Jessica Clarkson

The Wilmington Housing Authority (WHA) is amending its FY 2026 Annual and FY 2025-2026 Five Year PHA Plans due to its anticipated success in the Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) program. This amendment details the conversion to Project Based Vouchers/Project Based Rental Assistance to improve the quality of life for residents and provide deeply affordable housing. The WHA plans to address needed capital improvements, transition to a more stable funding source, and ensure compliance with federal fair housing requirements for units like Northeast 1 & 2 Story Rowhouses.

The meeting included discussions and updates on disposition projects, a strategic plan review, a branding presentation, affiliates, and CNI/Riverside. The board addressed resolutions including approving the Wilmington Housing Authority's reorganization and participation as a sole member of the Delaware Affordable Housing Group, authorizing the Strategic Plan Goals, supporting application activities to redevelop Riverside, and reaffirming actions taken at prior Board of Commissioner Meetings. Some resolutions were amended to reflect updated language and terms.

The meeting included an Executive Director's report covering accomplishments such as securing a Family Self Sufficiency Grant, ongoing disposition updates, a strategic executive summary discussion, CNI/Riverside updates, and a logos review. The YWCA expressed interest in renting the Central Office. An update was provided regarding the fire at Parkview and its impact on residents. The agenda included budget discussions, the location for the next board meeting, and accomplishments for 2024. Additionally, there were board committee reports from the Audit, Development, and Finance Committees, a review of the January 2025 financial statement, and a motion to table Resolution 24-17 regarding updates to WHA By-Laws.

The meeting included an Executive Director's report covering ongoing updates, future projects such as Disposition Updates, Strategic Plan Discussion, CNI/ Riverside Updates, Annual Plan, Branding Presentation Update, and IT Update. A Penrose Phase III Budget Presentation and Affiliates Update were also presented. The board discussed the consolidation of November and December Board Meetings and relevant upcoming trainings. Additionally, the September 2024 Financial Statement was reviewed. Resolutions were passed, including the adoption of the Strategic Plan Goals and authorizing transaction documents for Phase III of the Imani Village Development Project.

The meeting included updates on Asbury Gardens, a historical participation report, ratification of three union contracts, and execution of an agreement with Michael Syme. Updates were provided on disposition, a lead remediation grant, and clearance for Elwyn Lead and Asbestos. Committee reports were given for the Audit, Development, and Finance Committees. Resolution 24-01, authorizing the approval of the Wilmington Housing Authority Operating Budget, was tabled until the next board meeting.