Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Ethics Conflict Of Interest topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Housing authority adopts new conflict-of-interest policy after nepotism findings in personnel probe
Summary
The Housing Authority of the City of Milwaukee (HACM) received a third-party investigation that flagged nepotism concerns; the board unanimously adopted a revised conflict-of-interest policy to align HACM rules with HUD requirements and to require disclosures and training.
The Housing Authority of the City of Milwaukee on Wednesday moved to tighten ethics rules after a third-party investigation flagging nepotism and gaps in HACM’s employee handbook.
Acting Executive Director Ken Barbot summarized the investigation, which began with a July 2024 complaint from a resident at Locust Court and broadened after reviewers uncovered family ties in the management office. Barbot said the inquiry was expanded to examine relatives of staff who “make policy or influence decisions,” and that the report is now a public record attached to the board packet.
“The investigator reviewed five cases in the report,” Barbot told the commission, and “the HACM regulations that are in our employee handbook really don't include any level of detail that HUD really requires in our annual contributions contract.” He told commissioners the authority needs an “all‑inclusive” policy that meets HUD standards and that the board and staff will sign disclosure statements and receive training if the policy is adopted.
The board approved the revised conflict-of-interest policy by roll call vote. The policy, drafted using a HUD Exchange template and further revised with the city attorney, expands disclosure requirements beyond board members to cover all HACM employees, public officials whose duties intersect with HACM, and other covered persons. The policy addresses nepotism, procurement participation, acceptance of gifts, employment of family members, and the need to seek HUD waivers in certain cases.
Vice Chair Gotzler praised the expanded scope of the investigation and the administration’s transparency. “Thank you very much,” Gotzler said during discussion, commending staff for publishing the report. Several commissioners also thanked the resident who filed the original complaint for bringing problems to light.
The resolution approving the revised policy passed unanimously on Wednesday. Barbot said next steps will include employee training, annual disclosures, reporting to HUD as required and clarification of which local public officials fall under HUD’s covered-person rules.
