CLPHA Press Room

From HUD's press release:

Last week, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and Terner Labs cohosted an event in Detroit, Michigan, uniting leaders from the public sector, housing experts, researchers, and technologists for the third iteration of their Housing & Technology Symposium series. HUD leaders also traveled to Minneapolis, Minnesota to highlight innovative affordable housing partnerships.

“These are a first-of-its-kind innovations that leverage both HUD funding and modular housing construction – a technology that PD&R and HUD are eager to help scale – to create high-quality affordable housing that is sustainable, energy-efficient, and well-integrated into the surrounding neighborhood,” said Solomon Greene, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy Development and Research. “It leverages so many innovations all at once – including Minneapolis first-in-the-nation comprehensive zoning reforms – to better serve communities.”

The visits were the first in HUD’s “Road to Innovation” tour series, led by the Office of Policy Development & Research (PD&R), where HUD leaders will travel around the country to uplift examples of investment in innovative construction techniques boosting affordable housing supply. The partnership with Terner Labs, announced by HUD’s former Secretary Marcia L. Fudge in 2023, aligns with the Biden-Harris administration’s Investing in America Agenda and the Administration’s housing supply action plan, offering enhanced access to funding and resources.

The Detroit event explored the use of technology to promote homeownership and wealth-building for Black Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) communities, particularly in the Midwest. Technology and development experts presented demonstrations on credit repair and policy tools, offering valuable insights into the homebuying process. Solomon Greene, HUD’s Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Office of PD&R, alongside HUD Great Lakes Regional Administrator Diane Shelley, emphasized the importance of encouraging investment in homeownership assistance.

“HUD is deeply committed to expanding housing and community development, with a steadfast focus on creating equitable, inclusive communities and ensuring quality, affordable homes for all individuals and families,” said Great Lakes Regional Administrator Diane Shelley.

In Minneapolis, HUD leaders explored the city’s most innovative public housing initiatives. The officials toured several sites, including one of Minneapolis Public Housing Authorities’ (MPHA) sixteen Family Housing Expansion Program (FHEP) “scattered sites,” strategically located to foster community growth while meeting the cities affordability goals. Taking advantage of HUD’s Moving to Work (MTW) flexibilities and project-based vouchers, the FHEP projects have added 84 units of affordable family housing to MPHA’s stock using modular construction techniques and 16 solar roof arrays, increasing housing accessibility in a growing community. The tour concluded at Miro Apartments, showcasing a modular approach, affordable units, Opportunity Zone funds, and a large solar roof array, all contributing to housing accessibility in a growing neighborhood.

The “Road to Innovation” tours will culminate in Washington, DC with HUD’s 2024 Innovative Housing Showcase slated for June 7th through 9th on the National Mall. The showcase is a public event during which leading homebuilders, technologists, and designers will show their cutting-edge approaches to increase housing supply, lower construction costs, increase energy efficiency, and reduce housing expenses.

From the Seattle Times:

Washington state will receive more than $156 million to launch programs to provide rooftop solar and other forms of solar energy to people with lower incomes and on the front lines of climate change.

The Environmental Protection Agency announced a total of $7 billion in grants Monday from the agency’s Solar for All grant competition. The program is funded by the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act.

In its grant application, the state Department of Commerce proposed to create several new programs, for single-family homeowners, community solar projects, multifamily affordable housing properties and tribal nations.

The state plans to further define eligibility requirements and launch its programs by summer 2025. The funds should be fully disbursed by 2029, according to the Commerce Department.

Under EPA rules, funding from the grant to the state is intended to serve low-income and disadvantaged communities. Disadvantaged communities are defined in the federal Climate and Economic Justice mapping tool; low-income is generally defined as households with incomes at or below the greater of 80% area median income and 200% of the federal poverty level, or properties providing affordable housing, according to the Commerce Department.

Standing in the sun-drenched courtyard of the Seattle Housing Authority’s Hinoki building Monday, Gov. Jay Inslee told The Seattle Times the infusion of federal cash was “heaven sent.”

Atop the 136-unit building were rows of solar panels, enough to power up about 10% to 15% of the building’s common areas and reduce the building’s operating costs. The community helped shape the design of the building, and one of the many values they identified was environmental stewardship, said Rod Brandon of the Seattle Housing Authority.

Washington residents who have received solar funding under previous state programs have shared stories of their electricity bills being reduced, and in some cases eliminated, Commerce Director Mike Fong said.

In addition to the installation of the panels, Fong said the money will help create jobs, workforce training programs like those at Northwest Indian College, and help Indigenous communities develop energy projects.

“We are punching above our weight class as a state in terms of securing federal funding,” Fong said. “And we’re going to do right by all Washingtonians.”

Read the Seattle Times' article "WA solar energy projects getting $156 million in federal funds," featuring the Seattle Housing Authority.

From Hudson Valley Property Group's press release:

Hudson Valley Property Group (HVPG), a leading, national affordable housing preservation company, announced that it has completed a $71 million acquisition, preservation and renovation project at Grandview Terrace Apartments, a 283-unit senior housing complex located in the Journal Square Neighborhood of Jersey City, New Jersey.

The upgrades to Grandview Terrace encompass a variety of holistic improvements including building modernization, energy efficiency upgrades, unit renovations and the addition of an enhanced, high-definition monitoring system providing site wide security coverage and ensuring adherence to HVPG's community standards.

"We're elated to unveil the revitalized Grandview Terrace, a collaborative effort with the Jersey City Housing Authority (JCHA) and HUD that will ensure long-term affordability for local seniors that were previously at-risk of losing access to this affordable housing and possibly being displaced," said Jason Bordainick, co-founder and managing partner of Hudson Valley Property Group. "From the comprehensive modernization to the installation of advanced security measures, every aspect of this project reflects our commitment to creating secure, inviting places for our residents to call home."

The renovations within the 283-unit complex totaled $15.2 million (~$53,500 per unit) and include new kitchen cabinetry and countertops; new high-efficiency, stainless steel appliances; high output lighting and water conserving fixtures; and the creation of fully compliant ADA and H/V units. Interior upgrades also included new flooring with subfloor repairs; wall patching and painting; and a new sky lounge for residents with a stretching room, community room, library and computer center with views of New York City.

The initial acquisition and substantial rehabilitation of the Grandview Terrace Apartments was financed with equity from HVPG's second affordable housing fund (HVPF II) and a construction loan from Key Bank. Upon completion of the 16-month construction and preservation project in February 2024, the loan was refinanced under the HUD Section 223(f) program with KeyBank.

To ensure the long-term affordability of the property, HVPG secured a new, 20-year HUD Regulatory Agreement. Additionally, HVPG was able to unlock new rental subsidy for tenants as a result of the previously existing expired HUD 202 restrictions through both project-based and tenant-based Section 8 vouchers. The Jersey City Housing Authority played a critical role in this project and serves as the new contract administrator for all of the HUD Section 8 voucher units. HVPG and JCHA worked in partnership to secure new Section 8 subsidy for 267 low-income households that did not previously receive any rental assistance. This will ensure that income-qualified tenants are protected and will pay no more than 30% of their income in rent. No residents were displaced because of this transaction.

"The JCHA appreciates the opportunity to partner with Hudson Valley Property Group, HUD, the City and the County to preserve and provide quality, safe affordable housing to the senior citizens of Jersey City and Hudson County at Grandview Terrace", said Patricia Ramirez, Director of the Housing Choice Voucher Program of the Jersey City Housing Authority.

The project follows Hudson Valley Property Group's recent acquisition of a 1140-unit affordable housing portfolio across Maryland and North Carolina, and Northgate One Apartments in Camden, NJ. As the demand for affordable housing continues to rise, HVPG intends to further expand its portfolio and offer additional high-quality affordable housing options throughout the United States. HVPG currently owns over 10,650 units of affordable housing across 65 properties throughout the Northeast, Midwest, Mid-Atlantic and Southeast regions.

From The Benoit Group and Atlanta Housing's press release:

The Benoit Group, a national multifamily and commercial real estate developer, owner, and operator headquartered in Atlanta, in partnership with Atlanta Housing, Georgia’s largest public housing authority, announced the financial closing for the development of Englewood Senior. This 160-unit affordable independent senior living project marks the first redevelopment phase of a master-planned, mixed-use, multi-phase community on the 30-acre site of the former Englewood Manor public housing site.

Originally built in 1971 on approximately 30 acres, Englewood Manor contained 324 public housing units before the residents were relocated in 2007 due to severe physical and social distress, leading to the property’s demolition in 2009 with HUD approval. Located in southeast Atlanta approximately 1.5 miles south of Zoo Atlanta and Grant Park, Englewood, a Chosewood Park neighborhood, is adjacent to Boulevard Crossing Park and the Atlanta Beltline Southside Trail.

“Partnering with a housing authority like Atlanta Housing that is committed to positively transforming communities is in alignment with our company’s mission,’ said Eddy Benoit Jr. President & CEO of the Benoit Group. “We are excited and eager to deliver better affordable housing options on the BeltLine!”

Funding for this $72 million project includes federal and state equity tax credit investment by Raymond James and JP Morgan, a Sterling Bank construction loan, permanent HUD-insured loan financing from Berkadia, in addition to Beltline TAD Funds and a secondary priority loan from Atlanta Housing.

“Atlanta Housing is pleased to announce the closing of Englewood Senior, which will provide quality, affordable housing for our senior and legacy residents,” said Terri M. Lee, President and Chief Executive Officer of Atlanta Housing. “With access to the Atlanta BeltLine’s Southside Trail, residents of Englewood Senior will have the opportunity to enjoy world-class amenities in one of our city’s historic neighborhoods. This announcement further underscores our agency’s commitment to neighborhood revitalization and ensures that one of our most vulnerable resident populations can age with dignity in quality communities. We are pleased to move this development forward with the Benoit Group.”

View the press release.

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.”

Read CMHA's press release.