Occupancy and vacant unit turnaround
Summary
Occupancy sits around 94% with a goal of 96% by end of October. The holdup isn't approving applicants — it's getting empty units ready to rent, and the outside contractors hired for Hillside bailed after charging more than budgeted.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 4
- Last 30 days
- 2
Rising — discussed at 3 meetings since Sep 16, 2026, up from 0 in the two months before.
Impact analysis
Long-vacant units lose federal subsidy, and HACM spends about $100,000 a year maintaining vacant lots it owns.
Families on the waitlist who need units, and the agency through restored rental revenue.
Waitlisted households waiting years — two to three years for one-bedroom units, up to five or six for large units.
Mentions & discussions (4)
TRAVAUX INC. BOARD OF DIRECTORS — October 22, 2026
The board was scheduled to review occupancy rates and two-month work order reports for public housing, affordable, and market-rate units. These numbers show how full the housing authority's buildings are and how quickly maintenance issues are being addressed.
HOUSING AUTHORITY — October 21, 2026
Public housing sits around 94% occupancy with a tax-credit portfolio at just 80% — roughly 400 empty units — because of slow unit turns and contractor shortages. Staff aim for 96% by mid-December and asked alderpeople to help publicize available units.
HOUSING AUTHORITY — September 16, 2026
Occupancy sits around 94% with a goal of 96% by end of October. The holdup isn't approving applicants — it's getting empty units ready to rent, and the outside contractors hired for Hillside bailed after charging more than budgeted.
HOUSING AUTHORITY — May 20, 2026
HACM has 269 vacant public housing units, 199 held for rehab, with high vacancy at Hillside, Locust Court, College Court, and Parklawn. Long vacancies cost the agency subsidy dollars, and commissioners demanded faster turnaround and accountability.
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