The meeting will cover important and timely information on the FY 2009 HUD appropriations bill, major housing authorizing legislation, asset management, the presidential candidates’ positions on housing issues, and several other major topics. Below is a preview of some of the tentatively-planned sessions.

FY 2009 HUD Appropriations Bill – To provide members with the most recent information for their Capitol Hill visits, PHADA representatives will discuss the content of the pending House and Senate legislation as well as the association’s own 2009 budget recommendations. As always, PHADA will provide members with written information they can use for the meetings and distribute to Members of Congress and their staffs.

HUD Secretary Steven Preston – PHADA has invited the new Secretary, who previously served as the head of the U.S. Small Business Administration. Appointed by President Bush to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Alphonso Jackson, the U.S. Senate confirmed Mr. Preston earlier this summer. He was sworn into office in a HUD ceremony in early June. The Secretary has been asked to discuss public housing budget issues and mortgage reform legislation now under consideration in Congress.

The Section Eight Voucher Reform Act (SEVRA) – The House of Representatives passed SEVRA in 2007 and the Senate has introduced a comparable measure. Among other things, the legislation alters the Section 8 voucher funding formula, includes PHADA-backed rent simplifications, and expands the Moving to Work program. In this session, a PHADA panel will discuss the bill’s major provisions and cover the association’s positions.

The Presidential Candidates & Assisted Housing Issues – What would public and assisted housing policy look like under an Obama or McCain Administration? Housing authorities are obviously very interested in the answer to this question. To help answer it before the new President takes office next January, PHADA has invited surrogates from the campaigns of Senators John McCain (R-AZ) and Barack Obama (D-IL) to discuss their views on public and assisted housing issues.

HUD Public and Indian Housing Staff – The association has invited officials from HUD’s Office of Public and Indian Housing. HUD staff are expected to discuss the latest news concerning a new version of the Public Housing Assessment System (PHAS), asset management, REAC inspections, and other important topics.

The Public Housing Summit – In order to help prepare for the new President’s administration and a new congressional session, public housing stakeholders have planned a summit meeting for late September. More than two dozen groups are expected to participate. The initiative was conceived and organized by the Council of Large Public Housing Authorities with financial support from Housing Authority Insurance and input from PHADA and NAHRO. A successful planning retreat was held this past June. The objective is to develop consensus positions the groups can present to the Obama or McCain Administration during the presidential transition process later this year. Panelists will outline some of the possible policy recommendations that may arise from the summit process.

Members of Congress and Congressional Staff – Attendees will hear the “inside story” on FY 2009 HUD appropriations and other legislation from key Capitol Hill players. PHADA has invited members of Congress and congressional staff from the House and Senate authorization committees. They will discuss the latest news concerning the spending bill and SEVRA legislation, among other issues.

Current Events in Housing – PHADA staff and representatives will discuss important issues of the day including two important HUD studies on the public housing rent system and capital fund needs, and potential deregulation of small HAs. There will be time for questions and answers.

Capitol Hill Visits – Attendees should be in touch in with their own Representatives and Senators to schedule meetings in advance. Since general sessions are scheduled for Monday and Tuesday morning, the most opportune time for Capitol Hill visits is either afternoon. PHADA will provide position papers on pending legislation.