Olivier Landa

The board meeting agenda included the election of a commissioner and various departmental reports covering asset management, human resources, property management, finance, rental assistance, and resident services. Several resolutions were presented for consideration, including amendments to the capital asset capitalization policy, EHA bylaws revisions, and updates to the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program utility allowances and administrative plan. Additionally, the board reviewed financial disbursements and received a report on the Everett Housing Authority and Evergreen Goodwill partnership.

The board conducted elections for the positions of Chair and Commissioner. Consent agenda items included the approval of Section 8 housing assistant payments, vouchers, and a quarterly financial report. Action items addressed the establishment of the 2026 meeting schedule, the appointment of the Executive Director, and the authorization of a new banking relationship. The Executive Director provided updates on the federal HUD budget, tenant protection vouchers, and compliance requirements regarding data reporting. A proposed rule concerning mixed-status households and upcoming federal policy implications were also discussed.

The board discussed several operational and administrative topics, including the election of officers, a review of federal funding for housing programs, and the status of capital funding applications for the Baker Heights demolition. Additionally, there were reports on property management metrics, such as occupancy rates and unit turnover periods, along with a presentation on a successful new partnership between the housing authority and Evergreen Goodwill for trades training. The meeting also included an update on departmental action plans and upcoming town hall initiatives.

The meeting focused on the Moving to Work (MTW) program, which allows the agency to use federal funding more flexibly and test innovative local strategies. Key discussion points involved the presentation of background information on MTW and the waivers requested from HUD. Specifically, the agency is proposing waivers related to the new tiered rent policy for non-elderly, non-disabled participants, which involves setting rent based on the middle of income bands rather than the lowest amount, and changing income re-examinations from annually to every three years. The hardship policy related to income decreases and certain expenses (childcare, number of dependents) for participants under the tiered rent structure was detailed. The primary goals of the MTW demonstration are to run programs more cost-effectively, help capable participants increase employment toward self-sufficiency, and increase housing choice.

The primary agenda item for this special meeting was Resolution Number 1587, which authorizes the acquisition of the Barer Square property and related pre-development activities. The resolution seeks authorization for the Executive Director to execute a possession and use agreement for the property located at 127-174 4th Avenue West in Everett for potential co-development with Snow Ale. The joint partnership aims to include a library component (Snow's Library), Civic Spaces within the library concept for the Mariner Community Campus, and approximately 200 units of affordable housing, subject to future feasibility studies. Additionally, the board considered and approved a budget ceiling of $5 million for pre-development activities, covering due diligence, closing, design, and construction start phases. The general terms for the possession and use agreement include a base price of $2.79 million plus closing costs, with a target settlement date of June 1st, 2024, for finalizing total settlement costs. Board members expressed satisfaction with the understanding reached with all parties involved.