MPHA outlines $210M budget, heavy federal reliance and levy strategy to finance preservation

MPHA told the Budget Committee that its total annual budget is approximately $210,000,000 and that federal funds account for the overwhelming majority of its revenues.

When asked by Vice Chair Schafer for a high‑level budget figure, MPHA executive director Abdul Warsamy said, "About 210,000,000." MPHA staff estimated federal funding represents roughly "96, 97%" of that total. MPHA staff told the committee the city provides about $5,000,000 a year by levy and that the agency does not receive ongoing state funding but pursues one‑time state capital awards when available.

MPHA said it plans to gradually increase the public housing tax levy it administers to support debt service tied to proposed bond issuances: the agency described a plan that would gradually move annual levy authority toward $8,000,000 over three years in service of multi‑phase projects (including Glendale) and other preservation work. MPHA staff said audited financials are available to city finance and partners and described prior clean audits.

Council members asked about transparency and access to MPHA financial details; MPHA said it reports regularly to the city and Board of Estimate and Taxation and that audited financials and project reporting are provided to partners and lenders during redevelopment financing processes.