Resident Council

The Resident Council is a HUD and RHA recognized group of elected resident officers from RHA public housing properties who have open communication with the Housing Authority and residents regarding issues that affect their community. HUD encourages housing authorities and residents to work together to determine appropriate ways to foster constructive relationships, particularly through resident councils.  

Resident Council Leadership

Leadership Roles

Leadership elections are held every two years and the current terms run through to April 2026. Resident Councils can be formed in any RHA property and funding is provided to all duly elected leadership for their property.

2026-2028 Resident Council Elections

Nominations due December 15, 2025 (extended)

• November 1 – December 15, 2025: Nominations process
  • Submit a nomination form or call 919-508-1212 and leave a voicemail. Nominations are also accepted via dropbox at RHA’s main office, 900 Haynes Street, Raleigh.
• 3rd Week of December 2025: Nomination Reviews and Announcements
• 1st Week of January 2026: Run-off Elections (if needed)
• March 3, 2026: Swearing In
• April 1, 2026: Term Begins

Benefits of Serving on a Resident Council:

• Expand personal development and leadership skills.
• Have a say on how to best use community funds from HUD.
• Serve on different ICC and RHA boards.
• Get active in your community and fundraise with your neighbors.
• Increase community participation and get to know your neighbors.
• Expand resident services and programs in your neighborhood.
• Provide feedback on housing changes that affect residents.
• Improve your community for all RHA residents!

To be on the Resident Council, a resident must be…

• At least 18 years of age as of their nomination.
• On a public housing lease and in good standing.
• Willing to volunteer to work with and for the best good of the community.
• Willing to attend meetings and maintain reporting requirements.
• In compliance with established ICC by-law requirement.

Resident Council Officer Descriptions: 

President: serves as a leader to Council Officers and Residents; develops meeting agendas; conduct monthly meetings; oversees council activities and duties; is a liaison between residents and RHA; follows up on Resident Council concerns; reports on Council activities.

Vice President: works closely with the President; helps oversee council activities; conducts meetings in the President’s absence; oversees special events like National Night Out, Community Fair, Resident Council Activities and more.

Treasurer: records and documents expenses made by the Resident Council, maintains all expenditure documents; reports on financial status monthly; oversees fundraising efforts.

Chaplain: provides spiritual/inspirational messages for meetings and special programs; organizes spiritual/inspirational services on-site; offers reflective, nonjudgmental support to people going through a difficult time; provide resources.

Secretary: keeps record of all Resident Council meetings; reports on previous Resident Council meetings; coordinates notifications for meetings and special events; creates and posts flyers for the community.

Assistant Secretary: keeps order and focus at community meetings and events; runs the sign-in table; helps notify residents of different
committees, refreshment and other activities; helps with meeting set up and break down.

Resident Councils can be formed in ANY RHA COMMUNITY. Nominees will be screened for eligibility on Resident Councils including verifying that the nominee is currently on an RHA lease and in ‘good standing’ as a resident.