Section 8 Industry Roundtables Continue in El Paso and Las Cruces

El Paso

Conversations about improving Section 8 continue. 

By Nicole Upano |

1 minute read

The National Apartment Association (NAA) continues to work with its affiliate partners and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) on industry roundtables across the country, most recently in El Paso, Texas and Las Cruces, N.M. These events provide housing providers with an opportunity to connect directly with HUD leadership who manage the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program and uncover the unique local challenges to participating in the HCV program.  

Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary (PDAS) of HUD’s Office of Public and Indian Housing, Richard Monocchio, has been a critical voice in these discussions, intended to help improve the housing provider experience with Section 8 HCV and increase quality housing options for HCV recipients and their families. 

During the September 23 event in El Paso, El Paso Apartment Association members opened up a critical dialogue with HUD and the Housing Authority of the City of El Paso, known locally as HOME, to tackle to issues related to recertifications, inconsistencies in approved applications and inspections. PDAS Monocchio also had the opportunity to connect with renter families that achieved their dreams of homeownership through Tropicana Properties’ Homebuyer Program. Tropicana is a proud member of the El Paso Apartment Association and Texas Apartment Association.

Danny Perea, Chief Operating Officer of Tropicana Properties, shared:

"As President of the El Paso Apartment Association, I am privileged to play a pivotal role in fostering collaboration and advocacy within our multifamily housing community. The El Paso and Las Cruces roundtables provide an invaluable platform for open dialogue, allowing us to address challenges, share best practices, and drive meaningful policy improvements that benefit both residents and property owners. In partnership with the National Apartment Association’s advocacy efforts, these discussions help ensure that our region continues to thrive, and I am proud to contribute to the advancement of housing opportunities through this important work."

During the September 24 roundtable in Las Cruces, industry leaders from the Apartment Association of New Mexico, Mesilla Valley Public Housing Authority leadership, local elected officials, a representative from New Mexico’s Congressional delegation, and HUD came together to have a frank discussion about renters’ housing affordability challenges in the state, the important role that housing providers play in keeping quality, affordable housing accessible and potential policy solutions beyond Section 8, including the need for aggressive zoning reform. Following the roundtable, attendees had an opportunity to tour affordable housing built by JL Gray Company, a prominent member of the Apartment Association of New Mexico. 

“We are excited to partner with HUD to facilitate these important discussions,” Alan LaSeck, Executive Director of AANM, said. “By working together, we can identify challenges and implement solutions that benefit both housing providers and those they serve.”

Much like our strong support for the Choice in Affordable Housing Act, NAA continues its advocacy with federal lawmakers and regulators to encourage adoption of meaningful improvements to the Section 8 HCV program and incentivize greater housing provider participation in the program. NAA is delighted to continue its work with its affiliate partners and HUD to offer these roundtables to industry leaders in 7 cities this year: Boston; Charlotte, N.C.; Cleveland; El Paso, Texas; Lansing, Mich.; Las Cruces, N.M.; and Tampa Bay, Fla. with more dates to be announced soon!  

To learn more about this partnership between NAA and HUD, contact Nicole Upano, NAA's AVP of Housing Policy and Regulatory Affairs at [email protected] or to listen to PDAS Monocchio on the NAA Apartmentcast podcast.