Acting CHA Leader Defies Mayor's Attempt to Block CEO Hire

Brewer insists on moving ahead despite Johnson's efforts to remove him from the role.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 11:03pm

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A serene, cinematic painting of a public housing complex in Chicago, with warm sunlight casting long shadows across the facade, conveying a sense of tension and uncertainty surrounding the power struggle between the city government and the housing authority.The CHA's defiance of the mayor's efforts to remove its acting leader exposes the deep divide between City Hall and the independent housing authority.Chicago Today

The acting leader of the Chicago Housing Authority, Matthew Brewer, has told staff that it's business as usual, defying Mayor Brandon Johnson's attempt to block Brewer's permanent appointment as CEO. This makes it clear that Johnson will have to pursue legal action or convince a supermajority of the CHA's board to remove Brewer from the role.

Why it matters

The power struggle between the mayor and the CHA highlights the ongoing tensions around public housing and development in Chicago. Johnson has made it a priority to exert more control over the CHA, but Brewer's refusal to back down sets up a potential legal battle.

The details

Brewer, the acting CHA leader, has told staff that he plans to move forward with his permanent appointment as CEO, despite Mayor Johnson's efforts to block it. Johnson's senior adviser says the city wants to submit a new proposal to keep the Chicago Bears on the lakefront, indicating the mayor's broader plans for development in the city.

  • On April 2, 2026, Brewer informed CHA staff that it's 'business as usual' despite Johnson's attempt to remove him.

The players

Matthew Brewer

The acting leader of the Chicago Housing Authority who is defying Mayor Johnson's attempt to block his permanent appointment as CEO.

Brandon Johnson

The mayor of Chicago who is trying to exert more control over the CHA and block Brewer's permanent appointment as CEO.

Chicago Housing Authority (CHA)

The public housing agency in Chicago that is at the center of the power struggle between Brewer and Mayor Johnson.

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What they’re saying

“It's business as usual.”

— Matthew Brewer, Acting CHA Leader

What’s next

Mayor Johnson will likely have to pursue legal action or convince a supermajority of the CHA's board to remove Brewer from the acting CEO role.

The takeaway

The power struggle between the CHA and Mayor Johnson highlights the ongoing tensions around public housing and development in Chicago, with Brewer's refusal to back down setting up a potential legal battle.