Anna Chen

The public comment session featured numerous concerns from residents and advocates regarding the Chicago Housing Authority's (CHA) practices. Key topics included the selection process for developers and contractors, specifically concerning the Loomis Courts Project, with repeated assertions that the same entities are continuously selected, potentially disadvantaging Section 3 populations. Residents voiced significant grievances about the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Department, alleging unjust loss of vouchers and mismanagement of the Section 8 Program, calling for a forensic audit. Safety and security issues at Altgeld Gardens (AG) were raised, including reports of violence and failed attempts to secure transfers. Residents expressed frustration over inadequate responsiveness from staff concerning maintenance work orders and communication, particularly regarding elevator issues and timely call returns. Furthermore, policy clarifications were sought on Capital Construction Department processes, such as the use of manual spreadsheets for task orders, reasons for delays in task assignment, and rent calculation policies, including how household income (including income from minors and digital payments) is assessed. Several commenters criticized the nature of the partnerships with Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) like POAH, alleging a lack of meaningful community participation and unfair contract approvals that favor unionized entities over resident employment opportunities.

The meeting commenced with roll call and approval of the order of the agenda. Key discussions included operational updates regarding property management's response to extreme weather, which involved well-being checks on senior residents. Development updates highlighted the expected closing of South Bridge phase 1C, a ribbon cutting scheduled for February at 1237 North California in Westtown, and the pending board approval for the developer of Lumis Courts. Operational highlights included the success of the PAM partner symposium held in December to foster collaboration among housing development stakeholders, and the release of results from the first resident survey, which indicated strong satisfaction scores but also identified challenges with maintenance issues and low participation in upward mobility programs. Achievements noted were a successful Senior Gayla event in December and a partnership with NBC5 News for a holiday surprise initiative providing gift cards to residents. The operating chairman also reported on a 'Take Flight' networking fair held in January and the reaffirmation of CHA's double A minus long-term credit rating by S&P Global Ratings. The meeting concluded with public participation for general matters.

The meeting commenced with the Chair noting that the meeting was being recorded and confirming a quorum, with commissioners participating remotely due to COVID-19 executive orders. Centering thoughts focused on gratitude and a recent CHA operation providing coats to children. The Chair reflected on her tenure, highlighting the agency's resourceful response to the pandemic, including transitioning to virtual meetings and approving numerous board actions. Key agenda items included a recommendation to execute a Housing Assistant Payment Contract for 30 project-based voucher units at New Covenant Apartments as part of Chicago's plan to end homelessness, noting this property conversion from Single Room Occupancies to studio apartments. Another item involved approving updated Tenant Selection Plans for Loomis Courts, Harris Courts, and Lathrop Elderly, addressing updates such as a mandatory smoke-free policy and updating application processing to be entirely online for these sites. Furthermore, the Board addressed financial matters, specifically recommending the acceptance and submission of the CHA's 2019 audited financial statements, which received a clean unmodified opinion from the auditors, and the recommendation to approve the $1.1 billion budget for 2021, detailing funding allocations across housing choice voucher programs, public housing operations, capital expenditures, administration, and resident services.

The meeting commenced with the introduction of the interim chairman, James Mateni, filling in for the absent interim chairman Brewer. The agenda approved included centering thoughts, a report from the interim CEO Angelo Hurlock, public testimony on general matters, and subsequent committee meetings for Finance and Audit, Real Estate, and Tenant Services. The board formally welcomed new Commissioner Lesan Cobb, who is also a homeowner resident, and provided introductions for recently appointed commissioners Juliana Gonzalez Cruy and Janza Malone. Key discussions involved the transition process, including engaging an external firm for a national search for the next CEO, planned to conclude by the end of the first quarter next year. Updates were provided on internal initiatives such as a comprehensive employee survey to assess support and connectivity to the mission, and extensive board visits to nearly 60 CHA properties to identify areas for improvement. The interim CEO highlighted recent successes, including a ribbon-cutting for the remodeled Irene McCoy Gaines, coat distribution to 5,000 youth through Operation Warm, networking at the annual CHA and Springboard to Success event, the launch of a new CHA website, and the grand opening of the Follia Residences at the Chicago Lighthouse, which includes significant project-based voucher commitments. The interim CEO also emphasized plans to increase accountability and improve services through resident surveys and turning listening into action.

This special board meeting was convened for the reconsideration of the elevator item deferred from the March 15 regular board meeting, as well as personnel matters. The primary agenda item involved authorization for the entity to participate in the Omni Cooperative elevator modernization, maintenance, and repair contract with Otis Elevators for a base term of three years, with two one-year options. Discussions focused on the contract value ($3.346 million for three years), the turnkey modernization program, remote elevator monitoring, and Otis's compliance with MWDDBE requirements through direct participation with subcontractors for drywalling/repair and cab installation. Significant discussion also centered on workforce development, specifically outlining a pathway for residents to gain prerequisites (like welding, OSHA, CPR) to qualify for the union apprenticeship program, which is anticipated to start accepting candidates in 2023. Commissioners inquired about guaranteed training positions, starting wages, and the location of the affected buildings.