Great urban places
are great places for all

In my opinion, Elinor was the best HUD deputy assistant secretary/political appointee in the three decades I have been dealing with HUD.  She had the vision, passion and leadership to understand and realize the full potential of HOPE VI.  Great leaders are great listeners but also great doers.  That definitely describes Elinor. She created a community of practice – PHAs, resident leaders, socially-motivated developers, tax credit investors, urban planners, architects & elected officials. 

This community of practice that she created, through sheer force of will, was foundational to all that we do today - mixed finance / mixed income strategies, new urbanism thinking, resident participation, meaningful community services, holistic community revitalization. 

Elinor listened, built the case, brought evidence, used political capital  and made the policy changes happen. What distinguishes her leadership is the openness, pursuit of the best thinking and ability to turn thought to action. Elinor is an exemplary public servant and a leader who changed the course of public policy on how we transform the most distressed communities in our country.

As one walks along the gleaming new structures at The Wharf, it is remarkable to see how much thought and attention has been devoted to properly acknowledging the past. The Wharf Heritage Program provides a distinct sense of place and ensures that two centuries of our own neighborhood history will be celebrated for many years to come.