08/26/2026
***Statement from Mayor Tracie Handley regarding recent actions for London HUD***
I want to update everyone on the HUD meeting held Monday night, August 24, 2026, to clear up any misinformation or misunderstanding. To highlight some of the issues regarding London HUD:
· On January 12, 2026, the London Housing Authority purported to hold a special meeting; it did so despite not being called by a majority of the membership as required by KRS 61.823, despite providing no agenda in the call, as required by KRS 61.823, despite not posting the agenda as required by KRS 61.823, and despite not mailing to all members of the body the meeting notice. In short, it materially violated the Kentucky Open Meetings Act. It was noted that one member of the Board was not informed of the meeting.
· It is believed that the London Housing Authority held additional meetings on February 13, 2026, and March 4, 2026, without providing the agenda in the call, as required by KRS 61.823, despite not posting the agenda as required by KRS 61.823, and despite not mailing to all members of the body the meeting notice. I am unable to positively ascertain that, because minutes were not maintained or provided of this, when I requested them.
· The London Housing Authority held yet another meeting on April 7, 2026, without providing the agenda in the call, as required by KRS 61.823, despite not posting the agenda as required by KRS 61.823, and despite not mailing to all members of the body the meeting notice.
· The London Housing Authority received Open Meetings Complaints in July, 2026, and rather than correcting the issues identified, has decided to proceed without correction.
· The London Housing Authority has failed to comply with the requirements outlined in the PHA Plan, Administrative Plan, and the Admission and Continued Occupancy Plan (ACOP), and have failed to adhere to legal requirements associated with the operation of a public housing authority, including failure to adopt an annual plan and budget, and to update the five-year plan. That is the case despite the fact that some board members have been on the Housing Authority for more than 8 months. See, also, 42 U.S.C. §1437c—1 and 24 C.F.R. Part 903 set forth the PHA’s and HUD’s obligations, and the rights of the RAB and public to a hearing and access to information regarding the PHA Plan.
It is also my position that appointments by Randall Weddle are invalid. The public was aware of the impeachment proceedings against the former mayor, and the City Council’s appeal thereto, and with such awareness, his appointments are invalid. Petrey v. Hazard, 346 S.W.2d 534 (1961) (de facto officer doctrine “cannot be invoked for the advantage of the officer himself, or of one who is * * * chargeable with knowledge of the defect in the incumbent’s title to the office.”).
HUD is an integral part of our community. HUD residents are our friends and neighbors. They have a fundamental right to have the federal, state, and local laws be adhered to, with a Board that is compliant with those laws. At the same time, that Board is charged with serving the residents of HUD – such as providing competent maintenance and properly upgrading the residential units.
Wayne Riley graciously tendered his resignation, as he recognizes the need for a legal board, and he wants compliance and proper governance for HUD residents.
I have issued removal letters and set hearings for any remaining board members.
I appreciate your support and patience while I work with the City Council to quickly put a board together, get London HUD in compliance, and work toward an exciting future for our HUD residents.
As always, my door is open.
Tracie A. Handley
Mayor
[email protected]
501 South Main Street
London, KY 40741
