By William J. Simmons | Syracuse Housing Authority

William J. Simmons, Esq., is executive director of the Syracuse Housing Authority.

There has been a lot of news about the Syracuse Housing Authority (SHA) lately, and I understand why people have questions. As the executive director of SHA, I want to take this opportunity to set the record straight and reaffirm my commitment to the people we serve. I have experienced firsthand the transformative power of public housing and know its potential. My parents were among the first families to move into a brand-new New York City public housing complex in 1955, and I was born just a few short years later. I grew up in that community, graduated from high school, attended Syracuse University for my undergraduate degree, and later, at the age of 46, earned my Juris Doctor before being admitted to the New York state bar two years later.

Today, my journey stands as a testament to what can happen when we invest in our neighborhoods. Public uousing changed my life, and that’s why I remain in this fight — to ensure that today’s children growing up in our neighborhoods have the same opportunities to succeed that I had.

Despite the challenges we face, SHA has made remarkable strides in creating affordable housing opportunities for the residents of Syracuse. During my time at SHA, we have successfully leveraged federal and state funding tools, including 4% and 9% Low-Income Housing Tax Credits, secured critical funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and New York State Homes and Community Renewal, and led transformative projects like the $15.4 million building of Freedom Commons, the $7.2 million rehabilitation of the Leonard Buildings, the $12.3 million building of the 50 Homes of Syracuse, and in December 2024, the $106.6 million closing for the rehabilitation of Almus Olver Towers.

SHA’s responsibilities extend beyond the daily maintenance and operations of nearly 2,500 apartments serving 5,000 residents, and the administration of almost 4,000 Section 8 Vouchers. In addition to managing these essential services, SHA plays a vital role in expanding affordable housing across the Syracuse area by allocating Project-Based Vouchers to non-SHA developments. This includes Housing Visions’ Creekside Landing, Ashley Arms, the Maria Regina project and the Albanese project, which is revitalizing the former Syracuse Developmental Center.

Throughout my career, I have been a tireless advocate, serving as acting president of New York State Public Housing Authority Directors Association for nearly a decade, a trustee member of PHADA, and an engaged partner with Council of Large Public Housing Authorities, all to secure essential funding for the preservation, rehabilitation, and development of affordable housing. SHA is the best entity — technically, legally, and in terms of community trust — to carry out this critical work. HUD, NYSHCR, and most importantly, our residents, recognize this, and I am confident in SHA’s ability to continue delivering results.

However, as we push forward, it is clear that outside entities and political agendas are creating unnecessary obstacles. I refuse to allow these dynamics, or disputes over timelines, deadlines and decision-making authority — to derail progress. Everyone involved in this conversation claims to share a commitment to affordable housing and community development. Instead of allowing political maneuvering to undermine the best interests of our residents and the people of Syracuse, I am asking that we remain focused on that shared goal.

While some may focus on public votes of no confidence, I remain extremely confident in SHA’s ability to execute our mission. The evidence is clear, and our track record speaks for itself. We have been diligent stewards of resources, maximizing federal and state funding to develop high-quality, cost-effective housing solutions for those in need. Our expertise has been recognized at the highest levels, and SHA continues to earn the trust and support of key stakeholders, including HUD and NYSHCR.

I want to reassure the community: I am in this fight because the people of Syracuse — especially the children growing up in public housing — deserve stable, affordable and high-quality housing. I will not walk away from that mission. I am committed to staying at the table and ensuring progress continues. I urge my colleagues to do the same. We must rise above the distractions and focus on what truly matters — the families who rely on SHA for a better future.