Chicago Housing Authority
The Chicago Housing Authority is a federally designated public housing agency that administers Public Housing, Housing Choice Vouchers, Project-Based Vouchers, and Project-Based Rental Assistance to over 135,000 low-income residents across Chicago's 77 community areas, funded primarily through HUD grants with a $1.4 billion annual operating budget.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2004
- HeadquartersChicago, United States
- Headcount501–1,000
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Chicago Housing Authority does
The Chicago Housing Authority (CHA) is a public housing agency created under Illinois state law and operating under federal oversight from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). It is Chicago's designated administrator of federal housing assistance programs, serving more than 135,000 residents across all 77 Chicago community areas through four core program lines: Public Housing (CHA-owned units), Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV, tenant-based rental assistance in privately-owned buildings), Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), and Project-Based Rental Assistance (PBRA). The agency holds a Moving to Work designation from HUD, giving it flexibility in deploying federal funds, and operates with an annual operating budget of approximately $1.4 billion.
CHA's service delivery rests on a digital platform layer including the RENTCafé portal for HCV/PBV participant account management, a multilingual Reasonable Accommodation Portal supporting 13 languages for disability accommodation requests, and an online Waitlist Portal. These portals support intake, re-examinations, inspection scheduling, interim reporting, and document submission 24/7, complementing three regional HCV offices (Central, South, West), a downtown Client Center at 60 E. Van Buren, and the Charles A. Hayes Family Investment Center. Beyond housing placement, CHA runs a portfolio of resident support programs including Mobility Counseling, the Health & Wellness Program (mental health and case management), Workforce Development (WORC), Youth Opportunities and scholarships, Senior Services, FamilyWorks, Digital Inclusion, Choose to Own (homeownership pathway), and the Victim Assistance Program. Resident engagement channels include the Our House podcast, the Going Places quarterly newsletter, public board meetings livestreamed on YouTube, and active presence across major social platforms.
CHA is funded primarily through federal HUD grants and program allocations, supplemented by Low Income Housing Tax Credits, philanthropic capital (notably a $200M+ commitment from JPMorganChase since 2019), and partnerships with Illinois Housing Development Authority, All Chicago's Coordinated Entry System, POAH, Chicago Community Trust, and others. The agency is governed by a Board of Commissioners appointed through municipal processes and is currently led by CEO Keith Pettigrew, appointed in March 2026 following an 18-month leadership vacancy. Governance is currently under stress from an ongoing lawsuit against HUD over $185M in funding at risk due to DEI-related restrictions, housing advocates' threatened litigation over the CEO appointment process, and the June 2026 indictment of a former director for a $4.8M kickback scheme.
Chicago Housing Authority firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Chicago Housing Authority
- Legal name
- Chicago Housing Authority
- Website
- https://thecha.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2004
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 501–1,000 employees
- Short description
- The Chicago Housing Authority is a federally designated public housing agency that administers Public Housing, Housing Choice Vouchers, Project-Based Vouchers, and Project-Based Rental Assistance to over 135,000 low-income residents across Chicago's 77 community areas, funded primarily through HUD grants with a $1.4 billion annual operating budget.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Chicago Housing Authority industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Public Housing Assistance
- NAICS
- Administration of Housing Programs (925110), Lessors of Residential Buildings and Dwellings (531110), Lessors of Residential Buildings and Dwellings (53111), Residential Property Managers (531311)
- SIC
- Operators Of Apartment Buildings (6513), Non-Operating Establishments (9995), Real Estate Operators (No Developers) & Lessors (6510)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Public & Affordable Housing Programs (Subsidies, Vouchers, Public Housing) (BPAIANAA)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Housing Voucher & Rental Assistance Programs (Tenant-Based/Project-Based) (FSALAKAI), Affordable & Subsidized Housing Property Management (LIHTC, Section 8) (BPAJAFAD), Housing & Neighborhood Services (Local Housing Programs) (BPAIACAJ), Down Payment Assistance (DPA) & Homebuyer Subsidy Programs (FSALAKAE), Affordable/Subsidized Independent Living (HUD/LIHTC) Communities (HLADAAAB)
Keywords
Where Chicago Housing Authority is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Chicago
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices5 records
Markets served
Chicago Housing Authority business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Others, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Federal HUD Funding: CHA receives primary funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) through various grant programs including Moving to Work designation. The agency filed a lawsuit against HUD in 2025 over $185 million in grant funding at stake due to new DEI policy restrictions.
- Philanthropic Capital: CHA receives philanthropic investment from financial institutions and foundations for affordable housing development projects, including JPMorganChase's $200+ million commitment since 2019 for South and West Side housing initiatives.
- Housing Tax Credits: Project financing through Low Income Housing Tax Credits and other federal/state housing financing mechanisms for new construction and redevelopment projects.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Monthly | Income-based eligibility with no direct cost to residents |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels6 records
Marketing channels7 records
Chicago Housing Authority product offering
Product offeringCore offering
The Chicago Housing Authority administers federal affordable rental housing programs for low-income Chicago residents, operating four core products: Public Housing (CHA-owned units), Housing Choice Vouchers (tenant-based rental assistance for private-market units), Project-Based Vouchers (assistance tied to specific units in private buildings), and Project-Based Rental Assistance. Residents pay approximately 30% of adjusted gross income toward rent based on HUD Area Median Income eligibility, with no fees charged for application or program participation.
Product overview
The Chicago Housing Authority offers a portfolio of housing assistance programs centered on four core housing products: Public Housing (units owned and operated by CHA), Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV, tenant-based rental assistance), Project-Based Vouchers (PBV, assistance tied to specific units), and Project-Based Rental Assistance (PBRA). These core programs are supported by a digital platform infrastructure including RENTCafé (online account management), the Reasonable Accommodation Portal (multi-language disability request system), and the CHA Waitlist Portal (online applications). CHA supplements its housing programs with resident support services including the Health & Wellness Program (mental health and case management), Mobility Counseling Services, LevelUp Self-Sufficiency Program, Youth Opportunities Program with scholarships, Senior Services Program, FamilyWorks Services, Workforce Development (WORC), and the Choose to Own homeownership pathway. Resident engagement is supported through the Our House Podcast, Going Places newsletter, and Digital Inclusion Program. The portfolio operates as a platform model where digital portals (RENTCafé, Reasonable Accommodation Portal, Waitlist Portal) serve as the administrative infrastructure supporting multiple housing programs and resident services.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program Tenant-based rental assistance program that provides vouchers to eligible low-income families to afford safe housing in privately-owned buildings, with participants paying approximately 30% of adjusted gross income toward rent.
- Public Housing Program Affordable housing in units owned and operated by CHA, including family housing, scattered sites, senior housing, and mixed-income developments for income-eligible Chicago residents.
- Project-Based Voucher (PBV) Program Rental assistance tied to specific housing units in privately-owned buildings, where CHA contracts with property owners to pay a portion of rent for eligible residents.
- Project-Based Rental Assistance (PBRA) Rental assistance program that helps tenants afford rent in approved buildings through dedicated federal funding administered by CHA.
- RENTCafé Online Portal Secure online account management portal for HCV and PBV participants to view household information, access resources, check inspection appointments and results, complete re-examinations, request interims, and submit requests to CHA.
- Reasonable Accommodation Portal Online portal for HCV and Public Housing participants to request disability-related reasonable accommodations, available in 13 languages (English, Spanish, Polish, Hindi, Arabic, Chinese, Korean, Russian, Vietnamese, Tagalog, Somali, Romanian, Bosnian).
- CHA Waitlist Application Portal Online application portal for submitting applications to CHA housing waitlists covering Public Housing, Project-Based Voucher, and PBRA programs.
- Mobility Counseling Services Program Program that helps HCV families with at least one child find homes in designated Mobility Areas, providing guidance and support to help families thrive in neighborhoods of their choice.
- Choose to Own Homeownership Program (HOME) Homeownership program that helps qualified CHA residents transition from renting to owning through the HOME (Home Ownership Made Easy) pathway.
- Workforce Development (WORC) Workforce development program operated through the Workforce Opportunity Resource Center, connecting CHA residents with job opportunities, employment resources, and career support services.
Quantifiable outcome
- 135,000+ residents served across housing programs
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Chicago Housing Authority
Customer profileNamed customers3 records
Segments6 records
Ideal customer profiles5 records
Chicago Housing Authority technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration3 records
Feature3 records
Chicago Housing Authority partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core, minor and flagship.
- Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA)coreCollaborating on the FairHome portal, a centralized database for renters to search affordable housing citywide as part of the Accountable Housing and Anti Discrimination Act ordinance. Portal will initially use IHDA's database of 3,700 units.
- Chicago Housing InitiativecorePartner in developing and implementing the FairHome portal for the Accountable Housing and Anti Discrimination Act ordinance, working to reduce fragmentation and discrimination in affordable housing search.
- POAH (Preserving Affordable Housing for the Elderly)corePOAH is redeveloping the Loomis Courts property, a major CHA redevelopment initiative. POAH is a nonprofit real estate development organization focused on preserving and creating affordable housing.
- Connecting Capital and CommunityminorPhilanthropic partner in JPMorganChase's $200M+ affordable housing commitment, serving as a community connector for South and West Side housing initiatives.
- Chicago Community TrustminorCommunity foundation partner in affordable housing initiatives, part of the collaborative funding ecosystem for Chicago housing programs.
- Inherent HomesminorPartner offering below-market mortgage rates of 3.5% through programs designed to expand homeownership opportunities in underserved neighborhoods.
- Neighborhood Housing Services of ChicagominorCommunity partner offering below-market mortgage rates and homeownership programs for CHA residents in underserved neighborhoods.
- All ChicagocoreManages Chicago's Coordinated Entry System for people experiencing homelessness, partnering with CHA to provide housing access through multiple access points citywide.
- U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)flagshipPrimary federal funding source for CHA operations. CHA has Moving to Work designation from HUD. Legal dispute ongoing in 2025 over $185 million in grant funding due to HUD's new DEI policy restrictions.
Scale indicators7 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Chicago Housing Authority competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Boston Housing Authority (BHA): BHA administers public housing, Section 8 vouchers, and supportive housing in Boston with an emphasis on mixed-income redevelopment. It is a direct municipal peer to CHA in operating model, federal program mix, and resident services orientation.
- Philadelphia Housing Authority (PHA): PHA is a large municipal housing authority operating public housing and HCV programs across Philadelphia with comparable mixed-income redevelopment and supportive services. It is directly comparable to CHA on program portfolio, urban context, and federal funding model.
- San Francisco Housing Authority (SFHA): SFHA operates public housing and federal voucher programs in San Francisco with a focus on supportive housing and HUD-funded redevelopment. It is comparable to CHA in urban context, program mix, and federal compliance environment.
- Housing Authority of Baltimore (HABC): HABC is Baltimore's public housing authority, administering public housing, Housing Choice Vouchers, and redevelopment of aging high-rise stock. It is comparable to CHA on operating scale, program mix, and federal HUD oversight.
- Housing Authority of the City of Atlanta (Atlanta Housing): Atlanta Housing is the public housing authority for the City of Atlanta, operating public housing, HCV, and mixed-income redevelopment programs. It is a direct peer to CHA on portfolio design and federal program administration.
- New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA): NYCHA is the largest public housing authority in the U.S., operating public housing and federal voucher programs in New York City. It is the closest direct analog to CHA in scale, program mix (public housing + Section 8/HCV), and federal HUD oversight.
- Los Angeles County Development Authority (LACDA): LACDA administers the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program and affordable housing development across Los Angeles County. It is comparable to CHA as a large HUD-funded housing agency with a heavy reliance on tenant-based vouchers and developer partnerships.
- Miami-Dade County Public Housing and Community Development: Miami-Dade's housing agency administers public housing and Section 8 vouchers across a large urban county. It is comparable to CHA in serving a diverse, large low-income population with HUD-funded rental assistance programs.
- DC Housing Authority: CHA's incoming CEO Keith Pettigrew previously ran DC Housing Authority, which administers public housing, Housing Choice Vouchers, and local rental assistance in Washington, D.C. It mirrors CHA's Moving to Work-style programs, mixed-income redevelopment, and federal funding reliance.
Broad incumbents
- Related Companies (Affordable Housing Division): Related Companies operates one of the largest affordable housing portfolios in the U.S., including mixed-income developments that often partner with PHAs like CHA via LIHTC and PBV/PBRA. It is comparable as a broad incumbent affordable housing owner/operator that frequently collaborates with public housing authorities.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Chicago Housing Authority social profiles
Digital presenceChicago Housing Authority financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Chicago Housing Authority leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles8 records
Chicago Housing Authority funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Chicago Housing Authority M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Chicago Housing Authority
What does Chicago Housing Authority do?
The Chicago Housing Authority administers federal affordable rental housing programs for low-income Chicago residents, operating four core products: Public Housing (CHA-owned units), Housing Choice Vouchers (tenant-based rental assistance for private-market units), Project-Based Vouchers (assistance tied to specific units in private buildings), and Project-Based Rental Assistance. Residents pay approximately 30% of adjusted gross income toward rent based on HUD Area Median Income eligibility, with no fees charged for application or program participation.
Is Chicago Housing Authority a public or private company?
Chicago Housing Authority is a private company. It is classified as state government owned and is currently operating.
When was Chicago Housing Authority founded?
Chicago Housing Authority was founded in 2004. It employs 501 to 1,000 people.
Where is Chicago Housing Authority based?
Chicago Housing Authority is headquartered in Chicago, United States, in the North America region.
How does Chicago Housing Authority make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Federal HUD Funding is the primary driver. The others are philanthropic Capital and housing Tax Credits.
Who are Chicago Housing Authority's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Boston Housing Authority (BHA), Philadelphia Housing Authority (PHA), San Francisco Housing Authority (SFHA), Housing Authority of Baltimore (HABC), Housing Authority of the City of Atlanta (Atlanta Housing), New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA), Los Angeles County Development Authority (LACDA), Miami-Dade County Public Housing and Community Development and DC Housing Authority. Related Companies (Affordable Housing Division) is listed as a broad incumbent.
Does Chicago Housing Authority have an API?
No public API is recorded for Chicago Housing Authority.
What industry is Chicago Housing Authority in?
Chicago Housing Authority's product category is Public Housing Assistance. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAIANAA, Public & Affordable Housing Programs (Subsidies, Vouchers, Public Housing), with a secondary code of FSALAKAI, Housing Voucher & Rental Assistance Programs (Tenant-Based/Project-Based). Its NAICS code is 925110 and its SIC code is 6513.