Tucson Housing Department Hires Administrator

Press release from the City of Tucson:

June 29, 2021

The City of Tucson is pleased to announce that Jason Thorpe has been hired as the Community Services Administrator for the Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD). Jason is currently the primary staff person for the City’s functions as the Continuum of Care lead agency, through the Tucson Pima Collaboration to End Homelessness (TPCH), and he brings 18 years of experience working in and managing community projects funded through U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) entitlement programs.

The Community Services Administrator oversees the activities and personnel of the Planning and Community Development (PCD) Division of HCD. This position is responsible for the City’s allocation of HUD entitlement grant programs including Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program, Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG), HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME), and Housing Opportunities for People with Aids (HOPWA).

"I am excited to move into this role and re-focus my passion for addressing the crisis of homelessness as a symptom of inadequate housing availability and community infrastructure to more upstream approaches that advance affordable housing access, community and housing safety, housing and financial stability, equitable homeownership and home maintenance opportunity, and sustainable community infrastructure," said Jason about his transition to the Community Services Administrator position.

"Jason has already demonstrated his leadership, relationship-building, and vision within HCD and we are looking forward to his influence overseeing the PCD Division within our department,” said Liz Morales, the City of Tucson's Director of Housing and Community Development. “We know he will continue to cultivate and preserve important community partnerships for the challenges Tucson faces when it comes to poverty, affordable housing, and homelessness."

About HCD’s PCD Division

HCD’s PCD Division supports strong communities and safe and decent living environments by funding important projects and programs such as new and rehabilitated affordable housing, shelters and outreach for persons experiencing homelessness, food security programs, and additional services for low and moderate income persons. Over ten million dollars is administered annually in HUD Community Planning and Development funds (CDBG, ESG, HOPWA, HOME). These dollars support homeless services, affordable housing, rehabilitation of rental housing and homeowner housing, public facilities, human services, and more.

This press release was produced by the City of Tucson. The views expressed here are the author's own.