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 dgreer@clpha.org.
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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 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.”
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.”
From the Minneapolis Public Housing Authority's website:
As the largest public housing provider in the state and with a capital backlog of more than $229 million, MPHA has a lot of construction and renovation work to complete. For the most complex projects, MPHA routinely contracts with local construction companies to supplement the work of its own in-house team of skilled maintenance and trades persons (ex. high-rise fire suppression system installations). In 2023, MPHA contracted with local firms more than 590,000 labor hours, nearly 165,000 of which is this type of construction work, all of which pays prevailing wage rates.
Beyond helping more than 26,000 people access safe, stable, affordable housing every day, the agency is committed to helping build a more equitable Minneapolis through all its activities. Critically, this includes how the agency annually awards and spends on its contracted construction work.
In 2023, more than 40 percent of contracted labor hours were performed by qualified low-income workers and/or businesses (Section 3). Of the contracted construction project hours, more than 30 percent were done by minority-owned businesses (MBE) and over six percent went to woman-owned businesses (WBE).
“MPHA is committed to ensuring its investments make a lasting impact in our community,” said Abdi Warsame, Executive Director/CEO of the Minneapolis Public Housing Authority. “As a government agency, we have an obligation to make sure our dollars go as far as possible to effect positive change in our community. Our team works to partner with local businesses who are owned by and employ historically marginalized communities.”
The agency is committed to bridging equity gaps and creating a more inclusive Minneapolis, and it works to ensure MPHA’s contracted construction work reflects that commitment by making it a priority to seek and expand local partnerships with MBE, WBE, and Section 3 businesses.
While MBE and WBE might be common nomenclature, Section 3 is a designation unique to HUD. Named after the relevant section of the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968, Section 3 requires that economic opportunities generated from HUD funding be directed to low- and very low-income persons. In all its contracted work, MPHA seeks to exceed HUD’s requirements by directing as many opportunities as possible to businesses that are owned by, employ, or subcontract with qualified Section 3 workers.
JPMI Construction Co is a minority- and family-owned business that has worked with MPHA for decades. JPMI is currently working on some of the public housing buildings’ fire sprinkler installation and alarm system updates.
“All the residents are always very friendly. It’s a pleasure to work with them,” said Absaar Hadi, Project Manager of JPMI Construction Co. “It’s nice to know that MPHA has policies to ensure the smaller, minority-owned contractors don’t get overlooked.”
Iyawe and Associates is a qualified Section 3 business, and a minority-owned business, that has worked on MPHA contracts for over 15 years. Currently, they are updating unit doors in one of the agency’s public housing high-rises. For Iyawe and Associates, working with MPHA has allowed their business to grow.
“We have worked with MPHA for about 15 years now. Our project capacity has steadily increased because of the opportunities we have had with MPHA,” said Simon Iyawe, CEO of Iyawe and Associates. “We also appreciate how straight-forward the contracting process is.”
Partnering with MBE, WBE, and Section 3 businesses is a positive for everyone involved. These businesses that face systematic barriers get prioritized for agency projects, MPHA gets high-quality construction work, and together, Minneapolis’ economically disadvantaged communities are provided high-quality and well managed homes.