HACM Board Meeting August 19, 2026

The Housing Authority of the City of Milwaukee (HACM) Board of Commissioners held a regularly scheduled meeting on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, at 4:00 PM in City Hall Room 301-B. The meeting included approval of the consent agenda, a public listening session, discussion of a HUD repayment agreement, a proposed board survey, and reports from the Secretary-Executive Director and Chief of Public Safety. Key outcomes included unanimous approval of a $2.9 million repayment agreement with HUD and a plan for an annual board self-evaluation survey.

Consent Calendar

• Approved minutes from the regular Board meeting of July 8, 2026 (R13791).
• Approved minutes from the Public Listening Session held on July 29, 2026 (R13792).
• Approved documents shared with the Travaux Board of Directors in July 2026 (R13793). All items were approved unanimously by a 7-0 roll call vote.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Mr. Sawyer (RAB board member and rent assistance representative): Expressed concern about voucher utilization, urging broader geographic distribution across the county. Criticized staff treatment of resident leaders, saying staff spend more effort proving themselves right than resolving issues.
• Betty Newton (Convent Hills resident, RO and RAB member): Reported that her name was removed from the Convent Hills waitlist in 2023 without explanation; she had sent unanswered emails. Also requested storage space for resident event equipment, stating management was uncooperative.
• Diana Hinton (resident): Stated she filed multiple complaints with HACM since 2024 and received zero responses. Said she received lease violations based on public safety reports she was never aware of, and that staff sided with management rather than residents.
• Ms. Schultz (landlord and property manager): Described delays of six months or more in receiving rent assistance payments for three tenants, with payments held due to tenant disputes and missing signatures. Requested a return to a dedicated caseworker model for landlords and stronger accountability for tenants who damage property.
• No written or e-comments were received by the 11 AM deadline.

Discussion Items

• R13795 - HUD Repayment Agreement: John Larson, CFO, presented a resolution to approve a repayment agreement with HUD for $2.9 million in unsupported/disallowed housing assistance payments. The terms are $25,000 per quarter ($100,000 annually) over 29 years, with no interest. Vice Chair Gotzler praised the terms. The resolution passed unanimously (7-0).
• R13796 - Board Survey Discussion: Chair Hayslett introduced a draft survey for board self-evaluation, to be conducted annually to assess strengths, communication, oversight, and alignment with HACM's mission. Commissioners reviewed the draft and were asked to provide feedback by August 28, 2026. Discussion included whether the survey should be anonymous, how to ensure integrity, and the need to include outcomes from public listening sessions. Commissioner Snyder requested more transparency on how resident complaints are resolved. Commissioner Nelson (a resident of Arlettin Court) emphasized the need for a clear process for following up on listening session issues. Chair Hayslett noted that the survey is intended to be a tool for continuous improvement.
• Reports from the Secretary-Executive Director:
  • CVR Update (Tracy Sheffield, Tina Royalty): Reported progress on moving 800 families off the HCV waiting list for eligibility review, with over 50 vouchers issued in August. Recertification backlog reduced to 500. New briefing packets and electronic options for forms are being explored. Focus on leasing spending due to HUD shortfall release at end of June.
  • Executive Director Summary (Harold Ents): Highlighted progress across public housing, LLCs, and market rate portfolios. Vacancies remain elevated due to maintenance reorganization and staffing shortages. Rent collection improved in public housing (94% in July) but declined in LLCs. Maintenance backlogs addressed through contractor support and hiring. Financial and governance reforms underway.
  • COO Update (Zaina Farah): Public housing occupancy slightly below 96%, with 107 vacant units (57 ready to rent, 27 assigned). LLC occupancy steady at 93%. Market rate occupancy at 93%. Rent collection in public housing improved to 94% (average 90% Jan-May). Maintenance work orders backlog due to skill gaps; training and contractors being brought in. Inventory management and inspections are being reorganized.
  • CFO Update (John Larson): Finance staff from Travaux moved to main office. Cross-training and position descriptions being updated. Policies and procedures reviewed for FY2026. Cost allocation plan to be completed by year-end. Also announced $27 million in public housing shortfall funding over four years.
• Public Safety Report (Chief Marlon Davis): Reported 643 calls for service and 1,000 officer-initiated events (5% and 6% increase respectively). 60% of activity is proactive. Top developments: Merrill Park (33 officer-initiated, 19 calls), College Court, Ogil Village. Implemented Narcan training, community pop-ups, National Night Out. New operational metrics include dispatch operations and community engagement. Discussed partnerships with Department of Community Wellness and Safety, Safe & Sound, and local police. Addressed concerns about facilities like Merrill Park (new manager, targeted trespass posters). Staffing: 3 vacancies plus 2 due to military obligations. Chief Davis emphasized quality hiring over filling seats.

Key Outcomes

• Unanimously approved Resolution R13795 authorizing a $2.9 million repayment agreement with HUD over 29 years.
• Board survey to be finalized by August 28, 2026, with a goal to launch this fall. The survey will be annual and used to guide board development.
• Recognized Commissioner Irma Yepes Klassen for her service as she steps down due to a new position; she expressed gratitude and commitment to remain available.
• The Board directed staff to improve communication of community events (e.g., back-to-school giveaways) and to explore legal options for commissioners to attend such events collectively.
• Staff continue aggressive recruitment for maintenance, finance, and public safety positions, using platforms like Indeed, LinkedIn, and the city of Milwaukee's employment channels.
• Ongoing focus on reducing recertification backlog, increasing unit turnover through contractor support, and improving rent collection in LLCs.
• Public safety to develop a proactive strategy for commercial properties and enhance partnerships with resident organizations and external agencies.

Meeting adjourned.