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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE LOS ANGELES, May 3, 2007 — The Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) today recognized Hunter L. Johnson as a Regional Champion at SCAG’s 2007 Annual General Assembly at the Millennium Biltmore. Johnson is one of three local leaders who were honored for their significant contributions in regional planning and collaboration. Johnson is president and CEO of LINC Housing Corporation, a Long Beach-based nonprofit developer of affordable housing for families and seniors throughout California. LINC has helped to develop more than 6,000 affordable homes in 45 communities throughout the state. “Affordable housing is a critical issue in this region, and the challenge is becoming larger, not smaller.” said Mark Pisano, executive director of SCAG and a member of LINC Housing’s board of directors. “Affordability is at an all-time low with only 13 percent of people in this region who can afford their homes. It’s important for nonprofit developers to step up and take a larger role than ever in helping to ensure that more affordable homes are built. Hunter understands this need and is helping to guide the LINC organization to become a leader of change in the industry, finding new ways to make more affordable housing possible.” During his 30-year career in development, affordable housing and structuring public/private partnerships, Johnson has had a hand in developing more than 15,000 units throughout California. He has led LINC Housing in its growth from 1,045 units to more than 6,000 affordable units across the state serving diverse, limited-income residents including seniors, families, farm workers and special needs households in both rural and urban settings. LINC’s assets have a market value of more than $400 million and total revenues are almost $30 million. “I’m honored to receive this recognition,” said Johnson. “I’m also encouraged by it because I believe it acknowledges the incredible challenge our region faces in providing homes for all who live here. I also think it reflects the confidence SCAG has in nonprofit housing organization like LINC, that we can make real contributions to meeting this challenge.” SCAG is the nation’s largest metropolitan planning organization, representing six counties, 187 cities and more than 18 million residents. SCAG undertakes a variety of planning and policy initiatives to plan for a livable, sustainable Southern California now and in the future. |
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