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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CLPHA Statement on PHA Radon and Mitigation Practices
WASHINGTON (November 22, 2019) - The Council of Large Public Housing Authorities issued the following statement in response to news coverage about radon testing and mitigation practices in public housing:
Public housing authorities (PHAs) are committed to providing rental housing that is safe, decent, and affordable for millions of low- and very-low income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. PHAs are regulated and funded by the U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), which sets health and safety standards for PHA properties.
HUD does not require or fund PHAs to test for or mitigate radon in public housing units. While HUD does have radon testing and remediation requirements for certain multi-family properties, these do not apply to public housing.
Chronic underfunding of public housing has led to a mounting capital needs backlog of an estimated $70 billion, yet HUD’s most recent budget proposal would have slashed funding for public housing by $4.6 billion and zeroed out the Public Housing Capital Fund, which is designed to address capital needs.
PHAs welcome consistent standards with adequate funding to mitigate hazards through grants or other funding opportunities. As an example, CLPHA strongly supports bipartisan legislation in the House and Senate to mandate the installation of carbon monoxide detectors in all public housing units. The Safe Housing for Families Act would provide $300 million over a three-year period to install and maintain the detectors.
CLPHA is supportive of these and other comprehensive efforts to improve conditions in HUD-assisted housing for low and very low-income residents.
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“In the coming weeks, the House will consider bipartisan legislation to permanently authorize the disaster relief funding platform for housing programs. The Reforming Disaster Recovery Act of 2019 is rational, comprehensive, badly needed, and Congress should pass it. Its proposed standardization and codification would make it easier for public housing authorities (PHAs) to apply for, and receive, relief funds after being impacted by disasters the way our colleagues and their residents were in Houston during Hurricane Harvey, in Wilmington during Hurricane Florence, in San Buenaventura during the Camp Fire, and the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico during Hurricanes Irma and Maria.
“Perhaps if the bill were law today, the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development would have a harder time intentionally stalling the disaster relief funding process for Puerto Rico, which two senior HUD officials admitted to doing during a hearing last month, and Secretary Carson has not denied.
“This is unconscionable and a blatant disregard of a statutory deadline. Though Congress has allocated $20 billion in CDBG-DR funds to Puerto Rico, HUD has only disbursed $1.5 billion, while thousands of American citizens struggle to recover.
“To remedy this, Senate appropriators included strong language in the THUD spending bill to prevent HUD from implementing its financial transformation initiative until the Department takes the appropriate steps to make all disaster recovery funds available along with necessary administrative requirements, which would include remaining allocations to Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
“Congress must take action to compel HUD to follow the law. We urge support for the House and Senate efforts to ensure that all Americans, regardless of income and geography, whose housing is impacted by natural disaster receive the support they need quickly and efficiently.”
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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WASHINGTON (September 20, 2019) – Sunia Zaterman, the Executive Director of the Council of Large Public Housing Authorities, issued the following statement today in response to President Trump’s and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Carson’s recent comments on the crisis of homelessness in America:
“It is astounding that this administration is calling for an end to homelessness while refusing to reinvest in public and affordable housing. People without a place to live need stable housing, not just campaign rally rhetoric or politically driven economic reporting based on cherry-picked research to manufacture a root cause of homelessness.
“The reasons for homelessness vary and no single solution will end the crisis, but there is no question that the lack of affordable housing opportunities exacerbates the problem for families, people with disabilities, and veterans.
“The Housing First model, recognized by HUD as recently as December as the most effective way to end homelessness, treats stable housing as a platform for supportive services that meet immediate and long-term needs for individuals and families.
“Meanwhile, this Administration has tried to gut funding for HUD and for public housing authorities, which are essential partners in local efforts to provide safe, stable housing to low and very-low income families, and those most vulnerable to homelessness.
“PHAs work with their Continuums of Care to provide transitional housing, permanent supportive housing, and vouchers to households exiting homelessness. They also coordinate with a variety of local service providers to offer supportive services to ensure housing stability, and work with health and education partners to promote access to services that are essential for family well-being and self-sufficiency.
“The hundreds of thousands of unsheltered people living on the streets in our country need real solutions, not campaign speeches.”
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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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.
From the San Jose Spotlight:
More than 200 households have been given stability with the opening of two affordable housing developments near Diridon Station in San Jose.
City and county officials on Wednesday celebrated the opening of Bellarmino Place and adjacent Alvarado Park, which will provide housing for older adults and people at risk of homelessness. The Santa Clara County Housing Authority owns and developed both apartment buildings with a combination of public and private funding.
The 6-story Bellarmino Place has 116 apartments for people making 30% to 60% of the area median income, or between $60,250 to $117,120 for a family of four. The building will also accommodate 24 formerly homeless households. The nearly $97 million project received more than $10 million from Santa Clara County, $34 million from the housing authority and $52 million from Wells Fargo.
The 5-story Alvarado Park provides 90 apartments for older adults making 30% to 60% of the area median income, including 23 apartments for people at risk of homelessness. The nearly $70 million project received $10 million from the county, nearly $22 million from the housing authority and $24 million from Enterprise.
“This work matters, because permanent housing is the only sustainable solution to ending homelessness,” Santa Clara County District 4 Supervisor Susan Ellenberg said at the opening. “Without that stability, individuals and families are forced into cycles of crisis, moving from shelter to streets and back again.”
.Read the San Jose Spotlight's article "Santa Clara County rolls out more affordable housing."
From Enterprise Community Partners' press release:
Three exceptional leaders in affordable housing were recognized for their outstanding work during Enterprise Community Partners’ (Enterprise) 2025 Southland Social on Thursday, September 18, at The Grand in Los Angeles.
The Southland Social is the nonprofit’s signature annual gathering in Southern California, bringing together more than 250 leaders across the nonprofit, public, and private sectors to celebrate individuals and organizations whose work strengthens communities and expands housing opportunities. The 2025 honorees were recognized for their commitment to sustainability, decarbonization, and climate resilience for our region's affordable housing stock and our communities more broadly.
- Visionary of the Year: Lourdes Castro Ramirez, Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles President and CEO
- Community Partner of the Year: East LA Community Corporation (ELACC)
- Business Partner of the Year: Wells Fargo
“Each of this year’s honorees brings unique contributions to the affordable housing landscape in Los Angeles. Their leadership not only strengthens our collective ability to create and preserve much-needed affordable homes but also ensures that communities across the region remain places of opportunity, stability, and hope,” Enterprise VP and Southern California Market Leader Jimar Wilson said. “We are proud to celebrate their achievements and look forward to continuing to work alongside them to address Southern California’s most pressing housing challenges."
With more than 25 years’ experience in affordable housing at the local, state, and federal levels, Castro Ramirez took the helm at HACLA nearly one year ago, where she has led the team on increasing affordable housing inventory through transformative public housing redevelopment efforts and acquisitions; advancing socioeconomic opportunities through HACLA's investment in people and place; and creating innovative opportunities to empower over 1,000 HACLA staff, ensuring their continued success.
"At HACLA, we believe that housing is the foundation to opportunity and Jordan Downs is where this vision comes to life," said Lourdes Castro Ramirez, President and CEO of the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles. "We are honored to receive this Visionary of the Year Award. It's a reminder that when we invest in people, we change lives; and we're committed to continuing our mission to preserve, expand, and reimagine deeply affordable housing, creating opportunities for families to thrive."
Thirty years ago, ELACC was founded to advance the economic and social justice needs of residents in Boyles Heights and East Los Angeles. Since 1995, the nonprofit has leveraged over $250 million in housing and other community development resources to fulfill that mission. Building on this legacy, ELACC announced last year that it will transition its entire housing portfolio—28 properties in total—to an all-electric energy system.
“The transition to clean technology represents an important step in how we care for both our residents and our neighborhoods,” said Monica Mejia, ELACC President and CEO. “By moving toward sustainability, we are creating healthier living environments today while also doing our part to protect the future of our community. It is an honor to have this work recognized by Enterprise."
Wells Fargo has been a valued partner in Enterprise’s work both locally and nationally, advancing initiatives such as Enterprise’s Sustainable Connected Communities program in Southern California, the What’s Possible publication reimagining climate innovations, and the national Housing Affordability Breakthrough Challenge. Through Enterprise, Wells Fargo has also invested more than $556 million in affordable housing and community development.
“Safe, affordable housing is the foundation for thriving communities. Through the partnership of Wells Fargo and Enterprise Community Partners, we’re not just building homes—we’re investing in futures, empowering individuals, and strengthening neighborhoods across the country,” said Mario Holten, Vice President of Philanthropy and Community Impact, Southern California Region, Wells Fargo.