Seattle City Wire

Seattle Housing Authority (SHA) executive director Andrew Lofton is ready for the sun to set on a 47-year career in public service as the effective date of his retirement, May 7, draws near.

But before he leaves the SHA offices for the last time, Lofton was recognized by the Housing Development Consortium with its Carla Okigwe Lifetime Achievement Award.

“Andrew Lofton has been a tireless and dedicated advocate for public housing in his 17 years at Seattle Housing,” Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan tweeted on April 28. "This award is well deserved, and all of Seattle wishes him a happy retirement after 47 years of inspiring public service.”

Andrew Lofton | Seattle Housing Authority

The honor carries a special meeting for Lofton, given his professional relationship with its namesake.

The Seattle Medium reported Lofton as saying, “I am humbled to be receiving an award that honors [The Housing Development Consortium’s] founding executive director, Carla Okigwe. It is particularly gratifying to receive this award, because early in our careers, Carla and I worked together, and I know the deep passion she has for affordable housing that led her to organize nonprofit affordable housing providers into HDC — to be a voice for those dedicated to providing housing that is affordable for all.”

The City of Seattle appointed Lofton as SHA executive director in September 2012.

Having worked for SHA for nearly 20 years, Lofton views Yesler Terrace -- a 22-acre public housing development in Seattle -- as his pride and joy.

“I think Yesler Terrace would be an obvious (accomplishment). It’s probably the most ambitious project that we have undertaken here in Seattle,” he told CLPHA. “Its objectives and goals are really laudable: to try and create a community that is thriving and healthy for public housing and low-income residents.”