Local News Release

HUD RECOGNIZES NEW YORK PUBLIC HOUSING AUTHORITIES FOR OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE

NEW YORK - Housing and Urban Development Assistant Secretary Orlando J. Cabrera recognized today over 30 downstate New York State public housing authorities for their outstanding performance in providing decent, safe and affordable housing to their residents for fiscal year 2006, which ended September 30, 2006. The ceremony was held at the New York Hall of Science in Flushing Meadows Park, Queens. (A listing of public housing award recipients is attached.)

"HUD has no higher priority than providing low-income individuals and families with decent, safe and affordable housing," said Cabrera. "Today's ceremony recognizes the very best of our public housing authorities that provide high-quality service and affordable housing to those individuals and families who need it the most."

HUD annually evaluates a public housing authority's management, financial practices, the state of its physical facilities, and resident satisfaction. Each public housing authority is given a score based on these factors, with a score of 90 and above considered a high performer. Today's ceremony acknowledged HUD's high standards of excellence in the way housing authorities manage their properties, serve the residents, and partner with other entities to improve the quality of life to low- income residents while adding value to the entire community. The ceremony also recognized housing authorities that have gone above and beyond to improve services to their residents, developed creative and innovative ways to improve their management practices, and effectively and efficiently managed their Housing Choice Voucher Program that provides rental subsidies to income-eligible individuals and families. Lastly, HUD recognized retired or soon to be retired housing authority executive directors.

HUD is the nation's housing agency committed to increasing homeownership, particularly among minorities; creating affordable housing opportunities for low-income Americans; and supporting the homeless, elderly, people with disabilities and people living with AIDS. The Department also promotes economic and community development as well as enforces the nation's fair housing laws. More information about HUD and its programs is available on the Internet at www.hud.gov and espanol.hud.gov.