Pittsburgh Housing Authority Appointed New Executive Director
The board of commissioners selected Ivory Mathews to lead the local agency following Caster Binion's retirement.
Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in People
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The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh appointed Ivory Mathews as its new executive director on Sept. 24. She replaces long-time leader Caster Binion, who retired from the position on Sept. 30.
Why it matters
The leadership change comes as the agency prepares for a $255 million budget in fiscal year 2027 amid potential federal funding cuts that could impact local rental assistance for thousands of residents.
The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh serves approximately 8,500 households, while Mathews' former agency, Home Forward, manages 15,500 households. The local agency's proposed $255 million budget represents a significant financial scale for the new director.
The players
Ivory Mathews
She is the newly appointed executive director of the Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh who previously led Home Forward in Portland.
Caster Binion
He served as the executive director of the Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh from 2013 until his retirement in September 2026.
Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh
This local government agency provides housing assistance and services to approximately 8,500 households in the Pittsburgh area.
Oregon Government Ethics Commission
This state regulatory body is currently investigating allegations regarding the professional conduct of Ivory Mathews during her time in Oregon.
The details
Ivory Mathews previously served as CEO of the Oregon-based Home Forward agency before resigning in May 2026. The Oregon Government Ethics Commission voted in August 2026 to investigate allegations that she misused her position for financial benefit.
Timeline
Caster Binion began his tenure as executive director in 2013.
Ivory Mathews resigned from her previous role in May 2026.
The ethics commission voted to investigate Mathews in August 2026.
The board voted to appoint Mathews on Sept. 24, 2026.
Caster Binion retired from the agency on Sept. 30, 2026.
Market Landscape
The local agency operates under the framework of the HUD Moving to Work Demonstration Program, which includes 138 public housing agencies out of 3,300 total U.S. entities. This structural context positions the new director to manage complex federal compliance requirements.
Residents should monitor potential shifts in rental assistance programs as the agency faces federal budgetary challenges. Any changes in administrative policy under the new leadership may directly affect service access for the 8,500 local households currently receiving support.
The takeaway
The appointment of a new director marks a major transition for the local housing authority as it navigates financial and regulatory uncertainty. Community members and stakeholders should stay informed regarding potential changes to housing assistance eligibility and service delivery.
Further reading
For more information on local leadership changes, visit the People section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by New Pittsburgh Courier.
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