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.
*Please let us know if you are working on deadline.
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To view all of CLPHA's press statements, click here.
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March 11, 2021
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(Washington, D.C.) March 11, 2021 – Sunia Zaterman, executive director of the Council of Large Public Housing Authorities, released the following statement upon President Biden’s signing of the American Rescue Plan Act into law:
“The Council of Large Public Housing Authorities applauds President Biden for signing into law the groundbreaking American Rescue Plan Act. When combined with the $25 billion in emergency rental assistance in the previous relief bill, the total $45 billion in emergency rental assistance and $5 billion to prevent homelessness is scaled to the enormous scope of the rental crisis with more than 11 million renters behind on rent. The law is also historic in nature as it represents the largest federal investment since the creation of the Great Society programs more than 55 years ago, which launched what is now known as the Housing Choice Voucher program. Estimates show that the American Rescue Plan Act’s war on poverty will reduce the projected poverty rate this year by half. This historic investment in alleviating poverty and expanding housing opportunities constitutes one of the most significant steps towards ending racial inequity since the legislation passed during the Civil Rights Era.
"The American Rescue Plan acknowledges that housing stability for all Americans is essential to the economic well-being, racial equity, and public health of the nation. While this legislation directs critical federal investment to pandemic relief, new transformational federal investments will be needed to address the affordable housing crisis that was only exacerbated by the pandemic, including a 10-year roadmap to recapitalize the public housing portfolio and a permanent and significant expansion of the Housing Choice Voucher program.
"CLPHA looks forward to working with the Biden-Harris administration to make stable housing a reality for all Americans."
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About the Council of Large Public Housing Authorities
About CLPHA’s Housing Is Initiative |
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(202) 550-1381
For Immediate Release
March 10, 2021 |
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About the Council of Large Public Housing Authorities
The Council of Large Public Housing Authorities is a national non-profit organization that works to preserve and improve public and affordable housing through advocacy, research, policy analysis and public education. CLPHA’s 70 members represent virtually every major metropolitan area in the country. Together they manage 40 percent of the nation’s public housing program; administer more than a quarter of the Housing Choice Voucher program; and operate a wide array of other housing programs. Learn more at clpha.org and on Twitter @CLPHA .
About CLPHA’s Housing Is Initiative
The Housing Is Initiative, led by the Council of Large Public Housing Authorities, helps build a future where sectors work together to improve life outcomes. Housing stability is a critical first step to improve life outcomes for low-income children, families, and seniors; CLPHA’s Housing Is Initiative is based on the premise that sectors can better meet needs when they work together. Housing Is establishes, broadens, and deepens efforts to align affordable housing, education, and health systems to produce positive, long-term results. Learn more at housingis.org and on Twitter @housing_is.
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(202) 550-1381
For Immediate Release
March 4, 2021 |
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(Washington, D.C.) March 4, 2021 – Sunia Zaterman, executive director of the Council of Large Public Housing Authorities, released the following statement urging the swift passage of the American Rescue Plan Act in the U.S. Senate: “The Council of Large Public Housing Authorities calls for the Senate to pass the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, which includes desperately needed $30 billion in emergency rental assistance, $5 billion in single-use vouchers, and a significant extension of the eviction moratorium. “This legislation is critical to addressing the rental crisis facing the nation. The situation has only grown more dire since the Biden Administration announced the American Rescue Plan in mid-January. Renters have continued to accrue past-due rent at an alarmingly high rate. While the eviction moratorium has provided important protections for renters financially impacted by the pandemic, the moratorium has meant that millions of renters have accumulated significant arrears. Economists estimate that unpaid rent at the end of January 2021 totals $52 billion, which amounts to $5,600 for the average renter. “The $5 billion in emergency housing vouchers will help transition persons-at-risk and homeless persons to stable housing. Emergency rental assistance is not only vital to renters, but its impact on the economy and public health is far-reaching. The Senate must act swiftly to provide emergency rental assistance and prevent a wave of evictions and housing instability that will tragically disrupt the lives of millions of Americans.” |
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About the Council of Large Public Housing Authorities
About CLPHA’s Housing Is Initiative |
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The Paterson Housing Authority received a $24,570 HUD Housing Counseling Program Grant. The grant will help the housing authority improve access to affordable housing and counsel residents on increasing their financial literacy, expanding homeownership opportunities, and maintaining homeownership.
Residents of the Housing Authority of the City of Milwaukee’s Westlawn Gardens neighborhood completed the first urban pilot of the National Council on Aging’s Aging Mastery Program®. The five-week program offers comprehensive health and wellness education for individuals 55 or older to empower them to make small, yet impactful changes to their physical activity, nutrition, sleep, and other aspects of their lives.
The Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority has joined with health consulting and programming group Evi-Base to bring diabetes education programs to its residents.
The Columbus Metropolitan Library’s Martin Luther King Branch opened this month in Columbus’s Near East Side neighborhood. The new library is a result of Partners Achieving Community Transformation (PACT), a partnership between Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority, Ohio State University, and other local stakeholders created in 2010 to transform and revitalize 800 acres of Near East Side.
The Chicago Housing Authority (CHA) broke ground on Oso Apartments, a 48-unit apartment complex in Chicago’s Albany Park. Financed with help from $10 million in CHA RAD funds, 100 percent of Oso Apartments’ units will be affordable rental housing for individuals and families.
From the Minneapolis Public Housing Authority's website:
Last week, The Minneapolis Foundation announced a grant award of $400,000 to Stable Homes Stable Schools (SHSS) through the foundation’s OneMPLS Fund. The award is part of a larger $500,000 grant to Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS), supporting housing stability programming designed to support educational outcomes and end cycles of generational poverty for students and their families over the next two years.
With SHSS experiencing a significant increase in referrals in recent months, the funding comes at a critical time. The $400,000 granted funds will support the expansion of program eligibility to families earning below 50 percent Area Median Income (AMI), up from less than 30 percent AMI, ensuring that more children at risk of housing related educational disruptions are able to fully engage in their lessons and classrooms.
Stable Homes Stable Schools is a pioneering partnership between MPHA, the City of Minneapolis, Hennepin County, and MPS, along with the YMCA of the North as the service partner, working to reduce homelessness among families with elementary-aged kids in Minneapolis and improve immediate and long term educational outcomes for students impacted by housing instability. The program is a holistic approach to addressing homelessness through prevention (emergency short- and medium-term assistance) and intervention (multi-year rental assistance and support services). Since 2019, more than 7,500* kids and 2,700* families have benefited from the program.
More than 2,360* families, like the Alexander family, have received emergency short- or medium-term assistance through SHSS’ housing stabilization program. Housing stabilization helps families avoid homelessness with emergency assistance which could include back pay of rent, helping pay for fixing a car needed to get to work, or other forms of assistance to keep families in their current housing. This tool is key to preventing homelessness before it happens and has helped 6,500* children avoid homelessness since SHSS’ inception.
Another 340* families, like the Albert and Lige families, have received multi-year rental help through SHSS’ housing placement and support program. This multi-year rental assistance and wraparound services help families escape or avoid homelessness and aids them in securing stable, long-term affordable housing. This includes housing search and tenant education to secure affordable housing in the private rental market. Beyond financial support, SHSS provides one-on-one case management services addressing families’ financial empowerment, tenant readiness, and education and employment development. This combined approach helps families remove barriers to housing stability and prepare them for self-sufficiency.
This $400,000 award from the Minneapolis Foundation builds on numerous grants and funding awarded to SHSS in 2025. Recent awards include a $900,000 from Minnesota Housing, $350,000 from the Pohlad Family Foundation, and the City of Minneapolis providing both a one-time and annual increase of $1.4 million, replenishing the program’s reserves while also bringing the city’s annual funding contribution to $3.6 million.
From Fort Worth Housing Solutions' press release:
Fort Worth Housing Solutions (FWHS) announced today that it is breaking ground on phase five of a six-phase housing redevelopment initiative to transform the Stop Six community.
FWHS and the City of Fort Worth were awarded the initial grant funds to begin the transformation of the neighborhood by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Choice Neighborhood grant program in 2020. Over the past six years, the plan has been progressing to create a more vibrant and sustainable community in the historic Stop Six neighborhood.
The plan is aligned with the three core goals of HUD’s Choice Neighborhood grant program:
- People: Improve outcomes of households living in the target housing related to employment and income, health, and education
- Housing: Replace distressed public and assisted housing with high-quality mixed-income housing that is well-managed and responsive to the needs of the surrounding neighborhood
- Neighborhood: Create the conditions necessary for public and private reinvestment in distressed neighborhoods to offer the amenities and assets, including safety, good schools, and commercial activity, that are important to families’ choices about their community
Named after Robert Hughes, the legendary Fort Worth ISD basketball coach and winningest high school boys basketball coach in U.S. history, Hughes House II is the largest of three construction phases. When complete, the development will provide 542 mixed-income units where the former Cavile Place public housing community once stood.
FWHS broke ground on the first phase of Hughes House units in 2023 and welcomed the first group of residents in 2025.
The groundbreaking of Hughes House II will take place on June 2, 2026 for the 302 units, which includes 1-4 bedroom unit options with a mix of permanent supportive housing, tax credit units, and market rate units.
“The Stop Six transformation has provided a meaningful impact to our residents,” said Deborah Peoples, Fort Worth City Councilmember for District 5. “All of the hard work that Fort Worth Housing Solutions, city staff, and community members have contributed to this collaborative effort is providing better housing, education, supportive services, and quality of life for our neighbors. I’m excited about this next phase of development at Hughes House and am proud to support this transformation plan.”
The broader Stop Six Choice Neighborhood Initiative also includes a community hub for recreation, education, health services, job training, and commercial space. In 2025, CVS Health opened the CVS Workforce Innovation and Talent Center in the community in partnership with FWHS. The center features a CVS pharmacy classroom that replicates a real CVS pharmacy where students train to work in pharmacy settings. Aetna also provides access to health education, assistance with navigating benefits, and health screenings at the on-site Community Resource Center. This investment builds on CVS Health and Aetna’s long history of community support in Texas. To date, CVS Health has invested $234 million in affordable housing across the state, helping to create or preserve nearly 14,000 affordable units.
“CVS Health is proud to be part of the Stop Six Transformation plan,” said Keli Savage, Vice President, Real Estate and Impact Investments at CVS Health. “Housing and stable employment are intrinsically connected to health and wellness and our collaboration with Forth Worth Housing Solutions is a powerful example of what can be achieved through community-driven investments and programs.”
The U.S. Housing and Urban Development seeded this transformation initiative with a $35 million Choice Neighborhood Implementation Grant awarded to Fort Worth Housing Solutions and the City of Fort Worth in 2020. In all, the initial HUD grant is expected to trigger more than $345 million in investment and improvements for the Stop Six community.
“Breaking ground on phase five of this six-phase housing transformation initiative is a huge milestone for our community and our team,” said Mary-Margaret Lemons, President of Fort Worth Housing Solutions. “Our team is honored to bring the transformation plan to life, realizing the vision of the residents and community leaders of the historic Stop Six neighborhood. These efforts will provide a positive impact for decades to come.”
The Reno Housing Authority is expanding their permanent supportive housing with a groundbreaking ceremony for their newest development called "Hope Landing."
It will be a 15-unit development and a chance to provide even more stability, resources, and opportunities to thrive for their residents who have experienced homelessness.
Dr. Hilary Lopez, executive director for the Reno Housing Authority, says, "We know that there's a dire need for all types of affordable housing throughout our community, and Hope Landing will provide specifically 15 units of permanent supportive housing targeted towards those who are chronically homeless and have incomes at or below 30% of area median incomes... some of our most vulnerable community members."
She speaks on the resources they provide as well.
Some of the things that make Hope Landing so special are that we're not only able to provide permanent, long-term, quality, affordable housing, but it will also include onsite supportive services. And so, residents who live here will be able to access case management workforce development assistance and other types of supportive services."
Dr. Lopez tells us for these projects, collaboration is key. They were able to access funding for the development of the project but also for the resources they provide.
"We're very fortunate that we were able to access a variety of different funds to really make this project come together for the development piece. We were able to work with our board to utilize some of Reno Housing Authority's own funds made possible through our federal funding streams for this project as well as money through the state of Nevada."
They anticipate it's going to take about 12 months to bring this project to finality and start leasing.
"We're going to be demolishing the current structures within about the next two weeks and then moving right into construction, about a 12-month construction schedule, so again, just looking forward to welcoming the first 15 residents here in spring 2027."
From the King County Housing Authority's press release:
The King County Housing Authority (KCHA) today celebrated the grand opening of Kirkland Heights, a newly redeveloped affordable housing community that preserves long-standing affordability while expanding housing options for families in Kirkland.
This marks the completion of a multi-year transformation of the 13-acre site into a modern, garden-style community with 276 affordable rental homes across 27 buildings, along with upgraded infrastructure and new amenities designed to support healthy, stable living for residents. Kirkland Heights offers an average affordability of 60% AMI, including 106 project-based Section 8 vouchers, and offers rental homes with multiple bedrooms designed to accommodate families with children.
Originally built in 1970 as a 180-unit community financed through federal housing programs, the property was then called “Aero Kirkland” and was initially developed by the International Association of Machinists to support Boeing workers during a period of economic change.
Over time, as Kirkland experienced a tech boom and rents were rising, the need to preserve affordable housing became more urgent. In 2019, KCHA acquired the property to ensure long-term affordability and protect residents from displacement.
Beginning in 2022, KCHA undertook a full redevelopment. Rather than tear down the existing buildings and risk displacement of current residents, KCHA chose to carefully phase construction to minimize displacement and allow most families to remain on-site throughout the project.
KCHA rehabilitated the 180 existing units and added 96 new units by adding a third floor to several 8-plexes and constructing two new 24-plexes, significantly expanding housing opportunities while modernizing aging buildings and infrastructure.
The revitalized community now features a new community building, outdoor gathering spaces, playgrounds, gardens, and recreational amenities, creating a welcoming environment designed to strengthen connections among residents. The attractive aesthetic seamlessly integrates with the surrounding neighborhood.
Kirkland Heights is designed to meet Washington State’s Evergreen Sustainable Development Standard (ESDS) with solar PV systems generating more than 846,000 kWh per year, 19 EV charging stations, centralized water-heating systems at no cost to residents, durable materials, and in-unit washers/dryers. Stormwater management includes multiple detention facilities and a fully renewed storm system. Such a sustainability-forward approach is rarely seen at this scale in suburban rehabilitations, and the modern, efficient systems and reduced utility burdens ensure long-term affordability.
At a time when housing costs continue to rise across King County, the project demonstrates how strategic investment can both preserve existing affordable housing and expand supply in high-opportunity communities.
When housing is abundant and affordable, our whole community benefits.
Financing & Partners
The project is funded through 4% Low-Income Housing Tax Credits, Renewable Energy Tax Credits, tax-exempt bonds, and investments from King County, ARCH (A Regional Coalition for Housing), and KCHA, with a total construction investment of $125 million over three years. The City of Kirkland provided a waiver of impact fees.
KCHA is the project sponsor, developer, general partner of the LIHTC partnership, and long-term steward. RBC Capital Markets is the syndicator and JPM is the investor, supporting tax credit equity. SMR Architects led design, Allied Construction Associates completed the construction, Puget Sound Solar provided solar infrastructure, and Allied Residential will operate the completed property.
What people are saying
“Kirkland Heights tells a powerful story about what it means to preserve community. For more than 50 years, this property has provided homes for working families. Today, we are building on that legacy—ensuring that current and future residents have access to stable, affordable homes. This redevelopment reflects our commitment to invest for the long term and to create places where people can thrive.” – Robin Walls, President and CEO of the King County Housing Authority.
“The skyrocketing cost of rent and housing is one of the biggest pain points families are facing right now. One of the most effective ways to address this crisis is to build more affordable housing. This development is a great example of the housing we need to build across our region and the country so families can live, work, and play close to home. This project wouldn’t have been possible without the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit, the most successful affordable housing supply program in our country. I’ve long been a leader in supporting and expanding this program so we can build more affordable housing faster.” – Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01)
“Projects like Kirkland Heights are a key part of our plan to address housing affordability across our region. Through partnership and long-term investment, we are making sure that people can live closer to where they work, closer to great schools, and in a place where, together, we can build a strong community now and in the future.” – Kelli Curtis, Mayor of Kirkland
“Creating more homes at more price points is essential to keeping Kirkland an inclusive and livable community. Renovation projects that create additional capacity, like Kirkland Heights, help provide a range of housing options that strengthen the long-term stability of our community.” – Neal Black, Kirkland Deputy Mayor and KCHA Board Commissioner
“Kirkland Heights represents both a new beginning and a continuation of a proud legacy. More than 50 years ago, this community was created by the Machinists Union to provide stable, affordable homes for working families during a time of economic uncertainty. Today, that same spirit lives on in this redevelopment—preserving affordability, honoring the people who built this community, and ensuring that future generations of workers and their families can have a home in Kirkland.” — Richard Jackson, District Secretary-Treasurer for the International Association of Machinists District 751 and KCHA Board Commissioner
“Kirkland Heights shows what’s possible when cities and regional partners work together to preserve and expand affordable housing. ARCH is proud to invest in a redevelopment that keeps long-time residents in place while creating new opportunities for families across East King County.” — Lindsay Masters, Executive Director of ARCH
“J.P. Morgan is proud to invest in Kirkland Heights, a transformative affordable housing redevelopment in Kirkland, Washington that will renovate 180 existing apartments and add 96 new units bringing the community to 276 income-restricted units, including apartments set aside for residents with disabilities. We’re honored to partner with the King County Housing Authority and RBC Community Investments on this impactful project that expands housing access for families across the Seattle region.” – Amber Beeman, Executive Director, J.P. Morgan Tax Oriented Investments
From the Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority's press release:
The Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority (CMHA), alongside The Community Builders (TCB), the City of Cleveland, and project partners, officially celebrated the grand opening of Woodhill Station East on May 15. This milestone marks the completion of the third phase and the final off-site component of the Buckeye-Woodhill Choice Transformation.
The comprehensive redevelopment plan is transforming the former 1930s era Woodhill Homes into a modern, vibrant neighborhood. Supported by a $35 million HUD Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grant awarded in 2021, as well as a $10 million supplemental grant in 2023, the multi-phase initiative will ultimately deliver approximately 638 new homes and public amenities to the Buckeye-Woodhill community.
“The opening of Woodhill Station East marks a key moment in the Buckeye-Woodhill Choice Transformation,” said Jeffery K. Patterson, Chief Executive Officer of CMHA. “The first three phases have already begun to reshape how residents experience their community, bringing new, high-quality homes and laying foundations for retail opportunities.”
Located at the corner of Buckeye Road and Woodhill Road, this newest phase adds 64 high-quality rental homes to the neighborhood, featuring 54 affordable apartments and 10 market-rate units for individuals and families. The building also includes commercial space designed to host up to three local retail tenants.
Residents of Woodhill Station East will enjoy a full suite of modern community amenities, including a fitness center, lounges, a community room, landscaped greenspace, and an outdoor patio for gatherings. Additionally, all units are pre-wired for low-cost, high-speed internet service through Digital-C, virtually connecting residents to education and employment opportunities.
The transit-oriented development is conveniently situated near public transportation, providing easy access to jobs and amenities. To ensure long-term resident success, TCB Community Life case managers will be based on-site to provide supportive programming in workforce development, asset building, youth development, education, and health and wellness.
“Woodhill Station East represents the future of equitable development in Cleveland,” added Mayor Justin M. Bibb. “This project is another major step forward in the transformation of Buckeye-Woodhill and reflects what’s possible when strong public, private, and community partners come together around a shared vision.”