Nicole Diaz

The joint board meeting agenda covered numerous governance, financial, and operational items for both the City and County Housing Authorities. Key discussions included the CEO's report covering federal HUD funding updates and proposed rule changes impacting mixed-status families. Governance matters involved consideration and approval for applications for the FHLB-SF Affordable Housing Program for the Monte Vista Terrace, Cordillera Commons, and La Joya Commons II projects. Contract approvals focused on a sole-source agreement with Yardi Systems, Inc. for software services and the approval of a revised Time Away from Work Policy to align with the recently approved SEIU Memorandum of Understanding. Action items included declaring the Roosevelt Apartments surplus property for disposition, approving the MOU with SEIU Local 521, and submitting the SEMAP certification to HUD, noting both authorities achieved High Performer status. Information items included updates on Resident Empowerment activities, such as financial literacy workshops, a Real Estate Development overview of various projects, and an update on the Housing Choice Voucher Program regarding anticipated public hearings for administrative plan amendments.

The Executive Committee meeting addressed several significant items. Governance matters included reporting on Commissioner Kyle Chaney's resignation following his appointment to the Fresno County Planning Commission, and the subsequent appointment of Commissioner Valori Gallaher to the Executive Committee. The committee also discussed ongoing efforts to find a replacement for the City board position, noting challenges with eligibility requirements. Administrative matters deferred labor negotiations discussions to the Closed Session. In the Executive Director Update, planning for the 2026 Board Retreat was noted, along with the successful closure of the Journey Home shelter and a new agreement with RH Community Builders for a medical respite program, committing to substantial improvements. Updates were also provided on proactive engagement with federal representatives regarding unresolved HUD appropriations. The Real Estate Development Update covered receiving City Council approval for the Tuolumne Divert Street Vacation, anticipating a February closing for Avalon Commons Phase II delayed by a federal shutdown, and reporting sales progress on the Heritage Estates properties, with planned future property dispositions. The committee also reviewed the draft Joint Board agenda for January.

The meeting focused on providing guidance on the 2023 Agency Plan Changes (ACOP) as part of the public comment period for the 2023 PHA Plan drafts. Staff explained the color-coding system used in the summary of changes: yellow for significant proposed changes affecting eligibility/admissions (of which there were none identified initially), green for HUD mandated changes, and blue for discretionary staff recommendations. Key discussion points regarding the ACOP included a language change concerning occupancy standards and unit offers to include protected classes, and staff recommendations covering non-responsive applicants being removed from all waitlists (with a six-month reinstatement option), clarification on local preference points for displaced families ensuring they still meet unit requirements, and policy adjustments regarding unit size determination for current residents taking in foster or guardianship children. Additionally, timeline changes for recertification notices were discussed, shifting the termination notice from a 30-day notice to a 60-day notice, and reiterating that all adult household members must complete recertification requirements. The discussion also briefly touched upon the overall Annual Plan, which includes updates from the Administrative Plan and ACOP, potential development projects, and funding application dates.

The One Fresno Housing Strategy is a three-year plan designed to address the housing and homelessness crisis within the City of Fresno. It encompasses 47 recommendations for affordable housing development and 24 recommendations for housing the unhoused, supported by an investment exceeding $250 million. The strategy aims to deliver over 6,000 affordable and shelter units, in addition to 4,000 market rate units. Its core objective is to ensure sufficient housing is available at an affordable price point for every Fresno resident, promoting an inclusive and prosperous community where all individuals can thrive.

The joint meeting agenda included governance matters such as the CEO's report and elections for City of Fresno officers. Key discussion points focused on the Avalon Commons Phase II Closing, including consideration of the omnibus resolution and financing documentation totaling over $33.4 million, which encompasses various loan agreements and equity contributions. Other governance items involved the submission of the Section 8 Management Assessment Program (SEMAP) Certification. The meeting also covered updates on real estate development projects, including Heritage Estates sales and the anticipated construction start for Davu Village. The Boards also addressed housing choice voucher program updates and held a closed session to discuss the declaration of surplus property (Roosevelt Property) and the consideration of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Service Employees International Union (SEIU), Local 521.