Executive director of the Aurora Housing Authority (AHA), Ralph Jordan explains how the AHA has been deemed a high performing agency as of October 22 at the Aurora Mayor’s Briefing Tuesday at Aurora City Hall. The grade is according to HUD’s public housing assessment system which is utilized to give the status of all housing authorities across the country. The AHA had been considered troubled, which happens if an agency scores below a grade of 60 on a 100-point scale. The score was increased from a 47 in 2018 to 91. It was achieved by increasing the occupancy level from 92% to 98%. The agency improved its financial condition with a score of zero to 24 out of a possible 25. It was achieved by creating a budget and converting the agency to an asset-management model. The agency is working with the Aurora Police Department to assist with criminal behavior at the various sites. The agency’s waiting list for public housing was closed July 31 with more than 3,000 individuals on the waiting list. The list is set to be opened early next year. Mayor Richard Irvin said it’s very likely he wouldn’t be standing where he is today if it wasn’t for the support of the AHA and the Indian Trail apartments. There is an interest in developing the former Jericho Circle property to meet the needs. Jason Crane/The Voice
