Westport Housing Authority Eyes Voucher Program to Ease Long Public Housing Waitlist

WESTPORT — June 17, 2026 — Westport Housing Authority hears state budget falls $16 million short, weighs voucher program. The authority's executive director reported at the June 17 meeting that the statewide housing authority operating budget was set at $117 million — a 2 percent increase over the prior year but roughly $16 million below the $133 million sought by Mass Narrow, the housing authorities' professional association. The authority's own operating guidelines will not be released until Labor Day, meaning the 48-unit Westport agency will operate under last year's figures through the summer before presenting a formal budget to the board in November. A commissioner pressed the director on whether the authority should pursue a Housing Choice Voucher program to address full occupancy and a significant waiting list, noting that similar-sized agencies in Seekonk and Plainville also lack voucher programs. "If we have a lot of people asking for support and assistance, then we should look into every opportunity to provide that," the commissioner said. The director committed to a report at the September 16 meeting. The board also discussed updating the tenant handbook and arranging ductwork cleaning accessible from building common areas rather than individual units.