Budget May Not be Completed Until 2025
PHADA President Mark Gillett.
The annual HUD budget process picked up steam recently with Acting Secretary Adrianne Todman presenting the Department’s spending proposals to the House and Senate appropriations committees. We are now less than 5 months away from the start of the new fiscal year, which begins on October 1. Based on information PHADA has learned from lawmakers and key congressional staff, it is unlikely that a budget will be completed before the beginning of next year.
The Biden Administration and leading appropriators in Congress do not always agree on housing policy and funding amounts, but they do agree on one thing: FY 25 will be especially challenging because of the statutory two-year budget accord that set strict caps on all domestic spending.
President Biden’s budget request includes more than $72 billion for HUD, an increase of 3.6 percent increase over this year. As we have previously reported, PHADA is concerned the President has underfunded several programs, including an 8 percent cut in the public housing operating fund and flat funding for the capital account. In addition, while the Administration has modestly increased funding for voucher renewals, it proposes relying on capturing nearly a billion dollars from reserves to renew all vouchers. For more detailed information, please see the separate report on the Acting Secretary’s testimony, beginning on page 3.
PHADA members and the Association’s staff have been meeting with members of Congress and Capitol Hill staff to express our views. Both Democratic and Republican lawmakers and their staffs have indicated it is likely a Continuing Resolution will be enacted to last through the November elections. They also predict that lawmakers will return to Washington after Election Day and “punt” the budget until after the winter holidays into the early part of 2025 when the new Congress and next presidential administration assume office.
Unfortunately, we have experienced this kind of scenario in recent years. If these timing predictions prove accurate, it will mean that a final budget is not in place until at least 4–5 months after the start of the fiscal year.
At a time of escalating costs (especially insurance) and an onslaught of new HUD regulations, this kind of delay creates even more uncertainty and difficulty for us. PHADA will therefore vigorously push its priorities on the Hill, encouraging lawmakers to finish a budget—that contains adequate funding for our programs—as soon as possible.
HUD Officials Visit Oklahoma City Housing Authority
The Oklahoma City Housing Authority recently had the privilege of hosting several officials from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Special Guests included Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for PIH Richard Monocchio, Regional Administrator Candace Valenzuela, Oklahoma Field Office Director Sharon Gordon-Ribiero, Public Housing Director – Oklahoma Greg Jungman, and several others.
During their visit, the group had the opportunity to tour the John H. Johnson Care Suites, where they were able to see firsthand the high-quality affordable assisted living services OCHA provides to senior residents. Additionally, we toured the grounds and Community Center at Will Rogers Courts, highlighting the need for revitalization of this facility and why it was selected for the Choice Neighborhood Planning grant which will produce a Transformation Plan to be submitted to HUD. Overall, it was a truly fantastic experience, and we are grateful for the opportunity to showcase our commitment to excellence in senior care and community development.
Vivian Byrant Honored by Florida Bar Association
Vivian Bryant, Esq., Housing Authority of the City of Orlando.
PHADA Trustee Vivian Bryant, Esq. (Orlando, FL), entered the Hall of Fame of the Paul C. Perkins Bar Association on April 13. She and others were recognized for careers that have played an integral role in diversifying the legal community and shaping the foundation of the association. The Perkins Bar Association was founded in 1981 and is devoted to actively promoting the advancement of African Americans in the legal profession. The organization strives to educate the Central Florida African American community about the legal system and promote reform and improvements in the law to aid in the administration of justice.
Bryant is well known and respected for her work in PHADA’s leadership, as a leading Moving to Work PHA representative, and as President of the Housing and Development Law Institute. She has been a member of the Florida Bar since 1980. On behalf of PHADA’s Board and entire membership, we congratulate Vivian for this well-deserved and prestigious honor.