Welcome to CLPHA's Press Room
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David Greer
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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 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.
From the San Jose Spotlight:
More than 200 households have been given stability with the opening of two affordable housing developments near Diridon Station in San Jose.
City and county officials on Wednesday celebrated the opening of Bellarmino Place and adjacent Alvarado Park, which will provide housing for older adults and people at risk of homelessness. The Santa Clara County Housing Authority owns and developed both apartment buildings with a combination of public and private funding.
The 6-story Bellarmino Place has 116 apartments for people making 30% to 60% of the area median income, or between $60,250 to $117,120 for a family of four. The building will also accommodate 24 formerly homeless households. The nearly $97 million project received more than $10 million from Santa Clara County, $34 million from the housing authority and $52 million from Wells Fargo.
The 5-story Alvarado Park provides 90 apartments for older adults making 30% to 60% of the area median income, including 23 apartments for people at risk of homelessness. The nearly $70 million project received $10 million from the county, nearly $22 million from the housing authority and $24 million from Enterprise.
“This work matters, because permanent housing is the only sustainable solution to ending homelessness,” Santa Clara County District 4 Supervisor Susan Ellenberg said at the opening. “Without that stability, individuals and families are forced into cycles of crisis, moving from shelter to streets and back again.”
.Read the San Jose Spotlight's article "Santa Clara County rolls out more affordable housing."
From Enterprise Community Partners' press release:
Three exceptional leaders in affordable housing were recognized for their outstanding work during Enterprise Community Partners’ (Enterprise) 2025 Southland Social on Thursday, September 18, at The Grand in Los Angeles.
The Southland Social is the nonprofit’s signature annual gathering in Southern California, bringing together more than 250 leaders across the nonprofit, public, and private sectors to celebrate individuals and organizations whose work strengthens communities and expands housing opportunities. The 2025 honorees were recognized for their commitment to sustainability, decarbonization, and climate resilience for our region's affordable housing stock and our communities more broadly.
- Visionary of the Year: Lourdes Castro Ramirez, Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles President and CEO
- Community Partner of the Year: East LA Community Corporation (ELACC)
- Business Partner of the Year: Wells Fargo
“Each of this year’s honorees brings unique contributions to the affordable housing landscape in Los Angeles. Their leadership not only strengthens our collective ability to create and preserve much-needed affordable homes but also ensures that communities across the region remain places of opportunity, stability, and hope,” Enterprise VP and Southern California Market Leader Jimar Wilson said. “We are proud to celebrate their achievements and look forward to continuing to work alongside them to address Southern California’s most pressing housing challenges."
With more than 25 years’ experience in affordable housing at the local, state, and federal levels, Castro Ramirez took the helm at HACLA nearly one year ago, where she has led the team on increasing affordable housing inventory through transformative public housing redevelopment efforts and acquisitions; advancing socioeconomic opportunities through HACLA's investment in people and place; and creating innovative opportunities to empower over 1,000 HACLA staff, ensuring their continued success.
"At HACLA, we believe that housing is the foundation to opportunity and Jordan Downs is where this vision comes to life," said Lourdes Castro Ramirez, President and CEO of the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles. "We are honored to receive this Visionary of the Year Award. It's a reminder that when we invest in people, we change lives; and we're committed to continuing our mission to preserve, expand, and reimagine deeply affordable housing, creating opportunities for families to thrive."
Thirty years ago, ELACC was founded to advance the economic and social justice needs of residents in Boyles Heights and East Los Angeles. Since 1995, the nonprofit has leveraged over $250 million in housing and other community development resources to fulfill that mission. Building on this legacy, ELACC announced last year that it will transition its entire housing portfolio—28 properties in total—to an all-electric energy system.
“The transition to clean technology represents an important step in how we care for both our residents and our neighborhoods,” said Monica Mejia, ELACC President and CEO. “By moving toward sustainability, we are creating healthier living environments today while also doing our part to protect the future of our community. It is an honor to have this work recognized by Enterprise."
Wells Fargo has been a valued partner in Enterprise’s work both locally and nationally, advancing initiatives such as Enterprise’s Sustainable Connected Communities program in Southern California, the What’s Possible publication reimagining climate innovations, and the national Housing Affordability Breakthrough Challenge. Through Enterprise, Wells Fargo has also invested more than $556 million in affordable housing and community development.
“Safe, affordable housing is the foundation for thriving communities. Through the partnership of Wells Fargo and Enterprise Community Partners, we’re not just building homes—we’re investing in futures, empowering individuals, and strengthening neighborhoods across the country,” said Mario Holten, Vice President of Philanthropy and Community Impact, Southern California Region, Wells Fargo.
From the King County Housing Authority's press release:
KCHA has named our Central Administrative Campus in Tukwila, Wash., as the Stephen J. Norman Opportunity Campus in recognition of Mr. Norman’s 25 years of stewardship of KCHA and his outstanding service to the communities of King County.
A dedication ceremony held at our campus Sept. 24th honored Mr. Norman for his many achievements in housing our neighbors and improving communities throughout the region.
During his tenure, the number of households assisted on a daily basis by KCHA more than doubled, providing more than 50,000 individuals with safe, affordable housing. He focused on housing and on empowering the region’s poorest and most vulnerable households.
Mr. Norman created KCHA’s first Resident Services and Social Impact Departments to work with community partners in support of housing stability, health, self-sufficiency, and educational outcomes for KCHA’s clients:
- Working with local public and behavioral health care systems and with local non-profit housing and service providers, KCHA created an extensive network of supportive housing for homeless youth, veterans, child welfare involved families, survivors of domestic violence, individuals living with disabilities and other at-risk community members. More than 5,000 individuals are housed through these programs every day.
- KCHA also worked in close partnership with the region’s school districts, community colleges, Headstart program and organizations such as the Boys and Girls Clubs to support the more than 20,000 youth that it helps house. To facilitate these efforts, KCHA built a network of 18 Early Learning and After-School Centers on its properties.
Mr. Norman’s vision encompassed the equitable distribution of housing opportunities throughout the region – involving the construction, rehabilitation and acquisition of affordable housing in all communities. He:
- Significantly expanded KCHA’s inventory of workforce housing, building or acquiring more than 5,000 units of permanently affordable housing. Many of these acquisitions were in affluent or rapidly gentrifying areas of the County, preventing significant displacement of existing residents. Several of these sites, including Wonderland Estates and Highland Village, were already slated for closure and redevelopment as market-rate housing when KCHA intervened.
- Developed new approaches to blending multiple kinds of housing into a variety of neighborhoods, integrating communities and creating nationally recognized models that paved a pathway for low-income families to move to high opportunity neighborhoods. In recognition of his leadership on this issue, Mr. Norman was honored by the Poverty & Race Research Action Council at its Conference on Housing Mobility in 2021.
- Led KCHA in redeveloping 120 acres in White Center, one of the poorest communities in King County, into Greenbridge and Seola Gardens – vibrant, award-winning mixed-income communities with more than 1,000 units of housing.
- Invested heavily in KCHA’s public housing through a robust program of maintenance and capital improvements, earning KCHA national recognition for the quality of its public housing inventory.
Mr. Norman served as President of the Council of Large Housing Authorities (CLPHA) from 2012 to 2021 where he worked with the leadership at HUD and with the United States Congress to support and expand affordable housing opportunities. He served as the Chair of the Board of the Corporation for Supportive Housing (CSH) from 2017-2024 and helped initiate a series of collaborative efforts between these two organizations to coordinate health, homelessness and housing efforts on the national level.
Mr. Norman has been recognized for his work both nationally and locally by diverse organizations including: The National Conference on Housing Mobility; the Washington State Housing Finance Commission; The White Center Boys and Girls Club; Building Changes for his work in addressing homelessness; and both Navos Mental Health Solutions and Valley Cities Counseling for his work on mental health issues. He is a recipient of the Norm Maleng Award from Lifewire for his efforts to house survivors of domestic violence.
Mr. Norman started his career as a community organizer in New York City. He retired from KCHA in 2021 after dedicating more than 45 years to affordable housing issues around the country, including serving as New York City’s first Assistant Housing Commissioner for Homeless Housing Development and as the establishing Vice-President of the Corporation for Supportive Housing.
From the Durham Housing Authority's press release:
Durham Housing Authority (DHA) and Laurel Street are pleased to announce the grand opening celebration of The Vanguard Apartments and groundbreaking for the next phase of the East Main redevelopment, Dillard Street Apartments.
Located in downtown Durham, Vanguard Apartments is a mixed-income development that includes one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartment homes for individuals and families. Building amenities include storage lockers, a multipurpose room, fitness center, computer lab, playground, and outdoor picnic space. Vanguard represents the first phase of the redevelopment of two aging public housing properties, 519 East Main and Liberty Street Apartments, into a vibrant, mixed income community. Twenty-one (21) of the units are prioritized for former residents of 519 E. Main and Liberty Street.
“There’s no greater feeling than seeing the former site transform into its next generational purpose as we expand housing opportunities for the Durham community,” said Durham Housing Authority Interim CEO Anthony Snell. “These major milestones demonstrate our continued commitment to building communities that reflect – and serve – the people of Durham. This work would not be possible without support from the City of Durham’s Forever Home, Durham program, which was funded by the $95 million housing bond approved in 2019.” “The citizens and leadership of Durham endorsed the visionary concepts of the DDNP and provided the vital financial support to execute on the implementation.”
Also located on the same site, Dillard Street Apartments is another mixed-income development that includes 146 affordable and market-rate apartment homes. A community center will be built as part of this phase, which will include a community room, fitness center, computer lab and playground. Sixty-four (64) of the units are prioritized for former residents of 519 E. Main and Liberty. This is the third phase of redevelopment of 519 East Main/Liberty site and second to be supported by the $40 million Choice Neighborhoods Grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to DHA and the City of Durham in 2022.
“The opening of the Vanguard Apartments exemplifies the City of Durham’s continuing commitment to providing safe, accessible and affordable housing for its residents,” said Leonardo Williams, Mayor of the City of Durham. “I appreciate the partnership with DHA, Laurel Street and other partners to deliver this new development for our Durham residents who deserve the best quality of living at an affordable price.”
“Our ongoing partnership with the Durham Housing Authority reflects our shared commitment to create thriving mixed-income communities in downtown Durham,” said Dionne Nelson, President and CEO of Laurel Street. “Thanks to our public and private partners, Laurel Street is committed to the redevelopment and growth of East Main Street into a thriving neighborhood,” she added.
“Our team at Fifth Third is so proud to support this project that brings more safe, affordable housing to downtown Durham," said Lee Fite, Carolina’s region president for Fifth Third. “The collaboration that leads to today’s celebration takes many committed partners, and it’s a testament to what public-private partnerships can achieve when all parties share a common purpose to create a more vibrant community for all.”
The Vanguard and Dillard Street Apartments’ total cost is $81 million. Major financing partners for the project include the Durham Housing Authority, the City of Durham, the North Carolina Housing Finance Agency, RBC Capital Markets, Fifth Third Bank, First Citizens Bank, JP Morgan Chase, the Community Development Trust, Cedar Rapids Banks and Trust, and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Choice Neighborhoods Program.