Embattled Milwaukee Housing Authority leader Willie Hines stepping down

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Embattled Milwaukee Housing Authority leader Willie Hines is retiring at the end of the year, marking an end to his controversial tenure at the public housing agency.

Hines announced his retirement plans in an exclusive interview with the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel on Friday in the mayor's office, with Mayor Cavalier Johnson by his side.

"There's a time and a season for everything, and as a result, my time at the Housing Authority has come to an end," Hines said. After turning 60 this year, Hines is eligible for his pension, he noted.

Hines, who grew up in Milwaukee's public housing, has been at the helm of the Housing Authority since 2021. Before he stepped into the top role, Hines was the agency's second-in-command, overseeing its housing portfolio and rent assistance program.

An estimated 15,000 Milwaukee residents rely on the Housing Authority for shelter. The agency administers more than $40 million a year in rent assistance and manages about 5,200 rental homes — most of them reserved for low-income, elderly or disabled residents.

As the Housing Authority's top executive, Hines was among the highest paid public officials in the state. In 2023, he was paid $252,000 — $82,000 more than the Milwaukee mayor's salary, and $86,000 more than the state governor's.

Public housing residents and community organizers have been calling for Hines' resignation for more than a year, since two federal audit reports detailing "risk for serious fraud, waste and abuse" inside his agency became public.