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
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CLPHA Applauds Appointment of Greg Russ to Lead New York City Housing Authority
Greg Russ is the right leader at the right time to oversee NYCHA and tackle the unique challenges facing the nation's largest and oldest public housing authority.
WASHINGTON (June 19, 2019) - The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the City of New York yesterday announced the appointment of Gregory Russ to serve as the next Chair of the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA).
Sunia Zaterman, Executive Director of the Council of Large Public Housing Authorities (CLPHA) issued the following statement in support of the city's selection of Russ, who is the current CEO/Executive Director of the Minneapolis Public Housing Authority (MPHA) and a member of CLPHA's Board of Directors:
"Greg Russ is the right leader at the right time to oversee NYCHA and tackle the challenges facing the nation's largest and oldest public housing authority. Greg is a distinguished public housing executive and proven change maker who has led with innovation to positively transform affordable housing for residents and communities. He is uniquely qualified for this position because of his experience as the Director of Troubled Agency Recovery and his work at the Chicago and Philadelphia housing authorities.
"Throughout his career, Greg has shown a commitment to preserving and improving the public housing stock while promoting self sufficiency and economic opportunities for HUD-assisted families in PHAs across the nation. In addition to his leadership in the field, Greg is considered a national expert on public housing policy.
"CLPHA applauds Mayor Bill de Blasio's selection of Greg Russ to serve as NYCHA's next chair and we look forward to supporting Greg in his new role."
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 and follow @housing_is for news on CLPHA’s Housing Is Initiative to better insect the housing field and other areas of critical importance such as health and education.
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FY20 Funding Bill from the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development and Related Agencies Includes Robust Funding Increases and Legislative Language to Prevent HUD from Evicting Mixed-Status Immigrant Families
WASHINGTON (May 22, 2019) - In preparation for a subcommittee markup on the morning of May 23, the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development and Related Agencies (THUD) today released their FY20 funding bill. According to the subcommittee proposal, the discretionary funding level for the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) totals $50.1 billion, an increase of $5.9 billion above the FY19 enacted level, and $13.4 billion above President Trump’s request.
The Executive Director of the Council of Large Public Housing Authorities, Sunia Zaterman, issued the following statement in support of the bill:
“In a familiar pattern and reprise of repudiating Trump Administration budget proposals, the House THUD budget reflects Congress’ continuing commitment to fund critically important housing and community development programs the Administration proposed rescinding, cutting, or eliminating in its budget request.
“CLPHA is pleased that under the leadership of THUD Subcommittee Chairman David Price (D-NC) and Ranking Member Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL), the THUD proposal increases – in several instances substantially increases – or level funds programs critical to communities served by public housing authorities.
“In addition to robust funding increases, such as the doubling of Choice Neighborhoods to $300 million and fully funding the Section 8 account, the proposal includes legislative language to prevent HUD from evicting mixed-status immigrant families from public housing, and to prohibit HUD from unilaterally changing the public housing annual contributions contract without public input and following the administrative procedures act process. Importantly, mandatory rent increases and work requirements were not included in the subcommittee’s bill.
“We applaud the subcommittee for its ongoing commitment to public and affordable housing and look forward to working with the Chair and Ranking Member in support of this bill.”
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 and follow @housing_is for news on CLPHA’s Housing Is Initiative to better intersect the housing field and other areas of critical importance such as health and education.
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Public Housing is as much a part of the national infrastructure as Route 66, the Lincoln Tunnel, and the Hoover Dam.
WASHINGTON (April 30, 2019) - Today the House Committee on Financial Services held a hearing entitled “Housing in America: Assessing the Infrastructure Needs of America’s Housing Stock” to examine the need for investment in affordable housing infrastructure--including public housing—and investigate additional barriers to developing affordable housing.
Sunia Zaterman, the executive director of the Council of Large Public Housing Authorities, issued the following statement after watching the hearing and reviewing draft legislation circulated by Chairwoman Maxine Waters (D-CA) that would authorize funding for several housing infrastructure projects, including $70 billion for the Public Housing Capital Fund:
“Public housing is as a much a part of the national infrastructure as Route 66, the Lincoln Tunnel, and the Hoover Dam. Public housing helps communities and families thrive by providing more than one million low- and very-low income families, children, elderly and persons with disabilities with a stable place to live, connecting low-income workers to economic opportunities, and spurring regional job creation and economic growth.
“But, years of chronic underfunding have led to the deterioration of the public housing stock and since 1990, at least 300,000 units have been lost because of the lack of adequate resources to maintain them. The federal disinvestment in public housing has contributed to an untenable shortage of stable housing for low-income households.
“A reinvestment in public housing should include adequate funding to preserve and improve the public housing stock. Equally important is thoughtful consideration about additional tools that public housing authorities can use to modernize and develop affordable housing to meet the needs of residents and local communities. Expanding the Rental Assistance Demonstration program and increasing the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit allocations, for example, would support public housing authorities’ recapitalization and redevelopment efforts.
“Housing is infrastructure and we thank the Chairwoman and the Committee for underscoring the importance of public housing during today’s hearing and in the Housing is Infrastructure Act of 2019.”
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 and follow @housing_is for news on CLPHA’s work to better insect the housing field and other areas of critical importance such as health and education.
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From the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles' press release:
Today, the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA) was joined by Congresswoman Luz Rivas (CA-29) to announce and tour new climate-resilient, and energy efficient upgrades installed at the San Fernando Gardens public housing community.
Thanks in part to a $3.5M federal investment from Rep Tony Cardenas in 2023, HACLA is bringing a community of nearly 1,500 residents more sustainable and resilient living conditions; including the installation of 448 energy-efficient air conditioning units donated by the Mayor's Office and the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, as well as new ceiling fans and cooling roofs.
The San Fernando Gardens Community Center has also been upgraded to serve as a resiliency center with a backup solar power energy system, established by GRID Alternatives. It will support residents during a power outage to prevent heat related emergencies, to store life-saving medication, and charge electrical devices to stay connected.
“Crucial to our efforts to build a more climate resilient Los Angeles is investing in communities that are facing the impacts of our changing climate firsthand,” said Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass. “Every family deserves relief from increasing heat and today marks another significant step towards making that a reality. I am grateful to be part of this collaboration with HACLA and our regional partners to help ensure residents of San Fernando Gardens can live comfortably and safely.”
Built in 1955, the San Fernando Gardens in Pacoima was not constructed to withstand the heatwaves and rising temperatures intensified by climate change. This has placed a significant strain on residents' daily lives and the electrical grid.
“With extreme weather conditions adversely impacting the San Fernando Valley, we are prioritizing the installation of these air conditioning units, cool roofs and other enhancements to improve the quality of life for our public housing residents,” said HACLA President & CEO Lourdes Castro Ramirez. “Today, we are proud to be completing the installation of upgrades at San Fernando Gardens and express appreciation to the Congresswoman, Mayor’s Office, LADWP, and our partners for investing in communities like San Fernando Gardens. We will continue working together so that families in Los Angeles have a safe, comfortable and affordable place to call home.”
“We need to take meaningful actions to protect San Fernando Valley residents from longer, hotter, and more dangerous periods of extreme heat – and that includes making sure residents can stay safe and cool during heat waves,” said Congresswoman Luz Rivas. “Thank you to HACLA, the City of Los Angeles, and former Congressman Tony Cárdenas for helping secure the necessary improvements to modernize the San Fernando Gardens Community Center to be more resilient to increasingly warmer temperatures. I will continue advocating for federal funding to safeguard gathering places across the San Fernando Valley, like the San Fernando Gardens, from extreme heat and championing legislation that protects our most vulnerable from the harmful effects of climate change.”
“Climate change has created unique challenges for all of us, but especially for those living in underserved communities,” said Janisse Quiñones, LADWP Chief Executive Officer and Chief Engineer. “Through this partnership with HACLA, we are delivering on our commitment to protect our most vulnerable customers and provide them with the resources they need to stay cool and beat the heat, while keeping their costs down and their bills manageable.”
“The YMCA is excited to be partnering with HACLA by providing programs and services to the residents of San Fernando Gardens,” said David Hartmire, Senior Executive Director, North Valley Family YMCA at Porter Ranch.
“I want to thank HACLA and all the parties involved for all that you've done for me and my neighbors,” said San Fernando Gardens Resident Advisory Council President Clara Osorio. “This AC unit has brought real relief — not just from the heat, but from the stress that comes with it. It’s easier to sleep, easier to breathe, and I finally feel comfortable in my home.”
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From the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation's website:
At Alaska Housing Finance Corporation’s Anchorage Family Investment Center, more than 20 staff work to connect families to housing and help Alaska Housing tenants identify resources like childcare, job training and education opportunities.
The AFIC is one of three AHFC family investment centers in Alaska, offering in-person and remote support for the thousands of families who utilize an AHFC housing voucher or reside in an Alaska Housing property.
Michael, a case manager with AHFC’s Jumpstart, is a member of this team. For the last decade, he’s worked to support families by helping them to identify barriers to self-sufficiency and develop goals and objectives to overcome these obstacles.
“I enjoy meeting people from different backgrounds, getting to know them and helping them toward their goals.”
From the King County Housing Authority:
After foster care ended, Jonas faced homelessness, hunger, and life-threatening health struggles. What changed everything was access to a federally-funded Foster Youth to Independence (FYI) Voucher, providing him with safe and stable housing and the foundation to rebuild his life.
Jonas’ story shows that housing isn’t just shelter—it’s stability, opportunity, and hope. Programs like FYI housing assistance are critical in helping youth transition successfully out of foster care and into independence.
FYI housing vouchers are funded by the federal government through the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) and administered by local Public Housing Authorities like KCHA.
From the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles' press release:
Nancy Lieberman Charities (NLC) has teamed up with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Monica, BEVEL & P&G, and the BIG3, to present a new Dream Court™ to the Santa Monica community. The outdoor basketball court, located at the Jack & Cindy Jones Youth Center at the Mar Vista Gardens Boys & Girls Club, was donated by NLC and BEVEL – the first and only head-to-toe grooming brand crafted for Black & Brown men. This is the 134th Dream Court™ established by NLC, and will provide a safe place for youth to play basketball, build positive relationships, and much more.
"I speak for all of us when I say that we could not be more honored to unveil another Dream Court™ for the community of Mar Vista Gardens,” said NLC Founder and Chairwoman, Nancy Lieberman. “Through this amazing partnership with P&G and the BIG3, NLC has been able to provide courts to communities that deeply desire a space to come together to learn and grow through the game of basketball. BEVEL aligns precisely with the values held by Dream Courts, the Boys & Girls Club, and the BIG3, and we couldn’t have imagined better partners.”
The Dream Court™ is a high school regulation size (50-by-84 feet) and includes two new basketball goals. It features a high-performance PowerGame™ surface from Sport Court in dark blue and steel blue with the Dream Court™, Boys & Girls Clubs and BEVEL logos. This is the 5th Dream Court™ in California, following the next most recent court, the Kobe and Gianna Legacy Court in Anaheim, CA, in partnership with the Mamba and Mambacita Sports Foundation, established in 2022. Dream Courts serve more than 5.5 million youth annually.
"It’s a privilege to be able to provide another Dream Court™ alongside Nancy Lieberman Charities, P&G, and Boys and Girls Club of Mar Vista,” said BIG3 CEO and Co-Founder Ice Cube. “You don’t have to be an expert to know what kind of impact a space like this has on children. Having a safe, fun, professional-grade space to play makes kids feel valued and empowered. Nancy Lieberman Charities has impacted millions of lives through the Dream Courts initiative, and I thank Nancy, our friends at BEVEL, and the great people at the Boys and Girls Clubs for helping to make this Dream Court™ a reality.”
“At BEVEL, we believe grooming and greatness go hand in hand—and that means showing up for our communities far beyond the bathroom mirror,” said Vice President of Marketing at BEVEL, Breann Satterwhite. “Partnering with Nancy Lieberman Charities, the BIG3, and the Boys & Girls Club of Mar Vista to bring this Dream Court™ to life is an extension of our commitment to creating spaces where young people feel seen, supported, and empowered to thrive. We’re proud to be part of something that inspires confidence and connection, on and off the court.”
After a dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony, kids practiced their skills on their new club court. BIG3 players were on site to share their expertise along with coaches from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Monica.
“This Club location is an access point for hundreds of local kids to get active,” said Brynja Seagren, Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Monica’s CEO. “We are very grateful for this meaningful gift. Dream Court™ will be home to our youth basketball leagues, healthy lifestyle programming, and countless pickup games. It will be a place where our club kids can just be kids – running, playing, laughing, and growing together in a safe space.”
"Mar Vista Gardens is one of HACLA’s many vibrant public housing communities—home to nearly 1,800 residents including almost 600 kids and teens," said HACLA President & CEO Lourdes Castro Ramirez. "We are proud to celebrate the grand opening of this Dream Court, made possible through our partnership with the Boys & Girls Club of Santa Monica and the generous support from Nancy Lieberman charities, BIG3, and BEVEL. This court will be a space for our residents to gather, be active, build skills and strengthen connections. In a time where too much screen time challenges the health of our children, this court is an investment in their well-being, confidence, and future."
This event was part of the BIG3’s Los Angeles weekend, including the final regular-season matchups at Intuit Dome on August 9, and the YOUNG3 community outreach event on August 8. Tip-off was at 1pm PT, and the Los Angeles Riot played their first-ever home game at 2pm. Fans experienced four, 50-minute fast-paced and physical BIG3 games featuring stars like Dwight Howard, Michael Beasley, and Glen Rice Jr, and Naismith Basketball Hall of Famers like Lieberman, Dr. J, Gary Payton, and George Gervin.
From the Minneapolis Public Housing Authority's press release:
Today, U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, Hennepin County Commissioner Angela Conley, State Senator Doron Clark, and Councilmember Michael Rainville joined MPHA leaders and residents in Northeast Minneapolis to break ground on MPHA’s Spring Manor redevelopment project, the largest public housing redevelopment in city history.
This $78 million project will preserve 221 units across two neighboring buildings, investing more than $30 million in direct capital improvements to the existing buildings, while also constructing a new four-story building that will create 15 new deeply affordable units designed for residents needing mobility accessibility features (nine one-bedroom and six two-bedroom units). Additionally, the agency will build a one-story structure that will connect 828 Spring to the new building, 824 Spring Street NE.
“Today we have the honor to break ground on the largest public housing redevelopment project in the city’s history,” said Abdi Warsame, Executive Director/CEO of the Minneapolis Public Housing Authority. “This $78 million dollar project will fully rehabilitate 221 units across two existing buildings, preserving them for decades. [And] in addition to making accessibility upgrades to existing units, MPHA is also building 15 new, fully accessible units so residents can age in place with dignity in the community they love.”
“Everyone deserves a safe, comfortable, affordable place to call home,” said U.S. Senator Tina Smith. “Without one, nothing in your life works – not your job, not your health, not your education, or your family. The Spring Manor redevelopment, led by the Minneapolis Public Housing Authority, is turning residents’ ideas and needs into lasting investments for their future. That means clean water will continue to run from the taps, the lights will stay on, the air will stay cool in the summer, and the internet will be easier to access. Thanks to MPHA’s work and the advocacy of the people living there, residents will know they can stay here comfortably and affordably for the long haul.”
“Spring Manor is the largest public housing redevelopment in Minneapolis history — and it’s happening right here in Northeast,” said Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey. “We’re maintaining and upgrading homes for 200 seniors, while adding new, deeply affordable housing and modern community spaces that keep people rooted in the neighborhood they love. This project proves that when we work together, big things happen and lives change.”