Louisville Metro Housing Authority director steps down following Dosker Manor criticisms

The executive director of the Louisville Metro Housing Authority resigned in the wake of criticism over the condition of publicly funded apartments.

Lisa Osanka's resignation was announced by the mayor's office about two hours after an "emergency meeting" was held by LMHA. That meeting was to discuss a personnel issue "regarding an individual employee," according to the agenda.

"I want to thank Lisa for her service to our city," Mayor Craig Greenberg said in the press release. "I have initiated a national search for a new Executive Director and I appreciate Lisa’s willingness to remain with LMHA to assist in this transition.”

When contacted by The Courier Journal on Friday, Osanka declined to comment.

Her resignation comes shortly after Osanka faced criticism concerning the conditions of Dosker Manor, 685 apartments managed by the LMHA, which included complaints from residents about mold, bugs, piles of trash and even the smell of urine in the building.

Councilwoman Donna Purvis had called for Osanka's removal last month over the conditions of Dosker Manor. "I plead with the mayor's administration to make a change that would improve the living conditions for these tenants by removing Lisa Osanka and any other individuals complicit in what we are witnessing today," Councilwoman Donna Purvis said in a statement.

Osanka disputed claims then that LMHA does not respond to residents' concerns and shared plans for capital improvements there.

She was appointed by former Mayor Greg Fischer in 2018. Since then, she has experienced public disapproval concerning other LMHA-managed properties. In 2022, citizens put pressure on Osanka and the LMHA to change management at Liberty Green and Sheppard Square properties after experiencing poor living conditions.

Osanka will continue to serve as the LMHA director until her replacement has been selected.

In the city release, she talked about her time serving as the LMHA director.

“I have worked in affordable housing for over 30 years including more than 21 of those with LMHA and as Executive Director for over five,” Osanka said. “Of course, this time includes navigating through a global pandemic and attempting to support fifteen thousand families to stay healthy at home and three hundred employees to stay healthy at work. It has been an honor to lead this organization.”

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Reach reporter Eleanor McCrary at EMcCrary@courier-journal.com or on Twitter at @ellie_mccrary.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: LMHA director Lisa Osanka resigns amid Dosker Manor criticisms