Overview

• Burnett confirmed he will resign from his 27th Ward seat at the end of July whether or not he is selected to lead the CHA.
• Mayor Brandon Johnson has identified Burnett as one of three finalists to serve as CEO of the CHA, highlighting his roots in public housing and decades of policy leadership.
• The CHA board is scheduled to decide on its next chief later this month as the authority confronts frequent leadership turnover and federal funding cuts.
• Burnett has proposed that his son, Walter R. Burnett III, a former Goldman Sachs finance professional active in community initiatives, succeed him in the 27th Ward.
• His departure will also open the vice mayor and zoning committee chair positions, expanding Mayor Johnson’s roster of upcoming City Council appointments.