Notes

Outline

NON~TRADITIONAL  “PUBLIC”  HOUSING    The Other End/Far Side   of the Spectrum

Environmental Context: Vancouver/Clark County, Washington Diversified large agency consistently classified as a High Performer by HUD: Cultural posture; early adopter of FSS, MTW; disposition of war worker housing prior to Hope 6. Rapidly growing diversified economy with ample economic and social mobility with state mandated growth controls. History of regional, bi-state and public-private cooperation.

Move To Work Demonstration Site Block Grant of Capital & Operating Funds. Merged Housing Voucher & Public Housing Budgets. Time Limits:  5 Years with 2 Years Extension. Compulsory participation of all able households (seniors & disabled exempt) in self sufficiency. Escrow Accounts for all MTW Participants. Homeownership; child care, case management provided for successful outcomes.

S & P Strong Evaluation (Reaffirmed in 2001) Copies Provided Fiscal Sustainability. Continued Strong Growth. Management/Board Engagement in Strategic Planning, Thinking and Action. Strong and Continuing Mixed Finance Track Record; Nearly 500 Units in 2000. MTW Agreement Requires Modification. Modeling/Predicting Portfolio Performance.

RECOMMENDATIONS 1. Block Grant LRPH/Section 8 Capital and Operating Funds. 2. Safe Harbor for S & P.  Strong Agencies, Provide Tangible Benefits to Diversified Well Managed LHAs. 3. Promote/Incentivize Regional Cooperation with Alternate Structures including ~ but not limited to ~ Corporate Consolidation.

REGIONAL COOPERATION Continued... Alternatives, Short of Consolidation that Keeps Local Values, Policy Priorities and Governance  Intact: Joint Operating Agreements Strategic Mutual Management Divestiture of Certain Product Lines.

REGIONAL COOPERATION Continued... There Needs to be a Reason; a Quantifiable Benefit to Rationalizing the Delivering of Existing Programs: Organizational Inertia Labor contracts in states with strong public employee unions Perceived loss of security; asset quality or fiscal control need to be overcome.

RECOMMENDATIONS 4. Lift Regulatory Burden/Provide Relief for Small Agencies: 5 Year Plan, Not Annual Less Management Oversight Resident Satisfaction Every 2 ~ 5 Years Maintain Fiscal Control Senior Income Reexams Every 2~5 Years Expand MTW to 100 Local Agencies.

RECOMMENDATIONS Continued... 5. Enable Major New Production: Mixed Income Capital Subsidy/Deferred Loan, not operating  subsidy Examine something other than the current orthodoxy on Capitol Hill; eschew State Formula Distribution Seductively simple, but undercuts local investment and outcomes Absolves locals of responsibilities States should pay to play.

RECOMMENDATIONS Continued... Bond Guarantee Fund for LHAs Ensure Mixed Use Capabilities 6. MTW Refinements and Expansion. 7. Hope 6 Reauthorization Link to Smart Growth. 8. Support Creative Ventures Such as the NAHRO Access Alliance.