Public Statement from the Marfa Housing Authority

In light of recent claims published by The Sentinel, we want to directly address several points to ensure clarity and public trust.

Public Meetings and Notice Requirements

The Marfa Housing Authority (MHA) complies with the Texas Open Meetings Act, including the notice requirements outlined in Texas Government Code § 551.043. This statute requires that notice of a meeting of the Board of Commissioners be posted in a location that is readily accessible to the general public for at least 72 hours before the meeting is scheduled to convene.

In accordance with this law, MHA posts all Board meeting notices and agendas at its main administrative office — MHA’s official public notice location — which remains accessible to the public during normal business hours. We are committed to conducting our Board of Commissioner meetings with transparency and in full compliance with state law.

Public Records Request from April 8, 2025

The MHA acknowledges receipt of The Sentinel’s public information request dated April 8, 2025. As a governmental body, the Marfa Housing Authority complies with the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code Chapter 552), which allows up to 10 business days to respond to a request, unless an extension or clarification is required. We are currently processing this request in accordance with applicable law and within the appropriate timeframe. Transparency is important to us, and we will provide the requested documents that are subject to disclosure under the Act as soon as the review process is complete.

Resident Concerns and Complaint Procedures

The Marfa Housing Authority is committed to providing a safe and respectful living environment for all Residents. We take all concerns, repair or maintenance requests and complaints seriously and encourage Residents to use our established procedures to report maintenance issues, safety concerns, or other matters. Every formal complaint or request for maintenance or repair received is documented, reviewed, and addressed in accordance with applicable MHA Policies and Procedures, MHA Leases, regulations and governing law.

To ensure transparency and accountability, we provide multiple channels for Residents to voice concerns, including in-person submissions, written forms, and confidential reporting options. Retaliation against any Resident who submits a work order request or complaint is strictly prohibited. Our goal is to maintain open communication and respond promptly to the needs of our community.

Resident Privacy and Confidentiality

The Marfa Housing Authority respects the privacy and dignity of all Residents. In accordance with federal law — including the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) guidelines and the Fair Housing Act — we do not publicly discuss or disclose information related to individual Resident complaints, lease violations, or lease enforcement actions (except for eviction pleadings).

These matters are considered confidential and are addressed through internal processes designed to ensure fairness, compliance with the lease and housing regulations, and protection of personal information. Our goal is to maintain the trust of our Residents by handling all sensitive matters professionally, discreetly, and in full alignment with federal and state housing standards and privacy protections afforded by the U.S. Constitution and the Texas Constitution.

Conclusion

The Marfa Housing Authority remains committed to transparency, accountability, and fair housing practices. We continue to comply fully with state and federal laws, including the Texas Public Information Act, the Open Meetings Act, and all HUD and Fair Housing regulations as well as MHA Policies and Procedures.

Our focus is, and will always be, on serving the residents of Marfa with professionalism, respect, and integrity. We welcome constructive dialogue from all community stakeholders and remain open to working collaboratively with members of the public and the media — provided it is done with fairness, accuracy, and a genuine intent to inform.

Sincerely,

Jesse W. Williams

Executive Director

Marfa Housing Authority

April 16, 2025