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DCHA overhaul: STAR board urges permanent oversight structure, supports mayor—s plan for a confirmed board
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Summary
The Stabilization and Reform (STAR) Board told the Council it supports legislation to create a permanent D.C. Housing Authority board with defined expertise and continuity. The STAR board said its short-term mandate produced measurable operational improvements and recommended several of its members be reappointed to ensure stability.
The board appointed in 2022 to oversee D.C. Housing Authority reform told the Committee on Housing it favors legislation creating a permanent, confirmed board with defined subject-matter expertise, including finance and development experience.
STAR Board Chair Raymond Skinner summarized progress under the temporary board: a new executive director, improvements to occupancy and voucher operations, completed corrective actions requested by HUD and an active three-year recovery plan. "We believe the STAR Board is operating as an effective governing body," Skinner said, and urged the committee to adopt a permanent structure that preserves continuity.
What the Rental Act proposes
Title 11 of the mayor—s package would establish a nine-member DCHA board whose members would be chosen for expertise in affordable housing development, operations, finance and audit, and would include resident representation. The administration and the STAR board recommended reappointing a number of the STAR members to the permanent board to preserve institutional knowledge.
Why the change matters
DCHA is the largest provider of public and deeply subsidized housing in the District. Board stability and a mix of financial, legal and tenant-experience skills helped STAR move DCHA from emergency receivership toward operational normalcy, advocates said. "Continuity is imperative to continue the process of reform," Skinner said.
A narrow suggested change
The STAR board recommended one modest change: include a board slot specifically reserved for an accountant or budget specialist. Board members said that precise fiscal expertise greatly helped oversight of complex preservation and recapitalization transactions.
Ending
Committee members said they would weigh the STAR board—s recommendations as they consider a permanent DCHA governance framework. Council staff requested a short implementation plan and a proposed nominations timetable for nominees and confirmations.
