GHURA taps UOG’s graduate students to develop housing strategy, rebrand agency

The Guam Housing and Urban Renewal Authority (GHURA) recently partnered with the University of Guam’s Regional Center for Public Policy and students of the MPA program with the goal of (a) developing an Affordable Housing Strategic Plan and (b) helping launch GHURA’s Rebranding Campaign. Rather than contracting with consultants to perform such work, the housing authority instead made an offer to the MPA program to take on a project that may help shape their future by participating in the development of public policy as it relates to affordable housing. The students would have vested interest in this project as most would end up being the future homeowners of Guam. The finished products will be unveiled at UOG’s 2022 Conference on Island Sustainability scheduled for April. Creating successful partnerships to improve access to suitable affordable housing and homelessness prevention have been top priorities for the Leon Guerrero / Tenorio Administration.

“I am a firm believer that great leadership is a combination of inherent and learned skills. Some of us come into this world as natural born-leaders while others may have the qualities that require just a little bit of guidance. This a great opportunity for current public servants to help mold the future leaders of this government.” said GHURA Executive Director Ray Topasna. “Partnerships like this must be mutually beneficial. As such, GHURA will receive a quality strategic plan involving input from all stakeholders, both public and private sectors, and the MPA students shall participate in a process that will help guide elected officials charged with formulating policy. We have a lot of brilliant minds on our island…..we just need to collaborate.” added Topasna.