Tom Biesinger

The meeting included discussion and approval of the Housing Choice Mobility Plan, designed to empower households with choices in their living arrangements. The board also reviewed and approved the Housing Choice Voucher Payment Standards, focusing on adjustments to studio unit payments and utility allowances. Additionally, the monthly financial report was presented, highlighting the agency's financial status and key performance indicators. The board also moved into a closed executive session to discuss real property transactions and personnel matters. The CEO report and Commissioners' Time were deferred.

The meeting included a presentation and discussion regarding the disposition of interfund balances, specifically for Component Units and Various Grants. The board approved resolutions to address these balances, including writing off amounts owed by Bud Bailey Apartments and Bodhi Salt Lake City, L.P. The board also moved into a closed executive session to discuss Real Property Transactions and Personnel matters. Additionally, the board approved the Consent Agenda, which included the adoption of board meeting minutes, a letter re-appointing a commissioner, monthly financial reports, adoption of the 2026 Employee Benefits Plan and 2025 Holiday Bonus, quarterly reports on property operations, housing choice vouchers, supportive housing, resident services, a monthly real estate development report, a hiring update, and the 2026 meeting schedule.

The meeting included a report from the Housing Connect Fund (HCF) on the Social Determinants of Health, which the Board approved for adoption. The Board discussed Housing Connect's plans to apply for Moving To Work (MTW) status from HUD, focusing on rent reform and its potential impacts. The Board approved an extension for Emergency Preference vouchers and additional vouchers for homeless individuals with chronic health conditions. Updates were provided on COVID-19 impacts, client feedback initiatives, meetings with city officials, diversity goals, CDCU sales, and Choice Property Solutions.

The meeting included discussions on the PHA Plan presentation, Hunter Hollow closing, staff bonus for Central City lease-up, HR policy amendment, and Resolution #1028. The Public Housing Agency (PHA) Plan was reviewed, with CEO Janice Kimball providing an overview of its purpose, key parts, and timeline for submission. The Hunter Hollow project, a 20-unit public housing property being converted to RAD project-based Section 8, was discussed, including its financing and upcoming renovation. The Board approved a staff bonus for the Central City lease-up, an HR policy amendment, and Resolution #1028, which addresses the demolishing of Sunset Gardens and its redevelopment for tax credit purposes. Key outcomes from the January 2020 Board retreat were reviewed, including the development of a scorecard for new properties and strategies for investing Section 8 funds. CEO Janice Kimball reported on Continuum of Care (CoC) funding, diversity, equity, and inclusion training, and upcoming staff retirements. Quarterly financial reports were presented, highlighting significant figures and addressing concerns about losses in certain areas. Commissioners provided input, including praise for the Housing Connect Fund Board and reminders about the upcoming National NAHRO conference.

The Housing Connect Board of Commissioners Meeting addressed several key items. Resolution #1084 was approved for the purchase of a property in Salt Lake City to develop 60 units of Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH), with First Step House as a major partner. Resolution #1085 was approved for purchasing a property in Kearns to increase the number of units near the Kearns Mountain View family property by 45 units. Resolution #1086 was approved for Public Housing and Section 8 write-offs from January 1, 2023, through June 30, 2023. The Real Estate Development update included progress on New City Plaza (NCP) Phase II and Building C, issues with Building A's fire alarm system, construction progress at East 72 with concerns about quality control, and the pending Section 18 disposition application for Granger Apartments.