PHADA President John T. Mahon.
Over the past year, I’ve had the opportunity to listen to many of you—at conferences, in committee meetings, and in conversations at regional meetings. And while every housing authority looks a little different, the message has been consistent: the job is getting harder, the expectations keep growing, and the need for strong, practical advocacy has never been greater. That’s exactly where PHADA has focused its efforts.
PHADA’s Annual Convention & Exhibition is the Association’s opportunity to keep members informed of both what we have accomplished in the last year and what we have planned for the future. Our committees have spent the past year doing the work that matters most: digging into the challenges you are facing every day and finding ways to move us forward together, so that we can complete our mission of better serving our residents. Whether it’s navigating shifting federal policies, responding to operational pressures, or making sure your voice is heard in Washington, the work of PHADA committees reflects the realities on the ground.
The Small PHA and Housing Committees, in particular, have stayed closely aligned with the issues that are keeping many of you up at night—cash management, HUD staffing shortages, the ongoing confusion around HOTMA and related technology, EHV funding, mixed-status requirements, the ripple effects of BABA and other federal requirements, and the continued need for flexibility in housing authority operations. These aren’t abstract policy discussions; they are real-world challenges that impact your ability to serve families. And I’m proud that PHADA has not only elevated those concerns but taken concrete steps—through advocacy, formal actions, and coordination with our industry partners—to push for solutions.
At the same time, our Legislative Committee has been working tirelessly to make sure PHADA remains a strong voice during a difficult appropriations cycle. The Legislative Committee focused heavily on FY 26 appropriations and broader Congressional advocacy, while also supporting legislation such as the Housing for the 21st Century Act and tracking other previously endorsed bills.
But advocacy is only one part of the story. What I continue to hear from members is the importance of learning from one another—sharing ideas, staying informed, and having access to timely, practical guidance. That’s where our Professional Development Committee has made a real impact. Their hard work has resulted in strong conference attendance, fifty new EDEP graduates, expanded webinar offerings, and new opportunities like the virtual Town Hall reflect something important: members are looking for meaningful engagement, and PHADA is responding.
Our Membership Committee has also kept a clear focus—on the strength and growth of our association. With nearly 1,900 housing authorities represented and outreach expanding into more states and regions, PHADA remains a national voice grounded in local experience. At the same time, efforts to improve communication and modernize our member tools show a clear recognition that we need to keep evolving to meet the expectations of both current and future leaders in our field.
And behind the scenes, we have continued to strengthen the foundation of the organization itself. While not always visible, the work underway to modernize our systems and enhance the member experience is essential. Investments in IT infrastructure, along with ongoing financial oversight and planning, are helping ensure that PHADA remains both stable and forward-looking. We are not just reacting to challenges; we are building the capacity to serve you better in the years ahead.
As we look ahead, the path forward is clear. PHADA’s committees are signaling continued focus on advocacy for funding and operational flexibility, continued resistance to unnecessary burdens, and continued investment in member support. The Small PHA Committee plans to keep pressing on cash management and HUD staffing concerns. The Housing Committee intends to keep advocating for flexibility and the removal of unnecessary rules. The Professional Development Committee is focused on improving content, formats, and schedules, with upcoming events already identified for Washington, San Diego, and Boston. The Membership Committee is looking ahead to better tools, resources, and communications that improve the member experience and support the next generation of housing leadership.
Most importantly, we will stay focused on what matters most—serving the residents while also supporting the people doing the work on the ground. Thank you for everything you do every day to serve your communities and thank you for continuing to be part of PHADA.