SPHA Hosts Engaging Affordable Housing Roundtable Event with HUD

ST. PETERSBURG, FL – On February 23, 2024, the St. Petersburg Housing Authority (SPHA) took a proactive step in addressing the challenges of affordable housing in St. Petersburg by hosting an engaging Affordable Housing Roundtable event. Titled “From Barriers to Solutions: A Comprehensive Affordable Housing Dialogue,” the event was held at The Legacy at Jordan Park in St. Petersburg.

A notable presence at the roundtable was Jennifer Collins, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Regional Administrator for Region IV, who contributed valuable insights to the discussions.

The roundtable provided a crucial platform for key stakeholders in the affordable housing sector to engage in meaningful conversations, share insights, and collaboratively explore solutions to address the challenges of affordable housing and homelessness.

“We were excited to have hosted this Affordable Housing Roundtable, bringing together esteemed officials, developers, and community leaders to discuss and strategize solutions for the pressing issues in our affordable housing landscape,” said SPHA President/CEO Michael Lundy. “SPHA remains committed to fostering collaboration and driving positive change for the benefit of our community.”

Distinguished attendees at the event included:
• Jennifer Collins, Regional Administrator, Region IV, HUD
• Alesia Scott-Ford, Field Office Director, HUD
• Michael Lundy, President/CEO, St. Petersburg Housing Authority
• Terri Lipsey Scott, Commissioner, SPHA Board of Commissioners
• Jerrilyn Evans, Commissioner, SPHA Board of Commissioners
• Aaron Swift, Vice-Chairman of the Board, Homeless Leadership Alliance of Pinellas, Inc.
• Joshua Johnson, Housing & Community Development Director, City of St. Petersburg
• Rene Flowers, Commissioner, Pinellas Co. Board of Commissioners
• Brian Evjen, President, Newstar Development, LLC
• Scott Macdonald, Executive Vice President/CFO, Blue Sky Communities
• Kathryn Driver, Executive Director, Housing Finance Authority of Pinellas County
• David Adkins, Landlord Liaison, Homeless Leadership Alliance of Pinellas, Inc.
• Jack Humburg, Chief Operating Officer, Boley Centers, Inc.
• Neil Brickfield, Executive Director, Pinellas County Housing Authority
• Jodie White, Housing Finance Specialist, City of Largo Housing Division
• Jamison Carnegie, Field Representative, St. Petersburg, Office of Congresswoman Kathy Castor

The diverse representation of attendees ensured a comprehensive discussion on the multifaceted aspects of affordable housing, laying the groundwork for collaborative efforts to address critical housing needs in the community.