwell said.
Read Tacoma Weekly's article "Ribbon cutting celebrates Housing Hilltop."
From CBS News Fort Worth:
The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs recently announced more than $95 million in housing tax credits to develop or renovate 63 rental properties across Texas to address the affordable housing need.
Eleven of the developments are slated for North Texas.
"It's a big issue for all cities," said Amy Connolly, the assistant director of City of Fort Worth Neighborhood Services. "In the DFW area, growth is just so tremendous."
Fort Worth in particular has been impacted by the population and business boom.
"We're building a lot of apartments and we're building a lot of single-family homes, but we're not really keeping up with the affordable housing need," Connolly said.
...
Fort Worth Housing Solutions will put the tax credits toward the continued construction of a massive housing redevelopment in the Stop Six neighborhood. The Former Cavile Place public housing will be replaced with new apartment buildings.
Read CBS News Fort Worth's article "Fort Worth affordable housing developments receive $8 million in tax credits."
From the Los Angeles Times:
Teenage residents at Jordan Downs, one of L.A.’s largest public housing communities, will earn a paycheck this summer while learning hands-on skills like carpentry and welding, launching them on pathways to careers in industries facing strong demand and a critical lack of qualified workers.
The program is made possible by the joint efforts of Harbor Freight Tools for Schools, the flagship program of The Smidt Foundation, and BRIDGE Housing. BRIDGE Housing is a nonprofit housing developer participating in the $1-billion redevelopment effort of Jordan Downs. First built in the 1940s, Jordan Downs is now going through a physical transformation that includes doubling the number of residential units and adding retail and community spaces along with new parks and open spaces for residents.
“The City of Los Angeles is committed to providing opportunity to all Angelenos. The launch of this program will equip young Angelenos with hands-on experience and essential skills that can help them succeed now and in the future,” said Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass. “I want to recognize Harbor Freight Tools for Schools for establishing this real-world learning model and for your work to ensure L.A.’s skilled workforce remains strong.”
Operating like a construction workplace, the program uses the “earn and learn” model where students are paid while developing meaningful skills that can lead to future employment. The 15 high school-aged residents participating in the summer’s pilot program at Jordan Downs were recruited by community-based service providers to participate.
Students will complete 40 hours of hands-on project work to practice foundational trade skills, such as plumbing, electrical wiring, welding and framing a mini house. Students will also master basic skills that apply to a variety of construction disciplines, including safety, measurement, site prep and clean-up.
“The transformation of Jordan Downs goes far beyond buildings – it’s about quality of life for residents,” said BRIDGE Housing president and CEO Ken Lombard. “We jumped at the opportunity to partner with Harbor Freight Tools for Schools because we’re literally putting tools in young people’s hands to help them prepare for careers.”
Read the Los Angeles Times' article "Teens from Jordan Downs Community in Watts Getting Paid to Learn Skilled Trades This Summer."
From the Chicago Housing Authority's press release:
Davora Buchanan was shy while growing up in Trumbull Park Homes. She kept to herself and read. Then she attended CHA’s Learn and Earn program, where teenage students explore career fields like entrepreneurship, arts and technology while earning a paycheck.
“It was the first program I did outside of Trumbull, the first program where I interacted with other kids and took the bus all the way to South Suburban College,” she said. “It was a turning point, not just because of what I was learning but because of the people I met. It was a life-changing experience for me.”
Ten years later, Learn and Earn – six weeks of career exploration for CHA residents ages 13-15 that includes a $600 stipend – continues to inspire. It and other summer programs are on track to reach CHA’s performance goal of a 10 percent increase in participation (2,429) over last year (2,215) with summer earnings that are expected to reach $3 million.
The Learn and Earn experience certainly helped Buchanan, who got involved in other CHA programs like Summer Youth Employment Program. She eventually graduated from DeVry University Advantage Academy, earned a bachelors and masters in sociology and now works for Metropolitan Family Services as a Domestic Violence Advocate and Housing Coordinator doing what she loves: housing people.
“If I’m able to house one person I feel successful,” she said. “I put my all into it because someone put their all into it for me and my mother when it was time to get housed.”
Learn and Earn is one of several paid summer opportunities for CHA residents ages 13-24 that CHA is offering this summer, providing early exposure to career and education pathways and opportunities that stem potential summer learning loss. It concludes Aug. 1.
Other CHA summer programs include:
Become a Filmmaker: Participants in this award-winning program collaborate with DePaul University’s School of Cinematic Arts to learn all aspects of filmmaking, from story development to editing. Guided by graduate students, they create short films for global festivals, with industry expert visits and field trips. Participants earn $15.80/hour.
Be Your Own Boss: High school age participants develop a startup addressing a passion-driven problem, guided by entrepreneurs and business professionals through virtual sessions, meetings, and field trips. Youth gain skills in identifying opportunities, acquiring customers, building prototypes, and pitching to investors for lifelong success! Participants earn $15.80/hour.
Counselor in Training (CIT), a collaboration between the Chicago Housing Authority and the Chicago Park District, provides 40 teens 15 years old a summer opportunity as a counselor. Youth gain life skills and the opportunity to grow, learn and gain skills in leadership and financial capability while earning a $1,320 stipend.
CHA Student Internship Program: This program provides opportunities for college students to participate in a professional environment, building workplace skills and gaining experience for future careers. Participants earn $17.00/hour.
Movie and TV Scripts 101: Participants in this screenwriting program with DePaul University's award-winning screenwriters learn to write original screenplays through film analysis, format, style, scene craft, story structure, character development, and dialogue. The program includes writing a short movie or TV script, followed by a table read with actors from DePaul’s Theatre School, alongside industry expert visits and field trips. Participants, ages 15-20, earn $15.80/hour.
Next Level Photography: In collaboration with the DePaul University School of Cinematic Arts, participants master technical foundations, explore genres like nature and portraiture, develop personal styles, and build portfolios for freelance opportunities. Participants, ages 15-20, earn $15.80/hour.
PeacePlayers: PeacePlayers Chicago provides participants a transformative summer experience centered around fostering healthy relationships and unlocking the leader in youth. This program offers a unique blend of basketball, leadership development, career readiness, and peace building. Participants earn a $600 stipend.
Summer of Code: This program teaches programming basics using Swift, helping build a fundamental understanding and practical skills to develop a basic iOS app from start to finish, including essential user interface design principles. Participants earn $15.80/hour.
Summer Youth Employment Program: This program offers youth ages 16-24, meaningful, paid work-based opportunities with a variety of industries throughout the city. Participants earn $15.80/hour.