Norfolk Housing Authority Turmoil Spikes After Firing

NRHA Fired Nathan Simms: What Happened (Timeline)?

How the Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority removed Executive Director Nathan Simms began on November 6, 2025, when the Board of Commissioners retreated into a closed session to discuss an unspecified personnel matter.

Simms presented briefly, then the board reconvened without him or the public and voted to terminate him without citing a reason.

Closed Door Vote Shock

No public notice or discussion preceded the personnel action, and the agenda gave no explanation. The episode comes as regulators like the FTC and DOJ intensify real estate scrutiny over transparency and consumer protection.

A meeting recording was posted nearly two weeks later.

Announcement gap and Documentation discrepancies

NRHA communications director Leha Byrd declined to confirm his current employment status, saying it was a matter of public record.

NRHA made no statement until November 19, and its website listed Simms as executive director on November 18.

After the announcement, the listing changed in 12 hours, while staff on November 17 declined to confirm his status.

Who Is Nathan Simms, and What Did He Oversee at NRHA?

With the closed session firing still lacking a public explanation, attention has shifted to Nathan F. Simms, Jr. He served as Executive Director of the Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority, the newest leader of the 84-year-old local agency. His tenure unfolded as eviction moratoriums returned in 2025, reshaping local housing stability debates.

Career Highlights

He brought more than 20 years in housing and community development.

He also holds a master’s degree in public administration.

Prior to Norfolk, he worked on redevelopment efforts in other cities.

He also managed mixed portfolios of public and non-public housing.

Program Oversight at NRHA

At NRHA, he oversaw public housing operations, non-public communities, and Housing Choice voucher administration.

He also directed redevelopment and down payment assistance.

He oversaw housing counseling, vocational and educational training, and affordable housing delivery.

He additionally led resident empowerment initiatives tied to economic mobility.

Why Did NRHA’s Vote Draw Public-Notice Backlash?

Why the NRHA board’s Nov. 6 termination vote drew public-notice backlash centered on the absence of advance meeting notification and the nearly two-week delay before the recording became publicly available.

Disrupted Open Meetings Expectations

The board held the vote without prior public notice.

This limited timely access to the agenda and meeting details.

Observers questioned whether Open Meetings practices were followed for a major personnel action.

The delayed posting of the recording restricted public awareness.

Many residents did not learn what happened until after the decision was final.

Closed Session and Information Vacuum

Commissioners entered closed session citing only personnel matters.

They then returned to vote with neither Nathan Simms nor the public present.

No reason for termination was provided.

Official communication remained minimal for nearly two weeks.

The lack of detail and delayed disclosure weakened perceptions of transparency and accountability.

Who Is Running NRHA Now, and What Happens Next?

When leadership shifts at a major housing authority, operational control can become a high stakes governance test.

Interim Leadership Stabilizes Daily Operations

NRHA remains governed by a nine member Board of Commissioners appointed by Norfolk City Council.

An interim executive director has led the agency since December 8, supported by the COO and division heads.

Next Steps Raise Pressure on Governance and Budget Planning

The board has hired a search firm and is recruiting a permanent executive director, with no public timeline.

Assisted rental and public housing services continue without interruption during this period of change.

Monthly meetings continue, while budget reviews show favorable preliminary assessments.

The draft FY 2027 Annual and 5 Year Plan has been posted for public comment as of February 13, 2026.

What Simms’ Exit Could Mean for Tidewater Gardens and Calvert Square?

Leadership uncertainty at the Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority now casts a shadow over Tidewater Gardens and Calvert Square. These are two flagship redevelopment efforts tied to the St. Paul’s Transformation Project.

Funding Uncertainty

No planning update explains how Simms’ exit is being handled.

That raises questions about coordination with Gilbane Development and approvals ahead of a 2027 start.

With a roughly $1 billion scope, leadership turnover can slow grant timing, procurement sign-offs, and budgeting.

This creates funding uncertainty for partners.

Community Engagement Disruption

Simms had discussed displacement minimization during Calvert Square and Young Terrace planning under the St. Paul’s Transformation Project.

Absent clear leadership, community engagement risks becoming uneven.

Meeting schedules, feedback logs, and relocation messaging could become less consistent for Tidewater Gardens and Calvert Square.

Assessment

NRHA’s abrupt leadership change has intensified scrutiny of governance, procurement, and public notice compliance citywide.

With an interim executive in place, staff stability and resident services now face operational risk.

Ongoing redevelopment plans, including Tidewater Gardens and Calvert Square, depend on approvals and financing timelines.

Any delay in board decisions could affect partner confidence, relocation scheduling, and federal reporting obligations.

Disclosures from investigations or litigation may shape NRHA’s next permanent hire and project oversight controls.

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