REPORT TO SHASTA COUNTY HOUSING AUTHORITY

BOARD MEETING DATE:  June  27, 2017
CATEGORY:  Shasta County Housing Authority Item - Consent-1.

SUBJECT:

Housing Authority Administrative Plan Update

Supervisorial District No. :  ALL

DEPARTMENT CONTACT:  Richard Kuhns, Psy.D, Director of Housing/Community Action Programs, (530) 225-5160

STAFF REPORT APPROVED BY:  Richard Kuhns, Psy.D, Director of Housing/Community Action Programs

RECOMMENDATION

Adopt a resolution which approves a revised Housing Choice Voucher Program Administrative Plan to update policies and procedures in accordance with U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development regulations.

SUMMARY

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) requires that each housing authority adopt a written administrative plan, which establishes local policies for the administration of the program.  Periodic updates are necessary to amend policies and procedures included in the Administrative Plan.

DISCUSSION

The Housing Choice Voucher program provides monthly rental assistance payments directly to landlords on behalf of 976 low-income tenants.  Each tenant is responsible for payment of the difference between the actual rent charged by the landlord and the amount subsidized by the program.  Participants find their own housing unit where the owner agrees to rent under the program.  The Housing Authority’s service area includes Modoc County; Siskiyou County; Trinity County; and all of Shasta County, excluding the City of Redding.

Local policies regarding management of the Housing Choice Voucher program are included in the Administrative Plan.  The recommended changes would: (1) update the policy and procedure regarding changes in the ownership of assisted housing units; (2) modify the policy regarding interim re-certifications that involve a decrease of family income; (3) add an emergency transfer plan for victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking and update language as required by the implementation of the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act; and (4) make other minor changes for clarity.  Each of these changes complies with HUD guidance.

The Housing Choice Voucher Program Administrative Plan was last updated and approved by the Board of Supervisors on July 26, 2016.  A red line version of the changes is attached to this report.  The recommended changes will be effective upon approval.

ALTERNATIVES

The Board could choose not to approve the revisions to the Administrative Plan as submitted, or the Board could direct specific changes.  The Board could schedule a more detailed discussion at a future date.

OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT

County Counsel has approved the resolution as to form.  This recommendation has been reviewed by the County Administrative Office.

FINANCING

The funding agency for the Housing Choice Voucher rental assistance program is the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.  There is no additional General Fund impact with approval of the recommendation.