President Joe Biden announced, on Jan. 20, the appointment of former Brooklyn Councilmember Alicka Ampry-Samuel to serve as Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) regional administrator for Region II, which serves both New York and New Jersey.
“I am excited to serve as HUD regional administrator for New York and New Jersey and continue my work in housing and economic development,” said Ampry-Samuel in a statement.
Ampry-Samuel previously served in the 41st city council district, which includes Brownsville, Bushwick, Crown Heights, East Flatbush and Prospect Lefferts Gardens. She was appointed deputy leader and chair of the Public Housing Committee. Her council district included the highest concentration of New York City Housing Authority housing in North America.
She was running for a second term last year, when she was beat out by Darlene Mealy for her seat.
Ampry-Samuel has also held a number of public service positions, including as a chief of staff in the New York State Assembly and working at the United States Embassy in Accra and Ghana as a democracy and human rights coordinator, culminating in over 20 years of experience helping individuals, families, and organizations in the housing and community development fields.
“I look forward to increasing access to quality affordable housing for low-income residents and homebuyers and ensuring HUD grantees provide economic opportunities and services to underserved populations. We must work together to improve the quality of life for New Yorkers and New Jerseyans,” Ampry-Samuel added.
Regional administrators oversee HUD operations in New York City and field offices in Buffalo, Albany, and Newark, New Jersey. HUD plays a major role in supporting homeownership by underwriting mortgages for lower- and moderate-income families through its mortgage insurance programs.
“Regional Administrator Ampry-Samuel comes to HUD with a long and admirable record of service fighting on behalf of communities in support of housing and community development,” said HUD Office of Field Policy and Management Assistant Deputy Secretary Michele Perez. “She grew up in public housing, giving her an empathetic and deep understanding of the experiences and the needs of the Department’s most vulnerable customers. I am genuinely thrilled that she has again answered the call to serve.”
Ariama C. Long is a Report for America corps member and writes about culture and politics in New York City for The Amsterdam News. Your donation to match our RFA grant helps keep her writing stories like this one; please consider making a tax-deductible gift of any amount today by visiting: https://tinyurl.com/fcszwj8w
Hello Alicka we meet at the signing of the loan in Coop city at that time I ask about someone to address housing for are resources fair June 18th at grace Baptist church in mont vernon NY 10550