Yadira Mora

This Streamlined Annual PHA Plan outlines the West Hartford Housing Authority's mission, goals, and objectives for serving low-, very low-, and extremely low-income families over the next five years, commencing in fiscal year 2026. The strategic direction encompasses expanding housing opportunities through both voucher administration and development, improving cost efficiency and participant satisfaction for voucher programs and managed properties, promoting self-sufficiency among residents, attracting, retaining, and developing qualified staff, increasing public awareness of the agency and affordable housing initiatives, and ensuring excellence in the administration of all programs.

The meeting included a financial report detailing year-end accounting activities, audit progress for 540 New and AEP, and trend data on HAP, HCV units, and occupancy rates for managed properties. A significant discussion focused on uncertain federal budgets, potential proration shortfalls in the HCV program, and mitigation strategies such as ceasing port-ins and issuing vouchers. The HCV report noted 567 participants and detailed current statistics for the DOH program. The FSS report indicated 18 active participants with ongoing marketing efforts. The Operations Report highlighted occupancy rates, staff focus on filling vacancies, the completion of the Goodwin refinancing, and cost-saving in-house maintenance work, including replacing CO2 and smoke detectors. The Development Committee announced the financial closing and scheduled groundbreaking for The Elle. The Executive Director's Report covered approved annual and five-year plans, a new FSS grant approval, the opening of the Camelot waitlist, and property management emphasis on collections and compliance reporting. The chairperson requested budgetary information for the next meeting in May.

The meeting covered the Financial Report, which detailed current audits, voucher trend data, and confirmation of a projected $400,000 shortfall for FY2025 based on HUD funding notices. The Authority is limiting new voucher issuance and rent increases to $50. Occupancy for managed properties averaged 93% with rent collections at 95%. The Profit and Loss data was reviewed, noting a temporary loss in Management Services. The FSS Report indicated 19 active participants, upcoming financial literacy workshops, and the establishment of a coordinating committee with Community Partners. The HCV Report confirmed 568 participants and noted that the Camelot project units are coming online. Resolution 2025-2, adopting the 2025 Utility Allowances, was unanimously approved. The Operations Report noted occupancy above 95% at most properties and progress on a technology upgrade involving a telephone vendor switch, prioritizing better management reporting software. The Executive Director's report detailed ongoing FSS outreach, execution of the 2025 FSS grant document, and noted key policy objectives discussed at a recent HUD conference, including potential citizen status requirements and promotion of FSS. Personnel matters were discussed during an Executive Session.

Key discussions included the status of year-end accounting activities and audit completions for properties such as 616 New Park and Faxon. Financial trend data indicated rising Average HAP and Per-Unit-Cost, with projections suggesting a potential shortfall in 2025 if funding remains flat. Voucher program reports detailed current participant numbers, HAP averages, and stable State RAP figures, while noting Wallingford occupancy. The FSS report highlighted active participation, outreach efforts, and a recent graduate who realized a $25,000 escrow distribution. Operations focused on occupancy and collections, with rent portfolio averages at 96% collection and 94% occupancy. A significant development item was the financial closing of The Elle project with groundbreaking scheduled. Resolution 2025-1 was approved regarding amendments to the ground lease and related documents for 189 Newington Road due to refinancing requirements. Updates were provided on MTW Agency filings, FSS grant approval for $95,279, and planning for the PBV waitlist for The Camelot. Property management focused on filling vacancies, rent collections, mandatory elder abuse reporting, and capital planning for 2025, including the refinancing of the Goodwin loan and ongoing lobby refresh work.

The meeting included a discussion of the financial report, noting that the annual audit should conclude that month and presenting trend data on HAP, HCV units, and Per-Unit-Cost. The Executive Director discussed the HUD budget authority of $7,923,870, projecting an estimated shortfall of approximately $400,000 for the year. Occupancy and collections data for managed properties showed 93% averages. Reports detailed the status of the Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) program, including one successful graduate and one unsuccessful closure, and updates on the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program, noting a current shortfall is leading to a halt on issuing new vouchers and absorbing port-ins. Operations reports covered a 'no findings' result from the CHFA audit for AEP and increased work orders. The Executive Director's report highlighted the completion of the Camelot lease-up and upcoming public hearings for the MTW supplement plan and annual PHA plan, requiring a special meeting in October. Ongoing challenges discussed included public behavior, leasing difficulties for LIHTC units, and managing tenant receivables, leading to the engagement of a collection agency. New business involved the unanimous approval of Resolution 2025-3 to elect Byron Dorchester and Greg Konover as Directors of Trout Brook Realty Advisors, Inc.