Tulalips return rebuked housing official

TULALIP — A former Tulalip Tribes housing official whose government-subsidized 5,200-square-foot home became a symbol of lax regulation in the 1990s has been appointed interim director of the tribes’ housing operations.

Mike Alva was hired by the tribal board to lead its newly reorganized housing agency.

“He is just there temporarily until we get a job description and advertisements out and get a tribal member in there,” said Mel Sheldon, the tribal chairman.

In 1997, investigators for the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development found that tribal housing leaders used money from a $2.5 million grant to build large, expensive homes for themselves and relatives. The grant was supposed to help low- and moderate-income families become homeowners.

The audit found the housing authority created a conflict of interest by providing seven of the 18 homes under the grant to housing authority leaders and their relatives. The largest home was built for Alva, the agency’s contracting director at the time, and his wife, former Tulalip Housing Authority executive director Patti Gobin, who is a tribal member.

At the time, Tulalip housing officials argued that the houses were allowed under a new relaxed set of rules adopted by HUD under deregulation.

Eventually, Alva and Gobin were sanctioned by HUD and paid back more than $200,000.

“Mr. Alva had been barred from doing business with any federal agency for a period of three years as a result of the issues surrounding the house,” said Lee Jones, a HUD spokesman in Seattle. That condition expired many years ago and Alva is under no restrictions from taking the job.

Sheldon said the Tulalip Tribes approved a recommendation by tribal staff to have Alva oversee its reorganized housing agency that involves HUD federal housing money and a tribal housing program that uses tribal dollars.

“It’s a realignment to provide better job efficiencies and customer service and to build more homes for our people,” Sheldon said.

Sheldon said Alva did not approach the board about the opening, and was recommended for the position in the interim because of his experience.

Alva could not be reached for comment Thursday.

Alva has trained tribal members in the construction trade and was part of the construction oversight team for the tribe’s museum and administration building projects, Sheldon said.

“We, like anybody else, are a forgiving people and we try to move on,” Sheldon said.

Eric Stevick: 425-339-3446, stevick@heraldnet.com

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

Olivia Vanni / The Herald 
The Mukilteo Lighthouse. Built in 1906, it’s one of the most iconic landmarks in Snohomish County.
The Mukilteo Lighthouse. Built in 1906, it’s one of the most iconic landmarks in Snohomish County. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Mukilteo mayor vetoes council-approved sales tax

The tax would have helped pay for transportation infrastructure, but was also set to give Mukilteo the highest sales tax rate in the state.

Marysville Mayor Jon Nehring gives the state of the city address at the Marysville Civic Center on Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2024, in Marysville, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Marysville council approves interim middle housing law

The council passed the regulations to prevent a state model code from taking effect by default. It expects to approve final rules by October.

x
State audit takes issue with Edmonds COVID grant monitoring

The audit report covered 2023 and is the third since 2020 that found similar issues with COVID-19 recovery grant documentation.

Bothell
Bothell man pleads guilty to sexual abuse of Marysville middle schoolers

The man allegedly sexually assaulted three students in exchange for vapes and edibles in 2022. His sentencing is set for Aug. 29.

Larsen talks proposed Medicaid cuts during Compass Health stop in Everett

Compass Health plans to open its new behavioral health center in August. Nearly all of the nonprofit’s patients rely on Medicaid.

District 2 candidates differ in public safety approach

Incumbent Paula Rhyne is facing challenger Ryan Crowther. The third candidate, Jonathan Shapiro, is no longer seeking the seat.

From left to right, Edmonds City Council Position 3 candidates Joseph Ademofe, Alex Newman and Erika Barnett.
Amid budget crisis, Edmonds City Council candidates talk revenue, affordability

Three newcomers are facing off for Position 3 on the council, currently held by council President Neil Tibbott.

Community members gather for the dedication of the Oso Landslide Memorial following the ten-year remembrance of the slide on Friday, March 22, 2024, at the Oso Landslide Memorial in Oso, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
The Daily Herald garners 6 awards from regional journalism competition

The awards recognize the best in journalism from media outlets across Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington.

Everett
Everett approves new fines for non-emergency lifts

The fire department will only issue fines for non-emergency lift assists at licensed care facilities, not for individuals at home calling 911.

Guns for sale at Caso’s Gun-A-Rama in Jersey City, New Jersey, which has been open since 1967. (Photo by Aristide Economopoulos/New Jersey Monitor)
After suing, WA gets carveout from Trump administration plan to return gun conversion devices

The Trump administration has agreed to not distribute devices that turn semi-automatic… Continue reading

The Wild Horse Wind and Solar Facility about 16 miles east of Ellensburg in central Washington is part of Puget Sound Energy’s clean energy portfolio. (Courtesy of Puget Sound Energy)
Megabill’s elimination of tax credits for clean energy projects could cost WA $8.7 billion

Washington households could see electricity costs increase $115 per year by 2029; 21,800 workers could lose their jobs by 2030, analysts say.

Everett mayor candidates focus on affordability, city budget in costly race

As incumbent Cassie Franklin seeks a third term in office, three candidates are looking to unseat her.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.