Board of Directors at ARHA imposes probation on CEO, retains legal team for inquiry

The Alexandria Redevelopment and Housing Authority (ARHA) has found itself in the midst of controversy, following the temporary residency of CEO Erik Johnson in a public housing unit on Cook Street in July. The ARHA Board of Commissioners, it seems, had no prior knowledge of this arrangement.

According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), it is a conflict of interest for a public housing agency director to live on a property they manage. Consequently, CEO Johnson has been placed on probationary status with a final warning by the ARHA Board of Commissioners.

The board has also ordered Johnson to pay true fair market rent pending the investigation. The investigation will be conducted in accordance with a request from Mayor Alyia Gaskins and City Council, regarding allegations concerning Johnson's residency in public housing.

City Council member John Taylor Chapman has expressed interest in the outcome of the investigation and the subsequent steps to repair trust between ARHA and the community. Chapman initially called for an investigation into the matter.

The ARHA Board of Commissioners provides policy guidance and oversight of the agency's programs, operations, and activities. The board consists of nine members: eight citizen members and one representative from the Alexandria Resident Council, who must be a resident of public or publicly assisted housing.

Mayor Gaskins has called for an independent investigation into three specific areas: Johnson's actions, ARHA's compliance with all applicable laws, and ARHA's finances, including an independent financial audit. The special meeting was called on Monday and held virtually only via Zoom.

In an effort to ensure a thorough and unbiased investigation, the ARHA Board of Commissioners has hired an independent law firm, Mintz Levin, to conduct the investigation. However, the identity of the firm hired to create a report on CEO Erik Johnson is not publicly disclosed in available information.

The controversy follows tenant protests last week over poor conditions and delayed repairs at ARHA properties. In response to these concerns, the board has also hired Strategic Links, a crisis management company, to assist during the investigation process.

During Wednesday's brief public session, technical difficulties required Commissioner Kevin Harris to participate by phone. The meeting came after ARHA canceled its regularly scheduled board meeting that was set for Monday evening at 7 p.m.

Mayor Gaskins outlined the city's authority over ARHA, noting that while the housing authority is independent, it was established by city ordinance and the City Council has both appointment and removal authority for board members. Gaskins posed 13 detailed questions about Johnson's residency, including who approved it, whether he paid market rent or received subsidies, if he was income-qualified for the unit, and whether maintenance work was performed on the property.

The board has directed Johnson to vacate the property immediately last week. The outcome of the investigation and the subsequent actions taken by the ARHA Board of Commissioners will be closely watched by the community and City Council, as they strive to maintain trust and ensure compliance with all relevant laws and regulations.

Board of Directors at ARHA imposes probation on CEO, retains legal team for inquiry