City Council Work Session September 9, 2026

The City of Annapolis City Council held a work session on September 9, 2026, featuring a detailed presentation by Melissa Maddox Evans, Executive Director and CEO of the Housing Authority of the City of Annapolis (HACA), and Bishop Craig Coates, Chair of the HACA Board of Commissioners. The session focused extensively on the legal framework, operational model, and strategic vision of HACA, including its role as an independent public institution responsible for affordable housing. Key procurement-related topics included the redevelopment and modernization of public housing properties such as Robinwood, Eastport Terrace, Harbor House, and Bloomsbury Square, with plans to reduce public housing units while increasing voucher-assisted units by 2027. The discussion covered funding sources, including federal HUD subsidies and tax credit financing, and emphasized the importance of coordinated partnerships between HACA and the city for capital funding, code enforcement, permit assistance, and resident advocacy. Council members raised questions about the city's legal authority and accountability in public housing operations, resident protections during redevelopment, and inspection coordination among federal, state, and city agencies. The meeting highlighted the need for clear communication with residents about their rights, especially the right to return during redevelopment, and the importance of maintaining strong institutional capacity and diversified funding to ensure sustainable affordable housing. No specific contract awards or vendor selections were announced, but the session underscored ongoing capital improvement projects and the city's supportive role in funding and oversight.