You can view the live stream on YouTube here. youtube.com/watch?v=N_xJMF…

The meeting will include reports from the Finance & Audit Committee, the Tenant Services Committee, the Real Estate Operations Development Committee and will close with the Business Session Public Hearing. @theCHAtweets

Agenda items include approval of CHA's $1.2 Billion budget and separation from the Chicago Metropolitan Housing Development Corporation.

The CMHDC was originally created as an affiliate corporation to issue bonds for subsidized housing. Their mission has expanded to be the development arm of the CHA.

The closed session has just ended during which personnel matters were discussed.

The meeting has a quorum.

Dr. Mildred Harris shares centering thoughts to start. "The key word for CHA for 2021 has been resilience," she says. "Tough times don't last, but tough people do." Harris goes on to sing "We can Make It," tailoring the lyrics for CHA.

Commissioner Angela Hurlock welcomes the newest commissioner Luis Gutierrez, the newest member of the CHA Board of Commissioners, appointed by Mayor Lori Lightfoot.

CEO Tracey Scott is providing an update to the board with a focus on the FY2022 budget and highlights of 2021.

Scott says in 2021 the CHA "partnered with the Chicago Continuum of Care to provide 1,100 emergency housing vouchers for residents experiencing homelessness, at risk of homelessness, or victims of domestic violence."

Scott relates that the $1 trillion infrastructure bill signed by Biden yesterday does not include housing as infrastructure, but that the CTA will have additional funding to build a stop at Altgeld Gardens, improving transit access and commute time for residents.

Michael Moran, Chief Financial Officer, provides a brief outline of the budget and takes questions from the commissioners.

Commissioner Debra Parker asks for clarification on the $113 million allotted to preservation. Moran clarifies that the preservation funds are divided between public housing, senior scattered sites, and properties under the Rental Assistance Demonstration program.

The budget increased by about 9%. The voucher program increased to $54 million dollars due to higher rent costs to landlords.

And $48 million for capital expenditures includes investing in properties and development.

95% of funding for the CHA is from HUD.

Sunil Kumar, Interim Chief Legal Officer, provides an update on CHA's separation from CMHDC.

Commissioner James Matanky asked why it took so long to get out of the agreement, echoing other similar sentiments from commissioners.

Cheryl Burns, Chief Housing Choice Voucher Officer, provides an update on a recommendation to enter a Housing Assistance Payment contract for three properties; families on the CHA waitlist will reside in the properties (see image). https://t.co/LOXrZRy4vb

Mary Howard, Chief Resident Services Officer, presents on a recommendation to enter into contract with Chicago Parks District, which allows CHA residents to access discounts to Park facilities and programs. Commissioner Francine Washington expressed appreciation for the programs.

Howard describes park district's drastically reduced number of kids served in camps during the pandemic. However, the budgeted amount of $1.1 million is based on pre-pandemic levels, and is only spent if services are utilized.

Additional detail (see image) on the units. PBV Units are project-based voucher units. https://t.co/ZZFSVAvZ7u

Ann McKenzie, Chief Development Officer, presents on the final agenda recommendation for the closing of Roosevelt Square Phase I Recapitalization and Phase 3B. https://t.co/R0L9DZtTMI

Public comment is open. Three people registered ahead of time.

Seke Ballard is petitioning CHA to sell the property at 4659 Cottage Grove to his company Beta Financial Services. He had a letter of intent with the CHA for purchase with no follow up. He describes smashed windows heroin needles near the properties.

Carla Jackson, a resident, describes difficulty getting in touch with Pangea Real Estate to assist with a broken carbon monoxide detector. She wants to know why if she’s paying her rent on time, she is not getting services when needs arise.

Former CHA resident Tameka Holt expressed disdain for the CHA for treating Black residents as a "private human capital cash cow." Holt says CHA allows Black people to be blocked from participation in economic growth in the space "they eat off us in."

Angela Hurlock calls for an omnibus approval of items 1-10.

The next board meeting will be January 18, 2022 in person at CHA offices, 60 E Van Buren.

The meeting adjourns at 11:52.