Leadership Dispute Unfolding at Chicago Housing Authority

Mayor Brandon Johnson is moving to invalidate the appointment of Keith Pettigrew as the new CEO of the Chicago Housing Authority, sparking a leadership crisis at the $1.4 billion agency.

In order to do so, Johnson is seeking to remove board chair Matthew Brewer, who spearheaded the surprise 7-2 vote to hire Pettigrew over the mayor’s objections in March.

Crain’s reported that Johnson claims the selection process violated state law and the board’s internal rules regarding public notice. The mayor has appointed commissioner Jawanza Malone to replace Brewer, asserting that any contracts signed under Brewer’s recent authority are legally void.

The dispute is creating uncertainty at the agency, which manages housing for more than 65,000 households and has lacked permanent leadership since October 2024. Pettigrew, the former head of the Alexandria Redevelopment & Housing Authority in Alexandria, Virginia, is currently scheduled to begin his tenure on April 20.

Brewer and a majority of the board are resisting the mayor’s intervention, maintaining that the appointment was conducted during a properly advertised public meeting. In a statement, Brewer argued that the board followed the law and that residents require leadership and forward momentum rather than political interference, according to the publication.

Seven of the 10 commissioners signed a statement confirming their support for Pettigrew, describing the vote as a transparent exercise of board governance. However, the mayor’s office contends that the meeting agenda did not specifically state that the CEO role would be considered, calling the move a violation of the Open Meetings Act.

The conflict centers on Johnson’s preference for former Alderman Walter Burnett, whose nomination has been delayed by federal conflict-of-interest reviews. Real estate stakeholders are watching the fallout closely as the CHA’s ability to execute contracts and manage its vast portfolio remains in legal limbo, according to the outlet.

The mayor’s office characterized the situation as chaotic and argued that correcting the appointment process is necessary to restore order and transparency. The office maintains that because the board lacked the authority to negotiate Pettigrew’s contract, the agreement is non-binding and invalid.

The board’s resolution to hire Pettigrew included protections designed to prevent mayoral interference, stipulating he can only be removed for cause by a 75 percent supermajority, setting the stage for a protracted court battle.

Similar disputes have recently occurred within Chicago Public Schools and the Chicago Transit Authority as Johnson’s administration seeks to exert greater influence over independent budgets.

— Eric Weilbacher