Dana Abbott

The board approved the operating statement of income and expenditures as presented in financial dashboard reports. Resolutions were passed to renew the Project-Based Voucher Housing Assistance Payments contract for Heron Courtyard, approve a revised operating budget for Mt. Mercy I/II, and extend the human resources support services contract with Cooper People Group. Additionally, the board authorized staff to explore options for securing additional Qualified Allocation Plan points and approved the submission of a Notice of Intent and potential responses to the Request for Proposal for the FY 2027 Neighborhood Investment Plan. The board also formally recognized a long-term employee for their distinguished service. Discussion topics included vacancy and voucher dashboard reports, the HUD budget outlook, Yardi software conversion updates, scholarship applications, and an update regarding a fire at Adams Park.

The Grand Rapids Housing Commission's Annual PHA Plan outlines its commitment to providing quality affordable housing, essential resources, and fostering self-sufficiency for low-income families. Key strategic areas include expanding housing choice through property redevelopment (Adams Park Apartments), community facility renovations (Hope Community Rapid Re-Housing Program), and increasing project-based voucher allocations to support diverse populations and new developments. The plan also focuses on enhancing operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness by streamlining administrative processes, implementing biennial reexaminations and alternative inspection schedules, and leveraging asset-building programs. Efforts are also directed towards incentivizing landlord participation and maintaining housing stock.

The meeting addressed several key resolutions and reports. Public comments raised concerns about safety and illegal activity at Mount Mercy, suggesting improvements to security systems and personnel. The Commission approved financial dashboard reports for the period ending September 30, 2025. A resolution was passed to approve employee compensation and fringe benefits, including a 3% salary increase effective January 1, 2026, and details regarding health, dental, and vision insurance premiums. The Board approved the Fair Market Rents, Voucher Payment Standard, and Flat Rents for Kent County for 2026, setting the VPS at 109% of FMR and Flat Rents at 80% of FMR. A separate resolution approved the Voucher Payment Standard for Ottawa County for 2026 at 100% of FMR. The adoption of the Civil Liberties, Fair Housing, and Technology Accountability Policy was tabled pending final updates. The Board authorized an amendment to a pre-development agreement with Pivotal, increasing ownership and development fees from 25% to 30%. Approval was granted to negotiate and purchase Carrier Crest Apartments for a price not to exceed $450,000.00. Contracts were authorized for security services with Stronghold Security and Grey Dog Security, and for unit modernization at Creston Plaza (awarded to JD Fisher). The Commission also approved an updated Resident Advisory Board Policy, which includes a $25 stipend per meeting for members, and adopted a revision to the HCV Administrative Plan regarding prorating Housing Assistance Payments (HAP) upon family move-outs, effective January 1, 2026. Finally, the Board authorized the contract for the replacement of electrical panels at Ransom Tower Apartments.

The meeting included the approval of the October 2025 meeting minutes. Key resolutions involved approving financial dashboard reports for the period ending October 31, 2025. The Commission also approved the 2026 operating budgets for partnership entities (Antoine Court, Creston I, and Creston II), authorizing staff to make minor budget line-item revisions under a ten percent threshold. A Significant Amendment to the 2025 Annual Agency Plan was approved to include demolition and disposition plans for Adams Park Apartments via a Section 18 application, which also authorized the submission of that application to HUD. Furthermore, the Commission approved and adopted the Civil Liberties, Fair Housing, and Technology Accountability Policy. The board also authorized HCV collection losses totaling $12,036.62 (through October 31, 2025) and site collection losses totaling $75,296.49 (through July 2025). Finally, staff received authorization to conduct due diligence and feasibility analysis for the potential acquisition of Grand Woods Senior Apartments. The Director's Report covered maintenance technician shortages causing increased vacancies, upcoming travel, the HUD budget situation, and actions taken regarding security at Mount Mercy.

Key discussions and resolutions focused on financial matters, including the approval of the Operating Statement of Income and Expenditures for the period ending November 30, 2025, and the approval of a revised Sheldon Operating Budget for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026. The Commission approved contracts for temporary staffing services utilizing Cogent InfoTech, Express Employment Professionals, and Talent Strategy for up to two years. Significant actions included approving the CY 2026 Utility Allowance Schedules for Kent and Ottawa Counties, transitioning from two schedules per county to five schedules per county to better reflect utility consumption patterns, and authorizing a contract not to exceed $480,000.00 for required elevator service upgrades by January 2028. Additionally, the Commission approved amendments to the Project-Based Voucher Housing Assistance Payment contracts for Heron Courtyard, modifying the owner entity and extending the term to 20 years, and approved a change in ownership entity for the Kingsbury Place HAP contract. Director reports provided updates on vacancy rates, personnel, the 2026 meeting and travel schedules, the transition to Yardi software, uncertain HUD funding conditions potentially impacting HAP payments and EHV programs, progress on the Adams Park demolition via Section 18, and challenges in the acquisition of Grant Woods.