Rep. Cleaver Receives Congressional Partnership Award for Housing and Community Development Work in Congress

(Washington, D.C.) – This month, the Council of State and Community Development Agencies (COSCDA) recognized U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) with their first-ever Congressional Partnership Award for his commitment to federal housing and community development programs. The award comes in recognition of Congressman Cleaver’s efforts to promote economic development in underserved communities across the country such as through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and CDBG-Disaster Recovery programs.

“Given my childhood residence was a two-bedroom shack and seven years in public housing, this award is one of the most consequential recognitions of my political career,” said Congressman Cleaver. “Affordable housing is the key to unlocking resilient and inclusive community development, which is why I’ve worked tirelessly to strengthen programs like CDBG, the HOME program, and the Housing Trust Fund that support investments in low-cost housing all across the nation.”

“On behalf of COSCDA, we extend our sincere appreciation to Congressman Cleaver for his leadership and commitment to federal community development programs,” said Deborah Johnson, COSCDA President and Director of Maine’s Office of Community Development. “He has gone above and beyond to advance federal investments responsive to local infrastructure, housing, and related needs. We are especially grateful for the continued engagement on enhancements to CDBG promoting increased flexibility, streamlined administration, and more expedient assistance for underserved populations and disaster survivors.”

Founded in 1974, COSCDA is a national association that brings together state and federal leaders on housing, homelessness, community development, and disaster recovery. The COSCDA Congressional Partnership Award recognizes members of Congress for their outstanding contributions to federal programs benefiting state and local actions in community development. COSCDA established the award in 2023 to honor congressional champions of HUD Community Planning and Development (HUD-CPD) programs.

Congressman Cleaver currently serves as Ranking Member of the Financial Services Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance. Last year, Cleaver successfully passed his bill to stimulate economic development in underserved communities though the House of Representatives. In May, Cleaver introduced a bipartisan bill that would increase federal funding for projects supported by the CDBG program. In July, Cleaver introduced the bipartisan Choice in Affordable Housing Act to expand access to low-cost housing for low-income families.

“As the Ranking Member of the Financial Services Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance, I am committed to using my influence in Congress to support the revitalization of underserved communities in my congressional district, including by providing local leaders with the federal resources and flexibility necessary to lower housing costs and drive economic development,” said Congressman Cleaver. “I’m honored to receive the Congressional Partnership Award in recognition of my efforts, and I will continue working with COSCDA and local leaders to further these goals.”

Emanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee's Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Greenwood, Blue Springs, North Kansas City, Gladstone, and Claycomo. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee and Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance.