Chicago Housing Authority Appoints New CEO Over Mayor's Objections

CHA Board selects Keith Pettigrew despite Mayor Johnson's push for Walter Burnett

Mar. 17, 2026 at 11:48pm

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The Chicago Housing Authority (CHA) has appointed Keith Pettigrew as its new Chief Executive Officer, a decision made by the CHA Board of Commissioners over the objections of Mayor Johnson's office. The mayor's office cited 'irregularities' in the lead-up to the vote, but the Board moved forward with Pettigrew's appointment, signaling a willingness to assert its independence from the mayor's influence.

Why it matters

The conflict over the CHA leadership highlights the challenges facing new administrations as they attempt to exert control over established agencies and navigate complex political dynamics. The Board's decision to appoint Pettigrew despite mayoral objections suggests a power struggle between the mayor and the CHA, which could have implications for the future of public housing in Chicago.

The details

Pettigrew, who has led the D.C. Public housing agency since 2023, succeeds Tracey Scott, who resigned from the CHA's top position in late 2024. His appointment follows a period of instability at the CHA, during which two interim CEOs have been in place. The mayor's office had pushed for Walter Burnett, a City Council member, to be appointed as CEO, but the Board cited Burnett's lack of management experience and potential conflicts of interest related to property he and his wife own where CHA voucher recipients live.

  • In late 2024, Tracey Scott resigned from her position as CHA CEO.
  • Since then, the CHA has had two interim CEOs in place.
  • On March 17, 2026, the CHA Board of Commissioners appointed Keith Pettigrew as the new CEO.

The players

Keith Pettigrew

The new CEO of the Chicago Housing Authority, who has led the D.C. Public housing agency since 2023.

Mayor Johnson

The mayor of Chicago, who objected to the CHA Board's selection of Pettigrew and pushed for the appointment of Walter Burnett instead.

Walter Burnett

A City Council member who the mayor had defended as 'the strongest candidate' for the CHA CEO position, but who faced resistance from the CHA Board due to his lack of management experience and potential conflicts of interest.

Matthew Brewer

The chair of the CHA Board of Commissioners, who informed the federal government that the mayor was applying pressure behind the scenes and stated that Burnett lacked the necessary management experience.

Tracey Scott

The former CHA CEO who resigned from the position in late 2024.

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What they’re saying

“This represents not my first rodeo with that one.”

— Keith Pettigrew

“The Board's decision to move forward with Pettigrew despite mayoral objections signals a willingness to assert its independence.”

— Expert Insight

What’s next

The mayor's office is currently reviewing the CHA board's resolution, and further evaluation of potential 'irregularities' could lead to legal challenges or further political maneuvering. It is possible the City Council may attempt to revisit the issue through legislation.

The takeaway

The conflict over the CHA leadership appointment highlights the complex political dynamics and power struggles between the mayor's office and the established housing authority, which could have significant implications for the future of public housing in Chicago.