TITLE
Recommendation to temporarily suspend termination of Housing Assistance Payments from March 4, 2020 through July 31, 2020. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
On March 17, 2020 the Long Beach City Council took several actions to mitigate the adverse impacts to the community caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, which included direction to the Housing Authority to temporarily suspend the termination of Housing Assistance Payments. On May 19, 2020 the Long Beach City Council directed the Housing Authority to extend the application of such suspension.
In furtherance of both the Council’s direction and State and County “Safer at Home” directives, Housing Authority staff recommends suspension of all terminations of Housing Assistance Payments between March 4, 2020 and July 31, 2020, unless such terminations are otherwise specifically required by applicable Federal or State directive.
Such a policy will continue to mitigate the threat of both homelessness for HACLB assistance recipients and of revenue loss to HACLB owners.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Richard F. Anthony on May 21, 2020 and by Revenue Management Officer Geraldine Alejo on May 21, 2020.
EQUITY LENS:
The City has incorporated the Equity Toolkit into this recommendation as requested by the City Council on April 21, 2020. This recommendation will assist Long Beach families impacted by revenue loss due to COVID-19. Implementation of these measures will also assist with economic recovery as the “Safer at Home Order” is lifted.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
Action on this item is requested on May 26, 2020 in order to extend the temporary suspension policy.
FISCAL IMPACT
The recommendation may result in increased Housing Assistance Payments (HAP) costs to support higher subsidies required to maintain housing for tenants and prevent revenue loss to HACLB owners. An increase in appropriation is not needed at this time because these costs are currently unknown. It is anticipated that CARES Act funding for public housing agencies to support eligible activities during the pandemic will offset the increased costs. If appropriation is needed, the HACLB will inform the Commission and request for an appropriation increase in the Housing Authority Fund Group from the City Council.
This recommendation has no staffing impact beyond the normal budgeted scope of duties and is consistent with existing City Council priorities. There is no local job impact associated with this recommendation.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
KELLY COLOPY
ASSISTANT EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR