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Public hearing to consider approving the Solano County Housing Authority Annual Plan; and Authorizing the Executive Director of the Solano County Housing Authority (Director of Resource Management) to submit the Plan and Certifications of Compliance to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
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Published Notice Required? Yes __X__ No ___
Public Hearing Required? Yes __X__ No ___
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
The Department of Resource Management recommends the Solano County Housing Authority (SCHA) conduct a public hearing to consider approving the Solano County Housing Authority Annual Plan and authorizing the Executive Director of the Solano County Housing Authority (Director of Resource Management) to submit the Plan and Certifications of Compliance to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
SUMMARY:
The 1998 Quality Housing and Work Responsibility Act requires the SCHA to develop Public Housing Agency Plans. The Agency Plans consists of a 5-Year Plan and Annual Plan. The Annual Plan provides details about the SCHA programs for the upcoming fiscal year in relation to the 5-Year Plan. The request before the SCHA is to approve the Annual Plan for FY2012/13.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The Housing Authority program is financed through HUD
DISCUSSION:
Since July 1, 2002, the SCHA has contracted with the Vacaville Housing Authority (VHA) to administer the County's Section Eight Housing Assistance Program. As required by HUD, the VHA has prepared the Annual Plan for FY2012/13 (Attachment A) for the SCHA.
On April 6, 2010, SCHA approved the current 5-Year Plan. The 5-Year Plan contains the SCHA mission and goals to meet the housing needs within the County by increasing availability of decent, safe and affordable housing, improving community quality of life and economic vitality; promoting self-sufficiency; and ensuring equal opportunity in housing through the County's Section Eight Program. SCHA's ability to meet these goals is in the context of several years of program budget reductions.
The Annual Plan is the action plan for FY2012/13. The Annual Plan consists of specific actions the SCHA will take to meet the mission and goals of the 5-Year Plan. Specific housing needs of the County and the SCHA's financial resources are identified in the Annual Plan. This Plan details how the SCHA will address those needs within the budget allocation it receives from HUD. The Plan also includes specific policies on eligibility, selection and admissions; rent determination; the home ownership program; and progress on meeting the 5-year mission and goals. There are no significant changes to the proposed Annual Plan from the FY2011/12 Annual Plan. Also included as Attachment B are Certifications of Compliance that verify the Housing Authority's compliance with the Plan and regulations that the Executive Director must sign.
Public Noticing Requirement: In accordance with the 1998 Quality Housing and Work Responsibility Act (as implemented through the SCHA 5 year Plan and Annual Plan), notice of the public hearing was published at least 45 days before the scheduled hearing in the Dixon Tribune, Rio Vista River Times Herald, and the Vallejo Times Herald.
ALTERNATIVES:
The SCHA may choose to take no action on approving the Annual Plan. This action is not recommended because submittal of an approved Annual Plan is a program requirement under HUD and would result in HUD discontinuing the County's participation in the Section Eight program. The Section Eight Housing Program provides assistance to low-income families and individuals within the unincorporated county area and the cities of Dixon and Rio Vista who might otherwise not have affordable housing.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The VHA prepared the Annual Plan for submittal to HUD. The County Administrator and County Counsel have reviewed this item and concur with the recommended action.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
APPROVE DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION