AURORA | Mayor Mike Coffman appointed himself to the board for the Aurora Housing Authority, saying he hopes to ensure the housing authority and city council are working in tandem.
Coffman announced his self-appointment on Thursday in a Facebook post where he said he’s had concerns about the authority and city working in “separate silos when it comes to affordable housing.”
“My goal will be to be the bridge between the Aurora City Council and the Aurora Housing Authority so that both organizations are working together to expand opportunities to help meet the need for affordable housing that so many of Aurora’s struggling families have,” Coffman wrote.
The housing authority owns and manages apartments and townhomes in Aurora, most of which are income-restricted. The agency also administers federal Section 8 housing vouchers and develops affordable housing using federal, state and local grants.
As mayor, Coffman has the unilateral authority to appoint members to the board for five-year terms.
Coffman will replace the housing authority’s former board chair, Barb Cleland, whose term ended in June. While Cleland pushed back on the idea that the housing authority and the city haven’t been close partners, Cleland said she hopes Coffman being on the board will bolster the city’s affordable housing efforts.
“I hope that with the mayor on the board that he will be helpful in finding money for the projects,” Cleland said.
She also emphasized that the housing authority follows state and federal regulations, which can sometimes differ from city ordinances.
“I hope that he understands that as a housing authority, we are ruled not by city rules, but by the state of Colorado and (the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development),” Cleland said.
The housing authority recently won a lawsuit against the city over changes brought by Coffman and former councilmember Dustin Zvonek to the board appointment process. The change would have required board members to be appointed by a majority of city council and would have limited board members to two three-year terms.
A judge ruled that the city did not have the authority to change the board appointment process, which voided the process changes.
Reflecting on her time on the board, Cleland said she is very proud of the work to bring more affordable housing to the city.
“The city and the housing authority have worked extremely well for years and years,” Cleland said.
In a press release about Coffman joining the board, Aurora Housing Authority Executive Director Steve Blackstock praised Coffman’s history of public service. Prior to becoming mayor, Coffman served in Congress, the state legislature and as state treasurer and secretary of state. Coffman also served in the military.
“Mayor Coffman’s career in public service exemplifies the kind of qualities that AHA looks for in commissioners,” Blackstock said. “We expect he will be of true service to AHA’s mission and vision.”
One more position on the housing authority’s board is open. Cleland said the position is required to be held by someone who lives in a housing authority property. She hopes to see current board member Martina Spencer reappointed to that position.