The Housing Authority will provide decent/quality, safe and affordable housing with transition options for those who desire them. “Transition option” is defined as the opportunity for residents to self-determine their interest in, and have access to, housing options that support long-term self-sufficiency.

The Housing Authority of the City of Milwaukee (HACM) was chartered in 1944 and is responsible for the construction, management, and provision of safe, affordable, and quality housing with services that enhance residents' self-sufficiency. The Housing Authority is governed by a 7-member Board of Commissioners who are appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the Common Council. The estimated budget for 2002 is $68.5 million.

The Housing Authority manages 4,403 units of low-income housing that are subsidized by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and administers 5,289 Section 8 vouchers. The Housing Authority also owns and manages 968 units of affordable housing and 63 units of market rate rental housing.

· Lease, maintain, and improve public housing units
· Issue and renew rent assistance certificates and vouchers
· Inspect privately-owned housing units for rent assistance contracts
· Increase the self-sufficiency of residents through partnerships with other organizations

The Housing Authority has developed a number of award-winning programs that focus on the development of healthy communities, which provide safe environments for families and their children. It measures the impact of its programs by looking at changes in property values, educational levels and income. The budget reflects five major initiatives: 1) economic self-sufficiency initiatives, 2) home ownership, 3) public safety, 4) health care services, and 5) physical improvements to ensure the long-term viability of city housing.