Today in Gift-Giving: The Fed Returns Housing Authority to Philadelphia

The Fed has returned the management of the Philadelphia Housing Authority to Philadelphia after two years in federal custody. U.S. Housing and Urban Development Assistant Secretary Sandra Henriquez said at the official gift-giving ceremony:

“We are here today because of the untiring efforts of HUD’s receivership team, in particular Estelle Richman, and a new management team at PHA to restore the credibility of this agency for the citizens of Philadelphia. It’s a great day for the City, the housing authority, HUD, and most importantly, the residents who rely on the housing and services PHA provides.”

Mayor Nutter released a statement, of course, upon receipt of the unwieldy gift:

Now, with PHA’s return to local control, the City of Philadelphia has the opportunity to better coordinate housing policy, related investment decisions and neighborhood revitalization in a transparent and coherent manner that involves all housing agencies and stakeholders for the benefit of the people who live in PHA housing and all Philadelphians.

Meanwhile, Carl Greene’s life continues to get worse. The former head of the Housing Authority may face debarment if Henriquez takes the recommendations of a HUD inspector general. She hasn’t yet decided. She’s probably going to take a rest from Philadelphia for a couple days.

• PHILADELPHIA HOUSING AUTHORITY RETURNED TO LOCAL CONTROL AFTER TWO YEARS UNDER FEDERAL RECEIVERSHIP [RealEstateRama]
• Federal audit of PHA brings more bad news for Greene [philly.com]

Photo via Giantbows.com, manufacturer of giant bows and ribbons