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2019 SESSION

19106639D
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 1057
Offered February 18, 2019
Commending Brenda G. Willis.
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Patrons-- Hayes and Convirs-Fowler; Senator: Spruill
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WHEREAS, Brenda G. Willis, executive director of the Chesapeake Redevelopment and Housing Authority, retired on January 31, 2019; and

WHEREAS, Brenda Willis began her employment in the City of Chesapeake in August 1994, serving the Chesapeake Redevelopment and Housing Authority (CRHA) for over 24 years, with 21 years as executive director; and

WHEREAS, Brenda Willis served with vision and enlightenment while always displaying the highest standards of personal and professional integrity and dedication; she has made bold moves throughout her tenure and has been a remarkable champion for public housing; and

WHEREAS, during her tenure as executive director, Brenda Willis served on numerous state, regional, and national committees for housing; she rendered outstanding public service on the Mayor’s Task Force Committee on Low Income Housing; and

WHEREAS, Brenda Willis has faithfully and diligently sought and secured numerous state and federal programs for the enrichment and betterment of the city and citizens of Chesapeake in her relentless efforts to serve the CRHA in all its undertakings and activities; and

WHEREAS, under Brenda Willis’ guidance, Virginia’s first 40-unit, multi-family, green build project, Oakdale Square, was developed for low- to moderate-income families; in partnership with EarthCraft Virginia, the revitalization of the Schooner Cove public housing community was redeveloped using a $3.3 million grant from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, with Chesapeake being the sole city in Virginia to receive the energy conservation grant; and

WHEREAS, Brenda Willis developed partnerships with the Chesapeake City Council to build two affordable single-family homes on donated city property to develop affordable and senior housing initiatives; the CRHA has maintained high performer status for the majority of her tenure and has consistently achieved excellent scores on independent audits; and

WHEREAS, Brenda Willis’ level of service for 24 years is a reflection of her enduring dedication to quality, innovation, and social justice; with leadership that was vigilant and disciplined, Chesapeake has benefitted significantly from her influence and legacy that bore witness to the greatness and dignity of the countless lives she has touched; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Brenda G. Willis on the occasion of her retirement as executive director of the Chesapeake Redevelopment and Housing Authority; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Brenda G. Willis as an expression of the General Assembly’s admiration for her commitment to providing affordable, quality housing, revitalizing communities, and promoting upward mobility and self-sufficiency through alliances with public and private sector groups.