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Enews Archives Do Rhode Island lawmakers have the political stamina and will to solve the housing crisis? Noreen Shawcross, new Chief of Housing and Community Development shares her thoughts. In July, Governor Donald Carcieri appointed long time housing advocate, Noreen W. Shawcross as Chief of the newly-created Office of Housing and Community Development. Now a month into her new job Chief Shawcross shares her thoughts and advice with HousingWorks RI in this exclusive interview. HWRI: Now that you've had a chance to get your feet wet, what is the biggest challenge you face? Shawcross: The biggest challenge we face will continue to be the critical shortage of housing and the need for production balanced with the concerns and preferences of local communities. HWRI: What will this new office of yours do and what are your goals for it? Shawcross: The Office of Housing and Community Development was created to make housing a greater priority within state government. It is located in the newly formed Division of Planning within the Department of Administration to integrate housing planning into the state’s policy and budget decisions. The Office combines the Housing Resources Commission and the Community Development Block Grant program. Among the responsibilities are: implementation of the Lead Hazard Mitigation Act; coordination of the homeless service system; creation of homeownership opportunities; management of the Neighborhood Opportunities Program; development of a strategic housing plan; and distribution of Community Development Block Grant funds to cities and towns throughout the state. My goals for the office are to enhance housing and economic development opportunities for all Rhode Islanders in collaboration with other state programs. HWRI: What most surprised you? Shawcross: The best surprise has been the willingness of the administration and the staff of the Dept. of Administration, particularly Director Beverly Najarian, to move forward very quickly in considering the Office as a full partner in planning efforts despite our being so newly established. HWRI: How will you balance advocating for housing initiatives and the reality of limited funds in state government? Shawcross: At this time, it appears that we can propose ideas for consideration as advocates and identify possible funding. We need to accept that some will take time, but that we can have a vision to guide our efforts. A good example of this is the Supportive Services Program, a new initiative that, if it proves to be cost effective, may generate more funding over time to transform our system by reducing shelter needs. HWRI: Now that you are looking at the issue from the "inside" any suggestions for HousingWorks RI? Shawcross: My only suggestion for HousingWorks RI would be to continue to identify a few critical priorities and focus your significant resources on those. Hopefully, production of affordable housing with particular attention to vulnerable people will remain high on the agenda! HWRI: What will be involved in developing a state strategic plan? Shawcross: For months now, consultants have been meeting with a committee that includes bankers, planners, non-profit and for profit builders, funders and many others to review demographic, land use, and housing information from a vast array of sources. An initial outline will be presented to the Housing Resources Commission on September 9, 2005. HWRI: Our goal of providing affordable homes for all Rhode Islanders stretches into 2015 which in political cycles can be forever. Do you get the sense that the lawmakers have the will to commit to the programs despite politics and administrative transitions? Shawcross: Despite political changes over time, Rhode Island’s housing shortage and costs will continue to affect an ever growing number of people. We are challenged by our small size and great need. I believe that housing will remain high on the agenda until we are able to have adequate housing in each community for those who wish to live and work there. HWRI: What can we do to make your job easier? Shawcross: HousingWorks RI can have two essential roles, informing policy makers of your support for housing, and raising public awareness about the benefits of healthy, affordable housing for all Rhode Islanders. That will generate the support that we need to further our goals. ---- To view the Governor’s comments about Shawcross’ appointment, click here.  |
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