College Court housing complex, City of Milwaukee Housing Authority. Jeramey Jannene’s photo.

Most of them by the end of November City of Milwaukee Housing Authority (HACM) board of directors may have new faces.

The beleaguered public housing agency became a source of disdain among residents and Common Ground Southeastern WisconsinHe frustrated City Hall officials as he launched a campaign against the agency in March 2023.

The Common Council approved the first new member of the HCAM board last week, and the council’s most powerful committee approved three new members on Monday, putting them in line for formal approval in late November. Also deputy chairman of the board of directors Brooke VandeBergThe Mayor, whose term of office expired, withdrew from the re-election process and the Mayor Knight Johnson He canceled his re-election bid.

The citizen-led board governs the agency, which is affiliated with the city but is largely funded by and subject to oversight by the federal government. US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) currently has the agency under a corrective action plan and has labeled some of its practices as “at serious risk of fraud, waste, and abuse.”

For the first time in several years, the board is set to return to full strength with seven members. The new members pledge to conduct a fair review of the agency, including the Secretary-Executive Director Willie Hines Jr.

Among new members Karen Götzlera Milwaukee resident who advises housing authorities in other cities Charlotte HayslettHuman resources consultant and former HACM resident and employee, Jackie BurrellHACM resident and community leader Westlawn Gardens complex and Councilor Sharlen P. Moore.

“I think there’s a lot more to be done,” Gotzler said at his Oct. 21 nomination hearing. “The Housing Authority has a long way to go to fulfill its mission.”

As Urban Milwaukee observed, Gotzler had already attended several board meetings and was taking notes.

“I look forward to presenting best practices and recommendations to the current commission,” he told the committee.

Gotzler said he would like to see more communication between the commission and HUD, which communicates primarily with HACM’s administrative staff. He is also keen to improve properties. “It’s very clear that we have some health and safety issues on properties that have not been addressed and those need to come first,” he said.

The council unanimously approved his appointment on November 6.

On Monday, three potential new colleagues received unanimous approval Steering and Rules Committee.

“I want my voice to be heard as well as the residents’ voices,” said Burrell, who serves as president of the Westlawn resident council. “The work needs to be done.”

Ald. Robert Bauman and other councilors said they had asked him for feedback on the conditions of the properties.

“Maintenance is very difficult for me,” Burrell said. “Something needs to be done; “We need to do something as soon as possible.”

Council President said: “I think you are a breath of fresh air” José G. Pérez.

He will be joined by Hayslett, a former HACM resident and housing operations assistant.

“I’m here because I’m ready to step in and take action,” he said. “I refuse to believe that we bring political conventions to Milwaukee, bring all this attention, and fail to take care of the residents in our backyard.”

He said it was “imperative” to conduct an investigation into Hines, whose dismissal Common Ground’s board has called for.

“You run the show. Please don’t give up your power, please,” Pérez told board members.

“I’m proud and happy to see this happen,” said Ald. Russell W. Stamper, II. “We have high hopes that you will make significant progress.”

A council member will also join the new members.

Moore, who was first selected in April, will replace VandeBerg. “I want to thank you Mayor’s Office “For your trust in me to be appointed to this position,” he said. “The first and most important reason I am interested in this position is because I love people.”

Johnson had previously appointed Ald. Milele A. Coggs and Representative. Remaining Haywood II in 2022, but both had to resign due to their affiliation with the Democratic Party. State legislation prohibits board members from being affiliated with a political party in an “official capacity.”

“I want to thank you so much for making this sacrifice to do the job,” said Ald. JoCasta Zamarripa Moore’s act of resigning from the party. Council members are officially non-partisan, but many are affiliated with the Democratic Party.

Commission members are appointed for five years and serve without compensation. Board members are nominated by the mayor and approved by the council.

Current HACM board members include: Darian Luckett, Irma Yépez Klassen And Sherri Reed Daniels. Their terms of office expire in 2027.

multi-year member Mark WagnerServing as president since 2014, he passed away in August. HACM resident Reed Daniels was elected president in September but attended meetings virtually and handed over the position to VandeBerg.

VandeBergONE Associated Bank vice president and former city employee, whose term ends in November 2023. He was initially re-nominated by Johnson, but withdrew in mid-October after several contentious board meetings.

New members said they want to hear more from the public, including HACM residents. Many said they would like to see a public comment period added to board meetings. “I think the most important thing the commission can do is go and meet with the residents,” Gotzler said.

Common Ground has approved the new list but is not giving up its campaign. Its members attended all nomination hearings.

“Creating a full board with new, reform-oriented, active leadership is step one. Getting new leadership into senior positions at the Housing Authority is the next step,” Common Ground lead organizer said. Jennifer O’Hear in a statement. “We urge Mayor Johnson to capitalize on this positive momentum and work with the Board of Directors to replace HACM’s current leadership.”

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