Panel chosen to govern new housing authority

The valley's three public housing authorities this week took another step toward merging into one of the largest agencies of its kind in the country.

The Southern Nevada Regional Housing Authority now has a governing board of nine commissioners, Clark County officials announced Thursday.

Many officials have long suggested that combining the Clark County, Las Vegas and North Las Vegas housing authorities, tasked with providing housing for the poor, would be more convenient and save money.

"With one housing authority instead of three, there will be less confusion, more accountability and better service," Clark County Commissioner Chris Giunchigliani said.

Gov. Jim Gibbons this year signed into law a bill that allows such a merger.

The measure requires the consolidation be complete by January.

The combined "superagency" will have a $113 million budget, employ 250 people, and manage about 3,000 public housing units and nearly 9,000 Section 8 vouchers, which can be used to rent housing.

The new commissioners are: Tim O'Callaghan, Danielle Turner, the Rev. Dave Casaleggio, Brenda Williams, Haywood Carter, Shondra Summers-Armstrong, Dora LaGrande, Deborah Patton and Richard Sadler.

The county, Las Vegas, North Las Vegas and Henderson each have representatives on the board.

The board's first meeting will be at 6 p.m. Tuesday in the council chambers at Las Vegas City Hall.

One of its first orders of business will be to name an interim director for the regional agency.

Contact reporter Lynnette Curtis at lcurtis@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0285.