Johnson Tours Neighborhoods in Sioux Falls, Meets with Local Leaders About Expanding Affordable Housing

Press Release

U.S. Senator Tim Johnson (D-SD) today discussed ways to expand affordable housing opportunities with local leaders following a tour of housing projects near downtown Sioux Falls. Johnson highlighted how responsible homeownership and rental opportunities, together with partnerships at the federal, state and local level could increase economic development and improve our communities.

"Safe, affordable housing not only connects people to their community, it grows the economy and puts the pieces in place for future growth," said Johnson. "I'm pleased to see the new housing opportunities in Sioux Falls, and I want to make sure leaders at all levels are working together to build on these efforts."

Johnson toured the new affordable housing complex in the Pettigrew Heights neighborhood, which was made possible through the Neighborhood Stabilization Program. The program is a unique partnership between Sioux Falls Community Development, the state Housing Development Authority and the City of Sioux Falls.

He then boarded the City Trolley for a tour of housing projects in Sioux Falls with a cross-section of housing officials, including Darrin Smith, Director of Sioux Falls Community Development and Jim Schmidt, Executive Director of the Sioux Empire Housing Partnership.

Following the tour, Johnson held a meeting with housing leaders to hear what can be done to responsibly expand rental and homeownership opportunities. He was joined by Smith; Schmidt; Shireen Ranschau, Executive Director, Sioux Falls Housing and Redevelopment Commission; Tom Costello, Costello Property Management; Roger Jacobs, Acting State Director, Department of Housing and Urban Development and Craig Lloyd of Lloyd Companies.

"The housing needs in rural America are often different than the issues facing urban areas, and I want to ensure that our state is getting the federal support we need. I will continue working from the Banking and Appropriation Committees to provide for programs that responsibly grow housing opportunities across our state," continued Johnson.

Recently, Johnson worked to include language in the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform Act to ensure that states like South Dakota get their fair share of federal funding under the Neighborhood Stabilization Program. The program helps communities purchase and redevelop foreclosed, blighted or abandoned homes and properties. South Dakota recently received $5 million as part of the program.

Johnson is holding a series of events across South Dakota during the Congressional District Work Period. He has already held additional events in Sioux Falls, Aberdeen, Redfield, Fort Pierre, Lower Brule, Stephan and Fort Thompson. He will continue to travel through the state in the coming days and weeks.

Source