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Home My WebLink AboutMINUTES - 12141993 - H.B Cr o� �8 HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE COUNTY OF CONTRA COSTA TO: BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS FROM: Richard J. Martinez, Executive Director DATE: December 14, 1993 SUBJECT: REPORT ON SIGNIFICANT ACHIEVEMENTS IN 1993 SPECIFIC REQUEST(S) OR RECOMMENDATION(S) & BACKGROUND AND JUSTIFICATION . I. RECOMMENDATIONS: ACCEPT the attached?report entitled "Significant Achievements of the Housing Authority of the County of Contra Costa: 1993. " II. BACKGROUND/ REASONS FOR RECOMMENDATIONS: As the year comes to a close, the staf"f of the Housing Authority of the County of Contra Costa compiled this report to keep the Board apprised of the achievements of the past year. CONTINUED ON ATTACHMENT: x _ YES SIGNATURE RECOMMENDATION OF EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR RECOMMENDATION OF BOARD COMMITTEE APPROVE OTHER 3IGNATURE(S) : NCTION OF BOARD ON /�� `{, / 9 93 APPROVED AS RECOMMENDED OTHER 70TE OF COMMISSIONERS I HEREBY CERTIFY. THAT THIS IS A UNANIMOUS (ABSENT ) TRUE AND CORRECT COPY OF AN AYES: NOES: ACTION TAKEN AND ENTERED ON THE ABSENT: ABSTAIN: MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS ON THE DATE SHOWN. ATTESTED PHIL 'BATCHELOR, CLERK OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS AND COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR BY < ® , DEPUTY Significant Achievements of the Housing Authority of the County of Contra Costa 1993 Introduction This report chronicles the Housing Authority of the County of Contra Costa's most significant achievements for 1993. The past year has been productive and rewarding for the agency in many respects. Contra Costa County continues to be recognized nationally for its high quality',administration of its low-income housing programs. The Authority continued its commitment to preserving and increasing the supply of affordable housing. And, the agency furthered its dedication to residents by significantly expanding services. A brief description of these accomplishments is provided below. Administration Designated a "High Performer" by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). For the second consecutive year,the Housing Authority was designated a "high performer" under federal performance standards for public housing authorities. The performance standards grade effectiveness in twelve key areas of housing management and fiscal administration. Under the standards, housing authorities are designated either a high performer, a standard performer, or troubled. In order to receive the "high performer" designation an agency must have a combined score of at least 90%. The Authority's "A" grade ( 96%)places Contra Costa County in the top tier of the nation's housing authorities. For example, among the membership of the Council of Large Public Housing Authorities, a nationwide group, Contra Costa County ranked third out of 60 a encies. In addition to the agency-wide efficiency measured by the performance standards, HUD reviews of specific agency programs, the Section 8 Rental Assistance Program and the Modernization Program, also earned top grades. Due to the Housing Authority's exemplary performance, its staff is often asked to advise HUD and other housing authorities. One staffer was selected by HUD Headquarters in Washington, D.C. for the national Public Housing Vacancy Reduction Task Force. He participated in comprehensive reviews of the operations of four housing authorities. The HUD Regional Office chose another Authority employee to review the management of an Arizona housing authority. In addition, the agency responded to several local public housing authorities' requests for help. Maintained Diversity in the Workplace. The Housing Authority has an excellent record in promoting diversity in the workplace. Approximately half the total employee workforce is minority(47%). Of particular note is the agency's management team, which is 48%minority. Moreover, ,�us��r �ur�urwal��alzcE 55% of management are women. r��us � ao> Ixo�mrao �rw µ Achieved Diversity in Contracting. The Housing on Mlnorlty Employee Authority is also committed to equal opportunity in contracting. Thirty-two percent(32%) of the money spent by the Authority on 52.6% l vendors and contractors over the past year went to minority or women-owned enterprises. Maintained Fiscal Integrity. Despite the difficult °°"ty Employee economy and budget cutbacks, the Housing Authority submitted a balanced budget for the fiscal year ending March 31, 1993. Page 1 Creation & Preservation of Affordable Housing Began Construction of Affordable Housing for Seniors. To increase the supply of affordable housing, the Housing Authority is constructing an 82-unit senior complex in Antioch, called Casa del Rio. Construction is two-thirds complete. All of the units will have significantly lower rents than is available in the current rental market and will be affordable to seniors with limited incomes. Full lease-up is scheduled for May of 1994. Funding for the project comes from several public and private sources. This year,the Housing Authority won a tax credit allocation under the federal Low Income Housing Tax Credit Program that will provide an additional $3 million in syndication proceeds to complete construction and ensure the financial stability of the project. Modernized Public Housing Units. To preserve and improve units,the Authority has been modernizing all developments. Of the Housing Authority's 1140 units, 970 have been modernized. Forty four were completed this year. The Housing Authority replaced shower stalls with full tubst+rrstutcataz�T�c z� and shower heads,put half baths in the larger family units, upgraded kitchens, and made other improvements to make the units ermt..8eMd.for Yod.mWtlo ' better places to live. Funded Rehabilitation of Privately-Owned, y Substandard Housing. To preserve existing affordable housing ,a•°% stock, the Authority provided loans to rehabilitate 28 units of substandard, privately-owned rental housing for occupancy by low- income families. Opened Mountain View House Transitional Shelter for Homeless Families. In addition to overseeing the operation of the County's two Emergency Homeless Shelters,the Authority opened Contra Costa County's first transitional housing facility for single women and families. Mountain View House opened in July of 1993 after extensive renovation. It serves up to 45 people. Resident Services Completed Four Child Development Centers. To meet the Authority's goal of a child development center at every development, the Housing Authority built four child development centers this year. The County's Community Services Department and local child care providers run the centers. Together the centers educate and care for 160 kids from low-income families. As the u.ox chart to the right demonstrates, the Authority is close to meeting the goal - four out of seven family developments have a functioning .rmt.ache debdfor0.°t. center. Plans for others are in the works. Fought Crime and Drugs. To keep crime and drugs out of public housing and provide alternatives for youth,the Agency, in cooperation with the Sheriffs Department, opened the Project Pride Center in North Richmond. Security fencing and site lighting was installed at the same site. In Pittsburg,the Agency donated space to the Police Department to operate a Community Policing/Cultural Awareness Center in El Pueblo. Page 2 Abated for Lead. Lead-based paint was commonly used in housing of all types before the federal government outlawed it in response to concerns of health professionals. According to public health experts, lead poisoning can occur if children or pregnant women ingest paint chips or dust that contains lead. With the goal of,providing housing free of lead hazards,the Housing Authority instituted an aggressive lead education, testing; and abatement program. The Authority tested all family developments for evidence of lead and has completed abatement at all but one development. The Authority is currently initiating ► �� ated fps Lia( the lead abatement process in the last development in North Richmond.. The agency has worked closely with the County Health Services Department and with the County Administrator's Office on its lead abatement program. U bated for Lea Adapted Units for the Disabled. To provide 14.3% equal housing opportunity for disabled citizens, the cheduledfor Abatemen Housing Authority has adapted selected units at each family development to be accessible to people with physical disabilities. In addition, the Authority makes reasonable accommodations upon request. N Initiated Programs to Strengthen Families. The people the Housing Authority serves want the opportunity to improve the quality of their lives both economically and socially. Often, agency clients need help accessing the social, educational, counseling, and job training services that can make the difference in their lives and get them on the path to self-sufficiency and economic independence. This year, the Housing Agency is participating in the new Family Self-Sufficiency program, designed to enable 100 families to be free of public assistance after five years. Also this year, the Housing Authority won a special set-aside to begin a pilot Family Unification Program, along with the County Social Services Department,to prevent children from being separated from their parents solely because of a lack of stable housing. Conclusion Housing Authority staff is proud of the accomplishments embodied in this report. Contra Costa County leads the nation in dedication to high quality affordable housing for all its citizens. This year,the Housing Authority of the County of Contra Costa was rewarded for its strong administration. It added to the stock of affordable housing and expanded services for residents. The Housing Authority's innovation and strength are possible because of the strong guidance of the Board of Commissioners,the Advisory Housing Commission and the County Administrator, whose commitment to low-income housing programs is essential to our success. We look forward to another fruitful year of collaboration for 1994. Page 3