Deputy Secretary Todman meets with Iowa and Nebraska field staff; celebrates $50 million Choice Neighborhood Initiative funding with Omaha community

(L-R) HUD Deputy Secretary Adrianne Todman recognizes Omaha Community Planning and Development Director Tim Severin's 33 years of federal service and retirement.

The HUD Omaha and Des Moines (Iowa) field team gets a quick selfie with Deputy Secretary Todman at the HUD offices.

On September 22, HUD Deputy Secretary Adrianne Todman, joined HUD staff at the Edward Zorinsky Federal Building. While the Deputy Secretary was officially on the ground to present closing remarks and announce the award of $50 million to the city of Omaha and its Choice Neighborhood Initiative (CNI) partners at the Southside Terrace and Indian Village neighborhood, she couldn't miss an opportunity to speak with the HUD field staff and provide an update on the department's activities nationwide while hearing what they had to say.

Over the course of an hour-long visit, staff were briefed on HUD's work across the recently updated strategic plan and the overarching goals of integrating equity and enhanced customer service in our program delivery. Of particular interest to the group was the Deputy Secretary's message related to how HUD formulates its budget request for human capital in collaboration with the Biden-Harris administration.

Staff from the various program offices on-hand, shared keen observations with the Deputy Secretary about the need for more flexibility to serve rural partners that may not be able to meet the rigorous requirements of HUD's many statutes and regulations. In a fortuitous bit of timing, she was also able to recognize the 33 years of faithful federal service of Tim Severin, Community Planning and Development Director in Omaha. Tim retired from the agency on Friday, September 23, and it was an immensely wonderful tribute to be recognized by the Deputy.

When asked about his thoughts on the day's events, acting Omaha Field Office Director Steve Eggleston noted that, "What an outstanding day. It was wonderful for the Deputy Secretary to take the time to engage with our staff on the ground and share her commitment to them and their public service. Also, I am absolutely appreciative of her acknowledgment of Tim's federal service and retirement. It is not often that you get to leave a career as distinguished as his with a send-off from one of HUD's highest leaders. Also, I know that the city of Omaha and the Choice Neighborhood Initiative partners are excited for this grant and what it will do to transform the Southside Terrace and Indian Hills neighborhood."

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