Little Rock, ARK – The Metropolitan Housing Alliance (MHA) board of commissioners has approved its operating budget for 2025, marking a pivotal step in the authority’s efforts to recover from a difficult financial period. The upcoming year will be the first full year under the leadership of Nadine Jarmon, who returned as executive director earlier this year after a brief departure from the position in 2021.
Jarmon’s return comes after a turbulent period for the housing authority, including her firing by a previous board in 2021 and a series of leadership changes. This year, a new group of commissioners chose to rehire Jarmon, signaling a shift toward stability and strategic reform at MHA.
During a board meeting on Friday, Jarmon outlined the financial improvements achieved under her leadership. Among the most significant developments is the reduction of the agency’s monthly payroll expenses from $200,000 to $160,000, a move that is expected to help alleviate some of the financial strain the agency has been facing. Jarmon expressed confidence that this reduction, coupled with other cost-saving measures, would create a more sustainable financial foundation for MHA as it moves into the new year.
“We’ve been focused on right-sizing our operations and ensuring that we’re spending efficiently while still delivering quality services to our residents,” Jarmon said during the meeting. She added that the housing authority is continuing to explore additional cost-saving opportunities and revenue-generating strategies to stabilize its budget in the long term.
Despite the progress, the authority faces ongoing challenges. Like many public housing agencies across the country, MHA has struggled with funding shortfalls, aging infrastructure, and the growing demand for affordable housing in Little Rock. However, Jarmon’s team is working to address these issues through strategic planning and collaboration with city officials and other stakeholders.
The 2025 budget will focus on maintaining core services, improving operational efficiencies, and investing in maintenance and capital improvements for MHA’s housing units. While some commissioners have expressed concern about the sustainability of the budget given the authority’s past financial instability, others have voiced support for Jarmon’s vision and the steps taken to improve the agency’s fiscal health.
As MHA moves forward into 2025, all eyes will be on Jarmon and her team as they navigate the complexities of managing a large public housing system. The success of these recovery efforts will not only impact the authority’s financial future but also the lives of thousands of Little Rock residents who depend on affordable housing options.
In addition to financial recovery, Jarmon’s leadership aims to restore confidence in MHA’s ability to effectively serve its tenants. During her previous tenure from 2020 to 2021, the agency faced several challenges, including criticism over the handling of maintenance requests and delays in the delivery of services. As part of her return, Jarmon has emphasized transparency, improved communication with residents, and a renewed focus on tenant satisfaction.
As 2025 unfolds, the board and executive team at MHA will likely face difficult decisions as they continue their efforts to balance budgetary constraints with the growing need for affordable housing in the region. However, with the approved budget now in place, MHA is poised to make significant strides toward financial recovery, operational stability, and enhanced services for Little Rock’s low-income residents.