This Operational Summary is designed to provide an overview of the Aurora Housing Authority (AHA), the various subsidized housing assistance programs offered through the Housing Authority and how these programs work.

Aurora Housing Authority Mission Statement

It is the mission of the Aurora Housing Authority to promote the original philosophy of public housing as a temporary helping hand by providing housing assistance to those in need with understanding, respect and professionalism without discrimination.

The primary focus of our mission is to provide and maintain quality, affordable housing within a safe, stable environment while promoting educational, employment, economic development and self sufficiency programs and initiatives for the residents we serve to enhance their lives and improve opportunities for upward mobility and independent lifestyles.

History of Public Housing

The federal government first became involved in providing housing during the Great Depression of the 1930's, primarily as a means of creating jobs. The United States Housing Act of 1937 established public housing as a federally financed but locally operated program. Construction of new housing was to be carried on in coordination with slum clearance. To participate, states were required to have passed enabling legislation establishing public housing agencies (PHA's). The State of Illinois passed enabling legislation in 1934. The state conferred upon housing authorities all powers necessary to engage in the delivery of low rent housing and slum clearance (thus the original name of Aurora Land Clearance Commission). In 1949, the Housing Act was amended and it became a national objective: "to provide decent, safe, and sanitary housing in a suitable environment for families of low income, at rent rates they can afford to pay." Federal participation has been necessary because the cost of decent housing has risen beyond the ability of many families to pay for.

Today, there are public housing agancies in approximately 125 localities throughout the State of Illinois and over 3,400 public housing providers nationwide. Each PHA is different and each serves the needs of their residents and community.

Organizational Structure

The Aurora Housing Authority is a municipal government and operates under the authority of Illinois Compiled Statues Section 310. As such, we have most of the same powers the City of Aurora has. The major exceptions are our inability to tax, and the requirement for mayoral approval to operate a police department.

The Aurora Housing Authority operates under the direction of a seven member Board of Commissioners who are residents of the City of Aurora. The Board members are appointed by the Mayor of the City of Aurora. Their term of appointments are staggered and run for five years, and they may be reappointed to an unlimited number of terms.

The Commissioners hold regular monthly meetings on the fourth Wednesday of each month, a working session on the preceding Monday, and convene for special meetings as necessary. An Annual Meeting is held in September of each year for the election of officers. The primary function of the Board of Commissioners is to develop policy, and approve and monitor budgets. The implementation of the Commissioner's policies, as well as operation of the Agency's programs are carried out by a staff of 41 full time employees who are under the direction of the Executive Director.