Michael Lundy Gets a Strong Start as SPHA's New CEO

ST. PETERSBURG, FL. 3/4/21 - The St. Petersburg Housing Authority (SPHA or "Authority") is pleased to celebrate a successful first six months under the leadership of our new Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Michael Lundy, and looks forward to a bright future under his guidance.

One of Mr. Lundy's largest and most exciting undertakings is the redevelopment of Jordan Park Apartments. After finalizing the strategic plan and receiving Board approval in November 2020, the Authority will begin an extensive renovation of all 206 family units, as well as construction of a new 60-unit senior midrise. Redevelopment of both the senior property and the family apartments is expected to begin by Summer 2021. The renovation of Jordan Park Apartments will occur in two phases.

"Mr. Lundy's passion and dedication have been evident from day one. The Board is very pleased that he views his role as much more than bricks and mortar. The redevelopment of Jordan Park is the number one priority and we are excited about our current direction. This is one of many goals we hope to achieve in service to our community," said Commissioner James Dates, Chairman of the SPHA Board of Commissioners.

"We are eager to break ground on this long-awaited affordable housing redevelopment in Jordan Park. By incorporating construction concepts and finishes consistent with market rate housing, we will improve the quality of life for the families we serve," Mr. Lundy said.

Since his hire, Mr. Lundy has met and formed working relationships with several stakeholders and local agencies and non-profits, some of whom have since partnered with the Authority in launching our Family Self-Sufficiency Homeownership Program. The program connects families in Section 8 and Public Housing with local services that assist them in moving towards homeownership.

The Authority also applied for various grants and funding, including the Resident Opportunity and Self-Sufficiency (ROSS) Grant, the TD Bank Housing for Everyone Grant, Mainstream Vouchers and Veteran Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH) Vouchers. In November, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) awarded SPHA 75 Mainstream Vouchers, budgeted at $720,000, to assist non-elderly disabled persons. In December, HUD awarded SPHA 50 additional VASH Vouchers budgeted at $355,254.

On January 28, 2021, HUD officially cleared the SPHA of deficiencies cited in its 2019 Comprehensive Management Review. Achieving this milestone is a testament of sound governance from the SPHA Board of Commissioners and good leadership by Mr. Lundy in his first six months at the agency, as well as the hard work and dedication by SPHA staff.

Notwithstanding, the success of correcting the agency's deficiencies is also a result of program oversight and technical assistance provided by the local HUD field office.

These first six months under Mr. Lundy's leadership have marked a dramatic turning point for SPHA and the families the agency serves. There is much more to come.

For more information on our new CEO, please contact our Communications Specialist, Mikayla Gleason.

SPHA provides affordable housing for approximately 4,000 families.