Chicago Mayor Clashes with CHA Chair Over CEO Pick

Dispute erupts over leadership of $1.4 billion public housing agency

Apr. 6, 2026 at 10:39pm

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A cinematic painting of a tall, urban public housing high-rise building in warm sunlight and deep shadows, conveying a sense of solitude and the precariousness of affordable housing in the city.The leadership dispute at the Chicago Housing Authority exposes the fragility of the city's public housing system and the high stakes for low-income residents.Chicago Today

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson is in a public dispute with Matthew Brewer, the operational chairman of the Chicago Housing Authority (CHA) Board, over the appointment of a new CHA CEO. Johnson wanted to appoint his ally Walter Burnett, a retired city alderman, but the CHA Board voted 7-2 to confirm Keith Pettigrew, who previously led the public housing agency in Washington, D.C. Brewer says Pettigrew is a "rock star" and that Burnett is unqualified, while the mayor's office alleges Brewer secretly undermined the process to get Burnett appointed.

Why it matters

The clash over the CHA leadership is the latest turmoil at City Hall, coming after two top officials were fired and another resigned in recent weeks. The CHA is a $1.4 billion agency that provides housing for low-income residents, making its leadership an important issue for the city.

The details

Mayor Johnson's office claims Brewer called a special meeting to negotiate a contract with Burnett, the mayor's preferred candidate, after the Department of Housing and Urban Development requested a delay in the vote. However, Brewer allegedly then secretly submitted a letter to HUD contradicting his public efforts to secure a waiver for Burnett's appointment. Brewer denies these allegations, saying Burnett was never even considered as a finalist and that Pettigrew, who has already met with resident leaders and staff, is the right choice.

  • On April 6, 2026, Mayor Johnson fired Matthew Brewer, the operational chairman of the CHA Board.
  • Brewer told Fox Chicago last week that he is not going anywhere and plans to continue in his role to oversee Pettigrew's appointment as the new CHA CEO, which was scheduled for April 20.

The players

Brandon Johnson

The mayor of Chicago who wanted to appoint Walter Burnett, a retired city alderman and his ally, as the new CHA CEO.

Matthew Brewer

The operational chairman of the CHA Board who led the 7-2 vote to confirm Keith Pettigrew as the new CHA CEO, against the mayor's wishes.

Keith Pettigrew

The new CHA CEO who previously led the public housing agency in Washington, D.C. and is described by Brewer as a "rock star".

Walter Burnett

A retired city alderman and ally of Mayor Johnson who the mayor wanted appointed as the new CHA CEO, but was not selected as a finalist by the CHA Board.

Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)

The federal agency that requested a delay in the CHA Board's vote on the new CEO, leading to further disputes between the mayor and Brewer.

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What they’re saying

“I think he's disappointed because he didn't get the candidate that he wanted, and you can disagree with the result, but you can't ignore the process, and he's trying to invalidate the process. Mr. Pettigrew, was slated to start April 20. Between now and then, I will continue in my role as operating chairman, and will continue to get Keith ready to start here. He's already had an opportunity to meet with resident leaders. They loved him. He's met with our entire staff here. They love him and we would love to be able to chart a path for him to work with the mayor's office. If so, I'm certain that they will love him too.”

— Matthew Brewer, Operational Chairman, CHA Board

“The mayor did meet with three finalists, but Keith Pettagrew was not one of them. Walter Burnett had earned enough support to be confirmed, leading Brewer to call a special meeting and begin negotiating a contract agreement with Burnett. After [the Department of Housing and Urban Development's] local office requested a delay of the vote, Brewer continued to work with the administration to pursue standard waivers for Burnett's appointments. Brewer never expressed to the administration or the public any negative perception of Burnett or the process, only secretly submitting a letter to HUD, which contradicted his formal effort to secure the waiver. Brewer was required to conduct Board business within the legal bounds of the Open Meetings Act and other laws while adhering to ethical obligations, which ensure business is carried out transparently and in accordance with the public interest. Ultimately, he failed to do so.”

— Mayor Brandon Johnson's Office

What’s next

Brewer said he will continue in his role as operating chairman of the CHA Board until April 20, when Pettigrew is scheduled to start as the new CEO. It remains to be seen if the mayor will be able to block Pettigrew's appointment or if the CHA Board will move forward with the 7-2 vote.

The takeaway

The clash over the CHA leadership is the latest sign of turmoil at City Hall, as the mayor and CHA Board chair engage in a public dispute that threatens to further destabilize the city's public housing agency. The outcome could have significant implications for low-income residents who rely on the CHA for affordable housing.