TITLE
Recommendation to adopt resolution approving a revised Voucher Payment Standard Schedule for the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program, effective January 1, 2022 for all zip code areas in Long Beach. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
The Housing Authority of the City of Long Beach (Housing Authority) requests consideration and approval to publish revised Payment Standard Schedule for housing units located in all Long Beach zip codes for all bedroom sizes. Annually, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) issues new Fair Market Rents (FMR) that are reviewed at the local level and set for the next calendar year.
FMRs are published by HUD for each metropolitan statistical area and change annually. The FMR is the maximum monthly subsidy provided for an assisted family.
The Housing Authority is requesting approval to publish the Payment Standard to reflect amounts between 90 and 110 percent of the 40th Percentile Rents for housing units located in all Long Beach Zip Codes for all bedroom sizes under the FMR or Small Area Fair Market Rent (SAFMR). The payment standards are used in determining the maximum amount of subsidy the Housing Authority will pay to landlords and the calculation of participant rents.
This year, the Housing Authority proposes to set payment standards at 110 percent of the HUD SAFMR in all zip codes to relieve participant rent burden at this time.
The Housing Authority has completed an assessment of the rent burden to our participant families and adjusted the payment standards based on this data.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Richard F. Anthony on November 8, 2021 and by Budget Analysis Officer Greg Sorensen on November 10, 2021.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
Housing Authority Commission action is requested on December 7, 2021.
FISCAL IMPACT
The proposed changes to the Voucher Payment Standard Schedule will not result to an increase of expenditures. Funding to support the Housing Choice Voucher program is appropriated in the Housing Authority Fund Group in the Health and Human Services Department, fully offset by disbursements from HUD for Housing Assistance Payments. 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
APPROVED:
THOMAS B. MODICA
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR