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 [email protected].
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(Washington, D.C.) November 25, 2024 – The Council of Large Public Housing Authorities Executive Director Sunia Zaterman released the following statement upon the nomination of Scott Turner to be Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development: “The Council of Large Public Housing Authorities (CLPHA), whose members serve over 2.2 million people, including over 480,000 children, across the country, congratulates Scott Turner on his nomination as Secretary of the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Our nation is experiencing an unprecedented housing crisis, and PHAs offer critical affordable housing opportunities to the most vulnerable families in their communities. Safe, stable, and affordable housing is central to breaking the cycle of poverty and expanding economic, education, and health opportunities. We look forward to working with Mr. Turner on our shared goal of improving the lives of low-income Americans who, for a variety of reasons, have been left behind economically, and lifting up the communities where they live through safe and affordable housing.” |
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About the Council of Large Public Housing Authorities
About CLPHA’s Housing Is Initiative
Media Contact: (202) 550-1381 |
Congratulations to Deputy Secretary Adrianne Todman on New Role as Acting Secretary
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(Washington, D.C.) March 12, 2024 — “On behalf of the Council of Large Public Housing Authorities, we congratulate HUD Secretary Marcia L. Fudge on a dedicated career in public service from serving as Mayor of Warrensville Heights, Ohio, to U.S. Congresswoman from Ohio’s 11th district, and culminating as the 18th Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development,” said Sunia Zaterman, executive director of the Council of Large Public Housing Authorities. “When Secretary Fudge took the reins of HUD in the middle of a global COVID-19 pandemic, she provided steadfast leadership that expanded rental assistance and served more than 1.2 people experiencing homelessness. She has been an ardent housing champion giving voice to millions of people in need. “Secretary Fudge worked with CLPHA throughout her tenure to provide greater flexibility to address housing needs and redress systemic racism that has been embedded in housing policy for decades. “We commend her on an exemplary career in public service and wish her well in the next chapter of her life. We look forward to working with Deputy Secretary Adrianne Todman, former CLPHA Vice President, in her new role as Acting Secretary.” |
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### Media Contact: David Greer, CLPHA
About the Council of Large Public Housing Authorities About CLPHA’s Housing Is Initiative |
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Policies Would Bring Housing Stability to Nearly 1 Million Low-Income Americans |
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(Washington, D.C.) March 7, 2024 — The Council of Large Public Housing Authorities (CLPHA) applauds President Joe Biden for his call to expand the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) and Low-income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) programs. As part of the proposed HCV program expansion, the President is calling for a voucher guarantee for low-income veterans and youth aging out of foster care. Notably, President Biden is the first U.S. President to call for a portion of federally assisted housing to be classified as a guarantee. “President Biden’s call for voucher and LIHTC expansion would immediately bring housing stability to nearly one million low-income Americans who are one lost paycheck or unforeseen health event away from homelessness,” said Sunia Zaterman, CLPHA executive director. “Moreover, the President’s extraordinary call to guarantee vouchers for low-income veterans and youth aging out of foster care is a transformative measure that would bring much-needed certainty to a portion of federal housing funding. This demonstrates a commitment to safeguarding housing stability for our nation's most vulnerable populations.” This year’s State of the Union address is considered by many to be the kickoff of President Biden’s 2024 election campaign. “It is clear after tonight that President Biden intends to make housing a top election priority,” said Zaterman. “We encourage President Biden to become the housing president by creating a comprehensive long-term plan for a sustainable future for public housing that would include the recapitalization of the public housing portfolio, permanent expansion of the Housing Choice Voucher program, and a cross-sector approach that includes housing, health, and education. We look forward to working with the President on such a plan.” |
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### Media Contact: David Greer, CLPHA
About the Council of Large Public Housing Authorities
About CLPHA’s Housing Is Initiative |
If Enacted, the Proposal Would Also Negatively Impact Private Property Owners and Increase Homelessness
WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 6, 2025) – The Council of Large Public Housing Authorities (CLPHA) released the following statement in response to the Trump administration’s fiscal year 2026 (FY26) budget proposal:
“The Trump administration’s proposed budget that slashes $26.7 billion from U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s rental assistance programs would cause irreparable harm to HUD programs that are essential lifelines to our nation’s children, seniors, and persons with disabilities, while also endangering private property owners who participate in federal rental assistance programs.
“If the President’s proposal were to be enacted, the interruption to vital rental assistance programs would be seismic and lead to a dramatic increase in homelessness in a nation where current rental subsidies only serve one out of our every four persons who qualify. With more than 600,000 private property owners participating in the Section 8 voucher program nationally, the economic impact of decimating these programs would lead to mortgage defaults and foreclosures just as the nation’s economy is worsening.
“Not only does the President’s budget cut rental assistance programs, but it also redesigns them into a state-based formula grant. History shows that block-granted programs often experience reduced funding over time, leading to fewer individuals served and increased poverty. This proposal would force state and local governments to implement significant cuts to current rental assistance programs due to diminished funds and limited capacity, threatening hundreds of thousands of families with homelessness.
“The FY25 final budget recognized the critical importance of funding rental assistance programs, and we urge Congress to continue fully funding rental assistance in the FY26 budget so that no family has to lose their home. CLPHA will work with Congress to advance a budget that keeps families housed and does not exacerbate homelessness and housing instability in America.”
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 85 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.
Media Contact:
David Greer, CLPHA
[email protected]
(202) 550-1381
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(Washington, D.C.) February 20, 2025 – The Council of Large Public Housing Authorities’ (CLPHA) Executive Director Sunia Zaterman released the following statement regarding the latest threats to public housing authorities (PHAs) posed by cuts to HUD programs and staff and a potential government shutdown: “PHAs are facing a triple threat from an expiring continuing funding resolution, slashing of some HUD programs, and cuts to HUD staff critical to program implementation. It has been reported that 50 percent of staff positions may be eliminated through early retirement and reductions in the workforce. These draconian actions are compounded by the looming federal government shutdown unless Congress passes an FY25 government funding bill by March 14. CLPHA urges Congress to protect HUD programs and staff and prevent a government shutdown. “The federal government is currently funded under an extension called a continuing resolution (CR) that expires on March 14. The government has yet to agree on and finalize the 2025 budget and without another CR to extend funding, the government will shut down. “A government shutdown disrupts PHA operations and continuity of service to residents, voucher holders, private owners, investors, and partners. Appropriators have still not agreed to the total amount of the budget, which is the first step in the budget process. After that it takes weeks to finalize and pass full year appropriations bills. Securing HUD funding is critical to protecting PHAs, residents, and staff. Congress must pass a full year FY25 appropriations bill that provides adequate funding for HUD programs.” |
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About the Council of Large Public Housing Authorities
Media Contact: (202) 550-1381 |
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(Washington, D.C.) November 25, 2024 – The Council of Large Public Housing Authorities Executive Director Sunia Zaterman released the following statement upon the nomination of Scott Turner to be Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development: “The Council of Large Public Housing Authorities (CLPHA), whose members serve over 2.2 million people, including over 480,000 children, across the country, congratulates Scott Turner on his nomination as Secretary of the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Our nation is experiencing an unprecedented housing crisis, and PHAs offer critical affordable housing opportunities to the most vulnerable families in their communities. Safe, stable, and affordable housing is central to breaking the cycle of poverty and expanding economic, education, and health opportunities. We look forward to working with Mr. Turner on our shared goal of improving the lives of low-income Americans who, for a variety of reasons, have been left behind economically, and lifting up the communities where they live through safe and affordable housing.” |
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About the Council of Large Public Housing Authorities
About CLPHA’s Housing Is Initiative
Media Contact: (202) 550-1381 |
In an interview with radio program Marketplace for its November 4 story "Apple pledges $2.5 billion to ease California’s housing crisis," CLPHA Executive Director Sunia Zaterman told reporter Jack Stewart that Apple's recent $2.5 billion Bay Area affordable housing pledge is an important starting point in addressing the nation's affordable housing shortage, but also noted that much more money is needed to help public housing authorities provide affordable housing for low-income individuals and families. Zaterman told Stewart that public housing needs an injection of $50 to 70 billion to address its massive capital needs backlog.
“The giving back here [by Apple] should be seen as necessary and required,” said Zaterman, “because these corporations are benefiting from the workforce, from the transportation systems, health systems, that are already in their communities.”
Read or listen to Marketplace's story.
In a new op-ed for The Hill, a prominent political newspaper widely read by policymakers, CLPHA Executive Director Sunia Zaterman underscores the role of public housing authorities (PHAs) as essential partners in local efforts to house those who are particularly vulnerable to housing insecurity, including unsheltered families, veterans, people with disabilities, youth aging out of foster care, victims of domestic violence, and returning citizens. Programs like the Minneapolis Public Housing Authority’s Stable Homes Stable Schools and the Oakland Housing Authority’s Building Bridges are examples of how PHAs are leveraging their limited resources and local partnerships to create more opportunities for housing stability.
Yet, the President’s proposed FY2020 HUD budget would reduce the agency’s funding by more than 16 percent and slash the public housing operating and capital funds by $4.6 billion, which would seriously impede PHAs’ and their communities’ abilities to address the housing needs of low-income and housing-insecure people.
Though House and Senate appropriators propose modest funding increases in their FY20 spending bills, Zaterman argues that level funding is not enough to meet the growing and urgent demand for housing that is safe and affordable. “We can address the crisis of homelessness in America, and public housing authorities are prepared to help solve it with appropriate resources.”
Part two of Affordable Housing Finance’s special report “Turning Point for Public Housing,” explores tools such as the Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) program and Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) that public housing authorities can use to recapitalize and redevelop properties for their residents and communities. In the face of unsustainable federal funding levels, CLPHA Executive Director Sunia Zaterman tells the magazine that public housing is at a crossroads, but with the right tools, “we could have the portfolio totally recapitalized in 10 years.”
Zaterman was also featured in part one of the series to discuss the impact of the federal disinvestment in public housing. “We have lost about 10,000 units a year from underfunding,” she said. But, “the number of public housing units lost may have slowed to about 8,000 a year, thanks to RAD, in the last couple of years.”
Read the series, which includes interviews with housing advocates, policy experts, and policymakers, online here.
NPR’s May 16 story, which also aired May 22 on NPR’s Morning Edition, “Trump Administration Wants To Cut Funding For Public Housing Repairs,” featuring District of Columbia Housing Authority Executive Director Tyrone Garrett and CLPHA Executive Director Sunia Zaterman, underscores the need to reinvest in public housing with funding for the capital needs backlog and more tools for recapitalization and redevelopment.
Of the Trump Administration’s proposal to slash funding for public housing, Garrett says, “Other housing authorities throughout the country are in the same boat. We're looking for opportunities to be able to improve the lives of our families, and it's becoming increasingly difficult with the funding cuts."
In Affordable Housing Finance's (AHF) article discussing Rep. Maxine Waters' (D-CA) draft legislation of her Housing is Infrastructure bill, CLPHA's Sunia Zaterman told reporter Donna Kimura that Waters' bill, which would allocate $70 billion for the public housing capital fund, is attempting to get the public housing industry "on an even keel."
Zaterman told Kimura, “We do have challenges moving forward in the appropriations process on the annual funding levels for public housing operating and capital funds, but what Ms. Waters is saying in this bill is that we can no longer stand by idly and watch this public investment start to crumble when we need it the most.”
Zaterman added that Congress must also consider expanding additional tools that PHAs can employ in their public housing development and renovation efforts, such as the Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) program and Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTCs).
AHF also quoted Zaterman's April 30 press statement on Waters' draft legislation and the House Committee on Financial Services April 30 hearing “Housing in America: Assessing the Infrastructure Needs of America’s Housing Stock":
“Public housing is as a much a part of the national infrastructure as Route 66, the Lincoln Tunnel, and the Hoover Dam,” said Sunia Zaterman, executive director of the Council of Large Public Housing Authorities. “Public housing helps communities and families thrive by providing more than 1 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,” Zaterman added.
From the Spokane Housing Authority's press release:
The Spokane Housing Authority (SHA) announces the planned retirement of Executive Director Pamela Parr, who will conclude her distinguished tenure on April 1, 2027, after 13 years of dedicated leadership and service to the region.
Parr joined SHA in December 2013, bringing a depth of housing program administration experience. Throughout her tenure, she strengthened community partnerships, modernized agency operations, and championed innovative initiatives that expanded access to affordable housing across the region.
“Pam’s leadership has redefined what the Spokane Housing Authority can accomplish through collaborative work within our community. Over these 13 years she strengthened and modernized a long‑standing agency into one that is mission‑driven and deeply trusted,” said Kai Nevala, SHA’s Board Chair, continuing, “Through her leadership, our capacity to deliver affordable housing solutions that change lives and build stronger communities expanded significantly — all while maintaining a sharp focus on establishing a secure fiscal foundation for the organization’s work. Her vision and impact will continue to shape both our agency and our community for years to come.”
During her time with SHA, Parr has also contributed her expertise through leadership roles with organizations including the Association of Washington Housing Authorities, Washington State Housing Finance Commission, Spokane County Continuum of Care for the Homeless, and as a member on the boards of the Spokane Low-Income Housing Consortium, Better Health Together, Priority Spokane, Invest Health Spokane, and others. “Working alongside the SHA Team serving our community has been one of the greatest privileges of my professional life. I am deeply proud of what we have accomplished together and grateful for the commitment, creativity and heart they bring to our work every day,” said Parr.
Parr will continue to serve as Executive Director over the next year to support a smooth leadership transition and maintain organizational stability. Following her retirement, she intends to remain active in community-focused work as an advocate and consultant, with particular emphasis on health and housing initiatives.
SHA’s Board of Commissioners has established a Search Committee and will begin recruitment for the next Executive Director in the coming months.
From the New Haven Independent:
A decade-long overhaul of hundreds of units of west-side public housing took another step forward Thursday, as city leaders gathered with U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro to welcome $2 million in federal funds for the redevelopment of Westville Manor and a vacant ex-nursing home into roughly 150 units of new housing.
Housing Authority of New Haven Executive Director Shenae Draughn, Mayor Justin Elicker, city housing authority Board Chair William Kilpatrick, and DeLauro, among others, celebrated that funding during a morning press conference at 34 Level St.
DeLauro, the top Democrat on the House Appropriations Committee, brought a big check — literally — marking $2 million in “community project” funding, formerly known as “earmarks,” that she has secured for the Westville Manor redevelopment project.
Draughn said that this money will go towards covering some of the new-infrastructure costs related to knocking down the existing 150-unit Westville Manor public-housing complex and building 109 units of new mixed-income housing in their stead. This project will also see the demolition of the long-vacant former nursing home across the street at 34 Level St. and the construction of 50 new units of affordable housing for seniors.
“It is a way to say we understand the local needs,” DeLauro said about the community project-funding process. She praised the housing authority’s “vision” and “tenacity” for continuing to redevelop West Rock public housing complex after complex — from Brookside to Rockview to Twin Brook (formerly Ribicoff Cottages) to Wilmot Crossing — to provide residents with new, beautiful, affordable places to call home.
By the time that these 149 new apartments are built and redeveloped at Westville Manor and 34 Level, Draughn said, the housing authority will have built or rebuilt 668 units of housing in the West Rock neighborhood in recent years, with a total investment of more than $200 million in the area.
“Today we will continue,” Draughn said. “Tomorrow we will continue.” Even with this latest redevelopment moving ahead, “we are not finished.”
From the Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority's website:
The Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority (CMHA), alongside Pennrose, Ralph Falbo, and project partners, officially celebrated the grand opening of Sankofa Village Phase IV last week. This milestone marks the completion of the 236-unit, $115 million Cedar Extension Transformation Plan.
The journey began in 2011 when CMHA and its partners received a $300,000 HUD Choice Neighborhoods Planning Grant. This allowed for the development of a resident-guided vision to replace the 1950s-era Cedar Estates "superblock" with a modern, reconnected community. Despite not receiving an implementation grant, CMHA and partners remained committed to bringing this plan to life, starting with the Care Alliance Health Center in 2016 and followed by three previous housing phases and the Scholar House.
“The opening of the final phase of Sankofa Village is a powerful reminder of what resident-guided community change looks like, of what strong partnerships can achieve over the course of a decade, and of what can be accomplished through persistence and shared vision,” said Jeffery K. Patterson, CEO of CMHA.
This final phase adds 50 high-quality, affordable rental homes to the 17-acre site. The new units offer a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments in townhouse and stacked flat styles. They are available to households at 30% to 60% of the Area Median Income, which is approximately $20,900 to $41,760 for a one-person household.
Residents of Phase IV will enjoy full access to Sankofa Village’s community amenities, including a modern fitness center, a computer lab, a playground, and an inviting community center with a game room and entertainment kitchen.
The sustainable development was designed to meet Enterprise Green Communities standards and LEED Neighborhood Development guidelines. Located across from the Cuyahoga Community College Metro Campus, the community provides residents with easy access to public transportation, health resources, and downtown cultural amenities.
“Each home represents a foundation for future families within a community gaining momentum to grow alongside the city,” Patterson added. “Through continued collaboration, CMHA will build on this progress to advance a vision that meets the evolving needs of this community”.
From Enterprise:
For years, residents of Yakima, Washington, drove by a former Marine Corps armory and understood its history from the two tanks parked in front. Lowel Krueger had an idea for the building’s new mission.
“I thought, why wouldn’t we try to take something like that and turn it into housing for veterans who had been experiencing homelessness?” said Krueger, executive director of the Yakima Housing Authority.
Fast forward to today, and that former military facility — declared surplus in 2014 — is now Chuck Austin Place: 41 affordable homes serving veterans who have experienced homelessness along with on-site health clinics and behavioral health services.
As the country faces a relentless shortage of affordable rental homes, developers, policymakers, and advocates continue to explore innovative strategies to expand the supply of affordable homes. One promising approach: leveraging underutilized publicly owned properties, including federal property, for affordable housing development.
In a new issue brief, Enterprise Senior Director for Policy Research Ahmad Abu-Khalaf examines the promise and challenges of this innovative approach.
We spoke with Krueger about Chuck Austin Place’s origins and how the project was able to overcome hurdles, garner political backing, and move forward with a first-of-its-kind approach that he says can be replicated nationwide.
From the Oakland Housing Authority's website:
The Oakland Housing Authority (OHA) recently welcomed Zac Unger, who represents District 1 on the Oakland City Council, for a tour of OHA properties and initiatives serving residents across the district.
The visit provided an opportunity for Councilmember Unger to learn more about OHA’s work to preserve affordable housing, support residents, and strengthen neighborhoods throughout Oakland. The tour was tailored specifically to highlight properties and programs located in District 1.
During the visit, OHA staff shared how the organization works to maintain and improve housing while ensuring long-term affordability for Oakland residents. The tour also offered an opportunity to discuss how OHA and the City can continue working together to support housing stability and community wellbeing.
Councilmember Unger expressed interest in identifying additional ways the City of Oakland and OHA can collaborate in the future to address housing needs and support residents across District 1.
OHA leadership welcomed the conversation and looks forward to continuing the dialogue with Councilmember Unger and City partners about opportunities to strengthen housing and services for Oakland families.