City of Austin Staff Selected to Fannie Mae National Housing Advisory Council

Austin, Texas (March 6, 2007) – Margaret Shaw, deputy director for the City of Austin’s Neighborhood Housing and Community Development Department, was appointed to the Fannie Mae National Housing Advisory Council. Comprised of 46 members from across the United States, the Council will advise Fannie Mae on housing issues that will affect millions of Americans.

"Fannie Mae is delighted to have Margaret Shaw join our National Housing Advisory Council," said Fannie Mae President and Chief Executive Officer Daniel H. Mudd. "Her experience and insight into the nation's housing industry will make a valuable contribution to the work of the Council. It is an honor to have her join us."

The National Housing Advisory Council is a diverse group of leaders from all segments of the U.S. housing and housing finance industry. The Council advises Fannie Mae on possible methods or initiatives for promoting affordable housing, including advice on products, services, and market opportunities that will fulfill Fannie Mae's mission and need to operate in a financially prudent manner. It also provides feedback on housing initiatives and trends and informs Fannie Mae on how it can better serve the housing needs of consumers and the industry. The Council is a valuable resource for the company and meets Fannie Mae’s Charter requirement for an external affordable housing advisory group. Members serve a two-year term.

“I am extremely proud to represent Austin on the National Housing Advisory Council,” said Shaw. “I look forward to working with the leaders of Fannie Mae and my colleagues in the finance and affordable housing industries to help shape policies and create more housing.”

Shaw brings with her first-hand knowledge of housing issues. As a senior aide to U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Henry Cisneros, she developed a broad perspective on how national housing policy ad budgets affect local communities. Shaw also worked with a private developer, Tekoa Partners, creating affordable multifamily rental housing both in Austin and along the Texas border.

The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Please call 974-3100 (voice) or 974-3102 (TDD) for assistance. This project is made possible by funding from HUD through the City of Austin.

CONTACT: Jackie Mayo, AHFC, 974-3121 (voice), 802-7108 (pager)