Meet Phoenix IDA Board Secretary Jack Dover
Jack Dover brings a lifetime of public service, political insight and a deep passion for community development to the Phoenix IDA board of directors. With a career that has spanned Capitol Hill, presidential campaigns, business ownership and civic leadership, Dover’s journey to the Phoenix IDA is anything but traditional, but it’s exactly the kind of experience that enriches the board’s mission.
Before joining the Phoenix IDA, Dover served as chief of staff for multiple members of Congress, advised a presidential campaign during the Carter era, and ran a successful lobbying firm. But it was his hands-on work in economic development during the 2008 financial crisis that shaped his understanding of how public resources can stabilize and uplift communities.
“I spent six years traveling across Ohio helping communities use what they had and connect with federal and state resources,” Dover recalls.
But it was his hands-on work in economic development during the 2008 financial crisis that shaped his understanding of how public resources can stabilize and uplift communities. “I spent six years traveling across Ohio helping communities use what they had and connect with federal and state resources,” Dover recalls.
His interest in public service dates back even further. From his early days involved in anti-war and civil rights movements to becoming the first in his family to attend college, he’s always believed in the power of grassroots action. A pivotal moment came when his boss at the moving company where he worked handed him a community college course catalog and told him to sign up or risk being drafted. That push set him on a lifelong path of service.
Now in Phoenix, Dover joined the Phoenix IDA after a conversation with Mayor Kate Gallego, who told him, “This is the group that needs your skills the most.” He’s found purpose in helping the Phoenix IDA advance equity and opportunity throughout the city. “They’re the bankers for the unbanked,” he says. “The Phoenix IDA uses its financial expertise to support efforts like affordable housing in a way that truly benefits both the underserved and the broader community.”
One initiative he is especially proud of is the Phoenix IDA’s work with a special project known as the Mobile Home Park Closure Emergency Support. In 2023, the Phoenix IDA helped approximately 400 residents in 130 households at three different Phoenix-based mobile home parks to successfully relocate, remain housed and avoid homelessness.
“The Phoenix IDA stepped in not because they had to, but because it was the right thing to do — protecting residents who were being displaced and navigating all the challenges that came with that,” Dover said.
Though retired, Dover remains deeply engaged. He reads, plays golf, entertains guests, and serves on the board of U.S.VETS. A native of Ohio, Dover and his wife became part-time Phoenix residents back in the late 1980s. He now splits time between the Valley and Flagstaff. And while he has no children, he jokes, “In politics, you adopt kids left and right, so we actually have many kids.”
Jack Dover’s story is a testament to lifelong civic dedication and a reminder that real impact often comes from simply showing up and being willing to help.
La Esperanza Terrace Adds 96 Affordable Housing Units in Phoenix
Last month, we celebrated the grand opening of La Esperanza Terrace, an inspiring example of community collaboration and innovation to address Phoenix’s urgent need for affordable housing. The Phoenix IDA, City of Phoenix Housing Department, Arizona Department of Housing, Maricopa County Board of Supervisors, UMOM New Day Centers and other community champions partnered on this impactful project to expand housing access to more working families.
La Esperanza Terrace, located at 31st Avenue and McDowell Road in Phoenix, is especially significant as the first transaction of its kind involving a school district using both tax-exempt bonds and low-income housing tax credits to fund the purchase of land and establish a ground lease for affordable housing. This groundbreaking model is paving the way for more sustainable, community-centered housing solutions. Built on land formerly owned by the Isaac School District, this 96-unit development will serve families earning at or below 60% of the area median income.
“On behalf of the Phoenix IDA Board of Directors, we’d like to extend our gratitude to Mayor Kate Gallego and Councilwoman Laura Pastor for supporting an innovative financing structure that provides an opportunity to convert surplus school district real estate into affordable housing,” said Juan Salgado, CEO of the Phoenix IDA. “I’d also like to thank Steve Gallardo of the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors. Today we are talking about rental housing, but we understand that a significant impact on our community is homeownership. In partnership with the County Board of Supervisors and the Phoenix City Council, in 2012 we established a homeownership program called Home in Five. To date, we have assisted more than 25,000 families in acquiring homeownership — and we will continue to grow that as well.”
Congratulations to UMOM, the City of Phoenix, Isaac School District and the many local leaders and community champions who made this project possible.
Glendale Apartments Marks Groundbreaking with Partners
The Phoenix IDA is also proud to support affordable housing for our community’s seniors and veterans. April 16th marked the groundbreaking of Glendale Apartments, a new development supported by the Phoenix IDA through bond financing in collaboration with City of Phoenix Housing Department, Arizona Department of Housing, the Richman Group Development Corp. and Central Valley Coalition for Affordable Housing.
Located near Glendale and 27th avenues in Phoenix, this community will provide 45 affordable units for residents 55+, including 11 units reserved for U.S. military veterans. Amenities include a community center, fitness room, courtyard and more. This project is one more step toward addressing the need for dignified, affordable senior housing in our city.
Phoenix IDA Welcomes Back New Chief Financial Officer
We’re excited to welcome Joseph A. Losada, CPA, back to the Phoenix IDA — this time in a new role as chief financial officer.
Losada’s deep experience and strong commitment to community-focused finance make him a valuable addition to our leadership team. We look forward to the impact he’ll make as we continue investing in Phoenix to support underserved populations with an emphasis in areas like affordable housing.
Prior to joining us, he most recently served as CFO of Keys to Change (formerly the Human Services Campus), a Phoenix-based nonprofit organization dedicated to providing wraparound services for adults experiencing homelessness. Join us in congratulating Joseph on this exciting new chapter!
In Case You Missed It: 2024 Impact Summary
We recently published our 2024 Impact Summary, highlighting our commitment to fostering inclusive growth and community development.
Key Achievements:
☑️ Affordable Housing: Issued $136.3 million in private activity bonds for five projects, including the renovation of Memorial Towers and the development of Glendale Apartments, enhancing housing options for seniors and veterans.
☑️ Healthcare Expansion: Financed the $80.5 million Brooks Rehabilitation facility adjacent to Mayo Clinic’s Discovery Oasis, set to provide specialized inpatient care and create 200 jobs upon completion.
☑️ Homeownership Support: Assisted 754 first-time homebuyers through the Home in Five programs, providing $10.4 million in down payment assistance and facilitating $260.4 million in home loans.
Thank you for supporting our mission to provide access to funding to benefit underserved communities.
