Santa Fe County housing board appoints resident Kay Romero to two-year seat

The Santa Fe County Housing Authority Board on May 26 voted to appoint Kay Romero as a resident member of the housing authority board for a two-year term beginning May 26, 2026 and ending May 25, 2028.

Staff presented Romero’s letter of interest and explained HUD requires resident representation on housing-authority boards. Miss Ricketts said Romero is a resident and serves on the resident advisory board for Camino de Hakobo; the board moved to approve the appointment on a motion from Commissioner Hughes, seconded by Commissioner Kakari Stone, and the motion passed with no opposition.

Romero spoke briefly to the board after being introduced. “My name is Kay Romero and I was born and raised here in Santa Fe,” she said, describing prior volunteer work with youth and services for displaced families and expressing appreciation for the opportunity to serve. Commissioners welcomed Romero and noted her experience working with residents, seniors and disabled community members.

Chair Green and board members discussed when Romero could take her seat; staff said the appointment commences immediately, though practical details about seating and logistics will be confirmed with staff.

Why it matters: HUD requires resident representation on housing authority boards to ensure tenants have a formal voice in governance and program design. The board’s appointment of Romero fulfills that requirement and places a resident with local ties and volunteer experience on the authority’s policymaking body.

Next steps: Staff will finalize onboarding logistics and ensure Romero is added to board materials and committees as appropriate.