Dr. Terra Simms

Dr. Terra Simms brings over 20+ years of public service experience spanning clinical social work, behavioral health, homeless services, and affordable housing development. With a unique background that bridges social impact and business strategy, she has built a career at the intersection of housing stability, program development, and real estate innovation particularly focused on expanding access for the "missing middle."

Dr. Simms began her career in Applied Behavior Analysis, providing therapeutic support to children and families before transitioning into shelter operations and large-scale housing initiatives. In 2021, she joined PATH (People Assisting the Homeless), where she oversaw multimillion-dollar government contracts including a $10 million annual grant for the Residential and Property Support Services (RPSS) program. Using her acquisition strategy, more than 100 properties representing over 2,500 units were enrolled. She authored operational procedures, developed training curricula, and built infrastructure to support on-site housing retention and mediation services.

Dr. Simms has extensive experience executing regulatory agreements tied to state and county public funding, and ensuring compliance with the Los Angeles Housing Department (LAHD), the Rent Stabilization Board, the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA), Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) and other public entities. Each major funding stream she managed including Measure H contracts, LA County Department of Mental Health grants, and HACLA-funded programs, required formal compliance with contracts outlining tenant protections, affordability thresholds, service delivery, and property standards. She worked directly with developers, property owners, and oversight agencies to ensure compliance with all local and state requirements, including eligibility for tax exemptions and subsidy programs.

A natural problem-solver and bridge-builder, Dr. Simms holds a Master’s in Social Work and a Doctorate in Business, which she uses to design innovative programs, policies, manage program budgets and contracts, and develop creative solutions to complex issues. She is passionate about advancing ethical, scalable housing models that protect tenant rights while supporting long-term owner and community stability.