S.F. leader overseeing public housing departs

Tonia Lediju, CEO of the San Francisco Housing Authority, departed from her role this week, with Dan Adams temporarily taking over her responsibilities. The Mayor's Office has not provided details on the reasons for her exit, although Mayor Daniel Lurie expressed gratitude for her leadership. Under Lediju's leadership, the Housing Authority faced significant challenges, including a $30 million deficit discovered in 2019, which led to city oversight aimed at restructuring the agency. Despite improvements in financial management, tenants at remaining public housing complexes have reported severe living conditions, including black mold and fires. Lediju's past experience as the city's chief auditor positioned her for the role, but ongoing issues suggest the agency has not fully recovered from its past troubles.

She also serves on the Vallejo city council, where she promised to advocate for affordable housing. The annual salary for the Vallejo city council position is approximately $23,500, in stark contrast to her previous salary of over $300,000 at the Housing Authority. Her departure raises concerns about the future of affordable housing initiatives in San Francisco.