Guide 1: Organizing and Running Resident Councils
Overview
When neighbors in public housing come together and form an organization to improve their housing and community you create a resident council.
Resident councils provide a way for you to work and negotiate with the housing authority, work on community concerns, and get to know your neighbors. This guide will walk you through how to form a duly-elected resident council, the responsibilities and opportunities of resident councils, and structure.
Key Points
- Resident councils work to improve residents’ quality of life and satisfaction and to create a positive living environment
- Resident councils may actively participate through a partnership with the housing authority to advise and assist in all aspects of public housing operations
- To be recognized by the local housing authority and HUD as a “duly-elected resident council,” your organization must follow certain guidelines which are spelled out in this guide
- Across the country, public housing residents are having big impacts in their communities through resident councils
Related Toolkit Resources
- Guide 2: Engaging Residents and Representing Resident Interests
- Guide 3: Holding Effective Resident Council Meetings
- Guide 5: Resident Advisory Boards and Housing Authority Plan Process
- Guide 9: Tenant Participation Funds
- Guide to Creating Public Housing Resident Council Bylaws
- Sample Resident Council Documents
