Lori McGowan, Deputy Executive Director of the Spokane Housing Authority, was named the 2024 recipient of the Emerging Leaders Award by the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO). The award was presented on Friday, September 27, during the 2024 National Conference and Exhibition in Orlando, Florida.
“Lori’s an experienced houser and dedicated leader,” said Mark Thiele, NAHRO CEO. “Her work at the national, regional and state levels of NAHRO is already exceptional, and I can’t wait to see the new heights to which she’ll rise. I’m so proud to present this award to her.”
Ms. McGowan’s affordable housing career spans over 23 years of providing management and financial expertise. In 2001, she worked with Housing Kitsap as a finance professional, then moved to Spokane in 2006 to take a staff accountant position with the Spokane Housing Authority, where she quickly moved up the ladder to her current position as Deputy Executive Director.
She is actively involved in NAHRO as a member of the board of governors and serves on several standing and advisory committees. She is also the incoming president of the Pacific Northwest Regional Chapter of NAHRO for 2025-2027 and served as a past president for the Washington Housing Authority Accounting Professionals, is an alumnus of the Leadership Spokane class of 2021, and serves on local boards in her community.
Ms. McGowan is a graduate of Virginia Wesleyan University with a BA in Business Administration.
About The Emerging Leaders Award
The Emerging Leaders Award recognizes an individual who has been involved in NAHRO at the national, regional and/or chapter levels for at least five years and has distinguished him or herself as an emerging leader.
About NAHRO
NAHRO, established in 1933, is a membership organization of nearly 20,000 housing and community development agencies and professionals throughout the United States whose mission is to create affordable housing and safe, viable communities that enhance the quality of life for all Americans, especially those of low- and moderate-income. NAHRO’s membership administers more than 3 million housing units for 7.6 million people.
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING – Spokane Housing Authority’s (SHA) 2026 PHA 5-Year Plan, FSS Action Plan, and Moving To Work Supplement
/in Events, News and EventsNOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
Spokane Housing Authority has completed a draft of the 2026 PHA 5-Year Plan, FSS Action Plan, and Moving To Work Supplement to be submitted to HUD in October 2025.
A copy of these documents are available starting on 8/8/25 for review at www.spokanehousing.org/PHA or during regular business hours at: 25 W. Nora Ave., Spokane.
DOCUMENTS FOR REVIEW
SHARE YOUR FEEDBACK
Public Comments may be submitted by 9/22/2025 at noon, in writing to: “Plan Comments – SHA”, 25 W. Nora Ave, Spokane, WA 99205; by FAX to (509) 323-2364; by email to: pparr@spokanehousing.org; or at the scheduled Public Hearing.
The Spokane Housing Authority invites SHA clients, residents, landlords, and the general public to attend a:
PUBLIC HEARING ON
SHA’s 2026 PHA 5-Year Plan, FSS Action Plan,
and Moving To Work Supplement
September 22, 2025 at 3:30 P.M. at 25 W. Nora Ave., Spokane.
Free Parking and accessibility for the disabled is available; call 509-252-7125 if you or a family member need to request a reasonable accommodation at least 48 hours in advance.
Board of Commissioners Position: Volunteer Wanted
/in News and EventsThe Spokane Housing Authority is currently accepting applications for the Resident Board Member vacancy on the Spokane Housing Authority (SHA) Board of Commissioners. SHA’s Board of Commissioners consists of two City of Spokane positions, two City of Spokane Valley positions, and two Spokane County positions. A seventh Commissioner, a Resident Commissioner, is appointed by these six positions and must be a person who receives SHA services.
SHA’s mission is to create and sustain high quality affordable housing options that encourage individual prosperity and support healthy communities. Programs operated by SHA included a large rental assistance program covering six Eastern Washington counties and several affordable apartment communities in Spokane County.
Commissioner responsibilities require a commitment of approximately 3-5 hours a month. Commissioners are appointed for five year terms and serve without compensation. Regular board meetings are held on the fourth Monday of each month at 3:30 p.m. and typically last one hour. The tentative date of this appointment is October 27, 2025, during a regular Spokane Housing Authority Board meeting.
Those interested in being considered must send a letter of interest and a completed application to SHA’s Administrative Services Manager. Electronic submissions are preferred, but application packets can also be mailed to Amanda Rollins, Administrative Services Manager, Spokane Housing Authority, 25 W Nora Ave, Spokane, WA 99205. For more information see the Commissioner position description or call Pam Parr, Executive Director of SHA, at 509-252-7139.
Spokane Housing Authority Signs Option with Country Homes Christian Church to Purchase Vacant Land
/in News and Events, Press Releases(Spokane, WA – February 24, 2025) – The Spokane Housing Authority (SHA), a leading organization dedicated to facilitating access to affordable housing across seven Eastern Washington counties, is pleased to announce their recent signing to purchase vacant land from Country Homes Christian Church. Located at the intersection of North Wall and Country Homes Boulevard adjacent to the church, this strategic purchase is a noteworthy step forward in addressing our region’s affordable housing needs.
The site has been named Chalice Place to reflect the prominence of the chalice in the Country Homes Christian Church’s theology. SHA plans on developing a vibrant community with about 100 units for seniors with incomes at or below 60% of the Area Median Income (AMI). This
initiative aligns with SHA’s mission to provide safe, secure, and affordable housing solutions for all members of our communities.
“Our partnership with Country Homes Christian Church in developing the Chalice Place site is a prime example of how faith-based organizations can play a vital role in creating affordable housing solutions while continuing to support their congregation,” said Pam Parr, Executive Director of SHA. “We at Spokane Housing are excited to continue this collaboration.”
Chalice Place will prioritize serving seniors by offering high-quality housing options tailored to their needs. Units will be income-restricted to ensure affordability, with rent prices set at levels to enable households to thrive economically. For instance, a single-person household earning
$35,100 annually would pay approximately $878 per month for a one-bedroom unit.
Construction on the project is intended to commence in fall 2026, with completion anticipated by spring 2028. The waiting list is not available at this time. SHA is dedicated to ensuring that the development process is conducted with transparency, accountability, and community input
every step of the way.
Lori McGowan Named NAHRO’s 2024 Emerging Leader
/in Uncategorized“Lori’s an experienced houser and dedicated leader,” said Mark Thiele, NAHRO CEO. “Her work at the national, regional and state levels of NAHRO is already exceptional, and I can’t wait to see the new heights to which she’ll rise. I’m so proud to present this award to her.”
Ms. McGowan’s affordable housing career spans over 23 years of providing management and financial expertise. In 2001, she worked with Housing Kitsap as a finance professional, then moved to Spokane in 2006 to take a staff accountant position with the Spokane Housing Authority, where she quickly moved up the ladder to her current position as Deputy Executive Director.
She is actively involved in NAHRO as a member of the board of governors and serves on several standing and advisory committees. She is also the incoming president of the Pacific Northwest Regional Chapter of NAHRO for 2025-2027 and served as a past president for the Washington Housing Authority Accounting Professionals, is an alumnus of the Leadership Spokane class of 2021, and serves on local boards in her community.
Ms. McGowan is a graduate of Virginia Wesleyan University with a BA in Business Administration.
About The Emerging Leaders Award
The Emerging Leaders Award recognizes an individual who has been involved in NAHRO at the national, regional and/or chapter levels for at least five years and has distinguished him or herself as an emerging leader.
About NAHRO
NAHRO, established in 1933, is a membership organization of nearly 20,000 housing and community development agencies and professionals throughout the United States whose mission is to create affordable housing and safe, viable communities that enhance the quality of life for all Americans, especially those of low- and moderate-income. NAHRO’s membership administers more than 3 million housing units for 7.6 million people.
Board of Commissioners Position: Volunteer Wanted
/in News and EventsBoard of Commissioners – Resident Commissioner Position Opening
There is one position available on the SHA Board of Commissioners. This volunteer position is appointed by the other 6 Commissioners on the SHA Board. Applicants must be a client of Spokane Housing Authority directly assisted through the tenant-based Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program, a client of any other Spokane Housing Authority rental assistance program, or a tenant of a Spokane Housing Authority managed property.
If you or someone you know is interested in serving on this Board of Commissioners, please submit your application to Amanda Rollins, Administrative Services Manager at arollins@spokanehousing.org or at 25 W Nora Ave, Spokane, WA. The tentative date of this appointment is November 25, 2024, during a regular Spokane Housing Authority Board meeting. Terms are for five years.
Monthly meetings are generally held at 3:30 p.m. the 4th Monday of the month at 25 W Nora Avenue, Spokane, unless otherwise announced. See the Commissioner position description for additional information or contact Amanda Rollins at arollins@spokanehousing.org or 509-252-7125.
Spokane Housing Authority Acquires Land for Affordable Housing Development in Spokane Valley
/in News and Events, Press Releases, StoriesWith a firm commitment to expand affordable housing options, SHA intends to collaborate with a for-profit partner to develop the site into a vibrant residential community catering to households with incomes at or below 60% of the Area Median Income (AMI). This initiative aligns with SHA’s mission to provide safe, secure, and affordable housing solutions for our community.
Units will be income-restricted to ensure affordability, with rent prices set at levels to enable households to thrive economically. In addition to providing much-needed housing, SHA is exploring the feasibility of incorporating a childcare or early learning facility within the development.
“Our acquisition of the Appleway site underscores our dedication to creating inclusive and sustainable communities where individuals, seniors and families of diverse backgrounds can thrive,” said Pam Parr, Executive Director of SHA. “By leveraging partnerships and innovative approaches, we aim to address the diverse needs of our community and enhance accessibility to essential services.”
Construction on the project is scheduled to commence in fall 2025, with completion anticipated in spring 2027. SHA is dedicated to ensuring that the development process is conducted with transparency, accountability, and community input every step of the way.
To follow the development of the Appleway Site and for more information about Spokane Housing Authority, follow them on Facebook or visit their website at www.spokanehousing.org.
Notice of Waiting List Opening For Project Based Voucher Program Units
/in Events, News and Events, Press Releases, Waiting ListsOn March 25, 2024, at 8:00 am, the Spokane Housing Authority (SHA) will open the waiting lists for the following project based voucher (PBV) units located at the following projects:
Please keep in mind that certain eligibility requirements apply, you can find these criteria on our website at www.spokanehousing.org. CERTAIN BEDROOM SIZES REQUIRE A MINIUM NUMBER OF HOUSEHOLD MEMBERS (for example, if you are a 3-person household, you would qualify for a 2-bedroom unit). Reasonable Accommodations can be submitted if a household has a disability that would require their own separate bedroom (for example, you are a two-person household but each of you require your own separate bedroom—both household members would need to provide documentation showing that because of a disability, you each require your own separate bedroom).
On March 25, 2024, you can access the Pre-Application for all above properties directly on our website at www.spokanehousing.org; or at 25 W. Nora Ave., Spokane, WA 99205. You may also visit each location’s leasing office at the addresses above; or contact the office at (509) 328-2953 for information on how to apply or email SHA Customer Service at customerservice@spokanehousing.org for assistance.
This waiting list will close on March 29th at 11:59 PM.
TECHNICAL CORRECTION Posted 3/21/2024
The waiting lists opening are named and include the properties according to the Housing Choice Voucher Administration Plan:
Notice of Public Hearing: SHA’s Proposed 2024 Annual Plan, MTW Supplement, and FSS Plan
/in Events2024 Annual Public Housing Agency (PHA) Plan & Moving to Work (MTW) Supplement
Spokane Housing Authority has completed a draft the 2024 PHA Annual Plan, including the Moving to Work Supplement and FSS Action Plan.
A copy of the plans are available starting on August 10, 2023 for review at www.spokanehousing.org or during regular business hours at: 25 W. Nora Ave., Spokane.
Public Comments may be submitted by September 25, 2023 at noon, in writing to: “Plan Comments – SHA”, 25 W. Nora Ave, Spokane, WA 99205; by FAX to (509) 323-2364; by email to: pparr@spokanehousing.org; or at the scheduled Public Hearing.
Join our public hearing:
The Spokane Housing Authority invites SHA clients, residents, landlords, and the general public to attend a PUBLIC HEARING ON the above noted items on September 25th at 3:30 P.M. at 25 W. Nora Ave., Spokane.
Free Parking and accessibility for the disabled is available; call 509-252-7125 if you or a family member needs to request a reasonable accommodation.
Notice of Waiting List Opening For Project Based Voucher Program Units
/in Events, News and Events, Press Releases, Waiting ListsOn April 27th at 8:00 am, the Spokane Housing Authority (SHA) will open their Permanent Supportive Housing Waiting List for the following project-based voucher (PBV) units located at the following projects:
Please keep in mind that certain eligibility requirements apply, you can find these criteria on our website at www.spokanehousing.org/psh, including meeting the required chronically homeless or homeless status for the project and targeted funding criteria as applicable to the unit available.
You can access the Pre-Application for the Permanent Supportive Housing Waiting List on our website at www.spokanehousing.org/psh or at 25 W. Nora Ave., Spokane, WA 99205. You may also visit each location’s leasing office at the addresses above, contact the office at (509) 328-2953 for information on how to apply, or email SHA Customer Service at customerservice@spokanehousing.org for assistance.
This waiting list will remain open.
Notice of Waiting List Opening For Project Based Voucher Program Units
/in News and Events, Press ReleasesOn January 25th, 2023 at 8:00 am, the Spokane Housing Authority (SHA) will open the waiting lists for the following project based voucher (PBV) units located at the following projects:
Please keep in mind that certain eligibility requirements apply, you can find these criteria on our website at www.spokanehousing.org.
You can access the Pre-Application for all above properties:
The waiting list will close on February 3rd at 11:59pm.