Chicago Housing Authority’s Woes Include “Toxic” Work Culture

More of the Chicago Housing Authority’s internal turmoil came to light after the resignation of former general council Ellen Harris in August.

Complaints from CHA staff about Harris’ management style, which allegedly created a “hostile” and “toxic” work environment, were recently brought to light from records obtained and reported by the Chicago Tribune.

Employees complained about her leadership, including alleged instances of public berating, burnout and inflexible work schedules. Complaints also alleged an escalating workload and high turnover, which negatively affected morale.

These complaints, which allegedly persisted over the course of a year and a half, were highlighted in an internal memo from CHA’s head of human resources to former CEO Tracey Scott.

The memo noted that vacancies within Harris’ department were left unfilled for extended periods, creating added strain on staff. The general counsel’s office had nine vacancies last June, many of which were left open due to the absence of flexible working arrangements.

Staff also allegedly feared retaliation, with some employees claiming that their complaints went unheard because the designated ethics officer reported directly to Harris.

The CHA has made efforts to stabilize its operations.

The agency’s acting general counsel, Elizabeth Silas, has hired 12 staff members since last April to assist with eviction litigation and the housing voucher program. Two open positions are to help manage the agency’s policy matters and address the growing backlog of eviction cases.

CHA’s efforts to rebuild its legal team come as the agency works to address over $10 million in unpaid rent due to the failure to enforce tenant lease agreements.

The agency was recently ordered to pay over $24 million after a lawsuit revealed it failed to inform tenants about hazardous lead paint. The agency is also under scrutiny for its handling of Section 8 voucher fraud, particularly concerning allegations against Pangea Properties for overcharging tenants.

— Andrew Terrell