February 17, 2003

The following resolution was passed by the Executive Committee of The United States Conference of Mayors on January 23, 2003 at the 71st Winter Meeting.

Whereas, local housing agencies provide the only low-cost housing in cities around the country affordable to very low-income working families, the elderly and disabled persons; and local housing agencies receive a subsidy to operate these properties under an annual contributions contract with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development; and

WHEREAS, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has reduced funding for operating subsidies to local housing agencies to significantly low levels; and local housing agencies must therefore reduce primary services to residents including maintenance of buildings, safety and security, and supportive services; and

WHEREAS, safe and decent housing for the poor, working poor, senior and disabled population of our Nation is of paramount importance for self'sufficiency and healthy lives of these fellow Americans; and

WHEREAS, more than 3 million citizens are currently served by local housing agencies that already work with local government to help maximize resources that assist in dealing with growing waiting lists of people with need of housing assistance; and

WHEREAS, cities throughout America can ill afford reductions in services provided by local housing agencies during a time when the Federal Government has passed on other un-funded mandates to them during the last two years,

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the U.S. Conference of Mayors opposes funding cuts and supports full funding for local housing agencies at a minimum of $3.9 billion for FY2004, that they may continue, without interruption, their vital work in supporting cities nationwide.