Kai Nevala

The meeting included a 2025 year-end report of activities and a discussion on state-level housing committee task forces. The legislative report covered ongoing state and federal housing bills, budget forecasts, and recent city-level landlord eviction requirements. Development updates were provided for Hifumi En, Orchard Vista, Chalice Place, and Kaniksu Village, highlighting progress and future planning. Additionally, the Board approved Resolution #867 regarding revised voucher payment standards to include a 7-bedroom payment standard.

The meeting encompassed an Executive Director's report highlighting project updates such as Vets on Lacey, Kaniksu Village, and Chalice Place, alongside membership in Greater Spokane Incorporated. The legislative affairs report detailed state-level bills regarding housing programs and tenant protections, as well as local municipal ordinance discussions concerning eviction notices, accessibility, and cooling requirements. The development report provided status updates on several properties, including Hifumi En, Orchard Vista, and Keystone. The board passed resolutions to approve the 2026 agency budget and the Keystone Rehab omnibus, reviewed a strategic plan focusing on customer service, and approved a contract amendment for the Executive Director to align with COLA increases.

The meeting commenced with the swearing-in of Tammy Marshall as the Resident Commissioner for the Spokane Housing Authority. The Consent Calendar, which included the approval of minutes, utilization reports, and month-end financial reports, was unanimously approved. New Business involved several key resolutions: the adoption of Resolution #859 approving a four-year extension to the Collective Bargaining Agreement with the union; the adoption of Resolution #860 approving a contract for project-based vouchers targeted for Veterans via Vets on Lacey HAP; the adoption of Resolution #861 to approve two floating holidays for staff starting in 2026; and the adoption of Resolution #862 approving the 2026 PHA Annual Plan for submission to HUD. An Executive Session was held to discuss computer and telecommunications network infrastructure and security, followed by the unanimous approval of Resolution #863 to revise the IT Password Policy. The Executive Director's Report mentioned a potential pilot opportunity involving investment bonds, and the Development Report provided updates on several construction projects, including Hifumi En, Orchard Vista, Chalice Place, Kehoe Place rehab, Parsons elevator completion, and ongoing Heritage Heights fire suppression work.

The meeting commenced with a roll call and public/commissioner comments, including a query regarding RFP/RFQ availability. The consent calendar, which included the approval of previous minutes and financial reports, was unanimously approved. Key agenda items discussed included the Asset Management Report, which detailed progress on developments such as Hifumi En, Orchard Vista (nearing June lease up), and Keystone rehabilitation scheduled for early 2026, along with updates on the Parsons elevator and pump station completion. The Executive Director's Report covered staff transitions, updates on Kaniksu Village inspections, engagement with the AFLCIO pension fund regarding housing investments, and discussions with state representatives concerning upcoming legislation. Union contract negotiations, focusing on COLA caps, PTO accrual, and holidays, were discussed, with a formal recommendation pending for December. New business included the unanimous appointment of Tammy Marshall as the new Resident Commissioner and the nomination and election of officers for the upcoming year, alongside the approval of the 2026 Legislative Advocacy Agenda after minor revisions.

The meeting included updates to the Executive Director's report, progress on developing a Leadership Development Program for staff, positive feedback from the salary survey, and updates on Kaniksu Village. The Asset Management Report covered progress on Hifumi En, Orchard Vista, Chalice Place, Keystone Rehab, the Parsons elevator replacement, and the fire suppression project at Heritage Heights. The board discussed and approved updates to utility rates, changes in benefits provided to SHA employees, and updates to voucher payment standards. There was also a discussion on SHA's Strategic Plan priority around Relationships, including building stronger relationships with Landlords and business process improvements.