2025-2027 Candidate for NAHRO Senior Vice President: Ivory N. Mathews

BIOGRAPHY

Ivory N. Mathews, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Home Forward in Portland, Oregon.

Mathews has dedicated more than two decades of her professional career providing equitable housing solutions and supportive services to families. A first-generation college graduate born and raised in substandard housing in rural South Carolina, she has dedicated her career addressing the needs and challenges of socioeconomically marginalized populations, including BIPOC communities facing barriers to vital resources and opportunities such as inequitable access to employment, education, environmentally safe spaces, healthcare, and housing. Her sensitivity to and awareness of such experiences informs her approach toward creating equitable housing stability solutions for those most impacted. 

As CEO of the largest provider of affordable housing in the state of Oregon, Mathews, and her team of 280 plus employees serve more than 18,000 households in its housing portfolio of more than 7,000 apartments, 9,000 Housing Choice Vouchers, and approximately 2,000 locally funded rental assistance vouchers.

Under Mathew’s leadership, Home Forward continues fostering cooperation and partnerships among a conglomerate of external constituencies and stakeholders, including federal, state, and local government officials; private and non-profit agencies; jurisdictional partners; housing participants; and the community. She also continues the implementation of Home Forward’s vision, mission, strategies, policies, and operational objectives, towards its evolution of becoming a diverse, anti-racist, equitable, and inclusive organization. In addition, Mathews continues to lead the work of attracting, developing, managing, and retaining an effective, diverse workforce.

In 2024, Mathews as Chair of NAHRO’s Legislative Network Advocacy Committee ignited the spirit of activism by leading NAHRO’s August Advocacy campaign in historic participation of 2,500 colleagues delivering more than 140,000 letters to the White House and members of Congress.

In 2023, Mathews was appointed by Oregon’s Governor Tina Kotek to the Housing Production Advisory Council (PHAC), a 25-member group charged with developing a framework and proposed action plan to produce 36,000 additional housing units at all levels of affordability across the state to address Oregon’s current housing shortage and keep pace with projected population growth. The framework resulted in bipartisan support and Oregon’s Legislature passing of HB 1537, approving $369 million in funding to help the state backfill decades-long housing shortage for Oregonians.

In 2022, Mathews was named the National Association of Housing & Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO) Advocate of the Year Award for her role in legislative advocacy.

In 2019, Mathews testified before the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee on the importance of requiring carbon monoxide detectors in all affordable housing units nationwide. The Carbon Monoxide Alarms Leading Every Resident To Safety Act of 2019, subsequently became law.

Mathews has served in leadership roles in housing authorities in the Pacific Northwest Region of NAHRO, the North Central Region of NAHRO and the Southeastern Region of NAHRO. She has worked in small, medium and large housing authorities providing housing solutions in rural, urban, and inner-city communities. These opportunities have given Ivory a unique advantage in understanding the diverse needs of housing and community development entities represented throughout NAHRO’s membership. These roles include…….

PNRC-NAHRO

• Chief Executive Officer, Home Forward, Portland, OR (current)
• NAHRO Legislative Network Advisory Committee Chair (current)
• NAHRO Board of Governors (current)
• NAHRO Steering Committee (current)
• NAHRO Strategic Planning Advisory Committee (current)
• NAHRO Legislative Network Advisory Committee Vice-Chair (current)

SERC-NAHRO

• SERC-NAHRO Legislative Network Committee Chair
• CCHRCO Board
• CCHRCO Secretary and Senior Vice President
• CCHRCO Legislative Network Committee Chair
• Chief Executive Officer, Columbia Housing, Columbia, SC
• Chief Executive Officer, Greenville Housing, Greenville, SC
• Chief Executive Officer, Aiken Housing Authority, Aiken, SC

NCRC-NAHRO

• Chief Operating Officer, Lucas Metropolitan Housing Authority, Toledo, OH

Mathews holds a master’s degree in counseling & psychology from Troy University, a bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Newberry College, and several nationally recognized certifications in the affordable housing arena. She is happily married since 2002 to her partner Donnie Mathews; they are the proud parents of two children, Mahogany, 19 and Dalton, 14.

Thoughts and ideas on how to achieve NAHRO’s Vision Statement

“Thriving Communities with Affordable Homes for All”

The National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO), founded in 1933, is a prominent not-for-profit membership organization dedicated to enhancing public and affordable housing in the United States. NAHRO comprises a diverse network of over 26,000 housing and community development providers and professionals who collectively oversee a vast portfolio of more than 3 million homes, serving the housing needs of over 8 million families.

NAHRO is committed to preserving and improving the quality of public and affordable housing through a multifaceted approach. These approaches includes advocacy, professional development, public education, and cross-sector system alignments with other national associations.

This includes advocacy at the local, state, and federal levels to influence policy and secure funding for housing initiatives. The organization conducts extensive research and policy analysis to identify best practices and inform decision-making among its members. Additionally, NAHRO offers professional development opportunities through workshops, training sessions, and conferences to equip housing professionals with the skills necessary to meet the evolving challenges of the sector. Public education efforts are also a key component of NAHRO’s mission, aimed at raising awareness about the importance of affordable housing and advocating for the rights of low-income families.

In recent years, NAHRO has broadened its focus to foster cross-systems alignments with other national associations that represent sectors such as education and health. By collaborating with these organizations, NAHRO aims to create a more integrated approach to addressing the complex needs of low-income individuals and families. This coordination enhances our collective capacity to deliver comprehensive services and support, ensuring that housing is effectively linked to health and educational resources, ultimately leading to improved outcomes for vulnerable populations.

Achieving NAHRO’s vision statement of “Thriving Communities with Affordable Homes for All” starts with a collaborative effort that involves various stakeholders, including local governments, community organizations, developers, program participants, and residents. Listed below are some examples NAHRO can acknowledge how we are already achieving this vision and ways we can work towards achieving this vision.

Innovative Housing Solutions:  NAHRO’s Awards of Excellence and Best Practices Database platforms recognizing outstanding innovation and achievement in housing and community development programs throughout the country should be recognized as one of the ways NAHRO is achieving its vision statement of “Thriving Communities with Affordable Homes for All”.

The Awards of Excellence and Best Practices Database pays homage to member organizations by highlighting the innovative ways they are exploring a range of housing options designed to accommodate various income levels from tiny homes to co-housing arrangements, homeownership, and mixed-income developments. Many are utilizing innovative construction methods, such as modular or prefabricated homes, we are reducing costs and expediting the building process. These creative housing solutions are fostering thriving communities by providing affordable housing options for everyone.

Community Engagement:  To create thriving communities with affordable housing for everyone, it’s essential to start by engaging with the community to understand their specific needs and concerns. Many NAHRO members are creating thriving communities by hosting town hall meetings, conducting surveys, and organizing focus groups to gather input from residents. By involving the community in the decision-making process, we ensure that the solutions developed are relevant and widely accepted.

NAHRO currently captures some of these success stories in its Awards of Excellence, Best Practices database, and What Home Means to Me poster contest.  

Partnerships:  NAHRO in partnership with the CLPHA, PHADA, and the Moving-to-Work Collaborative are developing a 10-year Roadmap for Public Housing Sustainability. The 10-Year Roadmap engages a wide range of stakeholders to advance the continued evolution and preservation of public housing through a 10-year reinvestment plan that establishes a sustainable, deeply affordable, and service-enriched housing platform for residents to achieve their life goals.

Achieving the vision of thriving communities with affordable homes for everyone requires a multifaceted approach that emphasizes collaboration, innovation, and community engagement. That partnership is an example of that.

Below are some additional strategies that can help realize this vision:

• Collaborate: Collaboration with non-profit organizations, housing advocacy groups, and other stakeholders to pool resources and knowledge is essential. By engaging diverse organizations, we can ensure a comprehensive approach to housing solutions that improves the quality of life in our communities.

• Shared Data and Research: By collaborating with various stakeholders, we can gather and analyze shared data and research efforts. This comprehensive understanding of community needs will inform policymakers and support evidence-based decisions that prioritize affordable housing initiatives.

For example, NAHRO’s production of the 360 Report compiles data that focuses on the programs our members work with and the people those programs serve, will help shape NAHRO’s future Legislative and Regulatory Agendas, highlights additional data to Congress that supports our policies and priorities, educate the media and other important stakeholders on our programs, and become a marquee project released each year.

Another opportunity might include partnering with other trade associations like, Up For Growth, which could provide NAHRO with invaluable research contained within its annual report on the Underproduction of Housing Report.

• Advocacy and Lobbying Efforts: Presenting a united front from diverse groups amplifies advocacy efforts. A collaborative voice can effectively influence federal policy discussions regarding affordable housing, ensuring that critical issues are raised and addressed.

• Funding Opportunities: Partnerships often unlock access to new funding sources. By demonstrating a collaborative approach, stakeholders can attract grants and resources that bolster initiatives focused on creating and maintaining affordable housing.

• Capacity Building: By working together, organizations can enhance their capacity to implement new housing programs. Training and the sharing of best practices will improve program outcomes, making a compelling case to federal policymakers about the need for sustained support in the housing sector.

• Policy Pilots and Testing: NAHRO should track, support, and report on the efforts of its members involved in pilot programs, such as HUD’s Direct Rental Assistance Demonstration Pilot Program and the Medicaid 1115 Demonstration Waiver. This documentation can provide valuable evidence to advocate for broader policy changes aimed at increasing access to affordable housing. It will also demonstrate how NAHRO is working towards its vision of supporting thriving, affordable homes for all.

• Resource Sharing: Pooling resources such as funding, staff, and expertise enhances the efficiency of housing initiatives. This synergy among NAHRO’s stakeholders can lead to scalable programs that federal policymakers can adopt to promote affordable housing.

• Training and Education: Developing collaborative training programs will equip stakeholders with the skills necessary to implement federal housing policies effectively at the local level. This ensures a smoother transition from policy to practice, bolstering efforts to create thriving communities with affordable homes for all.

NAHRO does this extremely well by utilizing its membership as subject matter experts in facilitating its training and professional development opportunities and serving as speakers during its virtual and in-person workshops and conferences.

By employing these collaborative strategies, we can work towards the shared vision of thriving communities, ensuring that affordable housing becomes a reality for everyone.

Inclusive Policy Framework: An inclusive policy framework, supported by robust federal policy advocacy from NAHRO, is essential for creating thriving communities where affordable housing is accessible to everyone. By promoting policies such as inclusionary zoning at the federal level, we can ensure that new developments serve not only high-income earners but also low-and moderate-income households. This approach fosters diverse communities that reflect a variety of socioeconomic backgrounds, promoting social cohesion and reducing economic segregation.

Furthermore, integrating affordable housing within new developments enhances the overall vibrancy of neighborhoods. When individuals from different income levels reside in proximity, it often leads to a rich mix of perspectives and experiences, which can enhance community interactions and foster a sense of belonging. This diversity not only strengthens social ties but also stimulates local economies, as residents with varying backgrounds contribute unique skills and entrepreneurial ideas.

In addition, federal advocacy for streamlining the permitting process for developers is a crucial aspect of this inclusive policy framework. By minimizing bureaucratic obstacles and providing incentives for affordable housing initiatives, governments can encourage developers to prioritize affordable options. This strategy not only increases the housing supply but also facilitates faster project completion, helping to address immediate housing shortages and support flourishing communities.

Community Development Programs:   Building thriving communities that offer affordable homes for everyone requires a multifaceted approach, where community development programs and federal advocacy play crucial roles. By implementing targeted initiatives focused on community engagement, homeownership, financial literacy, job training, employment support, and access to social services, along with advocacy for supportive policies, these efforts can empower residents to enhance their economic situations and actively invest in their homes and neighborhoods.

Federal advocacy can enhance these efforts by supporting community development financial institutions (CDFIs) and initiatives that fund local engagement efforts. A strong community network not only enhances the living environment but also creates a support system that encourages individuals to thrive.

Overall, community development programs, combined with effective federal advocacy, create a robust foundation for sustainable, thriving communities with affordable homes for all. By investing in the economic empowerment of residents and promoting supportive policies, communities can grow stronger, more resilient, and better positioned to meet future challenges.

Sustainable Practices:   NAHRO’s federal advocacy and support for sustainable building practices can play a crucial role in achieving the vision of thriving communities with affordable homes for all. By prioritizing sustainable housing initiatives at the federal level, policymakers can create a framework that encourages the adoption of energy-efficient construction methods and renewable technologies, ultimately benefiting homeowners and tenants alike.

One key aspect of federal support is the establishment of incentives for developers who utilize sustainable practices. By offering tax credits, grants, or low-interest loans for projects that incorporate energy-efficient designs, high-quality insulation, and advanced heating and cooling systems, the government can help lower construction costs. This not only makes housing more affordable but also ensures that residents enjoy lower utility bills, enhancing overall affordability.

In addition, federal investment in renewable energy sources, such as solar power, can significantly mitigate long-term energy costs. Programs that subsidize the installation of solar panels or other renewable technologies can empower homeowners to invest in their properties, leading to substantial savings on energy expenses. This investment supports the dual goals of affordability and environmental sustainability, providing a win-win scenario for communities.

Moreover, federal advocacy can promote initiatives that foster the development of green spaces within communities. By supporting policies that encourage the use of native plants and community gardens, the government can help reduce irrigation costs while enhancing the aesthetic and environmental quality of neighborhoods. These green infrastructure projects not only contribute to biodiversity but can also provide residents with access to fresh produce, further promoting economic stability and health.

At its core, federal support for sustainable building practices emphasizes environmental stewardship, which helps combat climate change and reduce carbon footprints. By integrating these practices into housing development, communities can build a healthier environment for current and future generations.

In summary, federal advocacy and support for sustainable building practices are vital for creating vibrant, affordable, and environmentally responsible communities. By aligning policies with the principles of sustainability, the government can foster a shift in how we approach housing, ensuring that affordability and environmental consciousness go hand in hand, ultimately leading to thriving communities for all.

Long-Term Investment: Expanding NAHRO’s advocacy for federal policy for ongoing support and investment in community infrastructure such as schools, parks, and public transportation are essential tool to achieving its vision of creating “Thriving Communities with Affordable Housing for All”.  A thriving community needs a robust foundation of public services that contribute to residents’ quality of life.

Federal policy can play a crucial role in this by providing targeted funding and grants for local projects that enhance infrastructure. By increasing federal investment in programs such as the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) or the Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grants, communities can secure the financial resources necessary to improve public services. Furthermore, creating favorable tax incentives for private-sector investments in community projects can stimulate additional funding and engagement. Establishing partnerships between federal, state, and local agencies can lead to more coordinated efforts toward infrastructure development, ensuring that projects align with the specific needs of communities. Federal policies can also prioritize equity in infrastructure spending, ensuring that underserved communities receive the necessary resources for improvement. By implementing regulations that require impact assessments for infrastructure projects, the federal government can encourage sustainable practices and equitable development that benefits all residents. In addition, promoting innovative financing mechanisms, such as public-private partnerships (PPPs), can leverage private investment while reducing the financial burden on local governments. These strategies collectively enhance the ability of communities to build and maintain the infrastructure essential for a high quality of life, ultimately fostering long-term growth and resilience.

By taking these steps, we can create vibrant, inclusive communities where affordable housing is not just a dream but a reality for everyone. Each member of the community has a role to play in making this vision come true, fostering a sense of belonging and pride in the community. Let’s work together to turn this vision into a reality!

Contact Information

Ivory N. Mathews
Chief Executive Officer
Home Forward
135 SW Ash Street
Portland, Oregon 97204
Phone: 503 802-8455
Email: Ivory.Mathews@homeforward.org