Chicago's public housing authority is mired in uncertainty as it searches for a permanent CEO. The agency, which serves over 65,000 households, has been without a permanent leader since Tracey Scott resigned in November 2024.
The search for a new CEO has become contentious, with the mayor and the agency at odds with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development over the appointment of a candidate preferred by Mayor Brandon Johnson.
Residents are growing increasingly frustrated with the state of their properties. Many have reported concerns about security, elevators, and overall maintenance. For example, Willie Wright, a resident of Henry Horner Homes, said that despite repeated requests for repairs, her building's living room ceiling is still cracked.
The agency has launched initiatives aimed at addressing these concerns, including a new division focused on environmental hazards such as lead-based paint poisoning. However, some residents remain skeptical about the effectiveness of these efforts.
A recent court ruling has also added to the chaos, requiring the CHA to pay over $24 million in damages to two residents who sued over lead paint poisoning of their children. The agency is contesting this ruling and has been involved in a lengthy process with HUD over the appointment of a new CEO.
Despite its efforts to improve, the agency's leadership crisis persists. Matthew Brewer, the CHA board chair and temporary operating chairman, acknowledges that finding a permanent CEO is crucial to moving forward. "We're not just in the business of housing; we're in the business of humans," he said.
Residents are holding out for a leader who will prioritize their needs and address the systemic issues plaguing the agency. As Etta Davis, a 12-year resident at Dearborn Homes, put it: "I want transparency and approachability from our next CEO."
The search for a new CEO has become contentious, with the mayor and the agency at odds with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development over the appointment of a candidate preferred by Mayor Brandon Johnson.
Residents are growing increasingly frustrated with the state of their properties. Many have reported concerns about security, elevators, and overall maintenance. For example, Willie Wright, a resident of Henry Horner Homes, said that despite repeated requests for repairs, her building's living room ceiling is still cracked.
The agency has launched initiatives aimed at addressing these concerns, including a new division focused on environmental hazards such as lead-based paint poisoning. However, some residents remain skeptical about the effectiveness of these efforts.
A recent court ruling has also added to the chaos, requiring the CHA to pay over $24 million in damages to two residents who sued over lead paint poisoning of their children. The agency is contesting this ruling and has been involved in a lengthy process with HUD over the appointment of a new CEO.
Despite its efforts to improve, the agency's leadership crisis persists. Matthew Brewer, the CHA board chair and temporary operating chairman, acknowledges that finding a permanent CEO is crucial to moving forward. "We're not just in the business of housing; we're in the business of humans," he said.
Residents are holding out for a leader who will prioritize their needs and address the systemic issues plaguing the agency. As Etta Davis, a 12-year resident at Dearborn Homes, put it: "I want transparency and approachability from our next CEO."
i mean, how hard is it to make a decision when everyone's on the same page? it feels like they're just passing the buck instead of actually fixing the issues. and $24 million in damages for lead paint poisoning? that's outrageous! shouldn't the city be prioritizing the health and safety of its residents over bureaucratic red tape? 
. Anyway, I started thinking about how our grandparents' hairstyles have become kinda legendary over time. Like, who else can rock a perm in their youth? 
My grandma told me that her hair was always a bit of a pain to deal with back then, but she never lost the charm. It's funny how life comes full circle like that!
. And with residents complaining about security, elevators, and maintenance issues... it's just not right 
.
. The recent court ruling and HUD dispute on top of everything else... it's like the agency is playing whack-a-mole with problems 
.
. That way, everyone could stay informed and work together to solve these problems. Maybe then we'd see real progress 
.
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. It's like the agency is being held hostage by HUD and the mayor over some CEO appointment. I wish they'd focus on getting a leader who actually cares about the people they're supposed to be serving.
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, I'm like so done with all this bureaucratic drama 
. Can't they just find someone who can actually get things done around here? I mean, a permanent CEO would be huge step forward for those 65k+ households, but it feels like everyone's more concerned with their own egos and agendas 
.
... how many kids have to suffer because of this agency's slow response? It's just sad 
. I know they're trying to improve, but it feels like Band-Aid solutions at best 
.
, but can we please just focus on making things work here for once? I'm tired of waiting for someone to step up and make some real changes 
.
The best way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.
ASAP! 
The fact that residents are stuck in these horrible conditions is just not right 
like environmental hazards, it's a good start but still 
and the damage they have to pay is just not fair 
prioritize 
and approachability 
ASAP! 
this is not just about housing it's about people's lives 
. Can't a person just get some decent maintenance around here?! 
Can't we just get that already?! 
.
Can't we just focus on solving some real problems here?
. The residents are suffering, with crumbling buildings and environmental hazards, and it's not fair that they're having to deal with this on top of everything else. I feel for Willie Wright and Etta Davis, who just want a safe place to live without breaking the bank 
. What Chicago needs is someone who can listen to their concerns and get things done, you know? Not more politics and red tape 
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And don't even get me started on the court ruling... $24 million?!?! 
. Transparency and approachability are key 
. The people deserve a leader who will listen and act on their concerns 
.
but what's up with all these lawsuits and court rulings? isn't that just more stress on everyone involved? 
my neighbor Willie Wright was saying her building is still got a cracked ceiling from like 2008 and no one's done anything about it...the city's all like oh we're working on some stuff 
. A permanent CEO is not just a name on a job description, its about someone who can really make a difference in people's lives, like Etta Davis said, transparency and approachability are key 
. I just want to see some real progress and not more back-and-forth between the mayor, HUD, and the agency