SECRETARY SHAUN DONOVAN STATEMENT ON THE PASSING OF FORMER SECRETARY JAMES LYNN

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

"As a leader primarily known for cutting budgets, Secretary Lynn was single-mindedly focused on improving the efficiency and effectiveness of government.

"From the moment he arrived at HUD in February of 1973, he began to work on what was to be his greatest legacy here at this Department - changing the way the federal government invested in community development and affordable housing. That change became the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program which continues to be the primary vehicle to stimulate community development, public improvements, and affordable housing in more than 1,200 cities, counties and states across America.

"Secretary Lynn also helped to create a new way to provide rental assistance to lower income families through a new voucher program that remains the largest HUD program serving two million families each year.

"In two short years sitting in the seat I currently occupy, James Lynn helped to reshape HUD into the Department it is today. Our collective thoughts and prayers go out to his family at this difficult time."

###