The Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) is pleased to announce the hiring of Donald Paredez as its new Community Services Administrator. Paredez brings more than 20 years of experience in public housing management.

"I am very excited to have Donald on the Housing Team. He has demonstrated experience and leadership in turning troubled housing authorities into high performing agencies," said HCD Director Liz Morales. "We have made good changes in the past three years, but having Donald on board, I am confident that we will become even more effective and responsive for our community."

In his most recent position, Paredez served as the Housing Administrator for the city of Glendale. In his capacity he directed the day-to-day operations of that city's  Housing Authority, coordinated with affordable housing developers the addition of 1,200 new units to the city, worked with the community development staff to develop new programs, and sought new funding to support Glendale's low-income residents.

"I like the feeling that I helped people with their basic needs," he said. "It brings me joy to help people."

He previously worked in seven states, including North Carolina and Florida, in various public and private housing related positions.

As Community Services Administrator, Paredez will develop and coordinate assisted housing, human services and community development programs for low and moderate income individuals.

HCD has 1,505 public housing units, 400 affordable units and approximately 5,400 Housing Choice (Section 8) vouchers.

He said his goals include continuing the strong work of Tucson's public housing staff and programs, provide excellent service to the public and City staff, work toward more efficient operations and collaborate on building more affordable housing.