First Resident Leadership Breakfast Focuses on NYCHA’s Transformation

NYCHA is developing a new organizational structure and business model in accordance with its agreement with the federal government and in collaboration with a federal monitor. To develop and implement a plan for a new NYCHA, the Authority is engaging all of its stakeholders, including residents.

As part of these efforts, on February 12, more than 150 residents representing their NYCHA developments attended a leadership breakfast at East Harlem’s Johnson Community Center. Although the Authority has sponsored resident leadership events in the past, this one was the first of its kind.

Along the gymnasium wall were hand-drawn posters. Each had two contrasting statements. Attendees indicated which one they agreed with more by sticking a colored dot under it. Some posters asked residents to weigh priorities: NYCHA needs to focus on improving repairs in apartments/NYCHA needs to focus on cleaning grounds in developments.

Participants were also there to consider much larger questions.

“Can we change NYCHA?” asked NYCHA Chair Greg Russ. “Residents and staff face the same issues, and can contribute to the way we move forward; it is a path of change that we must walk together. When we share information, everyone benefits.”

The sharing of information by everyone with a stake in the results and the promotion of open discussion, transparency, and the use of surveys and live feedback to improve residents’ lives are central to NYCHA’s new approach, said Eva Trimble, Executive Vice President for Strategy & Innovation. “We are asking resident leaders to share their views, ask questions, and challenge us.”

The leadership breakfast demonstrated that approach. Every staff presentation was immediately followed by residents’ questions and comments. That in turn was followed by small-group discussions on the compliance issues and critical deadlines the Authority is facing. Group leaders took extensive notes, which were gathered into a document and later shared with the managers responsible for drafting the compliance plan. As part of the new approach, residents will have a say about that plan as well.

As for the Chair’s central question about whether NYCHA can change, residents answered by putting the most dots on the poster stating, I believe NYCHA can improve.

Watch Chair Russ’s remarks here: