Jason Hale Talks About Leaving the HRA

The Nov. 8 resignation of Jason Hale as the director of the Cook County Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) is the latest example of stalwarts in local government resigning from their positions. For example, in August, former Cook County Economic Development Authority (EDA) Director Theresa Bajda wrapped up her tenure leading a local government entity, which lasted for less than a year. Following Bajda’s resignation, Hale stepped in as the interim EDA director, essentially serving as the top official for both organizations. This arrangement follows what some community members and county officials, including Bajda, feel was a missed opportunity to merge the HRA and EDA in 2023. In this exit interview, of sorts, Hale says he is going to be working on housing projects in northeastern Minnesota, indeed starting his own company where he will work with municipalities and contractors across the region. Hale also talks about the EDA/HRA merger that was voted down in 2023, and what it was like working in a small town where his role was very public.