HOUSING AUTHORITY TRANSITIONS
TO LOCAL GOVERNANCE
Sarasota, FL: Citing success and cooperation,
the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development notified
the City of Sarasota this week it will begin transitioning
the Sarasota Housing Authority from federal receivership
to local control. Local governance could take effect by
Spring 2008.
The announcement comes five weeks after the City formally
requested SHA be returned to local governance. “The
Department agrees with your assessment that much progress
has been made at the Sarasota Housing Authority since the
establishment of the HUD receivership….HUD believes
that the SHA is ready to begin the process of transition
back to local governance,” wrote Orlando Cabrera,
HUD Assistant Secretary.
“This is a good day. We have been anxiously awaiting
this notification,” said Mayor Lou Ann Palmer. “It
is in the best interest of the Housing Authority for a
locally appointed board to manage the daily activities
of the Authority. Great strides have been made with the
Housing Authority, and we want to ensure progress continues
as the Housing Authority experiences unprecedented redevelopment.
There is such a need for low income housing in our area
and it is extraordinarily important that we regain local
control,” said Palmer.
The first step in the transition is to establish a five
member Advisory Board. The City Commission will provide
HUD with the names and biographies of the prospective candidates.
HUD requires that one person be a current resident of SHA
public housing. HUD then will evaluate the candidates and
set a date to launch the Advisory Board. The Advisory Board
will be just like that of a formal Board; however, it will
not have voting authority. The Advisory Board Members will
have input into the decision making process and receive
education on Housing Authority procedures. Typically, an
Advisory Board serves for six months prior to the return
of governance to local control.
SHA went into receivership April 12, 2005.
For more information, please contact:
Jan
Thornburg, Public Information Officer (941) 954-2613
jan.thornburg@sarasotagov.com
