Resident Council Elections

NYCHA resident councils -- also known as resident associations -- are democratically elected organizations that work to improve quality of life in housing developments and the broader community. Resident councils are encouraged by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and advise housing authorities on matters ranging from maintenance to resident services.

Resident councils are led by an elected executive board featuring a president, vice president, secretary, treasurer, and sergeant-at-arms at minimum. Some board have additional officers. Additionally, residents are represented at the citywide level by the Citywide Council of Presidents (CCOP). Collectively, these resident organizations serve as a powerful voice for residents.

Details on resident council eligibility criteria

To make the election process more democratic and accessible, the Resident Engagement Department (RED) revamped the process. In the past, every borough handled elections differently. Since 2015, when RED started facilitating the elections, the process has been continuously modernized to have as diverse and active representation as possible.

For the first time in the 30-year-history of NYCHA’s RA elections, to increase resident participation, residents will be able to vote both online and in person. To vote in the elections, residents must be a designated head of household (any age) or a member of a household 18 years or older whose name is on the lease. Electronic voting can be done on a computer, tablet, or phone with internet access. All in-person voting will require photo identification to obtain a ballot and cast a vote.

Resident Council Fall 2022 Schedule

Resident council Spring 2022 schedule

Residents generally have four hours to vote on the day of election. Immediately following the closing of the ballots, NYCHA publicly counts in person and electronic results. Residents can observe vote counting virtually or in person, space permitting. At the end of the vote count, the newly elected board will wait a 72-hour period before the results are certified. If there is a tie for any office, a runoff election will need to be held.

As a NYCHA resident, you have the right to decide who will represent you to work with NYCHA to make critical decisions on the quality of life at your development. Your participation is greatly needed to make this process successful. Getting involved is the first step to having input on creating the change that you deserve. You can nominate yourself or someone else. To make resident engagement as inclusive as possible, NYCHA provides Limited English Proficiency Services based on the needs of the resident population.

Frequently asked questions on resident councils