Hope Housing Authority January Meeting

HACOH (Housing Authority of the City of Hope) Commissioner’s met at the headquarters on Texas St. on January 15th at noon. Nobody was absent. There were two visitors from the Natural State Housing Group – David Gates and Tony Landecker.

The agenda for the meeting was approved as were the minutes of the November meeting. There was a review of October and November’s Financials.

For the new business Commissioner Connie Jefferson was reappointed for another 5-year term expiring on December 31st, 2031. The Low-Income Public Housing Tenant charge list, updated utility allowance schedule, revised flat rate lease, and flat rate rents were all approved. So were a revised admissions and occupancy plan and a revised section 8 new construction (Kelly) lease, and a revised section 8 new construction tenant selection plan. A revised housing choice voucher administration plan was also approved.

For the staff reports, Deputy Director Jeannie Wilson provided a a detailed report regarding turnarounds and vacancies for both LIPH and Kelly Homes. Since May over 200 applicants have been assessed. LIPH vacancies have been reduced from a peak of 48 to 10 as a result of the acceleration of the process.

The Management Operations Review for Kelly Homes had been completed in 3 months instead of the year with external contracted support required in 2024.

Finally, Ms. Wilson highlighted the dedication of HACOH staff, noting their effective collaboration. This hard work has resulted in material improvements to tenant account receivables and meeting HUD reporting requirements.

Mr. Tony Landecker added to Ms. Wilson’s comments by sharing insight into the ongoing collaboration to improve HACOH operations. He highlighted that construction is is pending for the units at 15/16 Hopewell Loop which were damaged by arson in November 2024. Landecker also presented findings from a physical needs analysis at Kelly Homes. These include improving the site grading to redirect water away from the building and adding concrete to entrapment areas that currently hinder gutter effectiveness.

Executive Director Zach Hicks introduced Mr. David Gates, Executive Director of the Natural State Housing Group. Gates shared insights regarding housing operations across the state and engaged with the Board on several topics including industry standard accounting practices and standard operating procedures.

There was an Executive Session followed by the acceptance of the resignation of Executive Director, Zach Hicks effective February 18th, 2026. The Board expressed its appreciation for Hick’s years of dedicated service and commitment to HACOH.

The meeting adjourned.