The Trump Administration has appointed a new Northwest regional director for HUD, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Jeffrey McMorris of Issaquah, WA began his new job this week.
McMorris has been chief of staff for a King County councilwoman. He is now the top executive in Region 10, covering Alaska, Washington, Oregon and Idaho. McMorris is the brother of Republican Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers of Washington. She was widely reported to be a front-runner for Interior secretary but President Trump picked Ryan Zinke instead.
HUD administers grants to state, local and tribal governments, as well as public housing authorities.
Liz Ruskin is the Washington, D.C., correspondent at Alaska Public Media. Reach her atlruskin@alaskapublic.org. Read more about Lizhere.