Alphonso Jackson

Alphonso R. Jackson
Born	(1945-09-09) September 9, 1945 Marshall, Texas, U.S.
Occupation	Political figure
Years active	1977–present
Known for	13th United States Secretary of Housing and Urban Development

Alphonso R. Jackson (born September 9, 1945) is an American political figure who held the position of the 13th United States secretary of housing and urban development (HUD) from 2004 until 2008. President George W. Bush nominated him on August 28, 2004, and the Senate confirmed his appointment three days later. Jackson stepped down from his role on March 31, 2008.

Early life and career

Jackson was born in Marshall, Texas and raised in South Dallas as the youngest among twelve siblings. His mother worked as a midwife, while his father supported the family through various jobs such as foundry laborer, janitor, and landscaper.

Education

He pursued higher education at Truman State University, where he obtained a bachelor's degree in political science and a master's degree in education administration by 1969. Although trained for teaching, he chose to continue his studies at Washington University School of Law in St. Louis.

During his freshman year of college in March 1965, Jackson took part in the civil rights Selma to Montgomery marches, famously referred to as "Bloody Sunday."

Early career

Jackson started his career in St. Louis as an assistant professor at the University of Missouri – St. Louis. In 1977, he was appointed director of public safety for the city and later became executive director of the St. Louis Housing Authority from 1981 to 1983. Subsequently, he served as a consultant for a local accounting firm while expanding his political involvement within both Democratic and Republican parties. He campaigned for the municipal revenue collector position in St. Louis and contributed to Republican Jack Danforth's U.S. Senate campaign. His increasing prominence resulted in his 1987 appointment as director of the U.S. Department of Public and Assisted Housing for Washington, D.C.

Dallas Housing Authority

In 1989, Jackson was named president and CEO of the Housing Authority of the City of Dallas, marking him as the first African American leader of the agency during ongoing discrimination lawsuits. Over seven years, he addressed internal organizational challenges and enhanced living conditions for Dallas’s most disadvantaged populations by rehabilitating deteriorated public housing and attracting investments that rejuvenated neighborhoods—this included securing funding for commercial development that restored a supermarket to West Dallas.

His leadership encountered difficulties, particularly in 1995 when DHA executed a U.S. District Court mandate to desegregate public housing by relocating approximately 3,200 low-income families into predominantly white communities. The initiative involved constructing townhouses or duplexes for 75 families in North Dallas, which met resistance from nearly 2,000 local homeowners.

Private sector

Jackson moved into the private sector in 1996 after being appointed vice president of corporate resources at Central Southwest Power (now American Electric Power) based in Dallas. By 1998, he advanced to president and COO of American Electric Power-Texas, an Austin-based branch of the $13 billion utility corporation, managing operations across South and West Texas.

Return to public sector

Under the Republican leadership beginning in 2001, Jackson was named deputy secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), acting as the principal deputy to Secretary Mel Martínez. He took over the position of HUD Secretary in August 2004 after Martínez's departure and remained in that capacity until his resignation in March 2008.

Following his service at HUD, from 2008 to 2012, Jackson held the role of distinguished university professor and led the Center for Public Policy and Leadership at Hampton University. This center is dedicated to translating academic research into actionable policy solutions and stands out as a unique institution among Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

Current career

In 2012, Jackson transitioned to JPMorgan Chase in New York City, where he assumed the role of vice-chairman for consumer and community banking.

Affiliations

Recognized for his expertise in public housing and urban policy, Jackson has contributed to various commissions, including chairing the General Services Commission of Texas. He has also been part of the National Commission on America's Urban Families and the National Commission on Severely Distressed Public Housing. His extensive board memberships include organizations such as the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, The Nature Conservancy of Texas, United Way Campaign (Dallas), Zale-Lipshy University Hospital, Central Power & Light Company, West Texas Utilities, and JPMorgan Chase.

Presently, Jackson is a member of the U.S. Department of State Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board, serves on Howard University's Board of Trustees, and participates on the Board of Trustees for Ford's Theatre Society. Additionally, he holds board positions with The Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans and contributes to the United States Institute of Peace International Advisory Council.

Awards and honors

Jackson’s accolades include being named an Aspen Fellow by The Aspen Institute; receiving the Chairman's Award from the National Boys and Girls Clubs of America; earning the Golden Plate Award from the National Academy of Achievement; obtaining a Lifetime Achievement Award from American Family Life Assurance Company (AFLAC); and being honored with the National Tree of Life Award by the Jewish National Fund in New York. He has also received Distinguished Alumni Awards from Truman State University and Washington University in St. Louis.

In December 2017, he was announced as a recipient of the 2018 Horatio Alger Award, which celebrates individuals who have triumphed over adversity to achieve significant professional accomplishments.

Honorary degrees

Benedict College, Hampton University, Harris-Stowe State University, Hiram College, Morehouse College, North Carolina A&T State University, Paine College, Tuskegee University, Texas College, Texas Southern University

Secretary of Housing and Urban Development

Jackson entered the Bush administration in June 2001 as deputy secretary and chief operating officer at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. In this capacity, he oversaw HUD’s daily functions with a budget surpassing $30 billion annually. When Secretary Mel Martínez left to pursue a U.S. Senate seat in Florida, Jackson acted as interim secretary. President George W. Bush formally nominated him for HUD Secretary on August 28, 2004; three days later, he received unanimous Senate confirmation. Jackson was noted as the fourth African American to hold this cabinet position. He stepped down effective April 18, 2008.

Removal of HUD from the High-Risk Designation

After a 13-year period, the US Government Accountability Office (GAO) officially took HUD off the government's "high-risk" list. This decision was attributed to significant advancements in management controls within HUD's departments and programs, achieved under Secretary Jackson's guidance.

Jackson remarked, "HUD fulfills its mission most effectively when all programs operate efficiently and effectively. GAO's decision to remove our high-risk status reflects our dedicated efforts over six years to ensure responsible use of taxpayer funds."

Decline in Homelessness

Under Jackson’s leadership, HUD documented an 11.5% drop in the population of chronically homeless individuals. More than 1,500 cities and counties collectively reported a reduction exceeding 20,000 homeless persons between 2005 and 2006.

A pivotal element was HUD’s inaugural Annual Homeless Assessment Report to Congress, which offered a comprehensive survey of homelessness across the country. The report identified that 704,000 individuals accessed shelter at least once during a three-month timeframe, supplying essential data that enabled HUD to assess program impact and gain deeper insights into homelessness demographics.

Growth in Minority Contracting

Jackson significantly expanded contracting opportunities for minority-owned, women-owned, and small businesses. In 2003, contracts awarded to black-owned companies accounted for 14% ($134 million) of HUD’s total; by 2007, this share increased to 25% ($195.6 million). Jackson highlighted that fostering strong partnerships with small and minority businesses is vital to strengthening the national economy.

This expansion prompted a federal inquiry amid allegations that Jackson was targeted unfairly due to his affirmative action initiatives. Advocates contended the investigation sought to undermine a prominent African-American official and pointed out that no formal charges were ever filed.

Representative James E. Clyburn condemned the investigation as an effort to obstruct Jackson’s efforts to enhance contracting opportunities for African-Americans.

On April 30, 2010, the Department of Justice declared it would not file charges against Jackson, citing insufficient evidence of any quid pro quo or misconduct connected to his office’s recommendations.

Philadelphia

In March 2008, The Washington Post disclosed emails from early 2007 between HUD assistant secretaries Kim Kendrick and Orlando J. Cabrera suggesting that HUD leadership intended to sanction Carl R. Greene, then-director of the Philadelphia Housing Authority (PHA). On that same day, HUD informed PHA it had violated regulations mandating that 5 percent of housing units be accessible for disabled residents. HUD later contended that PHA’s refusal to acknowledge this violation or accept corrective measures breached a broader agreement, potentially jeopardizing $50 million in federal funding. Greene, who resigned amid various allegations, asserted that HUD retaliated because he declined to transfer property to Universal Community Homes—a development company founded by Kenny Gamble—which Greene claimed had underperformed. Gamble had raised concerns with Jackson about this matter in 2006.

A federal judge ruled in favor of HUD, determining that Jackson did not single out Philadelphia differently than other local housing authorities. On October 16, 2008, PHA entered into a ten-year agreement with HUD committing to renovate 760 units within four years to ensure full accessibility for individuals with disabilities.

Government contracts

On April 28, 2006, Jackson spoke about government procurement during a gathering in Dallas. He recounted turning down a contractor who praised his appointment but openly criticized President Bush, stating that the contract would not be awarded due to the bidder’s expressed views. Jackson justified his refusal by emphasizing allegiance to the President and concern that allocated funds could be used to support campaigns opposing Bush.

Following these comments, Senator Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ) demanded an inquiry and called for Jackson’s resignation. The investigation concluded there was no proof that any contract was revoked or denied on the basis of political beliefs.

Countrywide Financial loan

In June 2008, Conde Nast Portfolio revealed that Jackson, along with several political figures such as former Cabinet Secretaries Donna Shalala and Henry Cisneros, Senators Chris Dodd and Kent Conrad, and UN Ambassador Richard Holbrooke, had received preferential loans through Countrywide Financial’s "V.I.P." program. Jackson obtained loans to refinance his townhouse in Virginia and to acquire a vacation property in South Carolina. He denied any awareness of receiving discounted rates.

The article’s information originated from financial journalist David Fiderer, who based his report on a former Countrywide employee lacking documentary proof and who fabricated certain details. Records contradicted the allegations, yet the magazine preserved plausible deniability. No documentation supported claims of below-market interest rates for Jackson’s loans.

A 2009 review by the US Senate Select Committee on Ethics determined that discounts extended to V.I.P. clients were not necessarily superior to other offers from Countrywide or competitors. Enrollment in the program did not ensure more favorable financial terms from Countrywide or other lenders. Nonetheless, the program appeared to provide some discounted options to participants.

Media appearances

• Collaborating with NYCHA Chairman Tino Hernandez, Jackson participated in a joint effort with the Clinton Foundation and New York City aimed at enhancing energy efficiency in public housing.
• Stuart Varney interviewed Jackson regarding the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA) on Fox News' Your World with Neil Cavuto.
• He appeared on CNBC’s Kudlow and Company to discuss FHA loan programs.
• On October 4, 2012, Jackson served as a panelist for "Workforce Housing in the New Economy" at the University of Miami.
• Delivered a presentation at the HOPE Global Financial Dignity Summit held in Atlanta, Georgia on November 13–14, 2013.

See also

• List of African-American United States Cabinet members

External links

• HUD Department biography