Despite opposition from grassroots groups, HACM Board unanimously approves hiring Florida company to run Section 8 program

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- After months of uncertainty, debate, and even opposition, the Housing Authority of the City of Milwaukee has officially hired an outside company to run the Section 8 program.

That decision was mandated by the federal government in response to past leadership failures.

These developments over the past few months have fired up grassroots groups who say a vital city program should not be run by an out of state company.

But in the end, at a sparsely attended meeting, and with little fanfare, the HACM board unanimously awarded a contract to a Florida-based company they hope can right the ship.

HACM Executive Director Willie Hines told us after the meeting, "We believe that this will be the opportunity for us to return to high performing status, sooner rather than later."

Hines said Wednesday's decision was worth the wait.

For the next five years, at least, Miami-based company CVR Associates will run HACM's Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program.

When asked if residents should notice a difference, Hines said, "what they should see is a better product, better services."

Hines said CVR has had success righting the ship for other troubled housing authorities.

But while HACM is happy to have this part of the process behind them…

HACM Board Vice Chair Brooke VandeBerg said, "It's not the position that we want to be in."

Past mismanagement forced the federal government to step in and insist an outside firm run the program.

Residents say HACM properties have long been in disrepair and concerns have gone unaddressed.

For that reason, many people have opposed the process.

Vince Toney spoke at the meeting, asking the board, "why can't we do things ourselves in the city of Milwaukee?"

And landlords are among those who wanted to delay the vote.

Steven Fendt says all involved should see the results of the federal HUD audit first, in the event it shows the problems can be addressed locally.

"I'm strongly against this proposal to let out something from the city of Milwaukee out to some outside vendor," Fendt said.

Grassroots group Common Ground has long criticized HACM and railed against Hines. But despite strong showings at many previous meetings, no one from the group was in attendance Wednesday.

In a letter critical of the process, Common Ground decried holding the meeting in the afternoon and giving less than 24 hours' notice.

But Hines said the meeting was held in compliance with regulations.

And he's confident hiring CVR is the right move to serve Milwaukeeans.

Hines said, "They've indicated a commitment to our residents an ability to be able to establish a true partnership with, not only HACM, but with our residents and owner partners, as well."

CVR Associates is expected to plant roots in a Milwaukee office within 30 or 60 days.

One of the stipulations of the contract is for the company to seriously consider hiring current HACM employees that might otherwise lose their jobs.