Willie Hines retiring, Milwaukee housing authority residents hopeful

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What's next for Willie Hines, HACM?

For more than a year, tenants and activists demanded new leadership at the embattled Milwaukee housing authority. Willie Hines will soon retire.

For more than a year, tenants and activists demanded new leadership at the embattled Milwaukee housing authority. Soon, they'll get it. Willie Hines, the head of the agency, announced on Friday he will retire effective Jan. 1

Residents speak up

The Housing Authority of the City of Milwaukee (HACM) helps roughly 15,000 people. Those people have been vocal with concerns about rodents, safety and more at the city-managed properties.

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"For one thing, it’s embarrassing," said Kelly Barnes, a Hillside Terrace resident. "Another thing, my family don’t even want to come around because of the rats. Because who’s not scared of a rat? So that makes me feel sad and embarrassed." 

"Last year, I fell three times. They don’t shovel the snow," said Florence Riley, a Westlawn Gardens resident. "The snow sits for two, three weeks. They didn’t do the emergency exits at all. It was bad. It was really bad.

Hillside Terrace

People living in HACM housing said they're looking forward to changes.

"You see this smile don't you? I was very happy, very happy," Barnes said. "Hopefully we can get somebody in there who is going to see us as people and make sure that we are safe and feel safe going into our homes and also taking care of the trash, and the rodent problem."

What's next for Hines?

FOX6 News spoke to Hines on Tuesday.

FOX6's Jason Calvi: "You’ve got the federal government coming in having Section 8 taken away from you. There’s also all these criticisms you’re hearing from the people, from Common Ground. Wouldn’t you rather leave on a high note and get these things fixed?
Willie Hines: "I am leaving on a high note, and I am getting these things fixed. It takes time. The foundation is placed to address them, and from that perspective, I am sure in due season they’ll be able to see the benefit of the work that I have been able to do."

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Calvi: "Why are you resigning?"
Hines: "I'm not resigning, so let’s not get it confused. I am retiring."

Hines told FOX6 it is not complaints that are forcing him to leave. He said he's been planning to retire for five years, he just didn't know if it would be now when he's eligible at 60 or maybe fives years from now. He said he got confirmation at Thanksgiving that it was time.

"We had an outstanding Thanksgiving, over the Gulf of Mexico, my brothers’ backyard with a Jacuzzi and swimming pool, so I said, ‘This is pretty nice,’ so it kind of helped," Hines said.

Milwaukee Housing Authority changes; retirement earnings for Willie Hines

Activists say they are relieved changes are coming to the embattled Milwaukee Housing Authority. Director Willie Hines is stepping down.

Because Hines has been with the city for nearly 28 years, he'll get a $75,000 lump sum payment from an earlier class action lawsuit. His pensions will then pay him $135,000 per year.

Calvi: "What do you say to people who are upset that you are going to be making $135,000 a year, that’s 2.5 times the median salary for a household in Milwaukee?"
Hines: "I had nothing to do with the retirement pension system. I just worked at the city. I would tell them to get a job at the city and try to find opportunities here, as well…I’m just really taking advantage and using the systems that have been made available to employees. There’s nothing magical, nothing strange about it." 

Mayor on Hines, HACM

Hines had previously been an alderman and Common Council president. In 2015, he took a job as HACM's associate director. He has held the top post there since 2022.

"Thirty years of service is a pretty good milestone for him, and I’m wishing him well in his future endeavors," Mayor Cavalier Johnson said.

Housing Authority of the City of Milwaukee (HACM)

As for what's next at HACM, the mayor does not pick the director – but he does nominate people to HACM's board. It is the board's job to hire a new executive director.

"He was not forced out. This was not anybody’s decision but his own to retire. He’s reached that age," said Johnson. "He had conversations many years ago with our retirement services about when he’d make his exit, and he chose to make his exit now"

Editor's note: Portions of FOX6's interview with Hines were edited for clairty.

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