From the Desk of Our Executive Director/CEO

The Waukegan Housing Authority (WHA) was incorporated in 1949. As of 2025, we have been in business for 76 years. Our agency has been at the forefront and deeply committed to bringing exceptional housing services and programs to the people of the City of Waukegan, and surrounding Lake County communities.

The Authority currently operates 180 Conventional Public Housing units, provides 1,000 Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers, and completed development of 170 units of RAD Multi Family units  through (IHDA) Low Income Housing Tax Credit Program. Additionally, we administer 98 units that are in construction to be converted from Public Housing to the RAD Multi Family program. The units provide high quality housing to eligible families, seniors, and persons with disabilities, throughout Lake County.

Leading the agency into the future is the Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Charles J. Chambers Jr., who continues to uphold the legacy of the WHA, in promoting inclusive communities, creating a positive social impact, serving our clients with integrity, efficiently, and purpose, while at the same time, creating an environment that gives WHA the ability to adapt to an everchanging world.

As an employee of both the Chicago Housing Authority and now the Waukegan Housing Authority, Charles's journey leaves him with a tremendous sense of humility and gratitude. After earning a B.S. Degree from the University of Illinois (Champaign/Urbana IL), A master level certification from Rutgers/ PHADA - Executive Directors Education Program, a Master of Real Estate Development from Auburn University, and an Honorary Doctorate from DDGE in Humanitarianism, Charles clearly understands how to improve the quality of life for WHA residents.

Charles started at the WHA in 2008 as a consultant. The WHA noticed his advanced knowledge and skills sets as it relates to the housing industry. He was offered and accepted the position of Deputy Executive Director in 2008. He was later offered and accepted the position of Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer(CEO) in 2011.

As CEO, Charles became responsible for the operation of a total of 1,347 units that include Conventional Public Housing units and Section 8 (HCV) Housing Choice Vouchers. In addition, and in association with its Not-for-Profit instrumentality, the Waukegan Housing Development Corporation (WHDC), WHA is developing RAD Multi Family housing units.

A hallmark of Charles's varied and distinguished leadership is his unwavering dedication to improving the quality of life and opportunities for WHA residents and HCV program participants. For example, Charles has created excellent public/private partnerships which have resulted in the construction of three new mixed finance developments primarily funded by private investors who purchased over 125 million dollars of Low-Income Housing Tax Credits which provided funding for these new developments. A fourth site is also scheduled to be redeveloped in the near future. The estimated total for this future site will be north of 25 million.

In a career marked by achievement, under Charles's leadership and direction, are innovative initiatives like the Energy Performance Contracts, Resident outreach programs, and operating a $4 million dollar Capital Fund Program. Charles's achievements, along with those of the WHA Board, outstanding WHA leadership team and supporting staff, have been paramount to our success in providing quality housing to our WHA clients.

Since his appointment, Charles has been focused on planning the transformation of the WHA from a small mom and pop housing agency to that of a corporate structured, cutting edge, lead agency on the north shore. Our Transformation is about reimagining value, creating experiences that matter, building trust, and shaping a future where business is a force for good,  which will positively impact the residents, improve the organization, and contribute to the future growth of the city of Waukegan.

Dr. Charles J. Chambers Jr., 
Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer