PHADA Wants You
PHADA President Mark Gillett.
My two-year term as President will end in a just a few weeks. All PHADA committees will be reconstituted under the new President. Therefore, this is a timely opportunity for members who are interested in becoming more involved in the Association.
There is so much happening right now – budget cuts, funding freezes, federal contract cancellations, ongoing litigation and now there are reports the Trump Administration may soon propose block granting some HUD funding to the states. With all this going on, it is vitally important for more members to help PHADA in pursuit of its objectives. To that end, the organization’s committees are open to all members who are interested and committed to our agenda. We have four major standing committees and several other panels, which usually meet three times a year in conjunction with our conferences.
The Legislation Committee is charged with reviewing, recommending, and influencing legislation. During my term, we have worked to advance adequate funding in appropriations bills, and legislation to expand the original Moving to Work program and the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit. Effective advocacy will be a top priority going forward, and committee members can help shape PHADA’s legislative objectives and strategy during this critical time.
The Professional Development Committee is responsible for developing training at our conferences, and the curriculum for the successful PHADA-Rutgers University Executive Director Education Program. The committee also concentrates on other ways (such as webinars) to help HAs adapt in these ever-changing times. Over the last two years, we have conducted many quality sessions for executive directors, staff, and commissioners. We are now finalizing the EDEP alumni association, building on a strong network of housing professionals.
The Membership Committee is continually looking for new initiatives to better serve those we represent. I am delighted we built up the volume of sample policies we offer and provided several complimentary webinars to members. The Membership Committee is now working to enhance our website and other IT services such as mass emails and social media improvements with a strong financial commitment from PHADA’s Board. The Membership Committee welcomes your involvement.
The Housing Committee develops PHADA’s positions on regulations and issues including the need to make sure programs like NSPIRE, HOTMA and BABA are workable and streamlined to the greatest extent possible. The committee also articulated its many concerns on HUD’s cumbersome fair housing and tenant screening rules, which the Trump Administration withdrew earlier this year.
Other Committees—PHADA has a number of other committees, including a Small PHA panel that focuses entirely on matters unique to smaller agencies. That committee has done good work the past two years, highlighting problems such as rising Tenant Accounts Receivable and insurance costs. In addition, there are also Bylaws, Finance, Personnel, and Scholarship committees.
PHADA is a membership-driven organization that reflects the will and objectives of those it represents. We welcome the active participation of our members to help advance and promote the association’s agenda in these challenging times. Get involved today by returning the information form located here. Thank you.
Help Us Promote Your Good Work
Please see our PHADA Members In the News feature, which is periodically included in this newsletter and permanently on our website. It provides an opportunity for you to highlight your agency’s achievements serving your residents through stories, videos, and policy examples. Previously, the March 12 Advocate included several of our members’ work and local accomplishments).
We want to highlight your successes too. Sharing your achievements allows more of your colleagues, HUD officials, media, and congressional staff to have an opportunity to learn about all the important work HAs are doing around the country. To be featured on PHADA’s website or have your material printed in Advocate, send submissions to Blake Stenning, Director of Communications at: bstenning@phada.org. Thank you.