LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Rafael E. Cestero upon the occasion of
his designation for special recognition by the Brooklyn Housing and
Family Services on June 17, 2010

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to take note of and
publicly acknowledge individuals who have distinguished themselves
through their exemplary careers, accomplishments, and purposeful lives
of service to their community; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
Rafael E. Cestero upon the occasion of his designation for special
recognition by the Brooklyn Housing and Family Services at its Awards
Dinner to be held on Thursday, June 17, 2010, at the Rex Manor, Brook-
lyn, New York; and
WHEREAS, A man of singular distinction, Rafael E. Cestero has contin-
ually demonstrated extreme competence, extraordinary intelligence and
diligent leadership in his unwavering service to both his community and
profession; and
WHEREAS, Rafael E. Cestero was appointed Commissioner of the New York
City Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) in March
2009; from 2004 to 2007, Commissioner Cestero had served as HPD Deputy
Commissioner for Development, where he helped develop the city's New
Housing Marketplace Plan and innovative programs to create affordable
housing, including the retooling inclusionary zoning program; and
WHEREAS, In addition, Rafael E. Cestero helped establish the New York
City Acquisition Fund which makes it easier for developers to create
affordable housing by providing them with faster access to equity and
predevelopment capital; the fund recently was awarded the Harvard Kenne-
dy School of Government "Innovations in American Government" Award and
has been adapted for use by other major cities across the country; and
WHEREAS, For most of his 19-year career, Rafael E. Cestero worked at
Enterprise Community Partners where he most recently served as Senior
Vice President and Chief Program Officer overseeing the organization's
national programs related to housing production, income targeting and
quality of life measures; and
WHEREAS, Rafael E. Cestero earned his Master of Urban Planning degree
with a specialization in community development from the University of
Illinois at Urbana-Champagne and his Bachelor of Science degree from
Cornell University; and
WHEREAS, Despite his busy professional life, Rafael E. Cestero has
been called upon to contribute his time and talents to countless civic
and charitable endeavors and has always given of himself unstintingly;
and
WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of his community service, a
period of constructive involvement, Rafael E. Cestero has stood constant
in dignity, good grace and humor; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individ-
ual for the benefit of others which Rafael E. Cestero has displayed
throughout his life; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the quality of life in their community and have shown a long and
sustained commitment to the maintenance of high standards in their
profession, certainly have earned the recognition and applause of all
the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Rafael E. Cestero upon the occasion of his designation for

special recognition by the Brooklyn Housing and Family Services on June
17, 2010; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Rafael E. Cestero.