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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.
From the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles' press release:
The Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA) recently acquired the 154-unit Emerald Apartments, furthering its mission to expand the supply of affordable housing in the City of Los Angeles. Building on the success of prior acquisitions such as Clarendon Apartments, HACLA is again leveraging innovative financing structures and partnerships to deliver affordability at scale and with speed.
This acquisition will utilize the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Restore-Rebuild Program to bring deep affordability with federal rental subsidies. For Emerald Apartments, 24% of the units will be set aside for households with incomes at or below 30% and 50% of AMI. HACLA will restrict the balance of the formerly market rate units upon natural unit turnover to households between 60% and 120% AMI, at rents no more than 30% of a household’s adjusted income, guaranteeing long term affordability.
“With strong demand for low-cost housing in our city, we laser-focused on increasing the supply of affordable housing and the Emerald represents another step in our comprehensive strategy,” said Lourdes Castro Ramirez, President & CEO of HACLA. “We are grateful to our partners at City National Bank and HUD for their collaboration, ensuring that more families can access safe, stable, and affordable housing.”
The transaction was closed utilizing funding from City National Bank, and permanent financing will be taken out in 2026. Households that qualify based on income will benefit from reduced rents as vacant units will be leased to households at affordable levels ranging from 30% to 120% of Area Median Income (AMI). Six accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and 2,400 square feet of community-serving retail space will be constructed in the coming months.
“This creative partnership is just another example of HACLA’s innovative approach to increasing affordable housing in Los Angeles,” said HACLA Board Chair Cielo Castro. “This acquisition addresses the urgent need for so many Los Angeles families, and we look forward to building on it in the future.”
“The Emerald acquisition is about protecting our neighborhoods and ensuring working-class Angelenos have access to safe, stable, and affordable housing,” said Councilmember Ysabel Jurado, who represents Council District 14. “By preserving affordability in existing communities, we are keeping families together, preventing displacement, and building a Los Angeles where every family can thrive.”
Built in 2023, Emerald is located within the South Park neighborhood in Downtown Los Angeles, near Crypto.com Arena, the Los Angeles Convention Center, transit, employment centers, and retail shopping. It includes a mix of studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom units, and a range of amenities for residents, including a pool, an exercise facility, a community room, and a structured parking deck. The affordable restrictions will be achieved as units turn over, ensuring that no family is displaced.
HACLA purchased the property for approximately $322,665 per unit, inclusive of the ADUs, in alignment with its goals to use public resources as efficiently as possible and to recycle capital in the development market. HACLA closed the transaction after 98 days, once again demonstrating its capacity and commitment to fast execution and to being a best-in-class partner for private sector developers in Los Angeles. Blake Rogers of JLL Capital Markets represented the seller in the transaction.
HACLA has emerged as one of the largest buyers of multifamily properties in the City of Los Angeles, closing on nearly 40 acquisition transactions with more than 2,750 units in the last four years. The majority of those units are being utilized as permanent supportive housing for families and individuals who were experiencing or were at risk of homelessness.
HACLA is also actively engaged in the redevelopment of its traditional public housing across the City to create models of social housing for the future, with major investments in South Los Angeles, East Los Angeles and Downtown. HACLA frequently partners with for-profit and non-profit development partners and is an active issuer of tax-exempt governmental and private activity bonds to support affordable housing development and acquisition.
From the Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh's press release:
The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP) has once again delivered a W.O.W. factor to its tenants, stakeholders, and the community that will further its mission to serve as a path to launch for its residents and improve the quality of life for all City of Pittsburgh citizens.
On July 25, 2025, during a visit from HUD Secretary Scott Turner and U.S. Senator David McCormick (R-PA), the HACP unveiled its newest fleet member — the Workforce on Wheels (W.O.W.) CyberBus 2.0.
This innovative one-stop shop will deliver countless employment opportunities to HACP residents where they are, as well as serve the Greater Pittsburgh Region.
In just five years, the HACP Resident Employment Program has assisted more than 780 residents in gaining meaningful training, skills, and wraparound services to obtain sustainable employment. The new CyberBus will help to expand these services.
More than 100 HACP residents have found employment so far in 2025, both through the organization’s Family Self-Sufficiency and Section 3 Employment programs.
Through the Workforce on Wheels initiative, residents can access personalized resume assistance, digital literacy support, job readiness training, and direct pathways to employment in high-demand fields such as construction trades and commercial driving — right at their doorstep.
The CyberBus 2.0 is possible thanks to federal Moving to Work funds, as well as collaborations with community partners Literacy Pittsburgh, the Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC), the Master Builders’ Association of Western Pennsylvania, PNC Bank, Dress for Success, and CVS Health/Ebenezer Outreach Ministries. Announced in August 2025, the project received a $20,000 PNC Foundation grant that will help offset operational costs.
“The CyberBus 2.0 allows us to meet people where they’re at to provide them opportunities for employment,” explained Lloyd C. Wilson Jr., HACP Resident Sustainability Manager. “CyberBus 2.0 is strengthened by strategic partnerships with key regional organizations. These collaborations enhance the program’s ability to serve residents holistically and sustainably.”
The new bus has been added to the HACP’s Digital Literacy Initiatives mobile rotation, and joins the HACP’s WiFi on Wheels (W.O.W.) CyberBus on the road.
“Workforce development is paramount to what we do as a Housing Authority,” said HACP Executive Direct Caster D. Binion. “We’re committed to removing any and every potential hurdle for our residents during their efforts to achieve self-sufficiency.”
From the Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh's press release:
The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP) has once again delivered a W.O.W. factor to its tenants, stakeholders, and the community that will further its mission to serve as a path to launch for its residents and improve the quality of life for all City of Pittsburgh citizens.
On July 25, 2025, during a visit from HUD Secretary Scott Turner and U.S. Senator David McCormick (R-PA), the HACP unveiled its newest fleet member — the Workforce on Wheels (W.O.W.) CyberBus 2.0.
This innovative one-stop shop will deliver countless employment opportunities to HACP residents where they are, as well as serve the Greater Pittsburgh Region.
In just five years, the HACP Resident Employment Program has assisted more than 780 residents in gaining meaningful training, skills, and wraparound services to obtain sustainable employment. The new CyberBus will help to expand these services.
More than 100 HACP residents have found employment so far in 2025, both through the organization’s Family Self-Sufficiency and Section 3 Employment programs.
Through the Workforce on Wheels initiative, residents can access personalized resume assistance, digital literacy support, job readiness training, and direct pathways to employment in high-demand fields such as construction trades and commercial driving — right at their doorstep.
The CyberBus 2.0 is possible thanks to federal Moving to Work funds, as well as collaborations with community partners Literacy Pittsburgh, the Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC), the Master Builders’ Association of Western Pennsylvania, PNC Bank, Dress for Success, and CVS Health/Ebenezer Outreach Ministries. Announced in August 2025, the project received a $20,000 PNC Foundation grant that will help offset operational costs.
“The CyberBus 2.0 allows us to meet people where they’re at to provide them opportunities for employment,” explained Lloyd C. Wilson Jr., HACP Resident Sustainability Manager. “CyberBus 2.0 is strengthened by strategic partnerships with key regional organizations. These collaborations enhance the program’s ability to serve residents holistically and sustainably.”
The new bus has been added to the HACP’s Digital Literacy Initiatives mobile rotation, and joins the HACP’s WiFi on Wheels (W.O.W.) CyberBus on the road.
“Workforce development is paramount to what we do as a Housing Authority,” said HACP Executive Direct Caster D. Binion. “We’re committed to removing any and every potential hurdle for our residents during their efforts to achieve self-sufficiency.”
From the Denver Housing Authority's press release:
The Denver Housing Authority (DHA) and its strategic partners celebrated a major milestone in the transformation of Sun Valley on Thursday with the grand opening of Flo, a 212-unit building designed for adults 55 and older and individuals with disabilities.
The ribbon cutting marked the completion of Phase 3 of DHA’s Sun Valley redevelopment and featured remarks from Denver Mayor Mike Johnston, City Councilwoman Jamie Torres, and representatives from the offices of U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper and U.S. Senator Michael Bennet, alongside DHA CEO Joaquín Cintrón Vega, project partners, and community members.
Denver Mayor Mike Johnston highlighted the project’s impact on both housing and economic opportunities: “An affordable Denver is one where people of all age brackets, backgrounds, and incomes can live – and live well – within their budgets,” said Mayor Mike Johnston. “Developments like Flo demonstrate that you can have high quality housing without paying high rent, and we will continue working tirelessly to create more opportunities like this one across Denver.”
DHA Chief Executive Officer Joaquín Cintrón Vega reflected on the project’s deeper meaning for the neighborhood. “Honoring a community’s vision means listening with humility, acting with courage, and building with purpose,” said Joaquín Cintrón Vega, CEO at the Denver Housing Authority. “In fulfilling our promise to Sun Valley, we’ve created homes shaped by community voices, replacing outdated housing with vibrant, mixed-income neighborhoods. Flo stands as a symbol of that vision, offering 212 new homes for older adults and people with disabilities to live, connect, and thrive.”
Councilwoman Jamie Torres (District 3) spoke about the sense of connection that defines Sun Valley “Walking through these units, I can see my own mom living here, she’s someone who gives gifts through food. That’s the spirit of households in Sun Valley,” said Torres. “Residents here are generous and love giving back to the community, because it’s those connections that make us feel grounded and part of something. We are excited to welcome all the residents we are bringing back.”
About Flo and Sun Valley
Flo is the seventh and final multifamily building in DHA’s Sun Valley redevelopment, completing the replacement of 333 outdated public housing units with 965 modern, mixed-income homes for households earning between 20%–100% of the area median income (AMI).
- The first two buildings, Gateway North and Gateway South, opened in 2021; Thrive and GreenHaus opened in 2023.
- In 2024–2025, Joli, Sol, and Flo opened to complete the housing portion of the redevelopment.
Flo highlights:
- 12-story high-rise with 212 one- and two-bedroom apartments (552–927 sq. ft.)
- Designed for adults 55+ and non-senior individuals with disabilities
- Rent (utilities included):
- 1BR (202 units): $748 (30% AMI) – $1,497 (60% AMI)
- 2BR (10 units): $897 (30% AMI) – $1,796 (60% AMI)
- Amenities: 97 covered parking spaces (7 accessible); 11 EV charging stations; indoor/outdoor rooftop lounge with grills; community gathering room; tech lounge with coworking spaces; meeting room; community laundry; and more.
- Steps from Decatur Fresh Market, the future Riverfront Park, and a new food incubator.
The Sun Valley Redevelopment is made possible through a $30 million Choice Neighborhoods Implementation grant awarded by HUD in 2016 as well as over $60 million through the DHA Delivers for Denver (D3) bond program with the City of Denver, which DHA has leveraged into over $500 million in new development.
With the completion of Phase 3, DHA will have replaced the 333-unit former Sun Valley Homes public housing with:
- Seven new multifamily buildings serving 965 households earning between 20%-100% of the area median income (AMI).
- Critical community investments such as the Decatur Fresh Market and a Grow Garden to provide healthy food options in the Sun Valley neighborhood.
- Significant infrastructure improvements to enhance mobility, accessibility, and connectivity throughout Sun Valley.
Additionally, DHA and the City and County of Denver are developing Sun Valley Riverfront Park, an 11-acre recreational space to support the broader vision to revitalize the South Platte River as a community hub. The first 5.5 acres of the park will be under construction in 2026.
From the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation and the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles' press release:
The Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation (LADF), in partnership with the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA) and Kershaw’s Challenge, proudly unveiled Dodgers Dreamfield 68 at Nickerson Gardens on Saturday, Sept. 20, at 10:30 a.m. The largest public housing community west of the Mississippi River is now home to the third Dodgers Dreamfield built at a public housing site.
The ceremony, emceed by Dodgers Spanish Broadcaster José Mota, included the national anthem and remarks from LADF CEO Nichol Whiteman, project sponsors, and elected officials. Special guest Dodgers pitcher Evan Phillips also took part in the celebration. In addition to HACLA and Kershaw’s Challenge, Dodgers Dreamfield 68 was completed with the generous support of Bank of America, LA84 Foundation, Security Benefit, Leo and Carolina Cammilleri Family Foundation, Helen and Roger Ma, Mickey and Lee Segal Family Foundation, and the Parra-Matthews Family. Following the unveiling, local youth took the field for a skills clinic led by the Dodgers Training Academy.
“With the opening of Dodgers Dreamfield 68, the youth of Watts now have a point of pride to call their own,” said Nichol Whiteman, CEO, Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation. “Too often, these children grow up without safe environments to play, learn and grow. Together with HACLA and Kershaw’s Challenge, we’re eliminating those barriers and ensuring every child has the opportunity to thrive.”
"Well-designed community spaces strengthen human connections," said Lourdes Castro-Ramirez, President & CEO of the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles. "We are thrilled to unveil this new Dodger Dreamfield at Nickerson Gardens, made possible by a strong partnership with the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation and Kershaw’s Challenge. Thanks for partnering with HACLA to create space for neighbors, children, and families to play, learn, interact and build connections for generations to come."
The historic 1954 housing development is currently undergoing a revitalization to improve residents' quality of life. With the help of its partners, LADF’s $1.1 million investment advances HACLA’s broader site improvements, which include plans for a small synthetic turf football field and enhancements to green spaces, recreational areas, and hardscape features surrounding the youth baseball and softball field.
Dodgers Dreamfield 68 will help reenergize the community’s baseball and softball programming for youth ages 5-12. Located in one of Los Angeles’ most historically impoverished neighborhoods, despite falling crime rates since the 1990s, the field eliminates common barriers to access by offering a free, high-quality space to gather and play. Upgrades include irrigation, playing surfaces, fencing, and a solar scoreboard reminiscent of those at Dodger Stadium.
The Nickerson Gardens Dodgers Dreamfield further positions LADF to complete 75 Dodgers Dreamfields by 2033 to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Dodgers’ move to Los Angeles in 1958. In alignment with one of its strategic priorities of building infrastructure for sustained impact to create lasting impact for Los Angeles, LADF builds and refurbishes baseball and softball fields in underserved communities through the Dodgers Dreamfields program. Since 2003, LADF has invested over $20 million to renovate 68 Dodgers Dreamfields. Over 1.8 million youth and families have access to these safe havens and points of pride.