New Secretary Brings Knowledge, Innovative Ideas
and Affordable Housing Experience to HUD;
NACEDA Hopes Community- Based Groups Will be Strategic Partners
Statement from NACEDA, Executive Director, Jane DeMarines

As the representative of more than 3,000 Community Development Corporations nationwide, through a network of state, city and regional CDC Associations, we applaud the President Elect's choice of Shaun Donovan to head the Department of Housing and Urban Development and look forward to a continued partnership with this agency.

Amidst the current economic maelstrom enveloping the country, the United States must seek a balanced housing and community development policy that recognizes the urgent need to provide quality affordable housing and essential community development services especially to the victims of foreclosure. The community development field, particularly those at the grass roots, eagerly look forward to working with the Donovan team with an eye toward stabilizing communities so that decades of work to improve low-wealth neighborhoods is not lost in a few short years.

As New York City's Housing Commissioner, Donovan has a reputation as an experienced, innovative and creative leader, who has produced affordable housing with a coalition of the government, nonprofits and foundations. That reputation will serve him well at HUD and in working with those who lead change at the grass roots level.

We also hope the President Elect's roots in community- based work will lead to federal policies that capitalize on the vital experience of community-based groups in turning unhealthy communities into strong viable, healthy neighborhoods.

Under President-Elect Obama's stewardship, we hope the HUD Nominee will develop a comprehensive, coherent housing and community development policy that serves all of America.

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About NACEDA and the CDC Industry
Through its member network state/city/regional associations, NACEDA represents more than 3,000 community development corporations. In 2005, as an industry total (aggregate) CDCs produced: 1.3 million homes (since 1988), 774,000 new jobs and 126 million sq feet of commercial/industrial space, housing for special needs populations and nearly 2/3 of CDCs offer homeownership counseling.