Melrose Housing Authority Wins Inaugural Statewide Award

Melrose's branch of this essential government body was recognized as the best locally for 2026.

By Benjamin Pierce, Patch Staff

Sep 11, 2026 5:13 PM EDT

The Authority will officially receive the award during Mass Union’s Fall Convention next month. (Dakota Antelman/Patch)

MELROSE, MA — The Melrose Housing Authority has been named the first-ever recipient of the Mass Union of Public Housing Tenants' "Housing Authority of the Year" award.

The award was created to recognize local housing authorities that center tenant voices while demonstrating strong management and stewardship of public housing properties. A selection committee made up of Mass Union board members, affiliates, staff, and partners announced Melrose as the inaugural recipient on Friday, Aug. 28.

"We are thrilled to present this honor for the first time," Mass Union Board Chair Dave Underhill said in a statement. "This award is going to a Housing Authority that provides sound management, encourages and values tenant participation, and respects all tenants at all times."

The Melrose Housing Authority was nominated for the award by the Steele House Community Tenant Association, which highlighted the leadership of Executive Director Martin Corona during a state-funded $2 million electrical upgrade project at Steele House. According to the association, residents raised concerns related to the project, and Corona worked with tenants to address the issues.

"Martin consistently puts residents first in everything he strives to accomplish," the Steele House Community Tenant Association Board said. "He listens to resident concerns, values our input, and works collaboratively to find solutions that improve the quality of life for everyone in our community."

Corona said the recognition was particularly meaningful to the authority and its staff as the first recipient of the newly created award.

"We are honored and ecstatic to be chosen as the inaugural winner of the LHA of the Year Award," Corona said. "Being the inaugural winner brings tears of joy to my staff and me."

The Melrose Housing Authority will officially receive the award during Mass Union's Fall Convention on Saturday, Oct. 3. The two-and-a-half-day convention will bring together public housing tenant leaders from across Massachusetts for workshops, keynote addresses, and officer elections.