Editor’s Note
Welcome to Newswire — your weekly guide to Chicago government, civic action and what action we can take to make our city great, featuring public meeting coverage by City Bureau’s Documenters.
Quote of the Week
“Residents deserve a leader who understands their needs, listens to their concerns and fights for continued funding for safe, stable and affordable housing.”
— Interim Chairman Matthew Brown speaking on the CHA’s ‘Year of Renewal’ initiative.
[Chicago Housing Authority Board of Commissioners, Mar. 24, 2025]
‘Year of Renewal’
The Chicago Housing Authority is on the hunt for a new CEO.
The agency has formed a search committee to replace Tracey Scott, who left the housing agency in 2024 amid growing criticism about the agency selling off public land for private use and leaving hundreds of properties empty even as more than 200,000 people were on the waiting lists for housing. CHA Board Chair Angela Hurlock has served as interim CEO since October.
Finding a new leader is part of CHA’s ‘Year of Renewal’ initiatives for 2025, which also includes a long-term strategic plan. “It’s about being intentional in beginning to rebuild trust through openness, collaboration and long term strategic planning,” said Matthew Brewer, interim board chairman. The board also announced the opening of the National Museum of Public Housing in Little Italy.
Commissioners also approved an extension of Housing Assistance Payments (HAP) for four housing developments in Logan Square, Humboldt Park, Ashburn and Englewood.
Chicago Housing Authority Board of Commissioners by Jhaylin Benson and Naeemah Legair
What you can do:
Catch up on the headlines:
Broken elevators leave seniors stuck in lobby at West Side Chicago Housing Authority building | CBS News
Cabrini-Green lot vacant for 50 years closer to being redeveloped with mixed-income apartments | Block Club Chicago
‘A new day at CHA’? Residents still face ‘ridiculous’ conditions In public housing buildings, they say | Illinois Answers Project
Step up, step down
The Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability is hosting citywide listening sessions to gather input on the search for a new Chief Administrator of the Chicago Office of Police Accountability. Andrea Kersten, the former COPA Chief Administrator stepped down in February. Mayor Brandon Johnson appointed COPA Director of Investigations Lakenya White as Interim Chief Administrator on Mar. 27.
Last month, the CCPSA approved a rule change that requires public comments be limited to topics commissioners discuss at the current meeting. The new rules also prohibit disruptions, though Commissioner Sandra Wortham clarified this does not include expressing dissenting opinions. CCPSA continues to hold Traffic Stop Listening Sessions as they work to draft a policy on the issue; the next session is Apr. 16.
Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability Public Hearing - COPA Chief Administrator Search by Ebony Ellis and Jim Klososky
Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability Monthly Public Meeting by Eli Gillespie and Stephen Simpson
What you can do:
Attend a CCPSA meeting: Check for upcoming CCPSA meetings here at the City of Chicago website. Anyone may submit written public comment by delivering it to the public meeting or by emailing it to CommunityCommissionPublicComment@cityofchicago.org.
Mixed emotions
Karen Kane, 18th Police District Council member, touched on CCPSA’s involvement in the search for COPA’s next leader . She also urged residents to fill out a survey regarding traffic stop policy feedback, noting that this would be a way for community members to have a voice.
Community members also had the chance to address the 18th Police District’s new Acting Commander Michael Neckermann, bringing up issues such as public safety, proactive policing and the fentanyl crisis.
18th Police District Council by Laura Caride and Samuel Lisec
What you can do:
Find your Police District Council and attend a meeting:
Find your local police district here.
Head to chicago.gov and select your district’s specific page.
Get acquainted with your district council members. Check out theChicago Reader’s deep dive into each of the police district council candidates.
A version of this story was first published in the April 2, 2025 issue of the Newswire, an email newsletter that is your weekly guide to Chicago government, civic action and what we can do to make our city great. You can sign up for the weekly newsletter here.
Have thoughts on what you'd like to see in this feature? Email Civic Editor Dawn Rhodes at dawn@citybureau.org.