They're considered experts in banking, insurance, property, building and so on. For years board members met at the Stones River Country Club. But this year, they are meeting at a downtown cafe because the country club is closed for renovations. In 1997, Batey even tried to get the commissioners some pay and enlisted the authority's attorney to research how that could be done. The trips are part business, part fun, including a harbor excursion in San Diego and meals at which the tip costs more than many public housing families' monthly rent.
Spouses often come along but on their own dime.
Sessions at the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials conferences cover topics from being a good commissioner to complicated explanations of the latest developments in federal housing policy. Expenses are both legal and justified, said federal housing officials. Even so, there are people who believe the money should be spent on the poor and not affluent board members. Huddleston said she could think of many ways she could have put that money to use. And, she said, meeting in a country club and the dearth of low-income residents on the board doesn't sit well either.