Arizona Governor Doug Ducey appoints Tom Simplot to head state housing agency
By Associated Press
Tom Simplot
PHOENIX - Gov. Doug Ducey has picked a former Phoenix city councilman and top lobbyist for apartment owners to head the Arizona Department of Housing.
Ducey announced his appointment of Tom Simplot on Wednesday on his Twitter page. He said Simplot s appointment means the state is moving ahead with its efforts to protect vulnerable individuals and families I look forward to working with Tom closely to ensure at-risk Arizonans have a roof over their heads, Gov. Ducey tweeted.
According to a statement released by the Governor s Office, Simplot is taking over the department from Carol Ditmore, who is retiring from state service. Simplot is taking the helm as the state recovers from a pandemic that led many to suddenly lose their jobs and incomes, facing the prospect of eviction or foreclosure.
Arizona governor appoints Tom Simplot to head housing agency
May 5, 2021
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PHOENIX (AP) Gov. Doug Ducey has picked a former Phoenix city councilman and top lobbyist for apartment owners to head the Arizona Department of Housing.
Ducey announced his appointment of Tom Simplot on Wednesday. He takes the helm as the state recovers from a pandemic that led many to suddenly lose their jobs and incomes, facing the prospect of eviction or foreclosure.
Ducey says the state is getting just over $500 million in federal housing assistance to help renters, homeowners and those facing homelessness.
Simplot was on the Phoenix City Council for 10 years, was president and CEO of the Arizona Multihousing Association and was a senior official at the National Endowment for the Arts during Donald Trump’s administration.
Simplot replaces outgoing Director Carol Ditmore, who has led the department since 2017. When I was approached about the possibility, I immediately jumped at the chance, Simplot told The Arizona Republic. The timing is crucial and with the federal funding that will become available and is available and with the surge in homelessness on our streets, it feels as if this is our time as a community, as a state, to really address this in a meaningful and sustainable way.
Ducey also announced $500 million of federal funds to combat homelessness in Arizona. The money comes from the stimulus packages approved by Congress in December 2020 and March 2021.
Gov. Ducey appoints Tom Simplot to Arizona Department of Housing
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and last updated 2021-05-05 15:00:52-04
PHOENIX â Arizona Governor Doug Ducey has appointed a new Director of the Arizona Department of Housing.
On Wednesday, Ducey announced former Phoenix City Councilman Tom Simplot will spearhead a new state effort to combat homelessness and housing instability.
With the appointment of Tom Simplot to Director of @AZHousing, weâre moving full steam ahead on our efforts to protect vulnerable individuals and families. Tom has years of invaluable experience and leadership in enhancing housing options and supporting populations in need. 1/ https://t.co/RuQ2FhV9xs Doug Ducey (@dougducey) May 5, 2021