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 [email protected].
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The disinvestment in housing and supportive services is a disinvestment in our nation’s most vulnerable populations.
WASHINGTON (March 12, 2019) - Sunia Zaterman, Executive Director of the Council of Large Public Housing Authorities, issued the following statement today in response to President Trump’s FY 2020 Budget proposal, which would slash funding for the U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development by more than 16 percent, including a $4.6 billion cut to the public housing capital and operating funds.
“This budget is a study in contradiction. While the administration is promising safer, healthier, more affordable housing, this budget proposes a 16 percent cut to HUD funding.
“While promoting HUD’s efforts to end homelessness and reduce home health and safety hazards, this budget slashes the public housing operating fund and zeroes out the capital fund.
“While rightly raising the cap on RAD conversions and requesting $100 million for the program, this budget renders the program effectively unusable with the proposed funding cuts.
“It is not possible for public housing authorities to dedicate resources to meeting capital needs when there is no capital fund, or to house the homeless without the resources to operate housing.
“The administration wants us to think beyond investing in bricks and mortar, and instead think about investing in people. This budget does neither of those things. The disinvestment in housing and supportive services is a disinvestment in our nation’s most vulnerable populations, including the 2.2 million low- and very low-income families, children, elderly, and persons with disabilities who are served by public housing.
“Congress has previously rejected draconian budgets that shred our safety net, and we call on them to do so again.”
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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Statement from CLPHA Executive Director Sunia Zaterman
WASHINGTON (September 21, 2018) – In support of housing authorities and residents impacted by Hurricane Florence, Sunia Zaterman, Executive Director of the Council of Large Public Housing Authorities, issued the following statement:
“Though the storm itself is behind us, flooding and other destructive impacts of Hurricane Florence may take weeks or months to subside. As we consider the ongoing damage to Virginia and the Carolinas, our thoughts immediately turn to the most vulnerable segments of our population: low-income families and those who risk displacement from their homes.
“The Council of Large Public Housing Authorities (CLPHA) and its entire membership supports providing assistance in any way we can to colleagues, partners, friends, and housing residents who have been affected by the devastation caused by Hurricane Florence. We will make available to the fullest extent any vital resources and support services we have at our disposal to help cities, PHAs, and residents recover from the storm.
“Please know that our thoughts are with all those who have suffered losses from the hurricane and its aftermath. CLPHA and its entire network of affordable housing professionals stands ready to work across all sectors to extend both short-term and long-term assistance to anyone in need. As we have in the past, we will advocate for HUD and FEMA programs such as DHAP and CDBG-DR that help disaster-impacted low-income Americans establish housing stability and improve their life outcomes.”
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 26 percent of the Housing Choice Voucher program; and operate a wide array of other housing programs. Learn more at clpha.org and on Twitter @CLPHA.
For Immediate Release
Wednesday, September 19, 2018
HUD’s Rental Assistance Demonstration Program is a Proven Means of Securing the Future of the Nation’s Public Housing Stock
Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson and Federal Housing Commissioner Brian Montgomery joined the Housing Authority of the City of Austin, its development partners Atlantic | Pacific Communities and Madhouse Development Services, and the Austin community to celebrate the groundbreaking of HACA’s most recent redevelopment of one of its public housing properties, Goodrich Place, which also represents the 100,000th public housing unit being converted through HUD’s Rental Assistance Demonstration program.
In recognition of this important milestone, Sunia Zaterman, Executive Director of the Council of Large Public Housing Authorities and Patrick Costigan, Strategic Advisor to the RAD Collaborative, issued the following statement:
Today we are celebrating an important milestone addressing the critical need for affordable housing by enabling housing authorities to convert public housing to more stable long-term Section 8 based contracts that will serve PHAs and residents for years to come.
Through the Rental Assistance Demonstration program, agencies across the country can leverage private financing to complete capital improvements needed to preserve and improve the public housing stock, without giving up control of the asset. RAD engenders creative local partnerships, stimulates ongoing economic activity, and leads to improved housing quality for low-income seniors and families.
As we celebrate the 100,000th RAD unit, it’s clear that we have proof of concept. To give PHAs greater certainty, HUD’s program should be permanent with unlimited opportunity for conversions to agencies meeting the requirements.
Congratulations to HUD at this significant juncture, and to HACA and the residents of Goodrich Place who will soon have access to improved units in one of Austin’s highest opportunity neighborhoods.
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 26 percent 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 the RAD Collaborative
The Council of Large Public Housing Authorities (CLPHA)—with the support of the National Equity Fund (NEF), HAI Group, Reno & Cavanaugh, and CF Housing Group—organized the RAD Collaborative for interested Public Housing Authorities, their partners and residents using the Rental Assistance Demonstration to preserve and revitalize public housing properties. Our focus also includes extending RAD to multifamily housing at risk of being lost from the affordable inventory--including Rent Supp, RAP, Mod Rehab and Section 202 PRAC properties. Learn more at radcollaborative.org and on Twitter @SucceedwithRAD.
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From the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles' press release:
The Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA) recently acquired the 154-unit Emerald Apartments, furthering its mission to expand the supply of affordable housing in the City of Los Angeles. Building on the success of prior acquisitions such as Clarendon Apartments, HACLA is again leveraging innovative financing structures and partnerships to deliver affordability at scale and with speed.
This acquisition will utilize the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Restore-Rebuild Program to bring deep affordability with federal rental subsidies. For Emerald Apartments, 24% of the units will be set aside for households with incomes at or below 30% and 50% of AMI. HACLA will restrict the balance of the formerly market rate units upon natural unit turnover to households between 60% and 120% AMI, at rents no more than 30% of a household’s adjusted income, guaranteeing long term affordability.
“With strong demand for low-cost housing in our city, we laser-focused on increasing the supply of affordable housing and the Emerald represents another step in our comprehensive strategy,” said Lourdes Castro Ramirez, President & CEO of HACLA. “We are grateful to our partners at City National Bank and HUD for their collaboration, ensuring that more families can access safe, stable, and affordable housing.”
The transaction was closed utilizing funding from City National Bank, and permanent financing will be taken out in 2026. Households that qualify based on income will benefit from reduced rents as vacant units will be leased to households at affordable levels ranging from 30% to 120% of Area Median Income (AMI). Six accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and 2,400 square feet of community-serving retail space will be constructed in the coming months.
“This creative partnership is just another example of HACLA’s innovative approach to increasing affordable housing in Los Angeles,” said HACLA Board Chair Cielo Castro. “This acquisition addresses the urgent need for so many Los Angeles families, and we look forward to building on it in the future.”
“The Emerald acquisition is about protecting our neighborhoods and ensuring working-class Angelenos have access to safe, stable, and affordable housing,” said Councilmember Ysabel Jurado, who represents Council District 14. “By preserving affordability in existing communities, we are keeping families together, preventing displacement, and building a Los Angeles where every family can thrive.”
Built in 2023, Emerald is located within the South Park neighborhood in Downtown Los Angeles, near Crypto.com Arena, the Los Angeles Convention Center, transit, employment centers, and retail shopping. It includes a mix of studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom units, and a range of amenities for residents, including a pool, an exercise facility, a community room, and a structured parking deck. The affordable restrictions will be achieved as units turn over, ensuring that no family is displaced.
HACLA purchased the property for approximately $322,665 per unit, inclusive of the ADUs, in alignment with its goals to use public resources as efficiently as possible and to recycle capital in the development market. HACLA closed the transaction after 98 days, once again demonstrating its capacity and commitment to fast execution and to being a best-in-class partner for private sector developers in Los Angeles. Blake Rogers of JLL Capital Markets represented the seller in the transaction.
HACLA has emerged as one of the largest buyers of multifamily properties in the City of Los Angeles, closing on nearly 40 acquisition transactions with more than 2,750 units in the last four years. The majority of those units are being utilized as permanent supportive housing for families and individuals who were experiencing or were at risk of homelessness.
HACLA is also actively engaged in the redevelopment of its traditional public housing across the City to create models of social housing for the future, with major investments in South Los Angeles, East Los Angeles and Downtown. HACLA frequently partners with for-profit and non-profit development partners and is an active issuer of tax-exempt governmental and private activity bonds to support affordable housing development and acquisition.
From the Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh's press release:
The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP) has once again delivered a W.O.W. factor to its tenants, stakeholders, and the community that will further its mission to serve as a path to launch for its residents and improve the quality of life for all City of Pittsburgh citizens.
On July 25, 2025, during a visit from HUD Secretary Scott Turner and U.S. Senator David McCormick (R-PA), the HACP unveiled its newest fleet member — the Workforce on Wheels (W.O.W.) CyberBus 2.0.
This innovative one-stop shop will deliver countless employment opportunities to HACP residents where they are, as well as serve the Greater Pittsburgh Region.
In just five years, the HACP Resident Employment Program has assisted more than 780 residents in gaining meaningful training, skills, and wraparound services to obtain sustainable employment. The new CyberBus will help to expand these services.
More than 100 HACP residents have found employment so far in 2025, both through the organization’s Family Self-Sufficiency and Section 3 Employment programs.
Through the Workforce on Wheels initiative, residents can access personalized resume assistance, digital literacy support, job readiness training, and direct pathways to employment in high-demand fields such as construction trades and commercial driving — right at their doorstep.
The CyberBus 2.0 is possible thanks to federal Moving to Work funds, as well as collaborations with community partners Literacy Pittsburgh, the Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC), the Master Builders’ Association of Western Pennsylvania, PNC Bank, Dress for Success, and CVS Health/Ebenezer Outreach Ministries. Announced in August 2025, the project received a $20,000 PNC Foundation grant that will help offset operational costs.
“The CyberBus 2.0 allows us to meet people where they’re at to provide them opportunities for employment,” explained Lloyd C. Wilson Jr., HACP Resident Sustainability Manager. “CyberBus 2.0 is strengthened by strategic partnerships with key regional organizations. These collaborations enhance the program’s ability to serve residents holistically and sustainably.”
The new bus has been added to the HACP’s Digital Literacy Initiatives mobile rotation, and joins the HACP’s WiFi on Wheels (W.O.W.) CyberBus on the road.
“Workforce development is paramount to what we do as a Housing Authority,” said HACP Executive Direct Caster D. Binion. “We’re committed to removing any and every potential hurdle for our residents during their efforts to achieve self-sufficiency.”
From the Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh's press release:
The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP) has once again delivered a W.O.W. factor to its tenants, stakeholders, and the community that will further its mission to serve as a path to launch for its residents and improve the quality of life for all City of Pittsburgh citizens.
On July 25, 2025, during a visit from HUD Secretary Scott Turner and U.S. Senator David McCormick (R-PA), the HACP unveiled its newest fleet member — the Workforce on Wheels (W.O.W.) CyberBus 2.0.
This innovative one-stop shop will deliver countless employment opportunities to HACP residents where they are, as well as serve the Greater Pittsburgh Region.
In just five years, the HACP Resident Employment Program has assisted more than 780 residents in gaining meaningful training, skills, and wraparound services to obtain sustainable employment. The new CyberBus will help to expand these services.
More than 100 HACP residents have found employment so far in 2025, both through the organization’s Family Self-Sufficiency and Section 3 Employment programs.
Through the Workforce on Wheels initiative, residents can access personalized resume assistance, digital literacy support, job readiness training, and direct pathways to employment in high-demand fields such as construction trades and commercial driving — right at their doorstep.
The CyberBus 2.0 is possible thanks to federal Moving to Work funds, as well as collaborations with community partners Literacy Pittsburgh, the Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC), the Master Builders’ Association of Western Pennsylvania, PNC Bank, Dress for Success, and CVS Health/Ebenezer Outreach Ministries. Announced in August 2025, the project received a $20,000 PNC Foundation grant that will help offset operational costs.
“The CyberBus 2.0 allows us to meet people where they’re at to provide them opportunities for employment,” explained Lloyd C. Wilson Jr., HACP Resident Sustainability Manager. “CyberBus 2.0 is strengthened by strategic partnerships with key regional organizations. These collaborations enhance the program’s ability to serve residents holistically and sustainably.”
The new bus has been added to the HACP’s Digital Literacy Initiatives mobile rotation, and joins the HACP’s WiFi on Wheels (W.O.W.) CyberBus on the road.
“Workforce development is paramount to what we do as a Housing Authority,” said HACP Executive Direct Caster D. Binion. “We’re committed to removing any and every potential hurdle for our residents during their efforts to achieve self-sufficiency.”
From the Denver Housing Authority's press release:
The Denver Housing Authority (DHA) and its strategic partners celebrated a major milestone in the transformation of Sun Valley on Thursday with the grand opening of Flo, a 212-unit building designed for adults 55 and older and individuals with disabilities.
The ribbon cutting marked the completion of Phase 3 of DHA’s Sun Valley redevelopment and featured remarks from Denver Mayor Mike Johnston, City Councilwoman Jamie Torres, and representatives from the offices of U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper and U.S. Senator Michael Bennet, alongside DHA CEO Joaquín Cintrón Vega, project partners, and community members.
Denver Mayor Mike Johnston highlighted the project’s impact on both housing and economic opportunities: “An affordable Denver is one where people of all age brackets, backgrounds, and incomes can live – and live well – within their budgets,” said Mayor Mike Johnston. “Developments like Flo demonstrate that you can have high quality housing without paying high rent, and we will continue working tirelessly to create more opportunities like this one across Denver.”
DHA Chief Executive Officer Joaquín Cintrón Vega reflected on the project’s deeper meaning for the neighborhood. “Honoring a community’s vision means listening with humility, acting with courage, and building with purpose,” said Joaquín Cintrón Vega, CEO at the Denver Housing Authority. “In fulfilling our promise to Sun Valley, we’ve created homes shaped by community voices, replacing outdated housing with vibrant, mixed-income neighborhoods. Flo stands as a symbol of that vision, offering 212 new homes for older adults and people with disabilities to live, connect, and thrive.”
Councilwoman Jamie Torres (District 3) spoke about the sense of connection that defines Sun Valley “Walking through these units, I can see my own mom living here, she’s someone who gives gifts through food. That’s the spirit of households in Sun Valley,” said Torres. “Residents here are generous and love giving back to the community, because it’s those connections that make us feel grounded and part of something. We are excited to welcome all the residents we are bringing back.”
About Flo and Sun Valley
Flo is the seventh and final multifamily building in DHA’s Sun Valley redevelopment, completing the replacement of 333 outdated public housing units with 965 modern, mixed-income homes for households earning between 20%–100% of the area median income (AMI).
- The first two buildings, Gateway North and Gateway South, opened in 2021; Thrive and GreenHaus opened in 2023.
- In 2024–2025, Joli, Sol, and Flo opened to complete the housing portion of the redevelopment.
Flo highlights:
- 12-story high-rise with 212 one- and two-bedroom apartments (552–927 sq. ft.)
- Designed for adults 55+ and non-senior individuals with disabilities
- Rent (utilities included):
- 1BR (202 units): $748 (30% AMI) – $1,497 (60% AMI)
- 2BR (10 units): $897 (30% AMI) – $1,796 (60% AMI)
- Amenities: 97 covered parking spaces (7 accessible); 11 EV charging stations; indoor/outdoor rooftop lounge with grills; community gathering room; tech lounge with coworking spaces; meeting room; community laundry; and more.
- Steps from Decatur Fresh Market, the future Riverfront Park, and a new food incubator.
The Sun Valley Redevelopment is made possible through a $30 million Choice Neighborhoods Implementation grant awarded by HUD in 2016 as well as over $60 million through the DHA Delivers for Denver (D3) bond program with the City of Denver, which DHA has leveraged into over $500 million in new development.
With the completion of Phase 3, DHA will have replaced the 333-unit former Sun Valley Homes public housing with:
- Seven new multifamily buildings serving 965 households earning between 20%-100% of the area median income (AMI).
- Critical community investments such as the Decatur Fresh Market and a Grow Garden to provide healthy food options in the Sun Valley neighborhood.
- Significant infrastructure improvements to enhance mobility, accessibility, and connectivity throughout Sun Valley.
Additionally, DHA and the City and County of Denver are developing Sun Valley Riverfront Park, an 11-acre recreational space to support the broader vision to revitalize the South Platte River as a community hub. The first 5.5 acres of the park will be under construction in 2026.
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.