CEO of ARHA addresses tenant grievances, admits to past difficulties
In the heart of Alexandria, a wave of change is sweeping through the Alexandria Redevelopment and Housing Authority (ARHA). With a mission to support the development, preservation, and management of housing for seniors, individuals with disabilities, and low-income families, ARHA is currently managing a diverse portfolio of 754 affordable housing units, 165 project-based vouchers, and 169 market-rate units at 17 sites citywide.
However, recent concerns have been raised by tenants, leading to a planned protest at ARHA headquarters on Wednesday, Aug. 20. The issues at hand include delayed rental payments to landlords, paperwork backlogs, and caseworker abandonment.
Amidst these concerns, ARHA CEO Erik C. Johnson has issued a statement acknowledging tenant concerns and detailing reforms. Johnson has led a series of changes since becoming CEO in September 2024, including staffing changes that transitioned over 20% of the workforce since January 2025.
Johnson defended the agency's push for more consistent rent payments from residents. He stated that public housing rents are either 30% of income or a flat rent set at approximately 90% of Small Area Fair Market Rent. Johnson disputed claims that ARHA rents approach market rate.
ARHA has faced challenges in completing recertifications, affecting payments to landlords and tenant ledger accounts. However, the authority has recently resolved this backlog, ensuring timely payments to landlords and correcting tenant ledger accounts.
Johnson also mentioned that he has not been invited to attend Resident Council meetings since becoming CEO. In response, he expressed openness to meeting with residents to rebuild trust.
In light of the upcoming protest, Johnson emphasised the need for ARHA to improve property management operations and treat residents with respect, empathy, and customer service. The capital improvement campaign, which will continue through 2026 and is focused on redeveloping its public housing portfolio, is a testament to this commitment.
As the date of the protest approaches, Johnson's openness to dialogue and the implemented reforms offer a glimmer of hope for a resolution. The community eagerly awaits the outcome of the upcoming discussions and the continued transformation of ARHA.
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