Willie Hines, Jr. is a former alderman and head of the Housing Authority of the City of Milwaukee.
He resigned his aldermanic seat to become HACM’s assistant director in 2014. He was appointed acting director in 2021 and became the permanent director in 2022. He retired in December 2024.
He formerly served as 15th district alderman and Milwaukee Common Council President.
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Content referencing Willie Hines, Jr.
Beleagured Housing Authority Picks New Leader
'Restoring reliable financial management is nonnegotiable,' says new director.
Mar 25th, 2026 by Jeramey Jannene
After Lawsuit Revelations, Housing Authority Expands Executive Search
Both of the prior candidates sued their most recent employer. Local candidate back in mix.
Feb 6th, 2026 by Jeramey Jannene
Finalists Named For Top Housing Authority Role
Including one with an open federal lawsuit over his last job.
Jan 9th, 2026 by Jeramey Jannene
Common Ground Will Take On South Side Crime and Tenants Issues
After success reforming Housing Authority, activist group launches two new campaigns.
Oct 22nd, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
Housing Authority HR Manager Terminated, Audit Finds Culture of Nepotism
Issues continue to pile up related to past leadership of agency.
Aug 15th, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
Council Committee Backs Mayor’s Picks for Housing Authority Board
'Outstanding choice by the mayor,' says Ald. Russell W. Stamper, II.
Jul 28th, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
Housing Authority’s Financial Woes Worse Than Previously Reported
Deep financial problems for HACM dating back to 2018.
Jul 24th, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
Housing Authority Says City Didn’t Cash More Than $2 Million In Checks
New CFO finds that agency previously tried to pay city for employee wages.
Mar 6th, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
Mayor Talks Education, Public Safety in 2025 State of the City
Upbeat speech also discusses Growing MKE plan, elections and safe streets.
Mar 3rd, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
Facing Common Ground Opposition, Housing Authority Board Nominee Bails
Nominee decries 'personal agendas,' Common Ground demands member representative of tenants.
Feb 27th, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
Common Ground Opposes Mayor’s Housing Authority Nominee
Coalition wants a resident of a public housing tower installed on board.
Feb 25th, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
New Housing Authority CFO Draws Praise, Reveals Agency Lost $1.7 Million in 2024
"Serious cash shortages" remain while Brad Leak tries to right the ship.
Feb 13th, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
HACM Illegally Reallocated Federally-Restricted Funds
New CFO found the missing money. Blame placed on former finance director.
Jan 31st, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
Hiring New Housing Authority Director Could Take 9 Months
Several top positions are vacant at beleaguered city agency.
Jan 8th, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
Housing Authority Names Temporary Leader, While Another Exec Departs
Plus: Another board member resigns.
Dec 20th, 2024 by Jeramey Jannene
Housing Authority Head Addresses His Record, Feds Labeling Agency ‘Troubled’
Damning letter expected to be followed by forensic audit later this year. Hines retiring.
Dec 12th, 2024 by Jeramey Jannene
Damning Federal Review of Housing Authority Released
Broken governance, poor financial controls and building management issues plague agency.
Dec 11th, 2024 by Jeramey Jannene
Embattled Head of Housing Authority Announces Retirement
Willie Hines, Jr. will retire Jan. 1. Common Ground calls it a win.
Dec 6th, 2024 by Jeramey Jannene
Under Federal Order, City Housing Authority Hires Florida Company
HACM outsources work. 'It's not a position we want to be in,' says board chair.
Nov 20th, 2024 by Jeramey Jannene
Mayor, Common Council Overhauling Housing Authority Board
Four new HACM board members coming in, acting president on the way out.
Nov 12th, 2024 by Jeramey Jannene
In Special Meeting, Housing Authority Advances Controversial Privatization Deal
But board still wants more information on how Florida firm would operate.
Oct 12th, 2024 by Jeramey Jannene
Housing Authority Delays on Privatizing Voucher Management
Federal government is requiring it, but community group, council president back a delay.
Oct 9th, 2024 by Jeramey Jannene
Common Ground, Residents Blast Housing Authority at Board Meeting
HACM board meets in person for first time since January, chair pledges they want to help.
Sep 11th, 2024 by Jeramey Jannene
Lawsuit Filed Against City Housing Authority Over College Court Conditions
Common Ground takes its case to court to try to get rid of bed bugs, other pests.
Aug 28th, 2024 by Jeramey Jannene
Federal Officials Will Meet With Mayor, Housing Authority, Residents
Visiting Milwaukee later this week to discuss fixes for embattled public housing agency.
Aug 13th, 2024 by Jeramey Jannene
Common Ground To Mayor – ‘Why Are You Protecting Willie Hines?’
Organization ramps up call to oust head of beleaguered Housing Authority.
Aug 1st, 2024 by Jeramey Jannene
Super Majority of Council Takes Issue With Mayor’s Handling of Housing Authority
Council members want solutions, plan to "no longer tenable" situation.
Jun 27th, 2024 by Jeramey Jannene
Common Ground Gets National Attention
Group’s battle with city housing authority becoming embarrassing for Milwaukee.
May 28th, 2024 by Bruce Murphy
Public Housing Residents Take New Tack In Getting HACM’s Attention
Members of Common Ground campaign have tried repeatedly to speak at agency's board meetings.
May 9th, 2024 by PrincessSafiya Byers
Common Ground Scores Win For Public Housing Residents
New policy sends city inspectors to check Housing Authority properties starting this week.
May 7th, 2024 by Jeramey Jannene
New Council Most Diverse In Milwaukee History
The largest number of Black, women and LBGTQ+ members in history. Meet all 15.
Apr 15th, 2024 by Jeramey Jannene
Biden Promotes ‘Life-Changing Improvements’ in Milwaukee Visit
Speech at Pieper Hillside Boys & Girls Club promotes effort to rebuild 6th Street.
Mar 13th, 2024 by Jeramey Jannene
Cavalier Johnson Is All In On Growing Milwaukee
Annual State of the City speech places growth plan front and center.
Mar 4th, 2024 by Jeramey Jannene
Sentry Foods Opens on Northwest Side
New grocery on 63rd and Silver Spring brings fresh produce, meat and more to a food desert.
Oct 24th, 2023 by Sophie Bolich
Council Delays Housing Authority Crackdown To January 1
Delay due to uncertainty how many building inspectors will be needed.
Oct 10th, 2023 by Jeramey Jannene
Council, Residents Seek Solutions For Housing Authority Woes
Common Ground's complaints concern city officials, but can they fix problems?
Sep 26th, 2023 by Jeramey Jannene
Common Ground Expands Campaign Against City Housing Authority
Coalition demands HUD investigation into rent payment issues. HACM defends itself.
Aug 29th, 2023 by Jeramey Jannene
Housing Authority Residents Demand Investigation
Common Ground hopes to help residents of city's public housing authority.
Apr 28th, 2023 by PrincessSafiya Byers
Common Ground Bashes City’s Housing Authority
Citing 'slumlord behavior,' launches Tenants United campaign, demands changes.
Mar 29th, 2023 by Jeramey Jannene
Keith Stanley Reflects on a Changing City
'It's a bittersweet feeling," Near West Side Partners leader says as he leaves for job in Charlotte.
Nov 23rd, 2022 by PrincessSafiya Byers
Keith Stanley Leaving Near West Side Partners
Group seeks new leader, Stanley moving to Charlotte to replicate nonprofit model.
Nov 7th, 2022 by Jeramey Jannene
Mayor Signs RNC Agreement To Applause
But two big questions remain: will city win convention and will it benefit financially?
Jun 1st, 2022 by Jeramey Jannene
City Awards Vouchers to 7 West Side Housing Projects
Awards will advance the creation or rehabilitation of 390 apartments.
May 10th, 2022 by Jeramey Jannene
Willie Hines Jr. Finds Opportunity to Give Back at Housing Authority
Hines is the first African American leader of the agency, and a former resident of public housing.
Apr 15th, 2022 by PrincessSafiya Byers
Meet Milwaukee’s New Mayor Cavalier Johnson
Johnson, first elected Black mayor in Milwaukee history, promises to focus on crime, jobs, neighborhoods and relationship with state.
Apr 5th, 2022 by Jeramey Jannene
Willie Hines, Jr. Named Head of Housing Authority
Hines is first African American and first former public housing resident to lead the agency.
Mar 11th, 2022 by Jeramey Jannene
Many Housing Projects Get Funding Boost
Gov. Evers announces $25.5 million in grants for Milwaukee.
Feb 23rd, 2022 by Jeramey Jannene
Housing Authority Leader Tony Pérez Resigns
After serving as director for two decades, Perez has been out on medical leave.
Feb 14th, 2022 by Jeramey Jannene
Johnson Ceremonially Sworn In As Mayor
Milwaukee's acting mayor hosts a ceremony of pomp and circumstance to tell his story.
Dec 23rd, 2021 by Jeramey Jannene
Black Business Boost Fund Targeted At Milwaukee Entrepeneurs
New fund targeted at supporting people of color launch and grow businesses.
Oct 15th, 2021 by Jeramey Jannene
Census Data Shows Changing Milwaukee Demographics
Fewer white residents citywide, but shrinking population totals in many majority-Black neighborhoods.
Sep 3rd, 2021 by Jeramey Jannene
Who Lost the City Residency Rule?
Lena Taylor blames Mayor Barrett. But did she fight the state law killing residency?
Nov 27th, 2019 by Bruce Murphy
$44 Million Soldiers Home Project Launched
Huge group of politicians, dignitaries, salute project to redevelop Civil War-era VA complex.
Sep 20th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
11 Things to Know Before You Ride The Hop
How many people will ride it? How is it free? Oh so many questions, all answered here.
Nov 1st, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
How To Revive City’s West Side
Keith Stanley, head of Near West Side Partners, oversees efforts to revamp seven communities.
Jan 18th, 2017 by Daniel Noonan
The Council’s Battle Over Police
Donovan and several aldermen demand more, Hamilton slaps them down. Who’s right?
Nov 22nd, 2016 by Bruce Murphy
City Hall’s Game of Thrones
Hail Ashanti! Ald. Hamilton's route to the Iron Throne laid bare.
Apr 28th, 2016 by Jeramey Jannene
Will Murphy Lose Council Presidency?
Race could be wide open and Ashanti Hamilton might have surprising supporters.
Apr 6th, 2016 by Bruce Murphy
The Plot to Defeat Bob Bauman
His opponent has two names, lives outside the district, and is part of anti-streetcar clique.
Mar 29th, 2016 by Bruce Murphy
The Return of Peter Park
Now a top consultant, the former city planner says Milwaukee's 20-year plan was done in a decade.
Sep 11th, 2015 by Michael Horne
Anti-Chisholm Candidate Fails to Get On Ballot
Monique Taylor sought open county supervisor seat to run against Gwen Moore’s son, but didn’t get enough signatures.
Jan 19th, 2015 by Michael Horne
“I didn’t know if I’d be able to live in a city.”
Angie Opsahl, who moved to the city from Waukesha, mentored Willie Hines and other urban teens.
Nov 30th, 2014 by Jabril Faraj
County Supervisor Candidate Charlie Fox’s Historic Home
If Fox is to become the model for future supervisors of a "gentleman politician," he has the perfectly pedigreed home to go with such a title.
Oct 20th, 2014 by Michael Horne
Eyon Biddle’s Rescued Rental
The candidate for alderman lives in Triangle North neighborhood, on a block rescued by investor Yusuf Dahl.
Apr 22nd, 2014 by Michael Horne
Russell Stamper’s Century-Old Sherman Blvd. Home
The ever-busy county supervisor and aldermanic candidate also handles rental evictions on the side.
Apr 14th, 2014 by Michael Horne
Get Your Vote On
Early voting already underway for spring election, and memorials planned for Debra Usinger and Donna Schlieman.
Mar 26th, 2014 by Michael Horne
The House of Hank the Dog
The Brewer's canine mascot has a nine-room Whitefish Bay home and 10,000 square foot lot to roam in, all worth $570,000.
Mar 24th, 2014 by Michael Horne
Murphy Announces New Committee Assignments
The changes aren't radical but big winner is Ald. Kovac, who becomes chair of Finance and vice-chair of Steering and Rules.
Feb 12th, 2014 by Michael Horne
Willie Hines’ Cozy Bungalow
Longtime council president's home is small but has a wood-burning fireplace and basement rec room finished in knotty pine.
Feb 9th, 2014 by Michael Horne
Betting on the Common Council
Haven't got your fix with the Super Bowl? Gamble with friends on who will be the next council president.
Feb 2nd, 2014 by Jeramey Jannene
Crystal Ball for 2014
25 predictions that are certain (well, maybe) to come true this year.
Jan 3rd, 2014 by Bruce Murphy
Barrett’s Birthday Party
The mayor's celebration is 11 days late. And Lakefront Brewery shatters its record for annual barrels manufactured.
Dec 22nd, 2013 by Michael Horne
MPS Funding Continues to Decline
Loss of 19,000 students since 2003 and recent decline in its charter schools pushes revenue downward.
Oct 29th, 2013 by Edgar Mendez
First Look at NML’s New Skyscraper
The stunning, curved glass design for the 32-floor tower is by Pickard Chilton of New Haven, Connecticut.
Sep 25th, 2013 by Dave Reid
MSOE Soccer Garage Debuts
MSOE unveils parking garage, athletic field complex.
Aug 25th, 2013 by Michael Horne
The Ever-Changing City
Countless changes on the lower East Side, the end of an art gallery, and the pols gather for Willie Hines' fundraiser.
Apr 24th, 2013 by Michael Horne
Peace Rally to Combat Crime
Rally special guest Ice T didn't show up as planned, but Mayor Barrett and Ald Hines spoke to the gathering.
Apr 22nd, 2013 by LouRawls Burnett
Every Politician in Town
Well, not quite, but the City's Birthday Party had a big turnout of politicians and insiders.
Feb 5th, 2013 by Michael Horne
Hines Would Reduce Fire & Police Commission Power
Council appears to back radical change, Barrett seems lukewarm.
Jan 29th, 2013 by Bruce Murphy
How to Raise Chickens
Former aldermanic aide Alex Runner is among 14 city residents raising chickens -- and enjoying fresh eggs -- since a new ordinance was passed.
Jan 28th, 2013 by Andrea Waxman
Quiet Company Could Build City’s Tallest Building
An examination of the who, what, where, and when of the new Northwestern Mutual office tower.
Dec 6th, 2012 by Jeramey Jannene
Politics & Poetry
Politicians and others try their hand at poetry in City Hall.
Nov 7th, 2012 by Grace Fuhr
The War Against Chief Flynn
Why is the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel trashing the city’s best police chief in decades?
Jun 18th, 2012 by Bruce Murphy
Common Council Committee Appointments, Milwaukee County Attraction Pass, The Moderne Lands a Restaurant, and More
Eyes on Milwaukee this week focuses on the committee appointments by Milwaukee Common Council President Willie Hines, Supervisor Haas' efforts for a Milwaukee County attraction pass, the restaurant coming to The Moderne, and more.
Apr 25th, 2012 by Jeramey Jannene
The Impending New Milwaukee Delegation, Free Brewers Tickets for Aldermen, 24 to 1, and More
Welcome to the ninth installment of Eyes on Milwaukee. This week I examine the coming changes to the Milwaukee Delegation, how another big city gets quite the luxury perk, the difference between the charter meetings of the City and County, Milwaukee's new City Clerk, and more.
Apr 19th, 2012 by Jeramey Jannene
Hines for Mayor, Coggs for Life, Thomas for 34%, and More City Politics
Welcome to the seventh installment of Eyes on Milwaukee. This week the focus is all on City of Milwaukee elected officials following yesterday's election. I explore the likelihood that Willie Hines runs for Mayor, how the new Common Council will resemble the old Common Council, the wide disparity in vote totals between districts, Bob Donovan winning the war, the shocking number of votes Johnny Thomas got, and Spencer Coggs' new job.
Apr 4th, 2012 by Jeramey Jannene
Milwaukee Moves Forward!
Council committee moves forward with the streetcar.
Jul 15th, 2011 by Dave Reid
John Norquist Milwaukee Tour – Congress for the New Urbanism
One day before the start of the Congress for the New Urbanism (CNU) 19th annual conference in Madison, former Mayor and current CNU President & CEO John Norquist returned to Milwaukee with a number of his former deputies to offer a tour of many of the urban projects started during his tenure as mayor.
Jun 1st, 2011 by Jeramey Jannene
MPS isn’t Coke or Pepsi, it’s Walmart
America's suburban landscape has become littered with empty blight inducing big-box stores. As Walmart uses up a market, the company shutters stores and moves on to the next neighborhood, leaving hulking vacant boxes and thousands of empty, litter-filled parking spots in its wake.
Jan 17th, 2011 by Dave Reid
Marriott Hotel Project Wins Appeal on 3-2 Vote at Zoning Committee
At yesterday's meeting of the Zoning, Neighborhoods & Development Committee Jackson Street Management LLC won an appeal of the Historic Preservation Commission's ruling regarding their request to demolish five buildings within the East Side Commercial Historic District to make way for a new Marriott Hotel.
Jan 14th, 2011 by Dave Reid
Doyle’s Decision Could Send Ripples Through Milwaukee’s Political Landscape
Governor Doyle's announcement that he will not be seeking a third term could send ripples through Milwaukee's political landscape. The most commonly mentioned named Democratic Party members that may run for Governor include, U.S. Rep. Ron Kind, State Sen. Jon Erpenbach, Lt. Gov. Barbara Lawton, Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett, and Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk.
Aug 19th, 2009 by Dave Reid
Expect The Hoan Bridge Debate To Heat Up
Like the temperature outside, the Hoan Bridge reconstruction debate will heat up over the next few weeks. Alderman Robert Bauman, who represents downtown Milwaukee and the north end of the bridge, recently issued a press release that details how the city will likely position itself on the issue with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT).
Jun 24th, 2009 by Jeramey Jannene
M.O.R.E. – Common Council March 25th, 2009 Meeting Notes
The M.O.R.E ordinance was the most widely debated action taken at this Common Council meeting.
Mar 26th, 2009 by Dave Reid
Committee Requests Federal Government Not Re-certify SEWRPC
Alderman Bauman lead the efforts to bring forward a resolution that would have the City of Milwaukee request that Milwaukee County withdraw from the Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission ("SEWRPC").
Oct 28th, 2008 by Dave Reid
Senator Russ Feingold to Address Milwaukee Common Council
As part of the President's Speaker Series, Council President Willie Hines Jr has invited Senator Russ Feingold to address the Common Council on September 2nd. There is a reception before the meeting at 8:30 a.m., followed by the meeting at 9:00 a.m. The meeting and reception are both open to the public.
Aug 30th, 2008 by Jeramey Jannene
What is the True Value of Water?
Or as Common Council President Hines put it "What is Water Worth?" This question has been on the minds of local officials and citizens as of late because of the City of Milwaukee approving an agreement to sell water to New Berlin.
Aug 15th, 2008 by Dave Reid
Public Works Committee Considers Vehicle Registration Feed
This special committee meeting was scheduled to discuss resolution 080034. It was brought forward by Alderman Robert Bauman, Alderman Bob Donovan, Alderman Wille Wade and, Alderman Willie Hines Jr. and proposed replacing large assessments on property owners to pay for road repaid projects with a $20 vehicular registration fee. Alderman Bauman laid out the three principal goals for this resolution which included improving the infrastructure of the City of Milwaukee, diversifying the City of Milwaukee’s revenue streams and to bring fairness in the assessment process. Specifically this resolution would move $3.5 million in special assessments costs and approximately $3.1 million in property taxes on to the vehicle registration fee. It was pointed out that many suburban commuters and absentee land lords utilize City of Milwaukee roads and although this resolution was held it clearly has merits in that it attempts to find a more equitable distribution of the expense of road construction.
Jun 3rd, 2008 by Dave Reid
Doyle to Taste Good Life of Milwaukee
Governor James Doyle will be in Milwaukee on Thursday, October 5th to attend a fundraiser on his behalf to be held from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. at Good Life.
Sep 28th, 2006 by Michael Horne
Donovan Plays to His Base
"They said he should be governor."
Jul 7th, 2006 by Michael Horne
When the Wealthy Serve
A Look at the Commerce Secretary’s Statement of Economic Interests
Feb 25th, 2005 by Michael Horne
