Letter to the Honorable Governor Dunleavy
The Honorable Michael J. Dunleavy The Honorable Kevin Meyer
Governor, State of Alaska Lieutenant Governor, State of Alaska
Dear Governor Dunleavy and Lieutenant Governor Meyer:
Commemorating Alaska Housing Finance Corporation’s 50th anniversary has been an extraordinary experience. It has been an odyssey of both extreme successes and challenges steeped in the spirit of “The Last Frontier.” Reflecting on the past, present, and future, our mission continues to be guided by a singular purpose: Serving the people of Alaska by providing access to safe, quality, and affordable housing.
COVID-19 cut a devastating path across Alaska communities, yet the strength of partnership demonstrated what can be achieved when we work together. Action by Congress at the very end of the last calendar year led to hundreds of millions of federal dollars coming to our state. With approval from the legislature and support of you, Governor, AHFC was ready.
We coordinated our work with five nonprofit agencies, 14 regional housing authorities and the Municipality of Anchorage to establish a system that allowed for hundreds of millions of federal dollars in emergency rent relief to get to landlords throughout the state.
At the end of FY2021, we processed and paid 13,690 applications representing 35,053 Alaskan residents, and totaling $61,048,270.21 in Alaska Housing Rent Relief. The speed and efficiency we brought to program development has built momentum and at the end of this calendar year we can objectively say our effort stands out as one of a few national success stories. Alaska is a top performer. We’ve now spent well over $210 million with small business landlords and utilities, resulting in housing security for more than 64,000 Alaskans.
Helping eligible Alaskans impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic required significant focus in FY2021, but we continued with our usual business and outcomes that directly impact the economic health and well-being of the State of Alaska.
Among the authority you and the legislature gave us to accept federal funds include support for an expanded HOME program and new vouchers for those at-risk of homelessness, and financial relief for homeowners who are affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Because of the nature of these federal dollars, planning for how to effectively use the funds occurred this year and our next annual report -- in FY2022 -- will address the impact these dollars have had in our state.
We also use our newsletter, Home Delivery, to update Alaskans about all things related to safe, quality, and affordable housing. We invite all Alaskans to subscribe here.
AHFC FY2021 Achievements:
Retained high ratings by Wall Street’s credit rating agencies
Housed 10,000 Alaskans per night through our Public Housing programs
Operating income of $10 million
Using the statutory formula that provides 75% of adjusted net income to the State of Alaska, calculated a dividend of $26.6 million
Innovative, caring people are the catalyst of AHFC’s success. As we look to the future, our energy positions us to meet the needs of Alaskans where they live. To our partners, staff, the legislature, and people of Alaska, thank you for being part of our history. Your participation and support has made the journey meaningful, and together we have made a difference statewide. May the next 50 years be equally inspired as we continue the adventure of people helping people.