Justin Miller

The Wilmington Housing Authority Board of Commissioners announced its upcoming virtual meeting scheduled for February 3rd, 2026, due to inclement weather. The purpose of the meeting is to review and discuss matters relevant to the Wilmington Housing Authority. The meetings will also include the Board of Directors Meetings for Housing and Economic Opportunities, Inc. (HEO) and Glover Plaza, Inc., which will commence immediately following the WHA meeting.

The WHA Board of Commissioners meetings included discussions and resolutions on various topics. These encompassed financial matters such as approving lists of bills, budget revisions, and write-offs. Other key areas involved procurement resolutions for contracts related to unit repairs and the disposal of household furniture. The board also addressed housing choice voucher program updates, including changes to payment standards. Updates were provided on property management activities, community outreach, and resident services, including reports from taskforces and efforts to address crime in WHA properties. Financial reports were reviewed, and discussions were held regarding ongoing projects and negotiations.

The board discussed project updates for Hillcrest, Solomon Towers, and Houston Moore, alongside financial reviews and regular bills. They covered community outreach, resident relations, and the functioning of Resident Advisory Boards (RAB) at various sites. Resolutions were passed concerning bill approvals, write-offs for vacated tenant accounts, contracts for temporary services and repairs to vacant units, and preliminary approval for multifamily housing revenue bonds. Department updates included housing choice vouchers and property management, with a focus on hurricane preparedness and occupancy levels. The CEO commented on a HUD Greensboro office review and the consideration of a new office location.

The agenda included updates on current projects from the Finance and Development Committee, and discussion on WHA Taskforce crime statistics, as well as any activities held for residents. The board approved the January and December list of bills. WHA staff is assessing units at Jervay and there will be six units at Glover ready to move in by the end of the month.

This Annual Plan for Fiscal Year 2025 outlines the Housing Authority's operations, programs, and services, focusing on addressing the needs of low-income families. Key strategic areas include increasing public housing occupancy rates, improving performance scores (REAC, PHAS, SEMAP, PIC), addressing audit findings, and securing additional grant funding for resident services, new construction, and rehabilitation. The plan also prioritizes maximizing public housing units, exploring leverage opportunities for capital and project-based vouchers, modernizing units, streamlining operations, and maximizing Housing Choice Voucher utilization. Furthermore, it emphasizes strengthening community partnerships for resident services, enhancing self-sufficiency programs, incorporating green building strategies in new construction, and expanding affordable housing presence throughout Wilmington and New Hanover County. The plan also details strategies for Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing, including collaborating with local agencies for fair housing initiatives, hosting workshops, and proposing strategies to increase affordable housing.