[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 123 (Tuesday, September 14, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1594-E1595]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING MR. JON GRESLEY

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BARBARA LEE

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 14, 2010

  Ms. LEE of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Oakland 
Housing Authority Executive Director Jon Gresley for his extraordinary 
career of public service and leadership on the occasion of his 
retirement. Known for his innovative vision of affordable housing, his 
steadfast commitment to those in need, and his talent for creating and 
sustaining important relationships among his staff, colleagues and 
community, Mr. Gresley has touched thousands of lives through his work 
in the Bay Area.
  Three decades ago, Mr. Jon Gresley turned a temporary assignment with 
the Oakland Housing Authority, OHA, into what has become a 
transformative legacy for our city's public housing. Under Mr. 
Gresley's excellent leadership during the past 32 years, OHA has 
achieved success through effective partnerships and offers a 
groundbreaking combination of services, safety and choice for its 
residents.
  The award-winning OHA, which celebrated its 70th anniversary in 2008, 
operates--directly or indirectly through partners and affiliates--about 
4,000 affordable housing units and administers more than 11,000 Section 
8 Vouchers. In keeping with Mr. Gresley's commitment to teamwork and 
ingenuity, OHA has formed a collaborative model that is an example 
within the affordable housing industry nationwide. Additionally, OHA is 
one of only a handful of housing authorities in the United States that 
has its own police department.
  As a key architect of OHA' s participation in the HOPE VI and Moving 
to Work, MTW, program applications to the U.S. Department of Housing 
and Urban Development, Mr. Gresley helped to make OHA one of only 35 
housing authorities in the Nation to receive special MTW designation. 
This designation has resulted in increased flexibility and 
opportunities for the Authority. OHA also obtained four HOPE VI grants, 
which allowed it to remodel nearly 400 rental units, and rebuild and 
expand 394 dilapidated public housing units into 939 units of self-
sustaining, mixed-income developments. As can be seen at developments 
such as Tassafaronga, Mandela Gateway and Lion Creek Crossings, the 
creation, preservation, expansion and enhancement of affordable housing 
has defined Mr. Gresley's OHA tenure.
  Widely respected in his field, Mr. Gresley was sought after by 
leading groups such as the National Association of Housing and 
Redevelopment Officials, NAHRO, and the Council of Large Public Housing 
Authorities, CLPHA, where he serves as Treasurer. His talents were also 
put to use as a presenter to various congressional committees, as well 
as the Federal Reserve Bank.
  I personally appreciate Jon's vigilance and his wisdom. I could 
always count on Jon whenever I needed good information to present to 
Congress regarding public housing. He has been a tremendous asset, not 
only to the 9th Congressional District, but to the entire country.
  Throughout his career, Mr. Gresley has been praised for his strategy, 
strong leadership, integrity and compassion. His work has

[[Page E1595]]

created countless opportunities for community members to enjoy a better 
quality of life, secure hope for the future and reach their full 
potential. OHA will continue his work of building a brighter future for 
generations to come.
  On behalf of the residents of California's 9th Congressional 
District, Mr. Jon Gresley, I salute you. I congratulate you on your 
many achievements, and I wish you and your loved ones all the best in 
this next chapter of life.

                          ____________________