FROM: Domestic Policy Recovery Committee, Governor’s Council of Economic Advisers
TO: Governor Ralph DLG Torres and Chairman Jerry Tan
SUBJECT: Separation of the Commonwealth Development Authority and the Northern Marianas Housing Corporation
The new responsibilities entrusted to the Northern Marianas Housing Corporation, in adequately meeting their obligations to administer the Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery program and the timely mobilization of $240 million in infrastructure resources, required the commitment of a stand-alone governing board, separate from the shared board structure with the Commonwealth Development Authority presently in place.
The Council recommends that the Governor, through his executive powers, allow for the appointment of the Northern Marianas Housing Corporation Board distinct from the membership of the Commonwealth Development Authority Board.
The Council believes that in doing so, greater focus can be given to these two important bodies and their respective roles in securing the economic recovery of the Commonwealth in this important time.
Concurred by the Members of the Domestic Policy Recovery Committee
Governor’s Council of Economic Advisers
In September 2020, Governor Torres signed Executive Order 2020-21 formally separating the Northern Marianas Housing Corporation from the Commonwealth Development Authority.