The average workforce is approximately 200 employees, over 90% of whom are involved in the operation of CHA’s 3,692 conventional public housing units. CHA’s 21 public housing sites are divided into four management zones with ten management/routine maintenance units. A centralized maintenance operation services all sites with specialized skills and equipment. Grounds maintenance and pest control services are contracted.
The public housing occupancy rate averages 97 percent, discounting modernization units and 88 "service" units. CHA’s public housing financial position is sound, having performed under budget for five consecutive years while maintaining adequate reserves. However, a substantial backlog of routine work orders exists due to recent HQS systems inspections and deferred cyclical painting. CHA’s modernization program, a consistent high performer, works under a strategy of phased rehabilitation of older developments and addressing major systems, particularly in elderly high-rises. The seven-year-old Public Housing Drug Elimination Program’s (PHDEP) primary activities are contracted public police patrols, drug prevention activities and site reconfigurations. Private security at the high-rises is contracted through the modernization program.
There are twelve active resident associations, one of which is a recently designated resident management corporation. In addition, there is a Citywide Resident Association comprised of individual site leaders. Communications and relations with resident leaders are generally good. Major resident initiatives include PHDEP, Jobs Plus, Economic Development/Supportive Services, Family Self Sufficiency and Tenant Opportunity programs. Approximately 40 agencies provide resident services on and off site.
CHA is currently planning or pursuing several initiatives, including HOPE VI, new development of 22 units, strategic plan, unit reconfigurations, additional handicap accessible units, and performance contracting for energy conservation methods.
CHA administers approximately 1,200 Section 8 certificates and vouchers with housing and utility assistance payments approaching $4.5 million annually. Section 8 has difficulty operating within available administrative fees and in attracting landlords.
In the past, CHA has carried out almost $100,000,000 in urban renewal/ redevelopment projects, all of which are substantially completed. In 1997, a 650-acre redevelopment program was approved for the "Southside" area of downtown, with CHA acting in partnership with the city’s economic development, non-profit housing and planning agencies. CHA also carries out public-purpose acquisition projects for the City of Chattanooga and Hamilton County when requested.