Pittsburgh City Housing Authority

The board meeting included updates on resident initiatives, such as a computer giveaway program, the return of community policing events, workforce development partnerships, and successes in the home ownership program. Public comments were received regarding tenant concerns over recertification processes, rent ledger inaccuracies, building repairs, and heating issues in residential units. The Board approved a contract amendment for document storage, tracking, and shredding services to support ongoing digitization efforts and authorized a contract for cyber insurance.

The board meeting covered several critical updates, including the announcement of increased 2026 HUD funding and the authority's recognition as a high-performing public housing agency. Discussion topics included the green certification of the Reed project, approval of the fiscal year 2026 MTW annual plan, and successful resident employment and home ownership goals. Personnel updates were provided, including the appointment of a new Chief Development Officer. The board also addressed public concerns regarding waitlist transparency, the income determination process for applicants, and high rent collection loss write-off rates compared to industry standards.

The meeting included the approval of the Activity Report, which highlighted numerous organizational achievements such as being recognized as a high-performing PHA, the Enterprise Green Communities Certification Plus Zero Emissions achievement for The Reed project, and exceeding goals for home sales and new hires in workforce programs. Key resolutions involved authorizing the Executive Director to execute construction contracts for the 10 Scattered Sites Renovation project, awarding a contract for Compliance Consultant Services to D. R. Wesley Management Consultants Inc., ratifying the write-off of collection losses for Q4 2025, adopting updates to the Employee Handbook including an Artificial Intelligence Policy, authorizing contracts for insurance coverage for 2026, adopting revisions to the Procurement and Disposition Policy, and authorizing a contract amendment for file storage and shredding services with Access Information Protected. The Executive Report detailed successes across maintenance, development, workforce training, homeownership attainment, rent collection performance being below the national average, IT protection advancements, crime reduction, and audit compliance.

The meeting included the presentation and approval of the Activity Report for December 2025, which covered resident engagement, the introduction of the digital literacy team utilizing drones, comparisons of LIPH average monthly rent, NSPIRE inspection scores, visitation statistics for the 412 One-Stop-Shop, the opening of the Mosaic LGBTQ+ friendly senior apartment building, and recognition for supporting early learning initiatives. Public comments raised questions regarding the plan for selling vacant and uninhabitable properties and requested public access to ARMDC's spending decisions in 2026. Several resolutions were approved, including authorizing a contract for HVAC and Geothermal Support, amending the monetary value of the Roofing Services contract, awarding contracts for Employee Group Term Life and Workers' Compensation Insurance, authorizing a contract for Pension Plan Investment Management, revising the Public Housing Flat Rent Schedule effective January 1, 2026, ratifying an expedited contract for vacant property security coverings (DAWGS), approving funding for immediate maintenance needs at Christopher A. Smith Terrace, authorizing a construction contract for the rehabilitation of 728 Montooth Street, approving the transfer of FY 2026 Capital Funds to ARMDC, and authorizing a grant agreement with Clean Slate E3 for youth educational services. Additionally, resolutions were approved authorizing the disposition of two uninhabitable properties (700 Lillian Street and 802 Stanhope Street). The meeting concluded with an executive session to discuss personnel matters.

The meeting began with the approval of the February board meeting minutes and the previously recorded activity report for March. Key discussions included welcoming new commissioners and reviewing the March progress report. Highlights from the report featured the distribution of 180 computers and 90 laptops funded by a broadband development grant for residents in various programs, a VITA tax return update showing significant returns processed, and updates on Tenant Council representatives, with 15 out of 20 locations represented. Operational updates mentioned the start of mandatory fire drills and smoking cessation programs in partnership with the American Cancer Society. Significant progress was noted in home ownership initiatives, with nine new buyers added in 2025, supported by HACP contributions exceeding $4 million to the URRA program since 2023, resulting in 66 homeowners. The HUD Family Self-Sufficiency Renewal Grant of $392,000 was secured to fund positions supporting self-sufficiency services. Inspection performance showed the HACP scoring 84 on the new Inspire inspection program, 11 points above the national average of 73. The HCV and Occupancy departments received positive reviews for their landlord advisory group and rapid processing times, reducing contract processing from 2.5 months to 22 days, and complaints dropping from 35 to two. The HACP also provided assistance to Alageney County Housing Authority regarding funding issues, while noting that some other housing authorities have halted HCV voucher issuance. The Clean Slate E3 scholarship applications were announced, offering $20,000 scholarships. Updates on the mobile computer lab (Cyber Bus) and Facility Services' significant overtime savings were provided. Finally, the impending visit of the newly appointed HUD regional director to discuss award-winning programs and future funding opportunities was announced, along with news of an upcoming ribbon cutting for the Stanton Highland Apartments.