Optimism and Opportunity

NAHRO family,  A lot is happening, including proposed cuts to HUD staff, programs, and related agencies like the US Interagency Council on Homelessness. Many people are concerned about their livelihoods, living situations, and more. However, we cannot remain paralyzed like deer in the headlights as history approaches us.

As community leaders, we must demonstrate optimism and be prepared for opportunities. I’m pleased that over 800 #housers and advocates joined me in the nation’s capital last week, voicing the needs of their agencies, communities, and the affordable housing sector. 

As your NAHRO president and CEO of the Fort Wayne Housing Authority, I lead optimistically. On March 7, NAHRO CEO Mark Thiele, SVP Sean Gilbert, NAHRO Director of Policy and Legislative Affairs Eric Oberdorfer, and I met with HUD Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Ben Hobbs. 

We are also taking this chance to strengthen our partnerships within the industry. In recent weeks, NAHRO has collaborated with a wide coalition of industry groups to safeguard HUD programs and staff. Alongside our sister organizations CLPHA, PHADA, and the MTW Collaborative—who all participated in a panel on affordable housing leadership during the Washington Conference—and others such as the National Low Income Housing Coalition, the National League of Cities, Enterprise Community Partners, Leading Age, Unidos, the National Alliance to End Homelessness, the Housing Assistance Council, and many more, we are advocating for our shared priorities and forming stronger alliances to serve our communities better. 

Last week, hundreds of advocates utilized NAHRO’s Hill Day as a chance to initiate and deepen relationships with their elected officials and staff. Whether in DC or at home in your community, you can and should make advocacy a year-round effort. It’s not only about visiting your members of Congress and their staff—though that’s important too. It involves maintaining a steady flow of connection and information: inviting them to your ribbon-cuttings and events and having them meet your residents—showing them your agency’s excellent work in the community. 

I want to thank former acting HUD Secretary and former NAHRO CEO Adrianne Todman for addressing our Board of Governors meeting amid rising rents and discussions about funding cuts. We need our local, state, and national elected officials to understand that we’re not just housing providers. We also function as powerful economic engines. Our agencies employ residents, purchase goods from, and conduct business with local companies, while providing affordable homes that help residents stabilize and succeed. That’s a story we need to share more effectively and frequently. 

Finally, March is Women’s History Month, and I want to recognize and thank the many women of NAHRO who are making history in their communities every day. 

As I mentioned before, friends, your curiosity, innovation, and commitment to serving your communities inspire us to remain opportunistic during this time. Continue to Serve and Be the Best You!