Real Estate Development Team Receives Public Service Award
On December 4, NYCHA’s Real Estate Development Department (REDD) was honored by the New York Housing Conference (NYHC) for the Authority’s successful efforts in advancing the Permanent Affordability Commitment Together (PACT) program.
The nonprofit affordable housing policy and advocacy organization presented the REDD team, led by Executive Vice President and Chief Real Estate Officer Jonathan Gouveia, with its Public Service Award at NYHC’s 52nd Annual Awards event at the Marriott Marquis in Times Square. In addition to the awards ceremony, the event included a morning policy symposium and networking reception. This year’s theme, “Strength in Partnership,” recognized individual and group honorees whose partnerships have produced meaningful results for New Yorkers.
Charged with reinvesting in, restoring, and rebuilding the public housing portfolio across the city, REDD works to secure capital sources and operational expertise through innovative partnerships, centered on robust resident engagement and collaboration. Under the leadership of REDD and its partners, the PACT program has led to the comprehensive rehabilitation and preservation of nearly 30,000 apartments, along with more than $8 billion in capital investments for residents to date. Joining the REDD team at the ceremony were Keith Ramsey and Christal Brown, President and Vice President, respectively, of the Eastchester Gardens Resident Association, as invited guests of their PACT partner team, MDG Design + Construction, Infinite Horizons, and Wavecrest Management.
In accepting his team’s Public Service Award, Mr. Gouveia said the Strength in Partnership theme “resonates deeply.”
“Everything REDD has achieved has been made possible by partnership – steady, sustained partnership at every level,” he said. “Partnership has proven to be our superpower.”
Executive Vice President and Chief Real Estate Officer Jonathan Gouveia accepted the New York Housing Conference’s Public Service Award on behalf of REDD. (courtesy of Christopher Pope, NYHC)
The PACT program transitions developments from traditional Section 9 assistance to Project-Based Section 8, unlocking funding to provide comprehensive apartment improvements and building upgrades as well as enhanced property management and social services. PACT maintains residents’ rights and preserves affordable rents for all households.
“In every development, in every project, in every conversation with residents, we look for opportunity to reinvest, restore, and rebuild the physical and human aspects of our communities,” Mr. Gouveia said. “Our vision is bold but simple – to transform NYCHA communities from places of disinvestment to places of delight.”
Overall, 146 NYCHA developments are in pre-development, are under construction, or have completed construction through PACT. The Authority is working to include 62,000 apartments in the PACT program and bring its wide-ranging benefits to improve the quality of life for more than 142,000 residents throughout the city.
“The REDD team has been instrumental in reimagining public housing revitalization through the lens of commitment, strategic partnerships, and an unwavering determination,” Mat Wambua, Vice Chair at Merchants Capital, noted when presenting the award. “The REDD team centers NYCHA’s residents in all their redevelopment initiatives, always engaging them meaningfully in shaping the future of their homes.”
Featured photo caption: Real Estate Development Department team members celebrate their Public Service Award at NYHC’s 52nd Annual Awards event on December 4. (courtesy of Christopher Pope, NYHC)
