Charleston Mayor William Cogswell Jr. sent a letter on August 25 to the Charleston Housing Authority Board of Commissioners, seeking an update on an ongoing independent investigation into CEO Nathan Simms Jr.’s past employment. The mayor’s office stated it had not received an update from the housing authority since May.
The investigation stems from reports regarding Simms’ termination in November 2025 from his previous role as executive director of the Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority in Virginia. Simms stated that the Norfolk board decided to pursue a different direction, which was within their rights, and acknowledged subsequent allegations concerning contracts.
Board Chairman Greg Voigt indicated that the board considered the issue serious enough to warrant an independent investigation. He also noted that no deadline was set for the investigation to ensure thoroughness. Until the findings are complete, the board continues to support Simms, with Voigt describing him as energized and actively connecting with residents, business leaders, designers, and thought leaders.
Voigt affirmed the board’s commitment to transparency once the investigation’s findings are received. He also acknowledged the city’s request for a response by September 4, assuring that the city’s questions would be addressed before that deadline.
The questions surrounding Simms’ past emerged as the housing authority hosted a transformation forum focused on the future of public housing and redevelopment in Charleston. Officials stated the event brought together residents, business leaders, and community members to discuss how public housing can meet the city’s evolving needs. Simms emphasized that transformation involves more than just new buildings, encompassing sustainable housing, improved infrastructure, and healthy individuals and communities. He highlighted the goal of fostering stable households that can transition from replacement public housing to affordable housing, and ultimately to market rate and homeownership. Simms encouraged residents to participate in future meetings and share their ideas, stressing the importance of community input in the housing authority’s plans and its openness to collaborating with the city on redevelopment efforts.
