Everett City Housing Authority

The Board of Commissioners discussed various departmental reports including updates on capital projects such as Broadway Plaza and Baker Heights, and real estate development pipelines. Financial operations, including budget authority and audit status, were reviewed. Key policy actions included modifications to meal and break periods, revisions to the procurement policy, adoption of MTW supplement amendments, revisions to the Section 8 administrative plan, and authorization for a collective bargaining agreement with Teamsters.

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.