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Source: Seattle Housing.org
Puget Sound housing authorities (Seattle, King County and Tacoma) recently met with Congressional staff to urge them to add $5 billion to the Public Housing Capital Fund as part of the second emergency stimulus appropriations bill now being considered by Congress. This infusion would stimulate the local economy, create jobs, and modernize the region's public housing inventory.
Public housing currently serves about 3 million low-income residents nationwide. With an infusion of capital from the stimulus package, area housing authorities could begin immediately to address a combined $62 million backlog of projects.
"It simply makes sense to invest in public housing during this period of national economic turmoil," said Tom Tierney, executive director of the Seattle Housing Authority. "Public housing is a critical resource for low-income households and low-wage workers, the populations that are most seriously affected by the current financial crisis. But they are not the only beneficiaries. Investment in our public housing communities also benefits the wider community. By providing high quality, affordable housing to a low-wage workforce, employers also benefit."
"Making these funds available will have significant benefits for this region's economy," said King County Housing Authority Executive Director Stephen Norman. "These projects will generate construction-related jobs along with the related purchase of materials and durable goods. Addressing the backlog of deferred capital repairs, such as roofs and heating systems, will preserve and enhance our public housing stock, a significant public asset spread throughout the region. These projects will greatly increase energy efficiency, helping trim greenhouse gases and lower the operating costs of public housing over the long term."
The Council of Large Public Housing Authorities reports that momentum is building to include funding for public housing in an economic recovery bill. President-elect Obama's transition team has indicated that it is most interested in identifying "shovel-ready" projects. This means projects that could be underway in 120 days or less. Locally, the housing authorities envision being able to continue work on HOPE VI projects that has slowed due to the combined slowdown of the housing market and the credit markets. Work might also include renovation and addition of more energy-efficient systems in existing buildings.
Following recent discussions with House committee staff, housing sub-committee chair Maxine Waters (D-CA) wrote a letter to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) advocating for inclusion of $5 billion for the Public Housing Capital Fund in any economic stimulus package.
Groups such as the National Governors Association, the U.S. Conference of Mayors and the National Low Income Housing Coalition have also been working to include money for public housing in the stimulus bill. Congressional leaders have expressed their intent to have an economic recovery plan ready for President-elect Obama's signature on January 20 when he takes office. More HERE
