TITLE
Recommendation to authorize Executive Director, or designee, to release a Request for Proposals (RFP) advertising the availability of a Project-Based Voucher (PBV) Program that serves the homeless population and soliciting a participation in the program from interested property owners of affordable units; and
Authorized Executive Director, or designee, to negotiate and execute an agreement to enter into a Housing Assistance Payment contract for PBV assistance in accordance with Housing and Urban Development (HUD) guidelines for qualified proposals submitted in response to this RFP for affordable units. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
Chapter 21 of the Housing Authority of the City of Long Beach (HACLB) Administrative Plan Project-Based Rental Assistance Program was established and approved by the Housing Authority Commission on October 12,2002 and revised June 9,2009.
The Project-Based Voucher (PBV) Program in Long Beach has been designed to meet special housing needs within the City as confirmed in the City's Consolidated Plan. The most recent PBV development is the Palace Hotel which provides 13 rental units for youth aging out of the foster care system. This has been a very successful outreach to an underserved population. This PBV was initiated in a completely renovated historical structure on Anaheim Boulevard in central Long Beach.
The task of trying to end homelessness in Long Beach takes the collaboration of many entities to provide affordable housing alternatives. Therefore, the HACLB is looking for property owners with affordable units to partner with in providing the next PBV development. The HACLB is looking for a development, not to exceed 100 units of permanent housing with supportive case management services, and will work with the Department of Health and Human Services and the Continuum of Care to find the appropriate developer and service component.
To provide the assistance, the HACLB and the owner must execute an Agreement to enter into a Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) contract (Contract). The HACLB and the owner will execute a Contract for a 1 O-year term that is dependent on the availability of funding under HACLB's annual contributions contract with HUD. The Contract between HACLB and the owner establishes the initial rents for the units and the contract term, and describes the responsibilities of HACLB and the owner. Contracts can be renewed subject to availability of funding.
There are no appropriations for this program and HUD does not allocate special funding for PBV assistance. Instead, funding for PBV comes from funds already obligated by HUD to a Housing Authority under its annual contributions contract. The unit-based assistance will also help HACLB meet the HUD required goal of maximizing leasing while controlling costs.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Linda Trang on September 25, 2012 and Budget Management Officer Victoria Bell on September 26,2012.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
Housing Authority action is requested at the October 9, 2012 meeting to allow staff to move forward with the release of an RFP for the PVB Program.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact or job impact associated with this proposed action. PBV rental assistance is provided using the Housing Authority's existing Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) funding allocation.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
RONALD R. ARIAS PATRICK H. WEST
ASSISTANT EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR