Fresno City And County Housing Authorities

Key discussion topics included governance updates such as the transition of operations for Journey Home to a recuperative care facility and the submission of an application for Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) expansion funding. Administrative matters were noted as having no report. The Executive Director Update referenced the tentative scheduling of the Executive Committee retreat for August 8, 2026. The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Update reported that the federal proration level was recently announced at approximately 82%. The Real Estate Development Update provided status reports on home sales at Heritage Estates and ongoing entitlement planning for a development site in Kerman. The Resident Empowerment Update detailed the implementation of the Reimagined service model and workforce development initiatives. Closed session discussions involved anticipated litigation concerning claims by Donyell Wilkins and Connie A. Meux, negotiations related to two real properties, and a performance evaluation/contract discussion for the CEO.

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.