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Klein was appointed as head of the Department of Housing in February 2013 when the position was created.
“As I have often made clear, the availability of affordable housing needs to be a priority because it is integral to driving economic development and growing jobs,” Malloy said in a statement. “In Connecticut, these efforts were allowed to languish for too long, which is why we recently announced that our state will be making its most significant commitment to affordable housing in decades. Evonne Klein has been central to these efforts and has been working closely with folks from throughout the state to revitalize our affordable housing stock."
During her brief tenure at the position, Klein has helped oversee the creation of the new Department of Housing.
“It has been an honor and a privilege to serve Governor Malloy and the residents of Connecticut in this capacity for the last two years,”Klein said in a statement. “While we have achieved much in the first term, I look forward to the next term with great anticipation. We will continue the progress made in ending homelessness, improving quality-of-life issues for residents, and helping communities increase affordable housing options in their towns.”
Her accomplishments include:
- Oversaw the creation of the new Department of Housing. Proposed by Malloy, the department consolidated all housing programs and employees from multiple state agencies to advance strategies and administer programs that promote the development, redevelopment, and preservation of housing for very low- and moderate-income families.
- Implemented the governor’s $300 million plan to revitalize and preserve the more than 340 properties in the state-sponsored housing portfolio.
- Revamped funding programs and processes that have resulted in increases in housing investment across the state. Fueled by Malloy’s financial commitment to expand housing opportunities across the state, the department has created and preserved 1,224 housing units (1,205 affordable) in 2014, with an additional 3,673 units under construction. In addition, the department has financial commitments in place that will to build another 7,100 units across the state.
- In collaboration with advocates and providers, spearheaded the creation of eight regional networks to address homelessness statewide.
- Successfully obtained approval from the Legislative Regulation Review Committee for the agency’s regulations regarding tenants’ right and grievance procedures.
- Assisted shoreline owners interested in protecting their homes and businesses from future storms by establishing a $25 million fund to provide low-interest loans to property owners for property elevations and flood protection activities.
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