City's Housing Authority expects $760K from HUD, $490K in tenant rent
Plus I-64 camera warnings, JCC stream restoration, York food drive, forgotten founding father
The Williamsburg Redevelopment Housing Authority (WRHA) Board of Commissioners approved a $1,335,000 fiscal year 2027 operating budget at its August 10th meeting. The budget represents a 3.6% increase from the previous year and was presented by Executive Director of Redevelopment Housing Tyrone Franklin to the 7-member Board, which includes several current City Council members. Franklin addressed both expenses and expected revenue streams, including rental income from the authority’s 104 public housing units and federal subsidies from the Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Key takeaways:
High Performer status
The Williamsburg Redevelopment and Housing Authority holds HUD’s highest “High Performer” designation, scoring 94 out of 100 on its June 2026 NSPIRE inspection (following a 98 in May). HUD evaluates financial management, physical maintenance, and operational efficiency.
104 apartments across 4 communities
Blayton Building — Scotland Street — 38 apartments — 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom
Katherine Circle Apartments — Dunning Street — 24 apartments — 2–4 bedrooms/1 bathroom, or 5 bedrooms/1.5 bathrooms
Mimosa Woods Apartments — Mimosa Drive — 14 apartments — 2–4 bedrooms/1 bathroom, or 5 bedrooms/1.5 bathrooms
Sylvia Brown Apartments — New Hope Road — 28 apartments — 2–4 bedrooms, 1 bathroom
Source: Williamsburg Redevelopment & Housing Authority community website
Diversified funding sources
Rental Income — $490,000 annually
HUD Operating Subsidy — $380,000 annually
HUD Capital Fund Subsidy — $380,000 annually
Excess Utility Charges — $10,000 annually
Laundry Room Coins — $6,000 annually
Vending Machine Contracts — $1,000 annually
Interest — $100 annually
Other Maintenance Charges — $18,000 annually
City funded contingency — $50,000 for FY27
Source: Williamsburg Redevelopment & Housing Authority, agenda August 10, 2026
The authority operates a comprehensive budget addressing multiple revenue sources and operational needs. The FY2027 budget totals $1,335,000, reflecting careful planning across several revenue categories and operational areas. The authority depends on a diversified funding approach, combining rental income from its housing portfolio with federal support and other revenue streams. This mixed-revenue model allows the authority to maintain its housing stock while managing operational costs. Watch the full discussion beginning at 0:59.
Rental income generates primary operating revenue for housing operations. The 104 public housing units managed by the authority are projected to generate approximately $40,833 per month, based on an annual rental income estimate of $490,000. Franklin explained that this projection accounts for tenant income fluctuations and varying ability to pay. Additional budgeted revenues include $10,000 from excess utility charges, $6,000 from laundry room operations, $1,000 from vending machines, $100 in investment interest, and $18,000 in other miscellaneous income. View the full discussion beginning at 2:36.
The authority requested $50,000 in contingency funding from the city. The funds are designated to address unforeseen expenses related to cost-of-living adjustments, merit increases, and employee benefit insurance costs. Franklin noted that the contingency funds would not be automatically transferred to the authority but would only be accessed upon the executive director’s request to the city manager. This arrangement provides flexibility for addressing unexpected operational needs while maintaining fiscal accountability. Listen to the full discussion beginning at 3:37.
Federal HUD subsidies provide substantial support for housing authority operations. The HUD Operating Subsidy is estimated at $380,000, representing a $167 decrease from the FY2026 budget. The HUD Capital Fund Subsidy is projected at $380,000, providing level funding for capital improvements compared to the previous year. These federal resources form a critical component of the authority’s financial structure, Franklin told the commissioners. Listen to the full discussion beginning at 4:30.
Staffing resources support five full-time and one part-time employee. The salaries and benefits line item within the budget provides compensation for the authority’s workforce, enabling daily operations and management of the public housing portfolio. Employee compensation and benefits represent significant operating expenses that the authority carefully budgets each year. Watch the full discussion beginning at 5:54.
Maintenance efforts modernize aging public housing stock. The authority prioritizes maintenance as a driving force for operations, working to modernize its existing housing units affected by age-related deterioration, according to Franklin. These efforts aim to provide physically sound, safe, decent, and energy-efficient housing environments that meet HUD housing quality standards. The ongoing commitment to maintenance supports the authority’s core mission of providing quality public housing. View the full discussion beginning at 6:10.
In other news:
Government
James City County details Collington Court Stream Restoration project steps James City County posted a video on the Collington Court Stream Restoration project, outlining the comprehensive process used to restore and protect local waterways in the community. The county states that the project demonstrates a commitment to maintaining and improving existing streams throughout the area.
Education
William & Mary Hosts 100 Educators from All 50 States for Civics Training Congress One hundred history, civics, and social studies teachers from across all 50 states gathered at William & Mary for a weeklong professional training program focused on American history and civic education, as reported by Danny Devlin for W&M News.
JYF Museums Explores John Dickinson, Overlooked Founding Father JYF Museums shared a video exploring John Dickinson, a Founding Father whose significant role in American history which the museum believes often receives too little recognition.
Community & Services
York County Commissioners and Cans Food Drive Collects Donations Through August 31 York County residents can help fight hunger through August 31, 2026, by donating to the Commissioners and Cans Food and Fund Drive, as announced by York County Commissioner of the Revenue's Office. The annual initiative benefits the Virginia Peninsula Foodbank and six other food banks across Virginia. Community members can contribute most needed items including canned meats, fruits, vegetables, cereals, pasta, peanut butter, and shelf-stable milk, or make monetary donations online or by check. Donations can be dropped off at the York County Commissioner of the Revenue’s Office at 120 Alexander Hamilton Boulevard in Yorktown or arranged by contacting the office at 757-890-3381.
Public Safety
James City County Police to Launch 30-Day Warning Period for Work Zone Speed Cameras on I-64 James City County Police Department announced that a 30-day warning period for vehicle-based enforcement cameras will begin August 14 in the I-64 construction zone, with live enforcement starting September 13. According to the department, injuries on the county’s section of I-64 increased by 85.48 percent from 62 in 2024 to 115 in 2025, with fatalities totaling four and one respectively, while 2026 has already seen 51 injuries and one fatality. During the warning period, drivers exceeding the speed limit by 10 mph or more will receive mailed warnings, while violations after September 13 will result in $100 civil fines without license points or insurance penalties. The cameras will operate only on days with active construction, and additional road signage will alert motorists to the photo-enforced work zones ahead.
Recreation & Events
James City County Seeks Public Input for New Grove Community Park James City County Parks & Recreation announced the start of community engagement for Grove Community Park, inviting residents to help shape the nearly six-acre park along Pocahontas Trail. As reported by James City County Parks & Recreation, the new park will feature a swimming pool, walking trails, picnic areas, fitness spaces, and play areas designed to be safe, accessible, and inclusive. Residents can share their ideas by completing an online survey through August 31, visiting listening stations at four county facilities between August 14 and September 13, or attending community design conversations on September 17 and October 15 at James River Elementary School. Johnson notes that the park is expected to be completed in summer 2028.
Virginia Symphony Orchestra to Perform Free Concert at William & Mary The Virginia Symphony Orchestra will perform a free outdoor concert on Sept. 2 at 7:30 p.m. at the Martha Wren Briggs Amphitheatre at Lake Matoaka, as reported by Susan Corbett for W&M News.
Buy me a coffee | Leave a tip on PayPal | Tees on Etsy