Mayor Brandon Johnson has indicated that he is seriously contemplating appointing Walter Burnett, the City Council dean and 27th Ward alderman, to lead the Chicago Housing Authority (CHA). This consideration arises in the context of the CHA’s struggles to fulfill its commitments under the controversial “Plan for Transformation,” initiated after the demolition of high-rise public housing projects.
Burnett, who has served on the City Council for three decades and is approaching his 62nd birthday, has reached the maximum pension benefits with the city. He plans to resign from his position in the 27th Ward, regardless of whether he is appointed to the CHA, creating an opportunity for the mayor to install his 29-year-old son, Walter R. Burnett, to take over his council seat. This move reflects a long-standing tendency among Chicago politicians to facilitate their children’s entry into politics.
Amid numerous attractive offers from private enterprises, Burnett describes the CHA position as a dream job that would allow him to complete his political journey in Chicago. Mayor Johnson expressed strong support for Burnett, labeling him an “incredible asset to the people of Chicago.” He elaborated on Burnett’s distinctive experience with public housing, which he noted is coupled with a rare compassion towards building affordable housing.
Johnson acknowledged that Burnett is among three potential candidates being considered for the CHA role, with a decision expected to come shortly after the CHA board meets later this month. His departure from the City Council would not only create a vacancy in the 27th Ward but also require the appointment of a new vice mayor and Zoning Committee chair.
“We’ll cross that bridge when we get there,” Johnson mentioned concerning the future appointments.
Walter Burnett has a deeply personal connection to public housing, as he was born in Rockwell Gardens and spent his childhood in Cabrini-Green, living in four different buildings before turning 17. His past has been tumultuous; he was convicted of armed robbery at 17 but received a pardon in 1998. Reflecting on his potential position at the CHA, Burnett expressed a profound sense of gratitude for his journey and accomplishments, stating, “I’m just grateful for all of those things this journey has taken me to.”
His ambition to return to the CHA stems from his history and the commitment he made to his community. Burnett highlighted his achievements in revitalizing the West Loop area, transforming it from a struggling neighborhood into one of the most desirable places in the country. He intends to bring this same drive and strategic know-how to the CHA, urging the necessity for consistent relationships and hard work to improve the lives of Chicago’s vulnerable populations.
With the CHA facing leadership instability during a time of reduced federal support for public housing, Burnett believes he possesses the skills to attract capable leaders to the agency. He emphasized the importance of promoting home ownership and aiding individuals towards self-sufficiency, aiming to encourage those within public housing to “move up, move out and do better.”
Burnett is motivated by the need to fulfill promises made to residents impacted by the Cabrini-Green demolition. He aims to offer mentorship and support to those who have achieved success despite their humble beginnings, underscoring the need to improve access to jobs and housing for marginalized community members.
As he prepares for this potential transition, Burnett is optimistic yet reflective on the challenges at hand. “Here we are 20 years later and we haven’t been able to help all of them to come back,” he noted, referencing the ongoing difficulties of replacing the public housing lost to redevelopment.
His candidacy for the CHA position encapsulates a blend of personal commitment and professional ambition, as he seeks to leverage his extensive experience to advance the interests of Chicago’s communities most in need of support.
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