HACM delays bylaws vote after lawyers redline instrumentality governance; Treveaux changes previewed

The Housing Authority of the City of Milwaukee heard a briefing June 11 on proposed amendments to its bylaws and to the governing documents of its instrumentality entities, including Treveaux Inc., and voted to hold the items for a special meeting so commissioners could review the latest redline drafts.

Tom Gardner of Michael Best said the revisions respond to HUD requirements and the recovery agreement and added a new article governing instrumentalities (entities that the authority controls), naming current and dormant entities such as Treveaux and a corporate vehicle created to hold 202 project assets. Gardner said the changes emphasize HACM’s control over instrumentalities and add reporting and governance language requested by HUD and the city attorney’s office.

Commissioner Gotzler and others described the amendments as part of a months‑long drafting process intended to tighten governance, increase transparency and ensure the commission retains control over instrumentality boards and officers. The board did not take a final vote on the bylaws at the meeting: commissioners voted to hold the item and return it at a special meeting, after staff circulates the consolidated redline.

Why it matters: HUD flagged instrumentality governance in HACM’s recovery process. The changes aim to make roles, reporting and board composition explicit and to ensure HACM can exercise control over entities that hold or manage housing assets.

Board direction: staff will distribute the most recent redline version and schedule a special meeting within two weeks for final action.