PHB celebrates milestones
December 4, 2009
Yesterday afternoon we joined community supporters, business and non-profit partners, and friends at an Open House to formally launch the new home of the Portland Housing Bureau in the Commonwealth Building.
The Open House was a time to celebrate the achievement of three major goals for 2009:
- secure new funding for Housing Bureau programs;
- build the Resource Access Center; and
- create a new housing bureau by combining PDC’s housing programs and staff with the former Bureau of Housing and Community Development.
During the last budget cycle, with many bureaus taking 5% cuts, the budget for housing increased by 30%; we broke ground on the RAC on November 20; and, the creation of the new Portland Housing Bureau promises to streamline programming and services by combining the best of PDC and the Bureau of Housing and Community Development.
PHB's new space is sustainable and cost-effective, incorporating green features like recycled building materials and office furniture, natural light, and motion-sensitive lighting.
Congratulations to everyone who made this day possible!
Especially Margaret Van Vliet, the dynamic new leader of PHB.
Thanks to Jennifer Kalez for the photo!