“Not much was working right.” Federal and local takeover of Indianapolis Housing Agency announced

A takeover of the Indianapolis Housing Agency is underway. The move comes after years of dysfunction and mismanagement at the agency responsible for providing affordable housing in Indianapolis. HUD Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Richard Monocchio and Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett sign the cooperative agreement. (Jill Sheridan WFYI)The City of Indianapolis and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development announced Wednesday they had entered into a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement.The agencies said the partnership seeks to reform IHA and improve housing options for low-income residents.HUD Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Richard Monocchio said an initial investigation uncovered a number of financial and operational issues at IHA and its properties.“Conditions were poor, very difficult to track their funds, the voucher program wasn’t working right … not much was working right,” Monocchio said.The local board has been removed and HUD has appointed a representative to serve in the interim. The city will also seek a local recovery monitor to lead changes that include building maintenance, landlord relationships, and waitlist management.Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett said his administration reached out to HUD last year because it is committed to housing solutions.“Today is an expression of the city’s belief that housing,” Hogsett said. “Safe, habitable and secure...