Homelessness, rental affordability and equality, and home ownership. These are the three main problems that an agency tasked with managing housing and urban development in the U.S. must address according to Henry Cisneros, former Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
Secretary Cisneros worked diligently on these issues while he led HUD through an era of sweeping reform during the Clinton administration. Although these are daunting challenges, Cisneros was no stranger to the task when he accepted his post as Secretary. Coming from a successful tenure as Councilmen and Mayor of San Antonio, Texas, Cisneros was at the helm of a major urban Renaissance that saw San Antonio blossom into a community of national presence. San Antonio was named an All American City during his 8 year stint as Mayor. In addition to promoting economic growth in the business sector, Cisneros did not neglect the City’s less fortunate populations. He successfully led large infrastructure investments in the poorer, mostly Hispanic, west side neighborhoods. Artfully leveraging the rising tide to lift all boats, Secretary Cisneros left a positive and lasting impact on one of America’s major, now flourishing, urban centers.
Much progress was made in housing and urban development issues during Cisneros term with HUD and since, but there is still work to do. Recently, Cisneros co-authored the book “Building Equitable Cities” to illuminate our current challenges, and a path to resolve them. Secretary Cisneros visited Boise last week to share his expertise and ideas. He addressed members of the Urban Land Institute, and met with key leaders including Mayor Bieter. Join our conversation Tuesday July 24th at 3 pm on Radio Boise to learn what Henry Cisneros has to say about the state of U.S. urban development in Boise and beyond.
Join us Tuesdays at 3pm on Radio Boise at 89.9 FM or 93.5 FM in the Treasure Valley. Or stream us online at http://www.radioboise.org. Got an idea for a show? We’d love to hear about it! Contact us at buildingagreeneridaho@gmail.com