Awards Announced for Achievements in Affordable Housing and Community Development

For Immediate Release
August 15, 2006
Contact: Erin Angell, 202-220-6317, eangell@nw.org

NeighborWorks® Honors Federal, State, and Local Officials for
Achievements in Affordable Housing and Community Development

(Washington, D.C.) – Today Rep. Rodney P. Frelinghuysen (R-NJ), Ron Javor, Assistant Deputy Director of the California Department of Housing and Community Development, LuAnn Clark, Director of Salt Lake City Housing and Neighborhood Development, and Francis Steven Redburn of the Office of Management and Budget (retired), were honored by NeighborWorks America for their leadership in expanding the affordable housing supply for low- and moderate-income families, and strengthening communities.

The four honorees received the NeighborWorks Government Service Award at a ceremony during the NeighborWorks Training Institute in Washington, D.C. — an acclaimed professional development program that offers education, certification and other resources to community development practitioners and resident leaders.

“These four individuals have shown unwavering commitment to and support for public policies that advance community revitalization goals,” said Ken Wade, CEO, NeighborWorks America. “Their leadership has helped transform the communities in which they serve and we are proud to honor them for their invaluable service.”

The NeighborWorks Government Service Award recognizes and honors elected or appointed public officials at the local, state, and federal levels, who have made significant contributions both personally and through the advancement of public policies that revitalize communities and increase the supply of affordable housing.

Wade commended the award winners for understanding the far-reaching impact of housing issues on individuals, the local economy and the entire nation. For every dollar spent on quality, affordable housing, at least ten dollars are returned in the form of job creation, increased independence and tax contributions, new businesses, and access to higher education.

“With so many Americans struggling to afford housing, the commitment demonstrated by these leaders at the federal, state and local government levels is ever more important,” said Wade. “Today’s awardees recognize the multiple dividends paid through affordable housing in the form of improved community safety, stronger civic engagement, and better outcomes for low- and moderate-income families.”

Awardees’ accomplishments include the initiation and implementation of public policies or programs that strengthen communities or expand the supply of affordable housing. They are in touch with their constituents, and demonstrate commitment and dedication to the communities they represent, and the interests of the people they serve.

Find out more information about the NeighborWorks Government Service Awards and the 2006 award winners.

About NeighborWorks America
NeighborWorks America provides financial support, technical assistance and training for communities across the nation, including the NeighborWorks network – a nationwide network of more than 240 community development organizations working in more than 4,400 urban, suburban and rural communities across America. These organizations engage in revitalization strategies that strengthen communities and transform lives. In the last five years alone, NeighborWorks organizations have generated more than $10 billion in reinvestment and helped more than 780,000 families of modest means purchase or improve their homes or secure safe, decent rental or mutual housing.