Ivory Mathews Takes Lead of Pittsburgh Housing Authority

The new director begins her term overseeing the city agency while an out-of-state ethics probe remains active.

Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in People

Bold flat-color editorial illustration depicting a stylized residential building facade, representing city leadership and public housing oversight. — Ivory Mathews officially assumed the role of director for the Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh on October 1, 2026. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Ivory Mathews officially assumed the role of director for the Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh on October 1, 2026. She takes over the agency following the retirement of Caster D. Binion, who led the organization for 14 years.

Why it matters

Mathews will oversee a $255 million budget and services for over 18,000 tenants. Her appointment comes as she faces an active ethics investigation regarding her travel expenses from a previous role.

The authority manages a $255 million budget to serve more than 18,000 tenants across 2,200 public housing units. The agency director receives an annual salary of $250,000.

The players

Ivory Mathews

She is the new director of the Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh and serves as senior vice president of the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials.

Caster D. Binion

He is the former director of the Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh who recently retired after a 14-year tenure.

Oregon Government Ethics Commission

This is the regulatory body currently investigating allegations concerning public money usage for personal travel and hotel upgrades.

The details

Mathews is currently undertaking a 90-day listening tour to engage with stakeholders and tenant council leaders regarding the city's housing needs. The 52-year-old director also holds a leadership position as senior vice president of the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials.

August 2026: The Oregon Government Ethics Commission voted to investigate travel expenses.
September 2026: Caster D. Binion retired from the housing authority.
October 1, 2026: Ivory Mathews assumed the role of HACP director.
October 22, 2026: Mathews attended her first HACP board meeting.

Market Landscape

The leadership transition follows standard municipal governance patterns, though it is complicated by an ongoing investigation governed by the Oregon Government Ethics Commission administrative review statutes. This probe marks a significant departure from standard transitions by tying the director to out-of-state oversight requirements.

The new director will oversee the daily operations and services for over 18,000 public housing tenants across the city. Residents are invited to participate in upcoming feedback sessions as the agency conducts its 90-day listening tour.

The takeaway

Mathews faces the challenge of managing a large-scale housing budget while addressing transparency concerns stemming from her previous employment. Her upcoming listening tour will serve as a primary metric for gauging her initial relationship with local city stakeholders.