Richmond will search for outside public and private partners to manage its low-income housing properties and Section 8 voucher programs, the City Council decided this week.

Faced with major financial and operational challenges and ongoing federal budget cuts, the Richmond Housing Authority has long struggled to meet the basic needs of its tenants, many of whom are elderly and physically impaired.

The city has been forced in recent years to dip into its general fund — to the tune of about $7 million — to prop up the ailing agency.

"The city of Richmond has been put in the position of having to subsidize it," Richmond Mayor Tom Butt said. "That's not sustainable and it's just going to get worse."

The Housing Authority did not respond to a request for comment.