TITLE
Recommendation to adopt resolution amending Chapter 8, Section G, of the Housing Authority Administrative Plan, relative to term and extensions of Housing Choice Vouchers. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
The attached Resolution modifies the Housing Authority of the City of Long Beach (HACLB) Administrative Plan terms for voucher extensions to applicants and participants. The voucher is valid for a period of 120 calendar days from the date of issuance. The new language expands the HACLB’s ability to extend the voucher term for reasons other than a family’s disability or serious illness.
Currently, the HACLB policy allows for the extension of an expiring voucher for a family’s disability or serious illness. The extensions can be granted in 30-*day increments up to 180 days after which only the Housing Authority Bureau Manager or her designee may approve for the same.
The proposed change expands the HACLB’s ability to grant an extension for reasons beyond the family’s control, including other family emergencies, when the family size makes locating a unit more difficult and when the family has made a good faith effort to locate a unit but market conditions create a significant obstacle. The current market climate is such that the HACLB finds it necessary to offer additional time to families in their search due to low housing inventory, inflated rental rates and decreased participation by apartment owners. Whether an applicant family has waited for years on the waiting list or a participant family’s lease has terminated, failing to locate a unit during the voucher term results in a loss of the subsidy. Allowing the HACLB to extend the voucher term for prevailing market conditions and other reasons beyond the family’s control will give a family a fighting chance at leasing an assisted unit.
At this time, staff is requesting authorization to make a change to Chapter 8, Section G of the Administrative Plan, as shown on the Resolution.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Linda T. Vu on May 16, 2017 and by Revenue Management Officer Geraldine Alejo on May 17, 2017.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
Housing Authority Commission action is requested on May 23, 2017, to allow staff to implement this program immediately.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal or local job impact associated with this recommendation.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
KELLY COLOPY
ASSISTANT EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
PATRICK WEST
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR