Resident Engagement Department

Residents are the heart of NYCHA. The Resident Engagement Department (RED) at NYCHA ensures that residents’ voices are heard while strengthening community throughout the five boroughs. There are many opportunities to get involved in your community at NYCHA. Resident councils – also known as resident associations – are a meaningful way to consistently serve your community and connect your neighbors to important resources. The Citywide Council of Presidents and the Resident Advisory Board offer residents a pathway to significant decision-making power in their developments as well as the local, state, and federal level. The Resident Roundtable, Resident Leadership Academy, and the Youth Leadership Council all provide residents the opportunity for personal and professional development while enriching the community. Tenant Participation Activity funds are utilized by resident councils for activities including skills training programs, Family Days, and procurement of office supplies for resident association needs. There are many exciting and engaging ways to get involved with your community!

Resident Councils (Resident Associations)

There are many opportunities to get involved in your community at NYCHA. Resident councils are a meaningful way to consistently serve your community and connect your neighbors to important resources. In serving on the executive board of your resident council, you have the power to make a significant contribution to your community. Residents who serve on the resident council will contribute to improving the quality- of -life and resident satisfaction through their service to their neighbors. Find out how you can become involved in your local resident council today! To learn more, contact your resident council executive board members, the Resident Engagement Department at resident.engagement@nycha.nyc.gov or click here.

Resident Council Elections

Every two to three years, the resident councils (also known as resident associations) of NYCHA hold elections to provide residents with the opportunity to elect the leaders in their community who they want to represent them and their interests. Resident council elections are a great way to become civically engaged at the local level and ensure your voice is heard throughout your development and beyond. To learn more about resident elections and how to run for office on your local resident council, click here. 

Resident Roundtable

NYCHA launched the Resident Roundtable in June 2021 to provide an opportunity for residents to help design the implementation of the Authority’s Transformation Plan. The Roundtable consists of 32 residents who reflect NYCHA’s diverse population and represent each of the Authority’s “Neighborhood” portfolios. Roundtable members work in subcommittees, each focusing on a distinct issue area: Safety & Security, Quality of Life, Quality Assurance, Feedback Loops, & Accountability, and Management Practices and Rules for Development Welfare.

For more information about the Resident Roundtable, including meeting materials, please click here.

Tenant Participation Activity

Tenant Participation funds are allocated to resident councils for tenant activities that benefit the community and operations of the resident council. Funding for tenant participation is provided by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development to NYCHA. The funds may be used at the citywide, district or local levels, in collaboration with residents and NYCHA. Some approved activities include skills training programs, Family Days, and procurement of office supplies for Resident Association needs. Learn more.

The Citywide Council of Presidents

Every president of a recognized resident association is a member the Citywide Council of Presidents (CCOP). The CCOP is organized by 9 districts: Bronx North, Bronx South, Brooklyn East, Brooklyn South, Brooklyn West, Manhattan North, Manhattan South, Queens and Staten Island. Resident association presidents elect a chair to represent their district and the CCOP Executive Board. Members of the CCOP Executive Board automatically become members on the Resident Advisory Board, described below.

CCOP works with senior NYCHA’s Leadership to address issues affecting life in NYCHA developments and engages with government at all levels (local, state, and federal). To learn more about the CCOP, please click here.

Resident Advisory Board

The Resident Advisory Board (RAB) consists of public housing and Section 8 residents. It primarily addresses various aspects of NYCHA’s annual and five-year agency plans. RAB’s recommendations for the final plan are incorporated when the plan is submitted to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

RAB members are responsible for informing residents in each development/district about the plans’ development at both the draft and final stages. The current structure of RAB consists of the jurisdictional-wide resident council (CCOP) and their appointed delegates.

Resident Leadership Academy

• The Resident Leadership Academy (RLA) provides training and builds leadership skills for residents interested in taking a more active role in civic life within their development and/or community. The RLA provides a pathway to higher education. Through this program, participating residents can earn up to 16 college credits through the CUNY School of Labor and Urban Studies.

• Program Overview

• RLA Promotional Video

Family Days

Family days are an annual event that takes place in the summer, held by the Resident Councils to bring the community together and celebrate families of all kinds. There is plenty of fun to be had for all ages and family members. Contact your development’s resident council for more information on Family Day. Or you contact us at Resident.Engagement@nycha.nyc.gov to inquire about upcoming Family Days.

Resident Programs

Resident Programs Unit (RPU) effectively engages residents in the four key engagement constituency groups: youth, seniors, resident leaders, and adults. RPU connects residents to programs, including, but not exclusive to gardens, Youth Leadership Councils, Resident Leadership Academy, Senior Champions, etc. Outreach and recruitment activities include flyers, slide presentations, and conducting information sessions, both virtual and in-person. RPU manages key internal and external partnerships and facilitates resident meetings and other resident-focused events, both virtual and in-person. To learn more or join a resident program contact us at Resident.Programs@nycha.nyc.gov.