Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Housing Governance topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council confirms two resident commissioners to Omaha Housing Authority after debate over notification and attendance
Summary
The council confirmed two resident commissioners to the Omaha Housing Authority board after staff said the agency mailed 6,397 notices and received 65 applications; one confirmation passed 7–0, the other passed 6–1 after a council member said she could not support a nominee who was not present.
The Omaha City Council confirmed two resident commissioners to the Omaha Housing Authority (OHA) on Jan. 14 after OHA staff described the applicant outreach and selection process required by state law and the recent changes in LB 840.
Appointments and votes: The council approved the nomination of Kenya Barnes Hayward (item 61) by a 7–0 vote. The council later approved the nomination of Abaziz Salad Hussain (item 62) by a 6–1 vote; Council Member Johnson voted no on the second nomination and said she preferred the nominee be present to answer questions.
How applicants were recruited: Joanie Balk, chief executive officer of the Omaha Housing Authority, said OHA mailed notices and applications to 6,397 households (public housing residents and Housing Choice Voucher holders) on Aug. 15 and received 65 applications in response. Balk said the packet and the mailing verification from the U.S. Postal Service were included in the materials provided to council. She said OHA screens applications and forwards materials to the mayor’s office for appointment consideration.
Legal context: City Law Department staff confirmed the resident-commissioner selection process is governed by state statute (the resident-commissioner selection procedure) and noted that LB 840 (2024) added two resident commissioners for Omaha’s housing authority, increasing the number from one to three for the Omaha Housing Authority.
Questions and context: Council Member Johnson raised concerns that the council and public had not received the underlying application materials in advance and that she preferred to see nominees in person before voting. City and OHA officials said the mailed application packets and verification are part of the record and that OHA received 65 applications from the mailing. Council Member Melton and others noted the strong volunteer interest and the value of resident voices on the board. Council Member Begley noted one nominee was working and could not appear because he manages transportation services for youth and provides before- and after-school transportation for more than 200 youth; several council members said that job obligation supported his absence.
What the commissioners bring: OHA staff said Barnes Hayward has prior resident-advisory experience and community volunteer work. OHA said Hussain has experience as a resident and as a staff member of the organization and works in transportation management for youth programs.
Next steps: The confirmed appointees will take their seats on the OHA Board of Commissioners and participate in board business and oversight as provided by state statute and OHA bylaws.
