Chicago Housing Authority Faces Leadership Conflict

A dispute between Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Chicago Housing Authority (CHA) is escalating over the appointment of a new Chief Executive Officer. The conflict centers on the process used by the CHA Board to select Keith Pettigrew as the agency’s next CEO, a decision made over the mayor’s objections.

Board Appoints CEO Despite Mayor’s Concerns

Last month, the CHA Board voted 7-2 in favor of hiring Keith Pettigrew. This decision occurred despite opposition from Mayor Johnson, setting the stage for a potential legal battle. Pettigrew is still scheduled to assume the CEO position later this month.

Mayor Demotes Board Chairman

On Wednesday, Mayor Johnson responded by demoting CHA Board Chair Matthew Brewer. Johnson stated that the process leading to Pettigrew’s appointment violated Illinois state law.

Allegations of Open Meetings Act Violation

“Mr. Brewer’s actions were in direct violation of the Open Meetings Act and long-standing CHA Board precedent,” Johnson said in a statement. He further explained that the resolution to appoint a CEO was not properly publicized before the March 17 meeting and remains absent from publicly available agenda materials.

Johnson argued this lack of transparency “effectively denying Board members, CHA residents, and the public the opportunity to participate…in decisions of this magnitude.” He also criticized Brewer’s stewardship, claiming it “disenfranchised both fellow Commissioners and the communities the CHA serves.”

Further Claims of Illegality

The mayor also challenged the legality of Brewer’s appointment as the agency’s operating chairman last September. Johnson declared any actions taken by Brewer in that role to be “null and void.”

CHA Chairman Responds

Matthew Brewer responded to the mayor’s actions with a statement asserting the facts remain unchanged. “The mayor may disagree with the outcome, but rewriting the facts doesn’t change them and mischaracterizing the law does not change the actual law,” Brewer stated.

Potential Legal Action and Next Steps

To prevent Pettigrew from taking office, Mayor Johnson would need to obtain a court order or persuade the CHA Board to reverse its decision. Reversing the decision would require the support of at least 8 out of the 10 board members.