Livermore Housing Authority Awarded Moving to Work (MTW) Status

Contact: Sarah Ramler, Executive Director - sarah@livermoreha.org - (925) 409-1009

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Livermore Housing Authority Awarded Moving to Work (MTW) Status by U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)

Livermore, California - April 5, 2024

The Livermore Housing Authority (LHA) is pleased to announce that on March 28th, 2024, it has been awarded Moving to Work (MTW) designation by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). This prestigious designation allows LHA greater flexibility in designing and implementing housing assistance programs to better serve low-income families in the City of Livermore.

Livermore Housing Authority was one of 14 Public Housing Authorities selected under the MTW Flexibility II Cohort and now joins a total of 139 agencies out of 3,300 nationwide.

MTW status grants LHA the authority to develop and test innovative strategies aimed at increasing housing choices, improving self-sufficiency outcomes, and reducing administrative burdens. This designation acknowledges LHA's commitment to improving the lives of its residents and enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of its programs.

"We are honored to receive the Moving to Work designation, which will enable us to better address the unique needs of our residents and enhance our ability to serve the community," said Sarah Ramler, Executive Director of the Livermore Housing Authority. "This designation is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our staff and partners, and we look forward to implementing innovative solutions to further our mission of providing affordable housing opportunities."

As part of the MTW program, LHA will have the flexibility to design and implement new programs and policies tailored to the specific needs of Livermore residents. These initiatives use Federal dollars more efficiently, help residents towards self-sufficiency, and increase housing choices for low-income families.

"The LHA staff has been working creatively and diligently to make substantive improvements in all of our programs. These take time but the results are showing, and it is exciting to see," said Mark Palajac, LHA Board of Commissioners Chairperson. "We are all thrilled to have been accepted for MTW and it will have an immediate impact on our ability to plan and execute programs that will benefit those in need of housing."

LHA will work closely with HUD and community stakeholders to ensure that the implementation of MTW initiatives is transparent and responsive to the needs of residents. The authority is committed to ongoing communication and collaboration with residents, landlords, and community partners to ensure that the benefits of MTW status are maximized for all.

For more information about the Livermore Housing Authority and its programs, please visit www.livermoreha.org.

About LHA:

The Livermore Housing Authority is committed to leading Livermore's efforts to deliver high quality, safe and affordable housing for low-income households. LHA currently owns and/or operates a total of 167 affordable housing units and serves 695 families on the Section 8/Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program. HUD classifies the LHA as a "Higher Performer" under the Section Eight Management Assessment Program. LHA converted 125 units out of Public Housing and into Section 8 in August of 2023. LHA is governed by a seven person Board of Commissioners appointed by the City of Livermore City Council.