Бывший президент городского совета Сиракуз назначена в совет жилищного управления

Former Syracuse Common Council president to replace housing authority board member SYRACUSE, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) -- A familiar face in Syracuse politics is getting a prominent role in shaping the city's affordable housing. Mayor Sharon Owens chose Bea González, a former president of the Syracuse Common Council, among many other roles in politics and academia, to replace real estate developer and business owner Ryan Benz on the Syracuse Housing Authority board. "It is an honor to support work that directly impacts the lives of residents, expands access to safe housing, and fosters the conditions in which families and neighborhoods can thrive," González said in a statement. González served on the Syracuse school board from 1991 to 1994 and as president of the city council from 2001 to 2005. For both positions, she was the first Latina woman in the role. She also served on the Mayor's Latino Task Force and the Onondaga Latino Caucus. González also ran for mayor in 2009, though she dropped out before the Democratic primary. Along with her political career, González worked for Syracuse University for 36 years in various roles, including the dean of what is now the College of Professional Studies and the vice president for community engagement. Owens announced her housing authority board pick on Thursday, simultaneously as she announced Benz's resignation from the board. "With strong leadership in place and the organization moving forward, I believe this is the right time to pass the role to another dedicated community leader," Benz said in the statement. "I will remain deeply committed to expanding housing opportunities throughout our community." Benz founded Redev CNY, a Syracuse-based real estate company, in 2019. He also owns the Syracuse restaurant Oh My Darling. The board's new appointment follows executive director Bill Simmons' retirement announcement earlier this year. Simmons had garnered criticism for his handling of the redevelopment of the East Adams neighborhood. Jalyn Clifford is serving as the board's interim executive director. The housing authority manages several public housing projects across the city, including the ongoing East Adams project. The authority runs a Section 8 program to help people pay rent in private markets. The organization also hosts an annual summer basketball tournament that awards $10,000 to the winning teams. Latest Stories Latest Stories Last day at the Fair: 5 Hidden gems to find before the New York State Fair comes to an end Bright skies and pleasant temperatures for Labor Day Cannabis advocacy group hits 1,000-member milestone at the NYS Fair Man arrested in Clay after firing bullet through neighbor's ceiling, deputies say SU rolls in season opener Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSYR.