Udall, Bennet Congratulate Denver City Councilman Rick Garcia on Appointment to Regional HUD Post

Lawmakers Nominated Garcia for Appointment Overseeing HUD Programs in 6 Western States

Washington, D.C. – February 1, 2010 – (RealEstateRama) — Today, U.S. Senators Mark Udall and Michael Bennet congratulated Denver City Councilman Rick Garcia on his appointment by the Obama Administration to serve as the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Region VIII Director. Senators Udall and Bennet recommended Garcia for the position, based on his longstanding advocacy on behalf of Colorado residents and his distinguished background in public policy and economic development. In the position, Garcia will oversee fair and affordable housing initiatives in Colorado and five other western states.

“I want to congratulate Rick on his appointment and pledge my ongoing support for his leadership at the Department of Housing and Urban Development,” Senator Udall said. “Rick has worked hard on behalf of those who make Colorado their home and place of business. He is now in an exceptional position to apply that same expertise and dedication to public service as he helps oversee HUD priorities in the region. This is an especially important job as we work to help families through tough economic times – especially those at risk of home foreclosure – and I was proud to recommend him for the appointment.”

“Rick is a great choice for this position,” Senator Bennet said. “I had the opportunity to work side by side with him during my days with the City of Denver and Denver Public Schools. His ability to bring people together, his tremendous work ethic, and his depth of private and public sector experience will help him lead HUD’s efforts to build smarter cities, stronger communities, and make quality housing a reality for every American.”

Garcia was elected as Denver District 1 Councilman in 2003, serving on the General Government, Public Safety and Economic Development Committees, focusing on business growth, neighborhood revitalization and transit projects. Prior to his City Council election, he served as RTD Board Commissioner, leading the successful passage of the FasTracks Initiative. He also founded the Denver Enterprise Center, a small business incubator and served as State Director of Small Business Development for former Colorado Governor Roy Romer.

HUD’s Region VIII covers Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, Montana, and North and South Dakota. The responsibilities of the regional director include leading efforts in affordable housing, housing discrimination, disabled access, fair housing, veterans’ housing and foreclosure mitigation in this six-state region.