AGENDA DATE: 6/5/2019
TITLE:
Title
Housing Choice Voucher Program 5-Year Plan
BODY
SUBJECT/PROPOSAL/REQUEST: Public Hearing/Approval of Plan for Submission
ITEM TYPE: Regular Action Item
STAFF CONTACT(S): Richardson, Walker, Kamptner, Baumgartner, Savides, Witt
PRESENTER (S): Phyllis Savides
LEGAL REVIEW: Yes
REVIEWED BY: Jeffrey B. Richardson
BACKGROUND: The Albemarle County Office of Housing (“Office”) is the designated local agency for the administration of the Housing Choice Voucher Program (“Program”), formerly known as the Section 8 Rental Assistance Program. The Office is considered a part of the executive branch of local government and not a public housing authority. Although not a housing authority, the Office must comply with U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (“HUD”) requirements for Public Housing Agency (“PHA”) activities, including the development and implementation of Annual and 5-Year PHA plans.
In 2014 the Office prepared, and the Board approved, the 5-Year Plan submission, which was subsequently approved by HUD. Since the Office is considered a high-performing agency under HUD guidelines as revised in 2008, the Office is not required to submit Annual Plans after the initial 5-Year and Annual Plan Submission unless significant changes are proposed. Plans must be available for a 45-day review period prior to holding a public hearing.
Attachment D Certifies that this Albemarle County Office of Housing’s proposed 5-Year Plan is consistent with the FY18-22 Consolidated Action Plan as adopted by the City of Charlottesville and the Thomas Jefferson Planning District.
STRATEGIC PLAN: Quality Government Operations: Ensure County government’s capacity to provide high quality service that achieves community priorities.
DISCUSSION: No changes are proposed for the continued administration of the Program. All current participants in the Program have been made aware that the proposed 5-Year Plan (Attachment A) is available for review on both the website and in the Housing Office. The notice advised them of their opportunity to provide comment. The Office also advertised the availability of the proposed 5-Year and Annual Plan for a 45-day review period which began on April 15, 2019. No comments have been received to date.
The Office is authorized for a total of 538 vouchers but must operate under a calendar year budget which limits the number of vouchers that can be funded. The budget for CY2019 is $3,229,255, which covers rents and utility payments. Currently 430 households are receiving assistance.
BUDGET IMPACT: There is no budget impact anticipated with this action. HUD provides annual budget authority for the voucher program, including administrative fees.
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
After the Board receives public comment, staff recommends that the Board:
• approve the attached PHA 5-Year Plan (Attachment A)
• authorize the County Executive to execute the required PHA Certifications of Compliance and Civil Rights Certification (Attachments B and C).
ATTACHMENTS:
A - 5-Year Plan
B - Certifications of Compliance
C - Civil Rights Certification
D - City’s Certification of Consistency