Perlmutter named NAHRO’s legislator of year

Rep. Ed Perlmutter stopped by Metro West Housing Solutions’ Lamar Station Crossing on Oct. 6 to receive the Colorado chapter of National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials’ (NAHRO) “Legislator of the Year” award.

“Housing options like this one near the light rail give people opportunities they never dreamed of,” Perlmutter told those in attendance at the event. “It’s about dignity and breaking down the barriers between housing and education.”

Since being elected to congress in 2006, Perlmutter has served on the House Financial Services Committee which has jurisdiction over many issues including housing programs such as Public Housing and all HUD programs.

“Congressman Perlmutter was a critical supporter in making Lamar Station happen,” said Tami Fischer, executive director and CEO of Metro West Housing Solutions, and president of NAHRO’s Colorado chapter. “He has worked hard on issues like increasing affordability and opportunity for low-income housing.”

Lakewood Mayor Bob Murphy was on hand to attest to the benefits the “Sustainable Community Initiative” grant Perlmutter worked on has brought to communities like Lakewood.

“We’re seeing the benefits all over Lakewood, especially in places like Sheridan where the 20-minute neighborhood plan is growing,” Murphy said. “It’s a holistic approach we’re seeing to housing and transit and how they fit together.”

Perlmutter has supported other federal programs, including: Low-Income Housing Tax Credits; New Markets Tax Credits; Community Development Block Grants (CDBG); HOME Investment Partnership Funds; efforts to fund the Housing Trust Fund; and Self-Sufficiency Programs.

Rick Garcia, regional administrator for the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), said that Perlmutter has been a major advocate for low-income housing solutions and community development block grants.

“Colorado has been at the forefront of these kinds of investments, because it raises the whole community,” Perlmutter said. “Seeing projects like this (Lamar Station) is what it’s all about –; the vision and the effort to make the vision a reality.”

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