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Cuyahoga County Treasurer Receives National Recognition for Contributions to Affordable Housing and Community Development
Neighborhood Housing Services of Greater Cleveland Nominates Jim Rokakis For NeighborWorks® America Government Service Award
Jim Rokakis, Cuyahoga County, Ohio, Treasurer, has been recognized by NeighborWorks® America for his leadership in strengthening neighborhoods and communities by expanding the affordable housing supply for low- and moderate-income families. Treasurer Rokakis was nominated by local affordable housing advocate Neighborhood Housing Services of Greater Cleveland (NHSGC) for the NeighborWorks® Government Service Award. He was recently honored at an awards ceremony in Washington, D.C.
A chartered member of NeighborWorks® America, NHSGC has provided families in Northeast Ohio with housing education and home repair loans for over 30 years. NHSGC has worked with Treasurer Rokakis on many initiatives, most recently the Cuyahoga County Foreclosure Prevention Program.
According to Rokakis, “I am honored and humbled to have been selected for this award. Quality, affordable housing is one of our most basic and important needs and I am proud that my work has had a positive impact. We can’t, however, simply rest on our laurels. With the impending foreclosure crisis there is plenty of work to do.”
Jim Rokakis lead a series of sweeping reforms that included an overhaul of the county’s property tax collection system, numerous operational reforms, and a streamlined foreclosure process for abandoned properties. He developed a ground-breaking Home Enhancement Loan Program (HELP) – the first of its kind in the country – that offers home improvement loans at three percentage points below market rates.
“I have worked closely with Treasurer Rokakis and am thoroughly impressed by his pioneering approach, tireless dedication, and his ability to guide new policies and programs that positively affect homeowners and those looking to become homeowners”, said Lou Tisler, executive director of NHSGC. “I cannot think of a better recipient for this award.”
The Treasurer’s latest projects include the creation of the Cuyahoga County Foreclosure Prevention program as well as holding a key position on Ohio’s Foreclosure Prevention task force -- programs designed to tackle escalating foreclosure rates in his county and throughout the state. His commitment to improving the quality of life for every resident through neighborhood revitalization has earned the respect of residents, business, and community leaders throughout the region.
“Jim Rokakis has shown an unwavering commitment to and support for public policies that advance community revitalization goals,” said Ken Wade, CEO, NeighborWorks® America. “His leadership has helped transform his community and we are proud to honor him for his invaluable contributions to affordable housing.”
The NeighborWorksÒ Government Service Awards honor significant contributions at the federal, state and local levels of individuals whose work improves the lives of those in communities of need. Winners have achieved substantive accomplishments that include initiating and implementing public policies and programs that strengthen communities or expand the supply of affordable housing. They are in touch with their constituents – listening to their opinions and working with them to implement strategies and policies that succeed. Their demonstrated commitment and dedication make them stand out as leaders in touch with the people they serve.
“With so many Americans struggling to afford housing, the commitment demonstrated by Jim Rokakis at the local government level is ever more important,” said Wade. “Treasurer Rokakis recognizes the multiple dividends paid through affordable housing in the form of improved community safety, stronger civic engagement and better outcomes for low- and moderate-income families.”
According to NeighborWorks, for every dollar spent on quality, affordable housing, at least twenty dollars are returned in the form of job creation, increased independence and tax contributions, new businesses, and access to higher education.
“Jim Rokakis is an elected official with his heart in the right place, who has the creativity to develop innovative programs that improve lives, and the leadership to deliver results,” said Tisler.
For more information about the NeighborWorks® Government Service Awards and the 2007 award winners, please visit here.
