Metropolitan Development and Housing Agency
Emel J. Alexander serves as the Deputy Chief Operating Officer and previously held the position of Director of Community Development at the Metropolitan Development and Housing Agency since February 2019. Additionally, Emel is the Principal at Park Street Ventures since January 2017 and has an extensive background in leadership roles, including Chief Executive Officer, Deputy Director, and Program Director at the Urban Restoration Enhancement Corporation from 2006 to February 2019. Emel's career began with internships and teaching assistant roles, including a Policy & Research Intern at The 21st Century School Fund and a Graduate Teaching Assistant at the School of Public Affairs, American University. Emel holds a Master of Public Administration from the School of Public Affairs, American University, a Bachelor of Arts in Urban Studies and Public Policy from Dillard University, and further academic credentials from the University of Pennsylvania and Harvard University.
Metropolitan Development and Housing Agency
The mission of Metropolitan Development and Housing Agency is to create affordable housing opportunities, support neighborhoods, strengthen communities and help build a greater Nashville. MDHA houses more than 13,000 families primarily through public housing and Section 8. It also manages federally-funded community development and homeless assistance programs on behalf of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville. To foster urban growth, MDHA oversees 12 redevelopment districts that guide development through design and land-use zoning controls.