🔴 LIVE: Hearing on Work Order Practices at NYCHA and PACT

The New York City Council held an oversight hearing on September 23, 2026, focusing on the work order systems and maintenance practices at the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) and its PACT (Permanent Affordability Commitment Together) developments. The hearing addressed significant procurement and operational challenges, including the backlog of open work orders, delays in repair completion, and transparency issues in maintenance tracking. NYCHA officials detailed ongoing reforms such as the neighborhood planner model, increased inspections, and new initiatives like the Critical Repairs Initiative (CRI) funded with $20 million in the 2027 budget to improve repair response times. Testimonies from residents and advocates highlighted persistent problems with repair delays, substandard renovation quality, and communication gaps. The council questioned NYCHA representatives on staffing levels, work order backlogs exceeding 600,000, and the impact of PACT conversions on maintenance performance. NYCHA reported efforts to reduce skilled trade vacancies and improve vendor oversight but acknowledged challenges remain. The hearing underscored the need for enhanced transparency, accountability, and resource allocation to address the extensive capital and maintenance needs of public housing units.