As the CEO for Cincinnati Metropolitan Housing Authority it is my responsibility and privilege to represent Cincinnati Metropolitan Housing Authority on multiple platforms. I work closely with the Board of Commissioners, staff, residents, community partners and legislators. Over the past few months, I have met with state and federal Senators and Congressmen as well as their staff to share information about the Gold Standard work CMHA is doing. Legislators were given details about the $62M RAD plan that provides sustainable housing for more than 650 CMHA families while boosting the economy through job creation. As you know Cary Crossing recently opened for families in need of accessible affordable housing, therefore details about that development and the future Colerain Township development were shared. The success seen with the Resident Services and Economic Inclusion Programs was also provided to them along with a report on the state of the agency. As a community resource for our neighbors in need of affordable housing it is imperative that communication flows freely.

In addition, I represented CMHA at the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO) Conference in Washington, D.C. NAHRO is the voice of public housing agencies and advocates for increased funding, reduced regulation and streamlining of housing programs with the U.S. Housing and Urban Development and Congress. The Washington Conference is a great opportunity to learn the latest from Capitol Hill, HUD and the White House about the federal legislation and regulations that impact CMHA's ability to meet the needs of Hamilton County families. New HUD Secretary Dr. Ben Carson addressed the conference attendees and his speech centered on deregulations regarding HUD policies or less government control. Dr. Carson's message included support for the continuation of private and public partnerships to preserve housing stock through RAD, the development of new affordable housing,the possibility of time limits for public housing residents (excluding elderly and disabled persons) and development of a program that will provide better education that focuses on increasing the number of minorities who receive the education.

 

And be sure to stay connected to what's happening with CMHA by visiting our website and following the agency on social media. Find out how to register as a vendor on the Business Opportunities tab, see the calendar on the News and Events tab, and learn about our major programs on the CMHA Programs tab of www.cintimha.com. Plus you can always share information with us by calling our Talk 2 Us Hotline (513) 721-CMHA.