Recognizing that the Philadelphia Housing Authority (PHA) is Essential to the City of and Requires Full Funding to Operate Quality Affordable Housing.

WHEREAS, PHA is essential to the City and is home to almost 79,000 City residents; and

WHEREAS, PHA has provided high quality affordable housing to the residents of the City; and

WHEREAS, PHA has successfully assisted residents of the City with moving-to-work programs and pre-apprenticeship training; and

WHEREAS, Developments built by PHA have increased the values of neighboring properties and communities in the City; and

WHEREAS, Pennsylvania's congressional delegation must support PHA and Pennsylvania's housing authorities by providing them with full funding; and

WHEREAS, The new Public Housing operating fund rule adversely effects the ability of PHA to provide affordable housing in the City; and

WHEREAS, Funding cuts from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development will result in the Federal Government providing only 78% of what is needed to operate public housing, leading to diminished services to public housing residents in the City; now therefore

RESOLVED, That the Philadelphia City Council recognizes the importance of the quality services, support and housing provided by PHA and calls upon Pennsylvania's congressional delegation and the President of the United States to support full funding of the housing authorities in this Commonwealth, including PHA.

FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be sent to President Bush and all members of the Pennsylvania congressional delegation.

End