HomeMy WebLinkAboutHousing Catalyst - Minutes - 09/16/2021
Housing Catalyst Board of Commissioners Meeting
September 16, 2021
Attendees
Commissioners: Cathy Mathis, Jennifer Wagner, David Bye, Ann Green, Hep Wilkins
Legal Counsel: Jim Martell
Guests: none
Staff: Julie Brewen, Julie Francis, Rachel Gaisford, Carly Johansson, Angelika Lintner, Traci McGraw,
Carri Ratazzi
Call to Order
Chairperson Mathis called the meeting to order at 7:30 a.m.
CEO Julie Brewen commented that staff is working with a consultant who is currently doing mindfulness
training and coaching with the Leadership Team to work towards more focused and productive meetings.
The Leadership Team begins all meetings with a moment of mindfulness and a moment of purpose.
Approval of Minutes from August 19, 2021
Commissioner Wilkins made a motion to approve the minutes of the Housing Catalyst Board of
Commissioners from August 19, 2021. Commissioner Bye seconded, and the motion was
passed unanimously.
Action Items
Moving to Work Application
Director of Housing Assistant Traci McGraw discussed the Moving to Work Cohort #4, Landlord Incentives
Application. Housing Catalyst is applying for MTW status under Cohort #4 Landlord incentives. The three
activities Housing Catalyst will implement if selected for MTW status include: 1) Reimbursement for
vacancy loss; 2) Reimbursement for damage claims, and 3) Lump sum payment for landlords new to the
HCV program. Staff recommend approval of Resolution 2021-09-01 to submit the application to HUD for
the MTW Demonstration Program and giving the Chair, Vice Chair, or CEO the authority to execute all
documents pertaining to the application submission. Commissioner Bye suggested some contextual and
grammatical changes to the application document. Staff will make those changes.
Commissioner Bye motioned to approve Res. No. 2021-09-01, Commissioner Wilkins seconded the
motion, which then passed unanimously.
Staff Updates
Development Updates
CEO Julie Brewen provided the following updates:
• Requests for Proposals (RFPs) have been published for Design Services for the Bryan apartments
rehabilitation and the Impala Public Housing/Impala Circle redevelopment.
• Invitations for the Oak 140 groundbreaking have been sent. Manager of Real Estate
Development Carly Johansson added that Covid protocols will be in place. Activities and
attendance will be more limited than past events, with limited seating and social distancing.
Information about parking and other logistics are included in the invitation e-mail.
• Staff recommends the Development Committee begin meeting monthly again as
developments and community conversations around housing affordability are picking up.
Discussion Items
There were no discussion items.
Legislative Issues/Updates
Fort Collins: Chairperson Mathis reported that the City of Fort Collins is updating its Land Use Code as
it relates to residential properties. She and Chief Real Estate Officer Kristin Fritz are participating on
the City’s committee to review this.
Colorado: Ms. Brewen reported that Housing Catalyst hosted an event for Senator Michael Bennet at
Village on Horsetooth, provided a tour, and Ms. Brewen facilitated a roundtable discussion. Attendees
included city and county elected officials and staff, the directors of Habitat for Humanity and Neighbor
to Neighbor, and the director of the Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce. The Senator and
Representative Joe Neguse are hosting a Housing Summit today. CEO Brewen will participate on a
panel.
Housing Catalyst will be hosting a tour and information session with State Representatives Andrew
Boesenecker and Cathy Kipp, and Senator Joann Ginal at the Village on Horsetooth and Mason Place.
This is currently in the process of being scheduled.
Ms. Brewen gave a presentation this week for Elevation Credit Union Northern Colorado Advisory
Committee at the invitation of former City Manager Darin Atteberry. She had arranged for Cris White,
CEO of CHFA to co-present with her.
National: Ms. Brewen discussed a bill proposed by Representative Maxine Waters that was approved
by the Housing Financial Services Committee this week. The bill will address the billions of dollars
currently approved for emergency rent assistance but not distributed to families due to a great deal of
eligibility and processing requirements, including allowing renters to self-certify income and allowing
landlords to apply on behalf of renters. The bill will now go to the full House.
Legal Issues
Jim Martell indicated that there are no legal issues.
Other Business/Upcoming Events
City Council Proclamation - Housing Catalyst 50th Anniversary
August was the 50th anniversary of the Authority’s formation by the City Council. On September 7,
Mayor Jeni Arndt proclaimed it to be Housing Catalyst Day and delivered the proclamation before the
beginning of the City Council meeting. On September 9, there was a small event for staff and
Commissioners at City Park to celebrate the milestone.
Commissioner Wilkins asked if there was a role for Housing Catalyst in the Colorado State University
housing development being discussed with the City in exchange for the Hughes Stadium land. Ms.
Brewen said that Housing Catalyst staff have been involved in conversations and provided technical
assistance to CSU for their Timberline Church site. Staff is hopeful CSU will be able to bring their
affordable housing development to fruition without needing the assistance of Housing Catalyst or finite
City affordable housing funding allocations.
Adjournment – Next Meeting Date: October 21, 2021
Chairperson Mathis adjourned the meeting at 8:13 a.m.