Hickory City Council Votes to Abolish Public Housing Authority

The Hickory City Council unanimously voted to transfer the powers of the Hickory Public Housing Authority (HPHA) to the Western Piedmont Council of Governments (WPCOG) amid ongoing complaints regarding inefficiencies and underutilization of housing vouchers. Mayor Hank Guess highlighted that approximately 40% of affordable housing vouchers were unused, and landlords expressed frustration over delays in assistance. The decision follows a series of controversies, including the dismissal of HPHA Executive Director Alanda Richardson and accusations of mismanagement and misconduct within the agency. This transition will take effect on July 1, 2025, pending approval from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. WPCOG's Executive Director Anthony Starr will serve as the interim executive director of the HPHA during the transition, assuring that housing assistance for current clients will remain uninterrupted. The overall goal of the change is to enhance the quality of life for residents and improve the availability of affordable housing opportunities.