City of Phoenix, Arizona, Official Municipal Web site

for information about this site's accessibility, click here

Image of Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon at news media event


Discover Phoenix	Residents	Businesses	City Government	Employment	Youth & Seniors	e-Services	Home

		Up one level

Media Center
	News
	Media Resources
	City Newsletters

July 31, 2008

Phoenix Housing Department Earns Three Awards

The Arizona Chapter of the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO) has presented the city of Phoenix Housing Department with three awards at this year’s annual conference.

The awards recognize excellence in providing important services and a better living environment for residents of public and affordable housing. The Housing Department received the recognition in the following categories:

Building Maintenance Worker Joe Duran received the Maintenance Employee of the Year Award. This award honors an employee who has performed his duties with excellence, integrity and professionalism and has demonstrated courtesy, concern, responsiveness and dedication both within and outside the industry. Mr. Duran was nominated by the Housing Department because of a strong work ethic during his 23-year tenure with the department, his compassion and positive attitude when working with residents and his willingness to go above and beyond the call of duty.

The Housing Department’s Section 8 Inspectors and Technical Services Section received the Innovative Program of the Year Award for the Public Housing Inspection Efficiencies Program. Through this program, the Housing Department implemented remote computing for its inspection staff and developed a computer program for inspectors to easily navigate the housing system and enter their inspection results in real time. Due to these technology enhancements, inspectors have seen a 25 percent increase in inspections from the previous year. Team members for the program include Mike Walgamotte, Linda Murrietta and Richard Dominguez from Section 8 Housing and Kevin Igo, Becky Savallisch, Mark Heitowit and Joe Schaffner from Technical Services.

Finally, Michael Davis, a public housing resident, received the Hero of Assisted Housing Award, which honors a resident who has demonstrated the qualities and character that make him a role model for others. As a resident at the Luke – Krohn Apartments, Mr. Davis served on the BlockWatch and Tenant Council. He also has volunteered at the Luke Krohn Senior Center and works as a Volunteer Income Tax Assistant (VITA) with the Public Housing VITA Sites Program. Serving in these roles, and especially with a visual impairment, Mr. Davis is an inspiration to all.

For more information visit phoenix.gov/housing or call 602-262-6794.

Media Contacts:

Last modified on


Related Links


	Public Information Office
	Phoenix Film Office
	Phoenix Facts
	Community Profile
	Mayor/City Council
	Public Meetings
	City Departments
	Codes, Ordinances, Public Records
	Artist Media Resource Directory
	Political Sign Ordinance
	Subscribe to City News