NYS Looks to Save Dollars by Consolidating Management of Housing Agencies

Brian Lawlor, who was named the commissioner of the New York State Division of Housing and Community Renewal (DHCR), has also been appointed the ceo and president of “nyhomes,” which includes the state’s Housing Finance Agency (HFA) and the State of New York Mortgage Agency (SONYMA). Although the two housing agencies will remain separate entities, the consolidation of DHCR and nyhomes leadership positions is the first step in Governor David Paterson’s plan to create a single management structure. The synergies in administration, asset management, and grant making are expected to produce annual savings of $3.5 million.

“The economic downturn has created a number of challenges for the affordable housing community, making it more important than ever before that the state’s housing agencies work together to help build, preserve, and protect our affordable housing stock,” said Commissioner Lawlor.

Lawlor served as acting commissioner since this past January. Before taking on that role, he served from 2007 as DHCR’s executive deputy commissioner, and oversaw the administration of more than $700 million in stimulus funds, including the largest allocation of Weatherization grants in the country, and more than $260 million for the Tax Credit Assistance Program resources and the State Community Development Block Grant funds.