The City of Milwaukee Housing Authority meeting on August 13, 2025, focused on critical discussions regarding the local office of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and its impact on housing programs in the area. Key points included the authority's current shortfall in its voucher program and the implications of recent changes within HUD's administration.

During the meeting, officials clarified their primary contacts at HUD, including Shirley Juan, the director of the local public housing program, and program officer Luke Radomski. They noted that the Milwaukee office is currently under a corrective action plan due to a budget shortfall, which restricts the issuance of new tenant-based vouchers. This situation arises when a housing authority spends more than its allocated budget for payments to landlords.

The discussion highlighted a shift in priorities under the new HUD administration, which has led to significant staff reductions at the Milwaukee office. The local office, which previously had around 13 staff members, now operates with only about three, affecting its capacity to manage housing authorities across Wisconsin. Some responsibilities have been transferred to the Chicago office due to these staffing shortages.

Looking ahead, officials expressed anticipation for a visit from the regional HUD administrator, which they hope will foster better communication and understanding of the new administration's priorities. They also mentioned potential proposals that could significantly alter public housing, including discussions around term limits for subsidized housing and work requirements for non-disabled individuals.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the challenges facing the Milwaukee Housing Authority amid changing federal policies and staffing constraints, emphasizing the need for ongoing communication with HUD to navigate these issues effectively.