Palm Beach County Housing Authority

Key discussions during the meeting included various updates from the CEO regarding HUD and governmental actions, such as funding availability, compliance dates, and the impact of the Emergency Housing Voucher program shortfall. Program updates covered the CLPHA's roadmap for restoring public housing and the release of the Fair Housing Trends Report. The NSBV budget was presented, projecting a total income of over $2.8 million and a net gain of $602,000.00, followed by the approval of related resolutions for the NSBV Operating Budget Fiscal Year 2026 and the PBCHA Allocation Agreement for Banyan Club. The financial report noted the receipt of $3 million in shortfall funding, with expenditure discussions covering the Public Housing Portfolio, Resident Services (noting FSS program concerns), and employee retirement transitions. Development reports addressed project statuses for Waterview and Drexel, along with the transition to a new Deputy Building Official in Palm Beach County. Capital Improvement updates detailed obligation percentages for FY 2024 funds and progress on grants including Health Hazards and FY25 Health Safety Capital Fund Grant. Procurement reported on the evaluation stages for Bathroom Upgrades and Rain gutters/downspouts (NSBV). Assisted Housing reports focused on LIPH occupancy, account receivables, rent collection rates, and PIC reporting, alongside HCVP shortfall status, UML progress, and Resident Services updates for Jobs Plus, ROSS, and YouthBuild programs.

The meeting included discussions on various HUD and Governmental Updates reported by the CEO, such as the recent SEMAP report rating, NSPIRE inspection schedules, delayed December shortfall payments, HUD requirements monitoring, HOTMA final rule amendments, and announced Choice Neighborhood Implementation grants. The CFO presented the financial report, noting work on the unaudited FDS, cash balances, and revenue versus expenditure trends, particularly concerning Public Housing and Non-Federal accounts. Two resolutions were approved concerning employee handbook revisions: Resolution 1073 for temporary medical coverage wording due to increased employer status costs, and Resolution 1074 for permanent language regarding holiday pay eligibility. The Development Report covered updates on the Waterview closing timeline, resident voting for the Drexel project name, seeking input on renegotiating compensation for a 65-year ground lease at Drexel, and discussions regarding Home-ARP Funding and land use for tiny houses. Capital Improvement status showed high obligation rates for FY 2024 funds, with specific updates on the Health Hazards Grant implementation, including vendor delays and progress on unit modifications, and the start timeline for FY25 Emergency Safety Security Grant asbestos abatement. Procurement reported on several ongoing projects and the approval of Resolution 1075 establishing an efficient vendor pool policy. Reports on Assisted Housing detailed occupancy rates, rent collection, work order status, receipt of HAP shortfall funding, and efforts to achieve 100% occupancy in Project Based Voucher units. Resident Services reported on participation in Jobs Plus, holiday assistance collaborations via ROSS, and challenges with the YouthBuild no-cost extension request. The board also moved into and out of a closed session to discuss pending legal items.

The board meeting included the approval of the agenda and the minutes from the August 19, 2025 meeting. The CEO report covered updates from HUD, including the posting of 2026 inflationary/passbook rates, submission of VASH voucher interest, regulatory agenda release, and the CoC Builds Grant release. The CEO also noted the delay of NSPIRE implementation and ongoing government shutdown discussions in Congress. Program updates included receiving approval to transfer VASH vouchers, exploratory discussions regarding prefabricated homes, and upcoming events like an FHARMI annual meeting and HUD accounting training. Discussions on Legal and Compliance noted an uptick in FOIA requests. The budget presentation detailed the FY2026 Operating Budget, covering Public Housing Sites, HCVP, Resident Services (noting the Jobs Plus grant ending), Central Office costs, Property Management, and Non-Federal funding, anticipating $72.3 million in total revenue. The board subsequently moved to approve Resolution 1067 for the FY2026 Operating Budget. The Development Report mentioned upcoming closings for Waterview and legal review for Drexel, and updates on the Emergency Safety and Security grant installation completion. Procurement reported awards for property rekeying and tree-trimming, while the Jobs Plus Grant Writing project remained pending. The board entered and exited a closed session to discuss pending legal items.

The meeting included discussions regarding HUD and governmental updates, noting the government shutdown and the effective date of new HUD Fair Market Rents, which caused a shortfall concern for HCVP and Mainstream programs. Key program activities included reporting on the NAHRO National Convention and the agency's response to new HUD certification language affecting fund applications, including legal consultation and submitting reservation of rights letters. Resource strategy was discussed due to expected SNAP unavailability. The Budget Presentation covered the unaudited FDS due date, year-to-date income increases, and a decrease in the unrestricted cash balance due to funds pushed back from the Legacy Project. Two resolutions were approved: Resolution 1068 updated the Employee Handbook regarding the Final Pay Policy to be effective December 1, 2025, alleviating immediate check issuance burdens; and Resolution 1069 transferred the administration of 401A and 457 deferred plans to Empower effective January 1, 2026. The Development Report highlighted pending closures for the Waterview project due to subsidy layering delays and scheduled community meetings for the Drexel development plan. Capital Improvement focused on obligating 2024 capital funds through expected bids for the bathrooms project and plumbing solicitations, noting that Dyson elevator inspections and emergency security grant construction were nearing completion. Resolution 1070 was approved to authorize contracts in excess of $100,000.00 for Dyson Asbestos Abatement, utilizing an additional $1 million received for the project. Reports on Procurement, Assisted Housing (LIPH and HCVP), and Resident Services (Jobs Plus, ROSS, YouthBuild participation) were also presented. The Board convened a closed session to discuss pending legal items.

The meeting included approval of a revised agenda to discuss the composition of the PBCHA Board. Key discussions centered on significant HUD updates, including an official shortfall status projection of $5.5 to $6 million for the voucher program, suspension of voucher issuance, and concerns regarding the HOTMA effective date due to unupdated HUD software. The CEO also reported on the passage of the Big Beautiful Bill Act, submission of the Continuum of Care grant for LaQuinta, and details from the draft FY 2026 THUD appropriations bill, noting potential administrative fee reductions and cuts to other funds. Financial reports indicated the agency is in a voucher shortfall and noted cash flow management between COCC and PBCHA. Development discussions covered challenges with the Waterview project concerning PILOT requirements, negotiation progress on the Drexel project (with plans to utilize tenant protection vouchers), and updates on the Dyson property elevators and flooding issues. Procurement updates involved asbestos removal solicitation for Dyson and pushing back the environmental review services dates. Assisted Housing reports detailed high occupancy rates for LIPH units and staffing challenges, while HCVP reported on efforts to curb rental increases due to the shortfall and opened several waitlists. The board moved into a closed session to discuss pending legal items.