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.
Lori McGowan Named NAHRO’s 2024 Emerging Leader
/in UncategorizedLori 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.
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, Stories(Spokane, WA – March 28, 2024) – The Spokane Housing Authority (SHA), a leading organization dedicated to facilitating access to affordable housing across six Eastern Washington counties, is pleased to announce the acquisition of a vacant seven-acre lot located at 10003 E 4th Avenue in Spokane Valley. Nestled in between Appleway Court and Appleway Terrace, this strategic acquisition marks a significant step forward in addressing the critical need for affordable housing.
With 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.
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING – Spokane Housing Authority’s (SHA) Amended 5-Year Plan, Amended 2023 Annual Plan, and 2023 Moving to Work (MTW) Supplement
/in News and Events, Press ReleasesNOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
Spokane Housing Authority’s (SHA) Amended 5-Year Plan, Amended 2023 Annual Plan, and 2023 Moving to Work (MTW) Supplement is available for public review and comments.
Please see the notice below for more information on the proposed changes and how you can get involved in shaping the future of SHA.
As of January 12, 2023, the draft plan is available for review online at spokanehousing.org and through a link on SHA’s Facebook page. For more information on SHA’s Moving To Work demonstration program, please visit spokanehousing.org/mtw.
DOCUMENTS FOR REVIEW
5 Year Public Housing Authority Plan (Draft)
Amended 2023 Annual Public Housing Authority Plan (Draft)
Moving to Work Supplement
SHARE YOUR FEEDBACK
Public comments will be accepted until Noon local time on Monday, February 27, 2023. To provide public comments online, please visit spokanehousing.org/mtw and fill out the “SHA Speaks Feedback Online Form.” Written comments can also be sent electronically via email to mtw@spokanehousing.org or by fax to (509) 323-2364. Written comments can also be dropped off to ATTN: SHA Public Comment, 25 W. Nora Ave. Spokane, WA 99205.
ATTEND A PUBLIC HEARING
Comments can also be provided live at the public hearing during SHA’s Board Meeting on Monday, February 27, 2023, at 3:30 P.M.
SHA invites all clients, tenants, landlords, and the general public to attend the hearing either in-person at the SHA Board Room (25 W. Nora Ave., Spokane, WA 99205), virtually via Microsoft Teams (meeting link available on Monday, January 23, 2023) or via conference call [dial (509) 703-5933 and enter ID: 277903359# ].
SHA provides free onsite parking and accessible parking spaces for people with disabilities (25 W. Nora Ave., Spokane, WA 99205). To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability, please call (509) 252-7125 or email mtw@spokanehousing.org at least 48 hours in advance of the posted meeting date and time.
Notice of Public Posting and Hearing: HCV Administrative Plan Revisions – Draft January 2023
/in News and Events, Press ReleasesHousing Choice Voucher (HCV) Administrative Plan Revisions
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
The Spokane Housing Authority Board of Commissioners invites SHA clients, residents, landlords, and the general public to attend a PUBLIC HEARING on a revised draft of SHA’s HCV Administrative Plan on January 23rd, 2023 at 3:30 P.M. at 25 W. Nora Ave., Spokane.
A copy of the plan is available starting on 11/18/2022 for review at www.spokanehousing.org.
Public Comments may be submitted in writing to:
Free Parking and accessibility for the disabled is available. If you need a reasonable accommodation to attend this meeting, please contact Amanda at 509-252-7125 or acarpentier@spokanehousing.org.
Community Housing Stability Survey
/in EventsRENTERS, WE NEED YOUR HELP!
We want to know what tenants need across Spokane and Spokane County.
Are you facing eviction?
Do you need rental assistance?
Is your rent rising?
Click this link to Take Our 5 Minute Survey so that community leaders and organizations can better support your needs. You can also scan the QR code to go to the survey from your mobile device:
Enter to win a $50 gas or grocery gift card!
Click this link to download the Housing Survey Flyer.