ARHA Interim CEO Addressed Agency Resident Concerns

Roy Priest met with Alexandria housing residents as the authority works to resolve budget issues.

Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in People

ARHA Interim CEO Addressed Agency Resident Concerns

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Interim CEO Roy Priest held a public meeting for Alexandria Redevelopment and Housing Authority residents to discuss ongoing operational challenges. The agency is currently working through significant budget deficits and a hiring freeze under new interim leadership.

Why it matters

The agency faces severe financial strain, including high staff turnover and maintenance backlogs, as it attempts to restore operational integrity. These changes aim to stabilize the housing authority after leadership turnover and mounting fiscal losses.

The agency reported a loss of $939,323 in retained earnings between May and June, followed by $423,370 in excess spending during July. Despite these deficits, a recent fundraising effort led by Mayor Alyia Gaskins successfully covered over $1 million in back rent.

The players

Roy Priest

He is the current interim CEO of the Alexandria Redevelopment and Housing Authority who previously led the organization for over a decade.

Alyia Gaskins

She is the Mayor of Alexandria who spearheaded a successful fundraising campaign to address outstanding back rent within the housing authority.

Erik Johnson

He is the former CEO of the Alexandria Redevelopment and Housing Authority whose tenure ended following his termination last summer.

The details

To address its fiscal instability, the agency is reorganizing rent ledgers and implementing a five-year strategic plan while maintaining a strict hiring freeze. The authority is also expanding an online portal to streamline resident rent payments and official complaints.

Roy Priest served as ARHA CEO from 2006 to 2017.
The agency lost $939,323 in retained earnings between May and June 2026.
Roy Priest began his term as interim CEO on July 7, 2026.
The interim CEO hosted a meeting for residents on September 24, 2026.
The interim CEO is scheduled to submit a budget to the board by December 2026.

Market Landscape

The agency is working to reform its fiscal operations under the framework of a new five-year strategic plan. These efforts reflect a broader shift toward tighter oversight and fiscal accountability following significant administrative turnover.

Residents can expect improved utility through the expansion of an online portal for rent payments and complaints. These administrative changes aim to address maintenance backlogs and provide more consistent service for public housing tenants.

The takeaway

The agency is focusing on internal restructuring to bridge critical gaps in its maintenance and budgetary reporting. Residents are encouraged to utilize the new online portal to ensure their service requests and payment issues are tracked officially.