Otis Wright Email & Phone Number

Provide legal counsel in the areas of residential, corporate, probate, and government law.

Chicago, Illinois, United States

Same description as prior position.

Greater Chicago Area

Director – Land Development • Lead the Chicago Housing Authority's efforts within the Development Division with respect to land acquisitions and dispositions. Responsible for identifying land acquisition opportunities that support the development of mixed income communities and creation of commercial and institutional facilities that support vibrant communities. • Work with Development Management in implementing disposition opportunities which includes amendments to the… Show more Director – Land Development • Lead the Chicago Housing Authority's efforts within the Development Division with respect to land acquisitions and dispositions. Responsible for identifying land acquisition opportunities that support the development of mixed income communities and creation of commercial and institutional facilities that support vibrant communities. • Work with Development Management in implementing disposition opportunities which includes amendments to the Annual Plan, securing appraisals and surveys, and negotiating with potential purchasers and leaseholders. • Lead effort in the prioritization of opportunities and structuring transactions to benefit the housing authority. Direct staff and coordinate with the CHA's Legal, Finance, and other related departments to effectuate transactions. Also manages procurement for services related to acquisitions, dispositions and transactions closings on behalf of Development. Structure and implement the land and property tracking system for companywide usage. Show less

• Responsible for directing the operations and activities of the Intergovernmental Affairs Department. The department works to enhance the Authority’s legislative agenda through the passage of federal, state, and municipal legislation, and modification of regulations and policies. Work with elected officials to formulate and develop strong working relationships. • Direct the planning and implementation of lobbying initiatives to secure funding and legislation that supports the… Show more • Responsible for directing the operations and activities of the Intergovernmental Affairs Department. The department works to enhance the Authority’s legislative agenda through the passage of federal, state, and municipal legislation, and modification of regulations and policies. Work with elected officials to formulate and develop strong working relationships. • Direct the planning and implementation of lobbying initiatives to secure funding and legislation that supports the Authority’s $1.5 billion Plan for Transformation. Includes preparation of strategy to advance the federal, state, and city agenda. Successfully passed state legislation allowing Authority to issue $300 million in bonds. Responsible for monitoring legislation in Congress, Illinois General Assembly, and Chicago City Council. • Brief U.S. Congressional, Illinois General Assembly, and City Council members on the progress of initiatives within their respective district or ward. Direct responses to inquiries from elected officials regarding the status of developments and constituents. Show less

Provide legal counsel in the areas of residential, corporate, probate, and government law.

• Responsibilities included acquisition of land and properties identified by the department for development. Consisted of managing the $40 million budget and working with department staff in prioritizing acquisitions through condemnation, negotiated sales, tax reactivation, and demolition lien foreclosures. Worked with Law Department Chief Corporation Counsel and outside counsel in the evaluation of title commitments, appraisals, surveys and method of acquisition. During 2000 acquired over… Show more • Responsibilities included acquisition of land and properties identified by the department for development. Consisted of managing the $40 million budget and working with department staff in prioritizing acquisitions through condemnation, negotiated sales, tax reactivation, and demolition lien foreclosures. Worked with Law Department Chief Corporation Counsel and outside counsel in the evaluation of title commitments, appraisals, surveys and method of acquisition. During 2000 acquired over 600 properties in 25 development areas. • Provided staff direction to the property management unit related to managing properties prior to disposition. The unit tracked properties management for over 30 properties. Guided Assistant Commissioner on the tracking of companies contracted to provide property management. Property management included board-up, demolition, security, lighting, and collection of rents if applicable. • Guided relocation unit in providing assistance to residents and businesses displaced as a result of acquisition activities. Ensured adherence to HUD federal relocation guidelines. • Was responsible for providing direction to the tax exemption unit in exempting properties acquired and maintained by the department. Total exemptions for 2001 expect to exceed 1,700 properties. Show less

Reviewed proposed mayoral and aldermanic ordinances for legality, effectiveness,and applicability. Prepared city departments for testimony before City CouncilCommittees to ensure timely passage of mayoral legislation. Responsiblilities Included expediting, coordinating and implementing mayoral legislation proposed and enacted through the Chicago City Council. • Provided direction to Commissioners of City Departments to insure legislationaddressed pertinent issues and… Show more Reviewed proposed mayoral and aldermanic ordinances for legality, effectiveness,and applicability. Prepared city departments for testimony before City CouncilCommittees to ensure timely passage of mayoral legislation. Responsiblilities Included expediting, coordinating and implementing mayoral legislation proposed and enacted through the Chicago City Council. • Provided direction to Commissioners of City Departments to insure legislationaddressed pertinent issues and could be efficiently implemented. Worked on directassignments from the Director of Intergovernmental Affairs as related to coordination of aldermanic initiatives related to economic development, housing, city services and development of legislation. • Tracked legislation and reviewed departmental responses to initiatives before theCommittees on Finance, Budget, Economic and Capital Development, Police &Fire, Housing, Transportation, Traffic, Parks and Recreation, Health, andHistorical Landmarks. • Assisted in planning and implementing lobbying initiatives to the United StatesCongress and Illinois General Assembly involving the Mayor and Chicago City Councilaldermen to secure additional funding for transportation and education. Initiatives resultedin increased funding for mass transit and education. Show less

Legal Assistant to the Public Building Commission of Chicago • Assisted Corporate Counsel in drafting City of Chicago professional service contractscovering the renovation and building of properties owned by the Public Building Commission. • Drafted answers to complaints, responses to interrogatories, and production of documentrequests and all other litigation support. Legal research and writing in construction, realestate and commercial law. Of… Show more Legal Assistant to the Public Building Commission of Chicago • Assisted Corporate Counsel in drafting City of Chicago professional service contractscovering the renovation and building of properties owned by the Public Building Commission. • Drafted answers to complaints, responses to interrogatories, and production of documentrequests and all other litigation support. Legal research and writing in construction, realestate and commercial law. Of Counsel - Hon. George N. Leighton, U. S. District Court, Northern District of IL. (August 1994 to September 1995) • Assisted in drafting a successful appellate brief and oral argument before theSeventh Circuit Court of Appeals involving an ERISA labor law case. Show less

Responsible for development of Agency and regional plans, monitoring and reporting of results, profitability analysis, and computer modeling for the division’s $60.5 million budget. • Developed expense and sales plans for 17 regional offices for the Western Division. Instrumental in negotiating reduced rent expense by $.5 million over a two year period. Agency results improved in 80% of the offices over the three-year period. • Created, developed and implemented a LOTUS… Show more Responsible for development of Agency and regional plans, monitoring and reporting of results, profitability analysis, and computer modeling for the division’s $60.5 million budget. • Developed expense and sales plans for 17 regional offices for the Western Division. Instrumental in negotiating reduced rent expense by $.5 million over a two year period. Agency results improved in 80% of the offices over the three-year period. • Created, developed and implemented a LOTUS 1-2-3 financial modeling program which saved time in updating the agency strategy model, and enhanced model performance and accuracy. Provided staff support to the Senior Vice President on agency profitability and variances from the region's business strategy. Developed and implemented compensation contracts for the agencies Vice Presidents and production managers. Show less

Juris Doctor

Bacheor Of Arts, Economics