1. Who Says We Need to Talk About Changing the Face of Public Housing? A Discussion Presented by Clif Martin for the MAHRA Conference in Ocean City, Maryland

2. Since 1937, Public Housing has been the center point of affordable housing in the United States.

3. During the last 8 decades, very little has changed in the world of Public Housing.

4. In the urban areas, the super tower was the nexus of Public Housing development. With little regard for density…and poverty related issues…

5. It was decent, safe and sanitary…. And it was home to millions of Americans….

6. After situations and experiences such as the Pruitt-Igoe and Cabrini Green failures…

7. The national dialogue and rhetoric has finally changed…

8. These days are gone… But not forgotten….

9. And just like Dorothy opening that door to a world full of color….

10. So changes the direction and world of public housing…

11. During the last 25 years, there were only limited resources available to improve public housing: HOPE VI, Demolition/Disposition or Sale.

12. The national dialogue has changed dramatically in 2013-2014. Public Housing is in trouble, both financially and physically.

13. The Rental Assistance Demonstration pilot program is designed to transform and provide financial stability to the current public housing portfolio…but it is limited in scope.

14. Most importantly, one of the most controversial outcomes of RAD is the likely new private-public ownership structure of the development.

15. With a focus on quality, comfort, sustainability and affordability.

16. Housing Agencies have a number of important issues to consider with this transformation…. Communication, education and fear….

17. However, there is still much debate in the affordable housing community as to whether this is the best solution…

18. But the pressure remains strong to do something to make a difference, to do something to better lives, to do something to Change the Face of Public Housing.