Raleigh Housing Authority Company Profile

Background

Established in 1938, the Raleigh Housing Authority (RHA) is a pivotal provider of affordable housing in Wake County, North Carolina. With a mission to offer safe, quality, and affordable housing to low- and moderate-income families in the greater Raleigh community, RHA manages nearly 2,000 affordable housing units and administers over 4,000 Housing Choice (Section 8) Vouchers. The organization consistently maintains high occupancy rates, averaging 99% for public housing and 101% utilization for the voucher program. RHA operates under the oversight of a nine-member Board of Commissioners and has been consistently rated as a "High Performer" by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's Public Housing Assessment System.

Key Strategic Focus

RHA's strategic objectives are centered on expanding affordable housing options, enhancing community engagement, and fostering organizational excellence. The 2024 Strategic Plan outlines five primary goals:

1. Vibrant Communities: Develop economically diverse communities by leveraging financial tools and repositioning housing developments to add at least 2,000 units by 2028.

2. Thriving Customers: Implement programs and services that focus on resident well-being, ensuring high-quality interactions and support systems.

3. Organizational Health: Enhance employee engagement and operational efficiency through strategic planning and technological advancements.

4. Effective Partnerships: Collaborate with mission-aligned organizations to strengthen community relations and expand affordable housing initiatives.

5. Racial and Social Equity: Promote equity in housing and community development efforts, addressing the impacts of gentrification and displacement on marginalized communities.

Financials and Funding

RHA contributes over $55 million annually to the local economy. The organization has successfully secured funding through various federal programs, including the Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) program, which allows for the conversion of public housing units to Section 8 to ensure long-term affordability and access to additional resources for capital needs. To date, four communities have successfully converted under RAD: Berkshire Village, Terrace Park, Meadow Ridge, and Valleybrook.

Pipeline Development

RHA is actively engaged in the redevelopment of Heritage Park, a community comprising 122 residential apartments built in the 1970s. The redevelopment plan aims to replace outdated structures with modern, energy-efficient units, increasing the overall number of affordable housing options. HUD approved RHA's Section 18 application for this project in December 2024, with ongoing development expected over the next several years.

Technological Platform and Innovation

RHA leverages various technological platforms to enhance operational efficiency and service delivery. The organization utilizes advanced property management systems to oversee its housing inventory, ensuring timely maintenance and resident support. Additionally, RHA employs data analytics to monitor program performance and inform strategic decisions. The integration of these technologies supports RHA's commitment to providing high-quality housing and services to its residents.

Leadership Team

Ashley Lommers-Johnson, Chief Executive Officer: Appointed in April 2023, Mr. Lommers-Johnson brings over a decade of experience as the Executive Director of the Housing Authority of the City of Everett, Washington. His strategic focus includes affordable housing preservation, acquisition, repositioning, and development. He holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Cape Town, a Master of Arts in Linguistics from Northwestern University, and a Master of Public Affairs from the University of Washington's Evans School of Public Affairs.

Leadership Changes

In April 2023, Ashley Lommers-Johnson succeeded the previous Executive Director, bringing a renewed strategic focus to RHA's operations and development initiatives.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The affordable housing sector in Raleigh is characterized by a growing demand due to population increases and economic development. The city's efforts to address housing affordability include direct financial assistance, regulatory reforms, and partnerships with nonprofit and for-profit developers.

Competitor Analysis

Key competitors in the affordable housing space include nonprofit organizations such as CASA, Passage Home, and DHIC, as well as for-profit developers like Greystone Affordable Communities, Evergreen Construction, and Carolina Project Equities. These entities focus on building, owning, and managing affordable housing through various financing mechanisms, including government subsidies and Low-Income Housing Tax Credits.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

RHA collaborates with a range of partners to enhance its housing initiatives. Notably, in November 2022, RHA selected Brinshore Development and Raleigh Raised Development, co-owned by North Carolina Central University head coach LeVelle Moton, for the redevelopment of Heritage Park. This partnership aims to preserve existing affordable units and expand housing opportunities across various income levels.

Operational Insights

RHA's strategic considerations involve maintaining high occupancy rates, leveraging federal programs like RAD for funding, and engaging in redevelopment projects to modernize housing stock. The organization's competitive advantages include its longstanding presence in the community, a high-performance rating from HUD, and a commitment to strategic partnerships that enhance service delivery and community impact.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

Looking ahead, RHA aims to expand its housing portfolio by at least 2,000 units by 2028, as outlined in its Strategic Plan. The organization is focused on developing vibrant, economically diverse communities, enhancing resident services, and promoting racial and social equity. By leveraging technological advancements and fostering effective partnerships, RHA is well-positioned to address the evolving housing needs of the Raleigh community.