Treasurer Zweifel Calls for Reforms to

State Housing Agency

New chair pushes for accountability and transparency

JEFFERSON CITY - State Treasurer Clint Zweifel called for reforms to the Missouri Housing Development Commission in a news conference in Jefferson City today.  He said he would work with commissioners to pass a reformed standards of conduct policy that would remove conflicts of interest and build Missourians trust in the agency.

"We must build trust with Missourians.  I am bringing a clear policy on ethics that acknowledges this issue cannot just be swept aside," said Treasurer Zweifel, who became chair of MHDC on May 22.  "Specifically, I want to see reforms that lead to MHDC being more professional and more accountable."

Treasurer Zweifel said a strengthened standards of conduct policy would include meaningful and enforceable rules, such as:

•      Commissioners and staff should have no personal financial relationships with anyone receiving benefits from MHDC. If that were the case, the commissioner or staff member should notify the entire commission in public meeting prior to any discussion and then recuse himself or herself from any vote at a minimum.

•      Entities applying to do work for or receiving funding from MHDC would be expected to disclose all of    their business relationships to MHDC.

•      Entities applying to do work for or receiving funding from MHDC would not employ a former commissioner or employee for a period of time following the termination of the commissioner's or the employee's official relationship with the agency.

•      Possible enforcement mechanisms could include applicants being banned from applying for MHDC    benefits

"These standards of conduct will ensure commissioners and staff with personal financial ties recuse themselves from votes and decision making," Treasurer Zweifel said.  "Full disclosure will provide the transparency and openness we need to be accountable to taxpayers."

In addition to building the public's confidence in the agency, Treasurer Zweifel said he wanted to see the agency coordinate efforts to link housing to economic development throughout the state, continue to produce quality affordable housing and provide mortgages for responsible first-time homebuyers.

"With professional, accountable and reformed standards of conduct in place, we can continue to focus on strengthening families and building communities," Treasurer Zweifel said.  "MHDC makes investments throughout the state and these investments add up to have a large impact."

Treasurer Zweifel said he wanted to see MHDC coordinating efforts with the Missouri Department of Economic Development, state and local transportation departments, federal agencies and others who play a role in the economy.  He cited national examples where housing agencies coordinate developments with state and local transportation officials.

"MHDC-funded projects can be an economic catalyst throughout Missouri that create opportunities for job growth, both short-term and long-term, in a strategic fashion," Treasurer Zweifel said.  "As an elected official and as a taxpayer it is critical we leverage MHDC investments to provide the best return possible to taxpayers."

Treasurer Zweifel said he looked forward to working with staff and other commissioners.

"I am open to ideas from all commissioners, staff and Missourians as we move this agency forward," Treasurer Zweifel said.  "There are a lot of talented individuals who value MHDC, and collaborative efforts will ensure the commission reaches its full potential."

News Conference Photos

Picture 1 - State Treasurer Clint Zweifel presents his strategic goals for the Missouri Housing Development Commission at a news conference in Jefferson City today.  He said his priority was to see ethics reforms moved forward quickly.

Picture 2 - State Treasurer Clint Zweifel responds to questions about his proposed reforms at the Missouri Housing Development Commission.  He proposed professional and accountable reforms of the commission's standards of conduct policy during a news conference today in Jefferson City.