Chicago Housing Authority may soon name new CEO
Why it matters: CHA, the largest single owner of rental housing in Chicago, continues to grapple with finding affordable housing for the thousands of residents who were displaced after the city demolished more than 80 buildings starting in the mid-1990s as part of its "Plan for Transformation."
State of play: 16,000 people are on the waiting list for CHA vouchers, but the agency has declared 2025 its " Year of Renewal," with a goal of being more transparent and accountable to residents.
CHA has recently moved forward on some long-awaited developments. This week, it broke ground on new affordable units at the site of the former Robert Taylor Homes in Bronzeville, one of the most notorious public housing developments in the U.S. that was torn down during the transformation plan.
Catch up quick: Angela Hurlock took over last October as interim CEO after Tracey Scott, a holdover from the Lightfoot administration, resigned amid controversy over the city's decision to lease CHA land on the Near West Side to the Chicago Fire.
CHA had promised to build more than 2,000 units near the site of the former ABLA Homes, but at the time of the agreement with the Chicago Fire, only about half were finished, Block Club reported.
Last month, the agency unveiled more than 200 new units at the site.
The latest: Ald. Walter Burnett is angling to be the next CEO as he wraps up his tenure at City Council at the end of the month.
The West Side alder grew up in the Cabrini-Green rowhouses, next to the high-rises that were leveled as part of the "Plan for Transformation."
As alder of development-rich West Loop and Fulton Market and chair of the zoning committee, Burnett has been at the forefront of big changes in those neighborhoods.
How it works: The mayor picks the CHA head, but the agency's Board of Commissioners has to approve the choice.
What they're saying: CHA's Central Advisory Council opposes Burnett as the agency head, the Chicago Tribune reported Wednesday, expressing concerns that Burnett is too chummy with private developers.
The other side: Burnett says his relationships with developers would be an asset to CHA.
"I built a whole neighborhood in the West Loop during the time that we tore down the buildings in public housing that haven't been built back," Burnett said this week on Fran Spielman's podcast. "CHA has to do more to leverage the private-public partnerships. I have all of the private partnerships from dealing with them in my ward."
Between the lines: Burnett regularly references his Cabrini roots. "This is my neighborhood. These are my people in this neighborhood," Burnett said last year at a groundbreaking for the new Bally's Chicago Casino in River West.
What we're watching: Johnson's office did not respond to Axios' questions about who he plans to select as the agency's new leader and when, but told reporters last week that Burnett is "a strong contender."
"There are, of course, a couple other candidates that are in consideration, but Alderman Burnett is certainly at the top of that."
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Axios
5 days ago
- Axios
Chicago Housing Authority may soon name new CEO
The Chicago Housing Authority could have a new leader in the coming weeks. Why it matters: CHA, the largest single owner of rental housing in Chicago, continues to grapple with finding affordable housing for the thousands of residents who were displaced after the city demolished more than 80 buildings starting in the mid-1990s as part of its "Plan for Transformation." State of play: 16,000 people are on the waiting list for CHA vouchers, but the agency has declared 2025 its " Year of Renewal," with a goal of being more transparent and accountable to residents. CHA has recently moved forward on some long-awaited developments. This week, it broke ground on new affordable units at the site of the former Robert Taylor Homes in Bronzeville, one of the most notorious public housing developments in the U.S. that was torn down during the transformation plan. Catch up quick: Angela Hurlock took over last October as interim CEO after Tracey Scott, a holdover from the Lightfoot administration, resigned amid controversy over the city's decision to lease CHA land on the Near West Side to the Chicago Fire. CHA had promised to build more than 2,000 units near the site of the former ABLA Homes, but at the time of the agreement with the Chicago Fire, only about half were finished, Block Club reported. Last month, the agency unveiled more than 200 new units at the site. The latest: Ald. Walter Burnett is angling to be the next CEO as he wraps up his tenure at City Council at the end of the month. The West Side alder grew up in the Cabrini-Green rowhouses, next to the high-rises that were leveled as part of the "Plan for Transformation." As alder of development-rich West Loop and Fulton Market and chair of the zoning committee, Burnett has been at the forefront of big changes in those neighborhoods. How it works: The mayor picks the CHA head, but the agency's Board of Commissioners has to approve the choice. What they're saying: CHA's Central Advisory Council opposes Burnett as the agency head, the Chicago Tribune reported Wednesday, expressing concerns that Burnett is too chummy with private developers. The other side: Burnett says his relationships with developers would be an asset to CHA. "I built a whole neighborhood in the West Loop during the time that we tore down the buildings in public housing that haven't been built back," Burnett said this week on Fran Spielman's podcast. "CHA has to do more to leverage the private-public partnerships. I have all of the private partnerships from dealing with them in my ward." Between the lines: Burnett regularly references his Cabrini roots. "This is my neighborhood. These are my people in this neighborhood," Burnett said last year at a groundbreaking for the new Bally's Chicago Casino in River West. What we're watching: Johnson's office did not respond to Axios' questions about who he plans to select as the agency's new leader and when, but told reporters last week that Burnett is "a strong contender." "There are, of course, a couple other candidates that are in consideration, but Alderman Burnett is certainly at the top of that."
Associated Press
6 days ago
- Associated Press
CHA, Chicago City Officials, and Development Partners Celebrate Latest Phase of Legends South
Legends South A3 Will Bring 52 New Affordable and Market-Rate Homes to Bronzeville CHICAGO, ILLINOIS / ACCESS Newswire / July 24, 2025 / Yesterday, city, state, and federal officials joined the Chicago Housing Authority (CHA) and executives of The Michaels Organization and Brinshore Development for a ceremonial groundbreaking to mark the start of Legends South A3, a significant milestone in the ongoing transformation of the former Robert Taylor Homes site in Chicago's Bronzeville neighborhood. 'Today we're turning the page on the legacy of disinvestment which has for too long left spaces like this vacant in the heart of our communities,' said Mayor Brandon Johnson. 'This project adds a new and dynamic development to this neighborhood. It's proof of how critical investments like this can uplift, revitalize, and empower a community. We are taking steps towards rectifying the mistakes of the past while building the safest and most affordable big city in America.' 'We're proud to be a part of a partnership that's bringing long-term investment and revitalization to this historic neighborhood,' said Andrea Keeney, Vice President of Development for The Michaels Organization. 'This latest phase of Legend South will continue to build vibrant, inclusive communities rooted in opportunity and progress.' 'With each new phase of Legends South, we're not just building housing, we're helping to restore and reinvest in a historic community that has been a cornerstone of Chicago's identity,' said Richard Sciortino, Co-founding Principal of Brinshore Development. 'This next phase continues our commitment to creating high-quality affordable housing that supports families, promotes stability and reflects Bronzeville's resilience.' 'This is our Year of Renewal, and we are working with more intention, transparency, and accountability, which are translating into meaningful progress,' said Interim CHA Board Chairman Matthew Brewer. 'This year alone, we've celebrated grand openings at Edith Spurlock Sampson and Sheffield Residences, Canvas at Leland Plaza, the National Public Housing Museum and Roosevelt Square-projects that reflect and affirm our commitment to expanding housing, honoring our history, and strengthening communities. Together with the latest phase of Legends South, which includes 21 new CHA apartments and its first retail space, these efforts are powerful examples of what's possible when we lead with purpose, persistence, and partnership. Congratulations to all.' Designed by LBBA and Brook Architecture, Legends South A3 will offer a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom units, across two separate buildings: a four-story elevator building with 40 apartments and a three-story walk-up building with 12 apartments. The development will also include 3,500 square feet of ground-floor commercial space and various community amenities. Of the 52 apartment homes set for Legends South A3, 21 units will be designated for Chicago Housing Authority (CHA) residents with rents set at 60% of area median income (AMI), 3 units will be designated as affordable housing at 50% of AMI, 18 units will be designated as affordable housing at 60% of AMI, and 10 units will be available at market rate. 'This development represents more than bricks and mortar - it reflects our city's continued commitment to equitable investment and housing justice,' said Lissette Castañeda, Commissioner of the Chicago Department of Housing. 'By supporting mixed-income communities like Legends South A3, we're helping longtime Bronzeville residents stay connected to a neighborhood with deep cultural roots, while expanding access to safe, stable, and affordable housing.' Complementing the apartment homes will be a small plaza at the intersection of State Street and 45th Street, designed to foster community gatherings and enhance the neighborhood's public space. The development also includes 47 parking spaces. Financing for Legends South A3 includes 9% Low-Income Housing Tax Credits and Illinois Affordable Housing Tax Credits awarded by the City of Chicago Department of Housing, RAD (Rental Assistance Demonstration) Project-Based Vouchers, a CHA MTW (Moving to Work) loan of $6.72 million, and CAA (Consolidated Appropriations Act) loan of $850,000 Tax Increment Financing (TIF) loan of $10 million. The project also benefited from various other public and private funding sources. In a separate, but related transaction, Chicago-based homebuilder Greenline Homes will be developing 8 affordable homes along this same site. Collectively, these developments will help Chicago families live well and create community. Previous phases of Legends South, which Brinshore-Michaels first began developing in 2005, include Mahalia Place, Hansberry Square, Savoy Square, Coleman Place, and Gwendolyn Place. Combined, these communities currently offer residents over 600 mixed-income apartments, green spaces, and a variety of amenities. Following the groundbreaking, The Michaels Organization Educational Foundation, a nonprofit affiliate of The Michaels Organization, celebrated 33 Chicago-based scholars at Savoy Square. Michaels' Chicago Scholars were awarded a total of $255,500 in scholarships for the 2025/2026 academic year. The awards are a part of the greater $2.4 million awarded by the Foundation, which was announced in June as benefiting residents of Michaels' military and affordable communities. In total, the Foundation has awarded $19 million across Michaels' portfolio, and it is monumental to Michaels' mission of Creating Communities that Lift Lives. ### About The Michaels Organization Michaels is a national leader in residential real estate, offering full-service capabilities in development, property and asset management, construction, and investment. Serving more than 200,000 residents in more than 600 communities across 39 states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, Michaels is committed to crafting housing solutions that jumpstart education, civic engagement and neighborhood prosperity, and to creating Communities That Lift Lives. About the Chicago Housing Authority (CHA) CHA is the third largest public housing authority in the nation and the largest single owner of rental housing in Chicago. Through its public housing and voucher programs, CHA serves 135,000 people in 65,000 households across all 77 of Chicago's community areas. CHA's mission is to create and sustain strong communities where seniors thrive and everyone can unlock their economic power, ensuring that every neighborhood in Chicago has quality affordable housing and everyone feels welcome. For more information, visit About Brinshore Development Brinshore Development is a national leader in the development and operation of affordable housing. With more than 31 years of housing experience, Brinshore excels at creating diverse teams to transform the most complex development challenges into beautifully designed, vibrant communities. Brinshore's portfolio includes more than 12,000 affordable rental housing units, representing $4.8 billion of investment in sixteen states and the District of Columbia. For more information on Brinshore's community investments, visit Contact Information Laura Zaner Vice President, Michaels Corporate Marketing [email protected] 856-988-5983; 856-630-1540 Domenica DeSorte Corporate Marketing Communications Manager, The Michaels Organization [email protected] (856) 396-8532 SOURCE: The Michaels Organization press release
Chicago Tribune
7 days ago
- Chicago Tribune
Ald. Walter Burnett's wife violated Chicago Housing Authority ethics policy
Darlena Williams-Burnett, the wife of Ald. Walter Burnett, who is the front-runner to be the next Chicago Housing Authority CEO, violated the housing authority's ethics policy when employed by the agency in 2022, according to documents obtained through a Tribune public records request. Williams-Burnett serves as the chair of the Chicago Intellect Political Action Committee and did not disclose the position to CHA, a violation of the Hatch Act — the federal law that restricts the political activity of some government workers and a component of CHA's ethics policy. The ethics officer cited the CHA ethics policy that stated if any employee 'fails to provide documents or information requested by the Ethics Officer, or who furnishes false or misleading information to the Ethics Officer with the intent to mislead, shall be subject to removal from office, employment sanctions, or the cancellation of contract rights.' Williams-Burnett, who had been serving as deputy chief of fleet and facilities in CHA's general services department, had already informed the housing authority of her planned June 2022 resignation in February of that same year. She now works as a real estate agent, according to her LinkedIn profile. 'We had called our lawyers and our lawyers said she didn't violate anything,' Burnett told the Tribune Wednesday, adding that he also spoke with then-Mayor Lori Lightfoot. 'She never got any paperwork or anything in regards to that, just a conversation, that was it.' Burnett said his wife had already planned to retire at the time. He said his lawyers told him recently that his wife should resign from her position on the PAC in the event that he does get CHA's top job. Williams-Burnett did not respond to a Tribune request for comment and Burnett said his wife declined to comment. CHA said it could not comment on personnel matters. During her eight-year CHA tenure, Williams-Burnett also received a written reprimand from the chief operations officer for missing a meeting where she was scheduled to brief board members on an upcoming board meeting agenda item. She was unreachable shortly after the meeting's start time and when later asked to explain her absence said she just ''missed it,'' according to the written reprimand. Williams-Burnett was then instructed on 'corrective actions,' including ensuring her availability for meetings, having alternative arrangements in the event that she was unavailable to attend meetings and answering her work phone. The PAC was created in 2018. The group's purpose, per the Illinois State Board of Elections, is 'to promote and support organizations that advance and protect the interests of the citizens of Chicago.' In the last election cycle, the group donated to various aldermen. Burnett, 27th, will resign from the City Council — where he represents a West Side ward spanning some of the richest and poorest neighborhoods — at the end of the month. He has expressed deep interest in taking the helm at CHA. The Tribune first reported June 28 that Burnett was a reputed candidate for the position. ekane@
