ALBEMARLE — The City of Albemarle announced Monday that Dr. Kim L. Scott has been appointed as the city’s new director of public housing. Scott’s duties will officially begin on Jan. 18.
Despite having worked in Charlotte Housing Authority’s HOPE VI program as a resident services coordinator, Scott began his career working for the City of Albemarle. He was employed in various positions, including working for the city’s Department of Housing and, before that, as a tax clerk for the Finance Department.
“We are excited to have Dr. Scott join our City team,” said city manager Michael Ferris in the press statement. “I had the privilege of working with him during his previous tenure with the City. I know him to be extremely professional, hardworking, and conscientious. Dr. Scott will be a valuable part of our City Leadership Team and will be a tremendous asset to those we serve.”
Scott will oversee the city’s 333 Section 8 vouchers and its 200 apartment units. Albemarle’s apartments are at two sites — Amhurst Gardens and Elizabeth Heights. According to the press release, “Amhurst Gardens has 150-units ranging in size from one-bedroom units up to five bedrooms. Elizabeth Heights has 50 one-bedroom units serving elderly and disabled individuals.”
As a grant writer for Albemarle’s Department of Housing, Scott wrote grants to enhance the units and even the grant to establish the Amhurst Gardens Family Life Center.
“To accept the role as the City of Albemarle Director of Public Housing at this time is an opportunity to touch, challenge, and change the lives of diverse individuals and their families through programs and events that lead to self-sufficiency,” Scott said in the city’s press release. “As residents experience self-sufficiency, they will pour resources back into our community to support the vision of success and growth for the 21st Century and beyond.”
According to the press release, Scott envisions the future of Albemarle’s public housing to include more mixed-income housing, rather than isolated lower-income housing. He also wants to focus on including “wrap-around services,” meaning many integrated programs delivered in a holistic manner, “including healthcare, mental health services, youth development, childcare, and literacy programs.” Scott also wants to make sure job training and placement are part of these services.
“The City of Albemarle and its residents are experiencing growth and change that will enhance the lives of all of its residents, and I want to be a part of that change,” Scott said. “Thank you for this opportunity to serve the City of Albemarle.”