Celebrating Black History Month

Meet Marvin Walton, NYCHA’s Deputy Chief Operating Officer

During Black History Month, we are reminded of the opportunity that public housing has provided to countless families since its foundation and its role in fostering a society that is more fair and just. We spoke with Marvin Walton, NYCHA’s Deputy Chief Operating Officer, who has spent decades working in public housing, to get his thoughts on the institution, what it’s like to help run the largest public housing authority in the nation, and what the future may bring.

You’ve worked at five public housing authorities, including NYCHA, throughout your decades-long career. How do you think public housing has helped to strengthen and benefit the communities it serves?

Public housing helps families afford housing and avoid homelessness or other kinds of housing instability. Public housing delivers major benefits to the people it serves, not only helping them keep a roof over their heads but also potentially acting as a platform for services that improve other aspects of their lives and contributing to the reinvestment and improved conditions in surrounding communities.

What are some of the most impactful ways we’re making a difference here at NYCHA?

We are seeking input from residents and frontline employees and are using that information to guide NYCHA’s transformation. Residents have a seat at the table and are more involved with decisions that impact their lives, communities, and the Authority’s Transformation Plan, whether it’s through the Resident Roundtable or the weekly Citywide Council of Presidents meetings with NYCHA executives. NYCHA executives are listening better and using the information derived from these interactions to better serve residents and address the immediate needs in NYCHA developments.

Despite their important role in our communities, NYCHA and other public housing authorities across the nation have not received the federal funding they so desperately need to maintain and improve their aging buildings. What kind of operational efforts are underway to address this challenge?

The Authority’s Transformation Plan charts a pathway for the agency to operate efficiently by using resources (time, people, equipment, and inventory) in an optimized way to better serve residents. One key component of the plan was restructuring the property management oversight function into 30 “neighborhoods” across the five boroughs. This Neighborhood Model establishes a clear management structure so individual property management staff can be measured against clearly defined goals. This new initiative was informed by extensive resident engagement and feedback, setting NYCHA up to essentially improve the quality of life for residents despite insufficient federal funding.

What inspired you to devote your career to public housing?

My inspiration for pursuing a career in public housing occurred early in my career. I have always strived for distinction and to help make progress from the status quo. I was given that opportunity some 26 years ago at the Chicago Housing Authority, where I was introduced to public housing and assisted with a complete transformation of the housing authority. Improving the living conditions and the quality of life for residents resonated and drove my desire to become a catalyst to help low-income populations. Every proficiency, challenge, setback, and success continued to inspire me to devote my career to public housing.

What career achievements are you most proud of?

Acquiring operational skills through my growth and development at five housing authorities across the nation in various critical capacities, including finance and budgeting, information technology, Housing Choice Voucher/Section 8 program administration, public housing operations/administration, and resident engagement. Each of these roles provided the opportunity to develop into a strong leader and capacity-builder. I am most proud of what I learned from residents and colleagues over the past two decades working in public/affordable housing.

What has impressed you the most about your NYCHA colleagues?

The dedication and commitment of NYCHA colleagues transforming the operations of the largest public housing authority in the nation is priceless. The staff in the central office tasked with providing internal support functions and staff scattered across the five boroughs providing essential landlord roles and responsibilities are vital for sustaining the existence of NYCHA and providing decent, safe, and sanitary housing to low-income families.

 What do you think the NYCHA of tomorrow looks like?

The NYCHA of tomorrow resembles a community without boundaries woven into the fabric of the neighborhood. A portfolio of revitalized buildings (after years of disinvestment) that are the true essence of an affordable housing community. A community where families live, work, and play.