Chicago Alderman up for Housing Chief Makes Backup Plan

Alderman Walter Burnett Jr. may be on his way out of City Hall and on his way into one of the city’s most embattled agencies.

The longtime 27th Ward alderman is a finalist for CEO of the Chicago Housing Authority, as Mayor Brandon Johnson nears a decision on who will lead the $1.3 billion agency, Crain’s reported.

Burnett, who grew up in the now-demolished Cabrini-Green public housing complex central to the agency’s current revitalization efforts, said he’s weighing his options after 30 years on the City Council.

“Cabrini-Green was one of the reasons why I ran for office. Those are my people,” he said, mentioning a “commitment” he made with regard to 25,000 units promised since the onset of the decades-long redevelopment. “The CHA is also one of the reasons that I’ve been apprehensive about leaving office.”

If Johnson selects someone else, including a possible return of former CEO Eugene Jones Jr. or an as-yet unnamed outside candidate, Burnett said he may run for Congress should U.S. Rep. Danny Davis decline to seek reelection. He’s also fielded offers from the private sector, he said.

Burnett’s deep political ties, longstanding advocacy for affordable housing and personal connection to the CHA have made him a contender for the top role despite his lack of executive experience. Johnson has a pattern of tapping political allies to lead city departments, including naming Alderman Carlos Ramirez-Rosa to run the Park District.

If appointed, Burnett would inherit an agency in relentless flux. The CHA has been without a permanent chief since November and has struggled to meet affordable housing goals, replace lost public housing stock and retain top staff.

Critics say the pace of redevelopment has been slow and opaque. Meanwhile, a federal push to cut public housing budgets further complicates the outlook.

Burnett has played a key role in shaping the city’s affordable housing ordinances and zoning policy, especially in Fulton Market, but has also drawn scrutiny for his ties to developers. The Better Government Association reported in 2022 that he softened his opposition to Onni Group’s Cabrini-Green redevelopment after receiving donations tied to the firm.

If Burnett steps down, Johnson would appoint his replacement, likely one of Burnett’s sons.

“We’ve got boxing gloves at the crib,” he said. “Maybe they’ll have to box it out.”

— Judah Duke