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Adopt a resolution approving the Solano County Housing Authority’s Move-to-Work Plan, and authorizing the submittal of the Plan and application packet to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development; Authorize the Interim Director of Resource Management to sign the application and any other documentation necessary for the Move-to-Work Plan submittal
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Published Notice Required? Yes ____ No _X _
Public Hearing Required? Yes ____ No _X _
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
The Department of Resource Management recommends that:
1. The Board adopt a resolution approving the Solano County Housing Authority’s Move-to-Work (MTW) Plan, and authorizing the submittal of the Plan and application packet to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD);
2. The Board authorize the Interim Director of Resource Management to sign the application and any other documentation necessary for the MTW Plan submittal.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
Since 1996 HUD has provided an opportunity to some Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) to participate in a MTW demonstration program that allows for the design and testing of innovative housing and self-sufficiency strategies for low-income families. In 2016 HUD expanded eligibility criteria, which allowed the Solano County Housing Authority (SCHA) to submit an interest package to participate in the MTW demonstration program to HUD in May 2019. The Board of Supervisors adopted a resolution on May 14, 2019 approving submission of the interest package (Attached). The SCHA was notified on August 28, 2020 that it had been selected by HUD to submit a secondary application for designation as an MTW agency.
In preparing the MTW plan, the Vacaville Housing Authority on behalf of SCHA held public meetings on September 14, 2020 and September 17, 2020. A draft MTW Plan was prepared based on these public meetings and was released for public comment on September 25, 2020. As required by HUD, a public hearing before the Board was then conducted on October 27, 2020 to provide information on the MTW Plan and program, and to solicit public comment for potential incorporation into the MTW Plan. To date, no written comments have been submitted, and three people have provided verbal support of the Plan as drafted.
The resolution, MTW Plan, and required certifications are included to this report. The MTW Plan has not been updated since the October 27, 2020 Board hearing, as no comments have been submitted to necessitate a revision. If approved by the Board, the MTW Plan application package will be submitted to HUD by the December 4, 2020 deadline. If approved by HUD, implementation of the MTW Plan will begin on July 1, 2021.
Public Noticing Requirement: Public notice is not required for this action. A 30 day public notice was previously provided in order to solicit public comments on the draft MTW Plan and to conduct the public hearing on October 27, 2020.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The costs associated with preparing the agenda item are nominal and absorbed by the department’s FY2020/21 Adopted Budget. The MTW Plan creates savings in administrative costs which can be re-directed to the voucher program. The Housing Authority program is financed through HUD.
ALTERNATIVES:
The SCHA may choose not to approve the MTW Plan. This action is not recommended as the MTW Plan has been publicly vetted, and the Board has previously expressed its interest in participating in the MTW program as it improves efficiency and cost saving for the program.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The Vacaville Housing Authority, on behalf of Solano County, prepared the draft MTW Plan. If approved by the Board, the Plan will be submitted to HUD by December 4, 2020. The County Administrator and County Counsel have reviewed this item and concur with the recommended action.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
APPROVE DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION