TITLE
Recommendation to conduct a public hearing to review the proposed Five-Year Housing Plan (2015 - 2019) and the Annual Plan (2015 - 2016), receive supporting documentation into the record, conclude the hearing, adopt resolution certifying the new Five-Year Housing Plan and the Annual Plan; and authorize Deputy Executive Director to transmit them to the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
This hearing is to review and adopt a new Five-Year Housing Plan and an Annual Housing Plan, as required by Section 511 of the Quality Housing and Work Responsibility Act of 1998.
In 1998, Congress enacted legislation known as the Quality Housing and Work Responsibility Act, requiring each Housing Authority to complete a Five-Year Housing Plan and an Annual Plan (collectively, Plans), and to update and submit them to HUD prior to the beginning of the Housing Authority's fiscal year. The Housing Authority initially approved its first Plans in June 2000 and subsequently submitted them to HUD.
This Five-Year Housing Plan (2015 - 2019) describes the mission of the Housing Authority and its long-term goals and objectives for the subsequent five years, which is reviewed and updated annually. The Annual Plan (2015 - 2016) provides details about the Housing Authority's immediate operations, program participants, programs, and services and is updated on an annual basis. The Annual Plan also addresses the Housing Authority's strategy for handling operational concerns, programs, and services for the upcoming fiscal year, as well as residents' concerns and needs (Exhibit A). Staff is not recommending any major changes to the administration of the affordable housing programs at this time. We will continue to review requests for Project Based Voucher usage for housing the Special Needs populations as identified in the City's Consolidated Plan and Housing Element. As proposed in the Five-Year Plan, we will also revise and update the Administrative Plan to concur with all HUD Housing Federal Regulations.
HUD regulations require that a Resident Advisory Board (RAB) be established to provide input regarding the creation and amendment of these Plans. This year, that requirement was met by inviting a number of Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) participants to take part in the RAB. The forum was held on the afternoon of June 3, 2014. The RAB consisted of tenants of all ages from different ethnicities and backgrounds and reflected the Housing Authority's diverse clientele. The group was able to provide thoughtful feedback on the Section 8 HCV Program (Exhibit B). Their recommendations and insights have been considered and addressed in the Plans prepared by staff. The draft Plans have been available for review by the public at the Housing Authority's Office (521 E. 4th Street) and were also posted on the website, www.HACLB.org.
The attached Resolution updates and accompanies the Five-Year Housing Plan (2015 - 2019) and the Annual Plan (2015 - 2016) for submission to HUD.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Richard Anthony on June 23, 2014 and by Budget Management Officer Victoria Bell on June 20, 2014.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
Housing Authority Commission action is requested on July 8, 2014, as the Plans must be submitted to HUD no later than July 16, 2014, seventy-five days prior to the beginning of the City's fiscal year.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal or local job impact associated with this recommendation.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
BODY
A RESOLUTION OF THE HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF LONG BEACH, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING A FIVE-YEAR PLAN FOR FISCAL YEARS 2015-2019 AND AN ANNUAL PLAN FOR FISCAL YEAR 2015.
Respectfully Submitted,
KELLY COLOPY
ASSISTANT EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
APPROVED:
PATRICK H. WEST
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR