Welcome to CLPHA's Press Room
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For media inquiries, please contact:
David Greer
Director of Communications
(202) 550-1381 or [email protected].
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 (Washington, D.C.) January 11, 2022 – The Council of Large Public Housing Authorities (CLPHA) is pleased to announce that Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority (CMHA) CEO Jeffery K. Patterson has been named president of CLPHA’s board of directors.
Mr. Patterson was elected at CLPHA’s December 2021 board meeting, and previously served as the board’s vice president. He follows CLPHA’s previous board president, King County Housing Authority (KCHA) Executive Director Stephen Norman, who retired on December 31, 2021. CLPHA is also pleased to announce that La Shelle Dozier, executive director of the Sacramento Housing & Redevelopment Agency, was elected CLPHA vice president and Maria Razo, executive director of the Housing Authority of the County of San Bernardino, was elected CLPHA secretary at the board’s December 2021 meeting. Ed Lowndes, executive director of the Housing Authority of Kansas City, MO, was re-elected board treasurer.
"I am honored to be elected president of CLPHA’s board and would like to thank Stephen Norman for his service and leadership upon his well-deserved retirement,” said Patterson. “Decades of chronic disinvestment, an aging housing portfolio and racial inequities have long predated the pandemic. Entering the third year of pandemic, these issues have only been magnified.
“We are at a critical juncture,” Patterson added. “Historic housing investments proposed by the White House and passed by the U.S. House of Representatives in the Build Back Better Act have stalled in the Senate. CLPHA will continue robust advocacy to ensure these significant housing investments are available to housing authorities across the country who are serving low-income families every day in their local communities.”
“Congratulations to CMHA CEO Jeffery Patterson on being named president of the Board of Directors of the Council of Large Public Housing Authorities. I was pleased to join him, residents, and city leaders at the recent groundbreaking of the Buckeye-Woodhill Choice Neighborhoods transformation plan, which will provide high quality affordable housing that is connected to economic, educational, and health opportunities in a vibrant neighborhood. I look forward to continuing to work with CEO Patterson in his new role to bring greater affordable housing opportunities to more people and communities in Ohio and across the country,” said Senator Sherrod Brown, Chair of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.
“Jeffery has been an invaluable asset to CLPHA in his seven years on the board,” said CLPHA Executive Director Sunia Zaterman. “He leads in many ways, not only as board vice president, but also more locally through the many boards he serves on in the greater Cleveland area. Jeffery has a deep understanding of national housing issues as well as local challenges and solutions, and his commitment to CLPHA will ensure continuity through this leadership transition. I look forward to working with CLPHA’s new board leadership to advance our goals and policy priorities in these unprecedented times.”
Mr. Patterson has served as CMHA’s CEO for ten years and has over thirty years of dedicated service to the residents of Cuyahoga County. As CEO of one of the largest housing authorities in the country, he is responsible for a $230 million dollar budget, approximately 750 employees, 10,500 units of housing, 15,000 Housing Choice Vouchers, and nearly 55,000 residents and participants of CMHA's low-income Public Housing and Housing Choice Voucher Programs. He also serves on the board of directors for the Housing Authority Insurance Group, Cleveland Neighborhood Progress (Chairman), Cleveland Rape Crisis Center (Vice-Chairman), St. Luke’s Foundation, United Way of Greater Cleveland, Greater Cleveland Foodbank, Unify Labs Inc., University Circle Inc., the Cleveland Public Library Foundation, and the National Kidney Foundation.
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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
April 9, 2021 |
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(Washington, D.C.) April 9, 2021 – The Biden Administration’s recently announced infrastructure proposal, The American Jobs Plan, includes a $40 billion commitment to recapitalize public housing infrastructure. Applying data from a report by Econsult Solutions (ESI), a private data analytics firm, CLPHA estimates that 440,000 jobs will be created and $76 billion in economic impact generated during the time when the $40 billion in funds are spent.
“Investing in public housing infrastructure offers many economic benefits beyond lifting families out of poverty and preventing homelessness,” said Sunia Zaterman, executive director of the Council of Large Public Housing Authorities (CLPHA). “The American Jobs Plan is the first to provide the size and scale of resources necessary to repair the crumbling infrastructure of public housing. In return local employers, governments, and industries will benefit from an economic activity that outpaces investment and creation of good-paying construction jobs.”
CLPHA commissioned ESI to evaluate the economic impacts of six public housing authorities (PHAs) in diverse markets across the country. Released in late 2018, “The Economic Impact of Public Housing: Ongoing Investment with Wide-Reaching Returns” found that PHAs generate and induce multiple streams of economic activity benefiting public housing residents and their local communities. For every $1 million PHAs spend on capital investments, $1.89 million in economic activity is generated and 11 full-time jobs are supported. CLPHA applied the American Jobs Plan’s $40 billion for recapitalizing public housing infrastructure with ESI’s economic impact numbers and found the American Jobs Plan will generate $76 billion in economic activity and 440,00 jobs — a nearly 2 to 1 ratio for economic impact generated to dollars spent.
“After decades of chronic underfunding and disinvestment in public housing infrastructure, the American Jobs Plan can be game changing. Local communities have an opportunity to experience the benefits of a robust public and affordable housing system,” said Zaterman. “Whether it is improving life outcomes for low-income families, creating positive impacts in surrounding neighborhoods of well-maintained public housing, expanding local and state tax bases, or spurring regional job creation and economic growth, public housing is a benefit. It is clear from the American Jobs Plan that the Biden Administration is committed to advancing public housing.”
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About the Council of Large Public Housing Authorities
About CLPHA’s Housing Is Initiative |
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Grants will help PHA residents with immediate and locally defined needs exacerbated by COVID-19
Washington, D.C. (February 9, 2021) -- The Council of Large Public Housing Authorities (CLPHA) is pleased to announce the ten recipients of its COVID Resident Support Grants. The recipients are CLPHA member public housing authorities (PHAs) from across the country that will utilize their grants to meet immediate and locally defined needs exacerbated by COVID-19 for projects such as providing residents with essential household supplies, helping households successfully lease affordable units with their housing vouchers, and supplying technology and devices that will help resident children attend virtual school or connect resident seniors with healthcare resources. The recipients were chosen via a competitive selection process, and the robust response to CLPHA’s call for applications demonstrates the need for additional funds to support COVID-19 relief services and supplies for low-income Americans.
“As housing providers for some of the nation’s most vulnerable children, families, and seniors, our members are uniquely positioned to serve the low-income residents in their communities that are hit hardest by the COVID-19 pandemic and its economic effects,” said CLPHA Executive Director Sunia Zaterman. “We are pleased to provide these ten grants that will support PHAs in their efforts to not only keep residents stably housed, but also to provide crucial supplies and resources that will help residents cope with the new normal created by the pandemic."
The grantees are:
- INLIVIAN (Charlotte, NC)
- Elm City Communities (New Haven, CT)
- Housing Authority of the City of Goldsboro (Goldsboro, NC)
- Jersey City Housing Authority (Jersey City, NJ)
- Lucas Metropolitan Housing (Toledo, OH)
- Oklahoma City Housing Authority (Oklahoma City, OK)
- Home Forward (Portland, OR)
- Housing Authority of the City of San Buenaventura (Ventura, CA)
- Tacoma Housing Authority (Tacoma, WA)
- Wilmington Housing Authority (Wilmington, NC)
Learn more about CLPHA’s grantees and how they will use these funds to help meet the public health, education, employment, and basic urgent needs of their residents profoundly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic here.
These ten sub-grants are made possible through CLPHA’s grant from the Center for Disaster Philanthropy’s (CDP) COVID-19 Response Fund.
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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.
About The Center for Disaster Philanthropy
The Center for Disaster Philanthropy’s mission is to leverage the power of philanthropy to mobilize a full range of resources that strengthen the ability of communities to withstand disasters and recover equitably when they occur. CDP manages domestic and international Disaster Funds on behalf of corporations, foundations and individuals through targeted, holistic and localized grantmaking. For more information, visit: disasterphilanthropy.org, call (202) 464-2018 or tweet us @funds4disaster.
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(Washington, D.C.) August 19, 2024 – Sunia Zaterman, executive director of the Council of Large Public Housing Authorities, released the following statement upon the release of Vice President Kamala Harris' and Governor Tim Walz's housing plan at a rallty in North Carolina on Friday: "The Council of Large Public Housing Authorities applauds the Harris-Walz campaign for its historic call for more affordable housing measures in its economic plan released on Friday in North Carolina. By every measure, low-income Americans are experiencing crisis levels of housing instability and homelessness. CLPHA strongly supports the Harris Walz campaign’s call for an expansion of tax incentives for affordable rental housing, an innovation fund for low-income housing, and expansion of the child tax credit, which would contribute to decreasing housing instability and homelessness among American’s most vulnerable families. 'We are hopeful that the tax incentives for affordable rental housing are at a scale that would generate as much affordable housing production or more as the low-income housing tax credit provisions in the bipartisan tax bill. The child tax credit improves a low-income parent’s ability to afford housing, which increases housing stability and improves children’s health outcomes. 'CLPHA will continue to advocate for policies that prioritize the affordability and sustainability of public and affordable housing throughout this campaign which includes fully funding the public housing capital and operating funds, expanding the Housing Choice Voucher program, and prioritizing cross-sector approaches for housing, health and education." |
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About the Council of Large Public Housing Authorities |
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(Washington, D.C.) November 17, 2023 — Sunia Zaterman, executive director of the Council of Large Public Housing Authorities, released the following statement upon the Biden-Harris administration’s announcement yesterday of the U.S. Playbook to Address Social Determinants of Health and the CHIP Health-Related Social Needs Framework:: “The Council of Large Public Housing Authorities applauds the Biden-Harris administration’s publication of the U.S. Playbook to Address Social Determinants of Health and the Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) Health-Related Social Needs Framework. President Biden and HUD Secretary Marcia L. Fudge have led the nation in raising awareness of the foundational role that housing plays in improving life outcomes for low-income Americans throughout the President’s term. “CLPHA’s Housing Is Initiative has driven the conversation for a decade on how best to bridge the housing and health sectors to improve the life outcomes of residents living in federally assisted housing. CLPHA has long supported public policies cited in the Framework such as evidence-based interventions to support housing and nutrition needs for certain Medicaid enrollees. CLPHA has also advocated for innovative solutions like waivers for Medicaid through its 1115 demonstration that allow for housing-related assistance. “With current programs proving beneficial and innovative programs being developed we know we have the answers. Yet, for these programs to be successful they must be funded at a level that meets the need. Unfortunately, they are not funded at those levels currently. While announcements like these are important in raising the awareness of the foundational role of housing in improving health outcomes, we must continue to advocate for increased resources, including incentivizing PHA/Medicaid partnerships, so they can deliver the benefits they are designed to achieve.” |
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About the Council of Large Public Housing Authorities
About CLPHA’s Housing Is Initiative |
(Washington, DC) November 30, 2022 -- Statement from Sunia Zaterman, executive director of the Council of Large Public Housing Authorities, on the importance of finalizing the FY23 appropriations legislation:
“For the millions of families served by public housing authorities, it is critical for Congress to complete the FY23 appropriations legislation before the start of the 118th Congress in January. The leading public housing advocacy organizations, in one voice, call on Congress to get this legislation passed so that our most vulnerable families are not put at risk.
“The consequences of a government shutdown or a series of continuing resolutions, which lock the previous year’s funding levels in place, create uncertainty for PHAs by not accounting for inflation or current shortfalls that could be severe and would amount to a budget cut. It will tie the hands of housing authorities and impact their abilities to provide their residents with safe, secure, and affordable housing.
“These consequences are preventable if Congress passes the FY23 appropriations legislation at the funding levels requested by the public housing organizations in the letter sent to Congress. We look forward to working with Congress as they finalize the legislation.”
Media Contact:
David Greer, CLPHA
(202) 550-1381
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About the Council of Large Public Housing Authorities
About CLPHA’s Housing Is Initiative |
In Affordable Housing Finance's article "Turning Point for Public Housing," CLPHA' Executive Director Sunia Zaterman says of the massive capital needs backlog facing public housing authorities that “[t]he handwriting has been on the wall. The funding levels were not sustainable."
Zaterman adds, "We have lost about 10,000 units a year from underfunding," but that "[t]he number of public housing units lost may have slowed to about 8,000 a year, thanks to RAD, in the last couple of years.”
With RAD, says Zaterman, “[w]e have achieved proof of concept,... We could have the portfolio totally recapitalized in 10 years.”
Read Affordable Housing Finance's article here.
Vancouver, WA newspaper The Columbian quoted CLPHA Executive Director Sunia Zaterman about the disastrous effect President Trump's budget proposal would have on pubic and affordable housing in their article "Trump’s budget would cut social safety nets:"
"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."
Vancouver Housing Authority (VHA) Executive Director Roy Johnson, who contributed comment for the story, explained how Trump's proposed budget would negatively impact the individuals and families served by VHA. Johnson told the paper that losing public housing funding would result in 114 planned units losing subsidy, including Caples Terrace, an under-construction project in Vancouver for homeless youth and youth aging out of foster care slated to open in July, and two other public housing projects the housing authority hopes to start at the end of 2019.
Read Zaterman's full statement on Trump's proposed 2020 budget
Scotsman Guide, a resource for mortgage originators, quoted CLPHA Executive Director Sunia Zaterman about how President Donald Trump's proposed FY 2020 budget will affect affordable housing in their article "2020 budget: How does it affect the mortgage industry?":
“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,” said Sunia Zaterman..."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."
Read Zaterman's full statement on Trump's proposed 2020 budget
In yesterday's article "Trust in Public Housing at Stake Over Looming Government Shutdown," YES! Magazine quoted CLPHA Executive Director Sunia Zaterman and CLPHA members Kurt Wiest, Bremerton Housing Authority Executive Director, and Mark Gillett, Oklahoma City Housing Authority Executive Director, on how another government shutdown could continue to sow mistrust in public housing authorities (PHAs) and HUD.
Zaterman, who noted that landlords could shy away from participating in voucher programs if there is concern that PHAs will not pay them, asked, “Just the prospect of payments not being made will have a very disruptive impact—will the federal government contract be honored?”
Wiest stressed the importance of PHAs maintaining a good rapport with landlords. “We work really, really hard to have good relationships with local landlords. And if there’s the slightest hint that they won’t get their subsidy payments as promised, it erodes trust,” said Wiest. “And this program operates on trust.”
Gillett added that if PHAs cannot pay their landlords, there could be dire consequences for tenants. “There is a provision in the law saying if a housing assistance payment isn’t paid, it shouldn’t be grounds for eviction,” Gillett said. “But it’s never been tested.”
On January 31, HUD, the City of New York, and the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) announced an agreement to address longstanding issues at the housing authority’s properties. The agreement establishes specific requirements and milestones for property improvements and establishes a federal monitor who will be selected by HUD and the Southern District of New York, with input from the city.
On Tuesday, New York City Mayor Bill De Blasio appointed Kathryn Garcia, the city’s sanitation commissioner, to succeed Stanley Brezenoff as interim chair until a permanent head of the authority is selected.
Brezenoff, who also serves on CLPHA’s Board of Directors, called the job as NYCHA’s interim chair and CEO, “one of the toughest and most rewarding jobs in America.” In Tuesday’s press release announcing his successor, Brezenoff said, “I will leave this interim role knowing that we are putting NYCHA in very capable hands. I am confident that Commissioner Garcia is the right person to continue our efforts to improve the quality of lives for residents, and preserve public housing for generations to come.”
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.”
From the San Diego Housing Commission's press release:
Her exceptional, person-centered public service throughout her career earned San Diego Housing Commission (SDHC) President and CEO Lisa Jones the John Craven Public Service Memorial Ruby Award on the same night that three SDHC collaborative developments that produced more than 400 affordable rental homes also received recognition from the San Diego Housing Federation.
“These awards are a product of the leadership and commitment of our City Council, Mayor, and Board of Commissioners; the outstanding work of our staff and community partners; and our shared focus on the needs of the people we serve,” SDHC President and CEO Jones said. “We thank the San Diego Housing Federation for recognizing these efforts and congratulate our development partners and all who were nominated and honored with Ruby Awards this year.”
The San Diego Housing Federation’s annual Ruby Awards recognize excellence in affordable housing and community development in the San Diego region.
Through the John Craven Public Service Memorial Ruby Award, the San Diego Housing Federation honored Ms. Jones for her leadership in expanding access and opportunity for the individuals and families SDHC serves, her work to strengthen SDHC’s connection to the community as a trusted, collaborative partner, and several initiatives she has led. These include her leadership of SDHC’s swift response in the aftermath of the catastrophic floods in January 2024 to assist hundreds of families displaced from their homes. City Council President Pro Tem Kent Lee presented the award.
Additional Ruby Awards presented this year recognized affordable rental housing developments to which SDHC awarded financing and/or rental housing vouchers that made the projects possible.
Project of the Year – New Construction (90 or more units)
The Harrington Heights development by Chelsea Investment Corporation produced 270 new affordable rental homes for San Diegans with very low income (25 percent to 50 percent of the Area Median Income) or experiencing homelessness. Forty apartments are set aside for individuals with developmental disabilities. SDHC awarded 115 federal rental housing vouchers to help many Harrington Heights residents pay their rent, with 75 housing vouchers designated for households that experienced homelessness (including 10 for veterans) and 40 housing vouchers assisting households with extremely low income that have not experienced homelessness. SDHC also awarded an $8 million loan to support the development, consisting of federal and City funds that SDHC administers: federal HOME Investment Partnership Programs that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) awards to the City of San Diego and the City’s Affordable Housing Fund.
Project of the Year – New Construction (Less than 90 units)
Community HousingWorks developed Jacaranda on Ninth to create 87 new affordable rental homes for San Diegans with very low income (25 percent to 40 percent of the Area Median Income) or experiencing homelessness. SDHC awarded 14 housing vouchers to the development that are set aside for San Diegans who experienced chronic homelessness and 73 for residents with extremely low income, but who did not experience homelessness. SDHC also awarded a loan of up to $5 million toward the development, consisting of funding from the HUD HOME program, the City Affordable Housing Fund and the State of California’s Local Housing Trust Fund. Financing also included SDHC’s authorization of $21.2 million in tax-exempt Multifamily Housing Revenue Bonds and $10.2 million in taxable bonds, which the City Council approved in its role as the Housing Authority of the City of San Diego. Private sources of funds, such as revenue from the development, are used to repay the bonds. SDHC, the City of San Diego and the Housing Authority of the City of San Diego are not financially liable for these bonds.
Project of the Year – Rehabilitation
Developed by Wakeland Housing and Development Corporation and Housing Innovation Partners, Serenade on 43rd created more than 40 new affordable rental homes and rehabilitated 20 existing naturally occurring affordable housing units, adding requirements that they remain affordable for 55 years. A stylish, art-inspired development that blends seamlessly into a bustling City Heights neighborhood near transit, Serenade provides affordable rental homes for 64 families with low income, of which 32 families previously experienced homelessness. SDHC awarded 32 rental housing vouchers to help pay rent for residents who previously experienced homelessness. SDHC also supported the development with a $2 million loan, consisting of funds from the HUD HOME program and the City’s Affordable Housing Fund.
Additional Ruby Awards honorees included several individuals who have a positive impact on affordable housing and its residents, including Simonne Ruff, Director of the San Diego/Orange County program for Corporation for Supportive Housing, who earned the Housing Champion award. The awards program stated, “Her work reflects a lifelong commitment to maximizing housing as a critical social determinant of health, with a driving passion for creating opportunities to thrive.”
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We are pleased to congratulate eleven CLPHA members who received FY25 Resident Opportunity and Self-Sufficiency Service Coordinator (ROSS-SC) grants:
These awards will place service coordinators directly in communities to support residents in reaching their goals on the path to self-sufficiency and economic independence. HUD announced $37 million of ROSS program funding to 114 organizations nationwide, following a delay in the FY25 NOFO and subsequent award announcement.
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From the Los Angeles County Development Authority:
The Los Angeles County Development Authority (LACDA) and the Los Angeles County Community Development Foundation (LACDF) proudly awarded scholarships to students in the LACDA’s Public Housing and Section 8 Programs. The Resident Scholarship Program accepted scholarship applications in November and recently awarded five students with a $1,000 scholarship to ease the financial burden of pursuing higher education. Scholarship recipients are either currently attending or will be enrolled at Cal State LA, Cal Poly Pomona, East Los Angeles College, Los Angeles Habor College, and the Universal Technical Institute.
The Resident Scholarship is awarded by the LACDF, a nonprofit organization created to inspire and provide positive life-changing opportunities to the LACDA’s Public Housing residents and Section 8 participants. All high school and college students living in a County Public Housing or Section 8 household, are encouraged to apply. These scholarship opportunities provide recipients with financial support to ease their college experience and cover costs to avoid debt. Scholarships are provided by the generous donations of donors such as Edison International, California Community Foundation, and LACDA employees.
“The Resident Scholarship Program celebrates the hard work and bright futures of students in our Public Housing and Section 8 Programs striving to continue their higher education,” said Emilio Salas, LACDA Executive Director. “Through our partnership with the LACDF, residents are provided with resources and support to dream big, reach their goals, and succeed.”